Meadow Meadow – Talulah

Here are a couple of lads out of London, Peter and James augmented by Maya and Holly together they are making enjoyable music that doesn’t stray too far from what I guess I could label “familiar”. That’s certainly not a criticism, rather a recommendation as Meadow Meadow do flirt with a number of ideas on their well-produced debut LP, You Are So Alive. I love the name Talulah, so I already like that as a song title. Maya who sings on that cut is credited as penning the song, while Holly is responsible for the excellent artwork. Good stuff.

On – Gator 

Led by Lucy Di Santo on vocals and bass with Dan Cornelius on drums and on guitars is Steve Fall. On, a very competent outfit have been around since the 90s, I’m sure they know how to work the room performing live. With Gator you can hear their experience shinning through. Some tight, tasty rock signatures going on here. I do wonder if Lucy Di Santo’s splendid raspy classic-rock vocals should be a tad more to the front in this mix. Make sure you play this one loud, very loud.

Corinna Swara – Akasha 

Akasha is, I’m told the Sanskrit word for space or sky and in yogic philosophy and the most subtle of all elements, preceding fire, water, and earth. Corinna Swara hailing from West Cork, Ireland clearly understands her musical strengths as she unfolds this song. Seemingly delicate on first listen, then after a few repeat plays you’ll hear an engaging assuredness in Corinna’s song. She also happens to be a yoga teacher, massage therapist, mother and community activist along with being a talented musician.

Fiyahdred – Overtime

South-London Producer, Artist & DJ, Fiyahdred says they are heavily influenced by a spectrum of genres & cultures, pioneered in the UK and worldwide e.g Garage, Jungle, Dancehall, Soca, Hip-Hop, Rare Grooves & House; together with the flamboyance of Black, Queer culture. Such inspirations have driven Fiyahdred to take their musical creations out of the bedroom and into the wider world. Overtime is from a stunning 2-track EP, produced and vocalled by Fiyahdred. Make a note of the name, I’m expecting more vibrant releases from the artist.

Michael Peter Olsen – It’s Complicated 

Our good friends at Hand Drawn Dracula Records out of Toronto continue to put out exceptional music, the album, Narrative Of A Nervous System is a perfect example. Olsen on electric cello produced and recorded this album and on a number of cuts he collaborates with other excellent musicians. I wanted you to hear this artist with a solo piece, It’s Complicated. This is an exquisite production as is the beautiful artwork. Certainly one to investigate.

Wreckless Eric – Dial Painters (Radium Girls)

I do believe it is written on. Some sacred monument someplace that you’ll have to go a long way find an artist so dedicated to his music as the one and only Wreckless Eric. Dial Painters (Radium Girls) is from his latest and very tasty LP, Leisureland. I selected this cut because I believe Eric’s latest work deserves more attention, especially in the States. He has been out of the road recently, so if you see he is playing somewhere near where you, make sure you go see Eric perform live. Always a treat. And, do make sure you listen to my most recent conversation with Wreckless Eric about Leisureland. 

Doris – Whitebullterrier

Calling your band Doris is quite simply a grand idea. I’m sure Bronte, Charlie, Cullen, Myles and Ziek enjoyed coming up with the name. Their 5 track EP, Demo2023 was recorded in Ziek’s shed during September and October of this year. Doris from Newcastle, Australia decided to share a song about a dog, Whitebullterrier, which is just one reason you should check out more from this rambunctious and darn good band.

Girlfriend – Repent

Over in Dublin, Girlfriend say they have put 8 years of blood, sweat and tears into their debut album, To Be Quiet. Well, I’m glad Hana Lamari, Lahela Jones, Sophie Dunne and Eilis Mahon finally got to release the LP. There’s lots of good cuts here, especially, Repent. It should be noted that To Be Quiet was partially funded by the Arts Council of Ireland. I wish more Arts Councils would step up like that. 

Metagirl – Holding Myself

From the album I Feel You Everywhere, Metagirl says, “Holding Myself written with Katherine in the dark of what was my basement. I struggled to get a recording of it that satisfied me for nearly two years. I was finally able produce a recording that I love using my 4-track in the newly empty living room of the apartment that I lived in for two years. I was only able to record it once I learned to embody its title.” Metagirl is the solo project of Elora Faith and can sometimes be found using the moniker, Aqua Girl.

Sanguine – Next Stop 

Here is something to ponder, Robert Hughes who presents as Sanguine says, “Twice Lived is a series of reactions. I’d like to say this album has meaning behind it, a purpose that once thought has now been achieved in this final form, but the truth is I had no intention with any of it. I would start with a sound I liked and use that as a base to create more as a response to the initial. This cycle could go on and on until the original sounds vanished into thin air. Why do I like some sounds and hate others? Why does this switch from day to day? Every element of every song has been some sort of subconscious answer to the former, to my external life, either by mimicking inspirations and emotions, or directly opposing them. Like a series of diary entries on the same page, written over the top of each other, this is a tangle of reactions morphed together over the course of 2 years.” Exactly, I think? The Australian producer’s potent mix of electronic, IDM, ambient and downtempo can be heard on Next Stop. 

Christian Kjellvander – On Wine And Jesus Christ 

Hold Your Love Still is Christian’s first solo album since 2020’s About Love And Loving Again. On this long-player we find the Swedish troubadour in a reflective mood, exploring the difficulties of an honest life amid the entanglement of capitalism, and imploring us to nurture that faltering hope for a better tomorrow. About On Wine And Jesus Christ, Kjellvander realizes a longstanding desire to explore his relationship with alcohol, recalling the ways in which he’s used it, and it’s used him, on his way to a healthy enjoyment of the holy feeling it can bring. Christian and I will be having a conversation via Zoom in few days, details will be forthcoming.

Artwork by Sam Hutchens 1943 -1999 “Bathroom window with shampoo bottles” 1987 24” x 24” Kodachrome print on treated card. Courtesy of Norman B’s collection