King Hannah – New York, Let’s Do Nothing

Brilliant! Stunning! Exceptional! Incredible! Where do you stop with the adjectives and begin explaining why Big Swimmer, the 2nd album from King Hannah has to be the best release of the year, so far? It’s impossible not to wax lyrically about the astonishing music of Hannah Merrick & Craig Whittle. The release of their 2020 EP, Tell Me Your Mind And I’ll Tell You Mine had me raving, especially the cut Crème Brûlée. Then, I had a conversation with this unlikely couple from Liverpool. Their unassuming, almost shy yet cool demeanor won me over. At the time I wanted to adorn King Hannah with accolades that even the most inept new music fan could recognize. Four years on, my fervor for their music continues. Hannah and Craig get it right every time, as you’ll hear on the two cuts selected for this show. The real treasure of the duo’s work is their unique approach, comparisons to other artists does not do them justice, In fact, it’s almost reverse, I can imagine that a certain Mr. Reed would have had dreams about singing so authentically as Hannah Merrick. With Big Swimmer King Hannah have comfortably progressed with stories and memories from their venture to America. Lurking just slightly behind their confidant musicianship there is a tender wide-eyed innocence. Hannah’s unmistakable voice filled with pathos coupled with nonchalance marries sublimely with Craig’s assertive albeit deliberately controlled guitar(s). Let’s be honest, this is what new music should sound like.

Object Image – Happy Girl

As Happy Girl unfolds my inner reference library suggests “I know that tune”. Of course, I don’t, Happy Girl is brand new. All the same the smart familiarity does prompt a sincere nod of approval. Object Image is the solo venture of novelist Franck Ruzé, who you nay recall as the vocalist for 40 Days Without Water. The Playful State EP is a tidy collection of popish songs, all equally worthy of inclusion in any current playlist. Shoredive Records deserves a big thumbs up for releasing this one.

MarMar – Try (ft. Luung)

American/French producer Mario Pedron AKA MarMar has a knack for taking a seemingly simple song into the studio and then working his magic at the mixing consul. All the cuts here on the Feel Okay EP are first class. Try featuring Luung being my favorite. Do take note of the excellent sleeve art. And, thank you to Mammal Sounds for getting this one on my desk.

The Flips – The Wake

They are out of Chicago and they’ve been around for a few years, during that time, The Flips have gone through a few different modes. As it happens The Wake caught my attention instantly. It almost ventures into Classic Rock territory while acknowledging this is 2024. A splendid instrumental version is on the B side. Do check out the back catalogue of these hardworking people.

Nabihah Iqbal – Dreamer (Slowspin Remix ft. Zak Khan)

Musician, producer, DJ and broadcaster from London, Nabihah Iqbal’s gorgeous Dreamer Remix EP is an absolute must have. About these remixes, Nabihah Iqbal says, “I wanted to use the opportunity of putting together remixes for Dreamer to highlight some of the musicians that I’ve crossed paths with, whose work I really admire, and whose artistry is an inspiration for me”. Slowspin are Pakistani musicians Zeerak Ahmed and Zak Khan. Marvellous.

In The Nursery – Incaceration

A new album from In The Nursery is always a treat, A Page Of Madness is the title, Incarceration the cut I selected. Twins, Klive & Nigel Humberstone have delighted me and legions of serous music aficionados for a number of years now. In The Nursery’s back catalogue is quite honestly, massive, but of course, well worth your time investigating. Klive & Nigel’s attention to detail in every aspect of their work is inspiring, from the graphics to the packaging to the exquisite production they orchestrate. To learn more about the brothers, Humberstone listen to my conversation with them, recorded a couple of years ago.

Michael Timmons – Trust

Michael Timmons is an artist I have been keeping an eye for a while now. I’ll admit I wasn’t expecting this from Michael, it’s a cover of Trust by The Cure. I do like cover versions especially when they are so well considered. Michael’s emotive take was recorded live for a Burns Night radio session in January of this year. Timmons is on vocal and omnichord with ambience and synth courtesy of Yoker Moon  AKA Ross Prentice. I keep playing Trust at volume 11 and each time a large glob of a salty tear plops down my cheek. Captivating.

Michael Timmons & Yoker Moon – Practice

You need to hear more from Michael Timmons. Here again he teams up with Yoker Moon for Practice. Is this a song of jealousy, despair or perhaps stifled anger? The lyrics may be limited, but the message is urgent. Timmons is on guitar and vocals and Yoker Moon works the electronics, synths, drums and ambience, recorded and mostly improvised live in the studio. Oh my, I adore this. Michael hails from East Kilbride and his distinctive Scottish lilt is grand.

Vlimmer – Under Pressure

I cannot explain why Alex Donat decided to do a German version of Under Pressure, I do know that he says it almost drove him mad recording it. What Alex doesn’t know is that the original song is in my humble opinion downright awful. I do wish I had asked David why on earth he recorded such nonsense although from my conversations with and knowledge of Bowie I do know he had a wicked sense of humor, I also remember hearing dear Fred muster up a bitchy comment when he was in the right company. There are many stories of the cocaine and wine-infused session for Under Pressure. Some elaborated, some based on fact. The absurdity of Fred’s performance is matched only by Bowie’s sardonic, deadpan act. But, none of this excuses the histrionic twaddle that is Under Pressure. All the same, Alex as Vlimmer does a damn fine job. Lichtbruch on the other side is first class too. 

Veenus London – Don’t Let Me Down

Addella Vee and Steve Read are Veenus London, taking us in a R & B/Soul direction with Don’t Let Me Down from their expertly crafted EP, What About Vee. Their back catalogue is packed full of a generous selection of perfectly satisfying cuts. Soundwave Love from their 2018 Chapter One EP is definitely one to search out. Very cool.

Robert Ascroft – Faded Photograph (ft. Ruth Radelet)

Here is an interesting back story, Robert Ascroft has been successful in the creative visual world, he is also a classically trained guitarist turned music producer. This one comes to us from the Hand Drawn Dracula imprint a label consistently putting out excellent releases. Faded Photograph has Robert Ascroft on guitar, keys, bass and percussion, featuring Ruth Radelet on vocals and drums played by Derek James. A superbly delicious pop song that will have you singing along to. I will admit that my producer banned me from screeching my out-of-tune version anywhere near our studio. Do make sure you catch Robert’s stunning video for Faded Photograph.

No Windows – Fibbs

Vocalist Verity Slangen and multi-instrumentalist Morgan Morris are from Edinburgh. They met as young teenagers at high school, after Morgan came across Verity – in the year above – who shared videos online of her singing. The pair quickly established a friendship and an artistic bond, with Verity adding her emotionally-charged lyrics to Morgan’s bedroom recordings. Now for the crucial part – No Windows are fucking brilliant! 

Here is the last verse of Fibbs: I hate how I make you feel, God I know that it’s not real, When you tell me that it’s fine, Stand at the back of your line, Fuck it no I don’t care, Don’t care that you’re not here I fib, I love to lie, I do this all the time 

It’s breath-taking the way Verity and Morgan put their music together. I love No Windows, their Point Nemo LP on Fat Possum is essential. What talent! 

Samana – The Knife

It’s been a few years now since I first came across  Samana, here is another duo who astonish me in how they put their music together. The latest LP is modestly titled, Samana, Rebecca Harris and Franklin Mockett relocated to the deep Welsh countryside where they continue to make beautiful music along with Rebecca’s gorgeous photography and artwork. Make sure you listen to my conversation with Samana.

King Hannah – Milk Boy (I Love You)

Continuing on from my commentary on the first cut above, Milk Boy (I Love You) showcases more of the wonders from King Hannah. As you indulge in listening to Big Swimmer imagine seeing Hannah and Craig play live, I have. Maybe I’ll have to nip on over to Blighty sooner than later to see these two up on stage. Tell ya mother, ya heard King Hannah first, right here on LEM. Peace!

The artwork is by Norman B “James at a Chinese New Year Parade circa 2014” digital print 25” x 25” 2014. Courtesy of Norman B’s collection