Pete Astor – Tall Stories & New Religions

2024 marks 40 years of Pete Astor making records, a suitable anniversary point at which to take stock and double back on songs that first appeared on records by Astor-fronted combos such as Creation Records trailblazers The Loft and The Weather Prophets and Matador recording artists The Wisdom of Harry, as well as selections from solo albums that appeared on labels such as Danceteria and Static Caravan. Astor’s motivation for his new LP Tall Stories & New Religions, as his extensive notes is manifold. Some songs are effectively re-examined in the way one might linger over a resonant picture from a box of old photographs – connecting with the essence of a younger self. Other songs are newly recast in wiser and more reflective hues, while others simply demanded exhumation from willfully opaque, lo fi non-production. In our conversation Pete talks about TS&NR and we play cuts from the album. We also touch on other topics – getting older, the music biz now, influences and much more. A follow up conversation is being scheduled with Pete Astor so we can seriously delve into his musical past and rediscover The Loft, The Weather Prophets and more of his recording ventures. 

Mere Child – Not Good Enough

We’ve noticed lately that a significant number of talented artists hail from Brighton on England’s south coast. It maybe the salty sea air, the peculiar pebbly-beach, Prince Regent’s palace or perhaps the mysterious “lanes”. Whatever it is, there is a certain something that lovely Brighton is yielding – music we want to play and you need to hear.  Aimee Herbert-Smith as Mere Child has been around for a while (and that’s a compliment), here with Not Good Enough she gives us emotive lyrics on top of perfectly produced beats and rhythm track. Yes, it’s a foot-tapper with a serious song on top. A combo we love. Keep and eye on Mere Child. Very cool sleeve photo, too.

Alice Kat – Sun Goes Down

The charming Alice Katugampola won us over some while back. There is a sincere honesty to her work, wether its her solo outings or as part of the duo Fine. Alice has the almost unfathomable ability to cross-over from jangly pop to a lost-love timbre in one song. She is totally unassuming yet proudly full of confidence. Alice’s new solo LP, Around the World & Back To You is a flawless example of how a gifted artist can tug at your heartstrings while you bop around singing along with her. An absolute positive must for your listening pleasure.

Kid Chameleon – I Know (I Know)

We had no choice, we simply had to follow Alice Kat with her partner in Fine, Liam Marsh. In his Kid Chameleon persona, Liam also has a new solo album, In Pursuit Of The Cedars. Here, once again, as Kid Chameleon we have an accomplished musician showcasing his affinity for writing delightful pop music. Alice Kat appears on I Know (I Know), (we’ll include the full version on an upcoming show). You should note that Liam’s name pops up in a number of different projects, follow the inks from his Bandcamp page. Plus, we have been enamored with Alice, Liam and Fine for a while as you’ll learn here.