Crushed – Waterlily

In the PR blurb for Crushed’s Extra Life album, the lovely people at Ghostly International (which happens to be a tip-top label) you’ll find a lot of information on how Bre Morell and Shaun Durkan got together to form Crushed. Plus you get a lot of genre-checking, which is fine of course, except we think this LA-based duo don’t need any “sound-like” references. Them appear to have quite ably crafted their own particular stance – and it’s good, very good. There’s lots to enjoy here with Waterlily being a perfect starting point. Keep at it Bre and Shaun, follow your own intuition.

Somesurprises – Be Reasonable

Crisp, professional, charming…I was trying come up with a word or two for my first take-away on listening to Be Reasonable. The simple fact is the members of Somesurprises make damn good music. Egyptian/English American songwriter and guitarist Natasha El-Sergany fronts the band and writes all the songs. She is accompanied by obviously well-qualified bandmates, Josh Medina, Laura Seniow and Nico Sophiea. This Seattle band have been around for a while now with Perseids being their latest long-player. It’s probably best to ignore my fumbling around for descriptives for Be Reasonable, instead treat yourself and indulge in the whole album. 

Cholly – Story (Stripped Back)

It was some while after I had first heard Story (Stripped Back) by Cholly that I viewed Conor Amos’s striking video for the song. With the leather harness, blindfold and at times a disheveled Cholly, singing “Tighten your grip” and “I dare you” – the song took on a very different meaning. Not being an aficionado of all things to do with S & M, I can only report that Chloe Tennant as Cholly appears to know what she’s doing and singing about. I promise you’ll hear that almost sweet, angelic voice differently after witnessing the video. Cholly has taken 3 tracks from debut album Anomaly, stripped back to their spacious, atmospheric core she says, available on her EP of the same name. Big thumbs up for the fascinating sleeve artwork.

Two Headed Horse – I’m Not Hidden

Alright, stay with me on this, I really like what these lads are doing. On my first listen to I’m Not Hidden I was sure I had heard it before – and that is a sincere compliment. James Gable, Tristan Gable, Gary Hanratty and Leigh Baines have mastered the art of making music I want to hear again and again. Talk about catchy! The song kicks off with the “Wooo Wooo” refrain that you immediately find yourself singing along to. Then James’ distinctive voice comes in as the acoustic guitar strums like it’s right next to your lughole. Tristan’s keys, Gary’s bass and Leigh’s solid drums all complete an impressive performance. I’m looking forward to the release of the band’s debut EP later this summer.

We Melt Chocolate – Holy Gaze (Extended Version)

What’s in a name you ask? Well, I say when you call yourselves, We Melt Chocolate you already have my attention. I love daft names. This one is after all not so silly, on listening the wall of sound these folks from Florence make, you’ll certainly believe they can melt chocolate or possibly anything you put before them. What we have here is an exemplary offering of how to do Shoegaze properly. As much as I tend to shy away from catorogsizing, We Melt Chocolate excel at this often misunderstood genre. Their 2nd LP, Holy Gaze is available via the always stellar Shoredive Records and label boss, Nico, kindly sent a few pics of the band live on stage. Which in turn prompted me to presume that Enrico, Vanessa, Marco, Francesco and Lorenzo would be a treat to see in performance. We recommend you play this one loud enough for the neighbors to hear.

The Jojo Man Band – Word Of Love

Excuse me if I’m tempted to wander off into a list of trains-potting references. Nick Woodgate who has a fine pedigree without my additional verbiage does a pretty, pretty cool job of making most enjoyable music. There is something so quintessentially English about how Nick puts his songs together. Ludicrously simple, yet complex at the same time. Word Of Love has been on repeat play at Life Elsewhere Tower for over a week now. We sing along, dance around to it, each time hurling epithets at an imagined The Jojo Man Band close by for not making Word Of Love at least 10 minutes long! Please do take notice of Nick’s work and his comment,  “I believe in being kind, nothing more nothing less”, perfect!

Porridge Radio – 7 Seconds

This is a serious question, “Name the consummate female rock n roll voice?” This is a lot harder than you may first think, yes there are scores for female vocalists, but who has the pure essence of rock? As with male singers, when it comes right down to it, there really aren’t that many vocalists who can seriously be credited in having exemplary rock voices. So, this may surprise you, in the modern day category there is one voice that stands out for me, it’s the extremely talented Dana Margolin of Porridge Radio. 7 Seconds was released some while back, I raved about it then and continue to do so. In this gorgeous pop/rock song Dana’s rock pedigree is showcased with undeniably sharp and knowing lyrics on top of the most superbly arranged musical setting. No matter how much others will try, it will be neigh on impossible to come anywhere near close to Ms. Margolin’s urgent and cryptic justification for being in – and out of love. Breathtaking! 

River L. Ramirez – I Remember

Meanwhile, River wants you to know in every sweaty intimate detail how much she remembers. Yet, her delicious snarky tone suggests she only remembers to actually piss you off. Originally from Miami, Florida and currently living in Queens, New York, River L. Ramirez says her Giving EP is about “Giving everything you got in the name of love. Sometimes, it’s too easy to give it all away. So, this is a celebration of those messy feelings” Aha, understood. But she adds, “Hi I’m River, shhh, don’t say anything… I’m in love with you too”. Yes, love can be complicated.

Lola Demo – Love Bite

Throwing back the covers, literally, Erika Bach as Lola Demo says “It’s back to basics with guitar, drums and bass with a splash of noise for Love Bite.” Adding, “I’ve thrown off the sadness of my last two albums to dive back into madness with a little sarcasm and dirty prancing around lyrics of love, narcissists, humiliation & glorification.” And for a punchline Lola announces, “Size really does matter when it hasto do with brain matter”. She’s right you know and as she sings, “I know what I’m here for!” No compromises for Lola Demo and we approve.

MarMar – Heart

From the Sydney, Australia-base of Mammal Sounds comes MarMar with Heart. Here we have American/French producer Mario Pedron as MarMar with John Caviness on vocals. “I wrote the instrumental for Heart originally as a much more piano centered track” says Mario, “It was a pretty emotional concept, and I was really leaning into the expression of the chords and melody. Heart is a story about meeting up with someone from your past and finally being able to pour out your emotion to them but being hesitant about whether that’s the right thing to do or not”. We totally understand and love Marmar’s music.

Sheharearzaad – Mashoor

Sheharearzaad is out of Brooklyn, her album is titled, Qasr. There is an excellent video for Mashoor. This is one to play when you are in a contemplative mood or perhaps when you want to escape for a while into the scenarios Sheharearzaad conjures up with her beautiful music. As an added bonus, a limited edition sheet of six temporary tattoos are available with the release when you order online. (The tattoos are featured in the video). 

Camp Saint Helene – Racing

This band hails from the charming town of Catskill, upstate New York. Curiously, their new LP, Of Earth And Its Timely Delights does remind me of the rolling hills, forests and splendid terrain of their locale. Camp Saint Helene’s music is scenic, full of surprising vistas all gracefully put together and satisfyingly presented. All the songs were written, produced and performed by Elizabeth Ibarra, Dylan Nowik, Wesley Harper & Alex Wernquest. Recommended.

The artwork is by Constance Essen 1945 – 2004 “Three wishbones” 1978 12” x 12” Kodachrome print. Courtesy of Norman B’s collection