Daydream Twins – No Coming Down

Daydream Twins began as Jordan Terry and Aidan Babinski, the duo  met back in 2019, originally from Southern California, they quickly bonded over their love music, and one another. Now a four- piece, based in Austin, Texas, Christian Welvaert on rhythm guitar, Ivan Kipp plays the bass and Bryce Weston does a stellar job on the drums. With Solstice For Embodiment their new long player, the band have captured a distinctive sound that comfortably criss-crosses genres. We selected No Coming Down to showcase their artistry but we suggest you explore all the cuts here, especially cut seven, Thousand Steps. Gorgeously realized. 

Obelisk Grove – Knotty Pine

Some years back the work of James Smith came to my attention. Along with presenting as Good Good Blood, James had his own record label, the intriguingly titled, Fox Food Records. Smith’s creative output, his own, and the impressive releases on his label have continued to garner my attention. Now, James uses the moniker, Obelisk Grove maintaining his unique haunting echo-filled style on the latest LP, VI. About these songs, James Smith says, “Recorded at home to tape, these “songs” are eerie, experimental and ethereal monuments, informed by grief of losing a child and inspired by early kranky artists, grouper, songs of green pheasant and milkweed”. You should also note that the videos that accompany three of the cuts are directed by James. Like his music, he evokes not only an emotional ambiance but also shares a vulnerability that reminds me of the late Nikki Sudden and Dave Kusworth’s output as Jacobites. Yes, the music is definitely different, yet the well-amplified strumming of (12 string?) acoustic guitars cannot be ignored. Or the plaintive vocals. The pain James Smith expresses touches me deeply. Losing a child would be unimaginable. Thank you for your music, James.

Peter Murphy – Swoon

For many listeners the singular voice of Peter Murphy is instantly recognizable. In November of last year, Murphy once again stepped into the spotlight with Let The Flower Grow, his duet with Boy George. Now he follows up with the single Swoon, a preview of Peter’s latest album, Silver Shade due for release in May. At the production consul is Martin Glover AKA Youth, recorded at his studio in Spain, recalling Murphy’s earliest days fronting Bauhaus. As with Bela Lugosi’s Dead and his homage to Bowie with his cover of Ziggy Stardust, Peter’s voice and phrasing eerily capturing the nuances of his late idol. I do wonder if Peter Murphy still performs with the same frantic energy of the early 80s?

Vlimmer – Ungleichgewicht

We have made mention of the abundant creative output of Alex Donat on many occasions. If this exceptional fellow did not exist, I promise you could not make him up. He has the essence of the future with the eccentricity of a Dickensian character. With his Vlimmer project, Alex forges ahead in an unhesitating Germanic mode, seemingly referencing Deutsch Amerikanische Freundschaft, Einstürzende Neubauten, Die Krupps, KMFDM and more. Yet, he introduces swirling and popish synthesizer pads making the Vlimmer sound all his own. There is another aspect of Donat’s work that may not seem so obvious at first – his wicked sense of humor. Ungleichgewicht is from the new Diskomfort EP with 6 tracks all carefully realized, especially the insistent drum parts. Sometimes, as in Firmament you could say Vlimmer heads off in a Dark Wave direction, but then the chorused vocals on It’s Not the End Of The World suggest a rallying cry of hope, not despair. Not to be overlooked!

Richard Evans – Aidoru

Manchester-based electro pop artist Richard Evans  steps up to give us Aidoru from his album, Quantum. The British-Irish electronic musician, writer and digital media artist, Evans’ foray into the music scene includes time as the keyboardist in UK cult band James, with whom he also co-wrote and recorded material, and as guitarist and songwriter for St. Vitus Dancers. Richard says he draws inspiration from real-world science, exploring biotechnology, machine intelligence and the environment. Which makes sense. Musically, Evans goes for classic synths with pared-down lyrics, embracing a retro-electro mode. While he does seem careful to avoid heading down the hallway of parody, we learn that Aidoru is a Japanese word meaning “idol” so we are left wondering if there is a hidden sardonic dispatch yet to be discovered.

Benefits – Relentless

Kingsley Hall & Robbie Major are Benefits based out of Middlesborough who tell us, “We’re a band from the north of England. We write songs about things that concern us”. As you will hear from Relentless on their excellent Constant Noise LP these lads don’t mess about with their opinions. A paragraph from the band’s official bio explains much of why I rate Benefits so highly “Onstage, Hall uses his intense presence to express not only rage but vulnerability too – an ownership of his own nervousness and awkwardness, and a self-effacing sense of humour. “That typical angry rockstar shit, I find that really difficult and kind of obnoxious,” he says. “During the shows I try to talk about how you can be strong, how we’re all vulnerable, but we can use that power, and ultimately we can win.” This is an album that does not compromise, it’s packed with a high-octane spirit that could sound impotent in the wrong hands. Absolutely top marks!

Nina & How Du – Vudu

Any opportunity to slot in a tasty slice of Dubstep I’ll grab it especially if it’s on the Chord Marauders label out of London. Check out Mystic State from a couple of volumes back. Nina & How Du a duo from Bristol give us five cuts on the Vudu EP, each one perfect for when you wanna keep dancing but working toward a little body-to-body entanglement. Essential for your next late night party.

Sophia Djebel Rose – Pareille Au Torrent

I’ll make no excuses, Sophia Djebel Rose’s sublime album, Sécheresse has been on repeat play at LE Tower for a week or so. Here is music that has to be listened to again and again. Sophia conjures up haunting, mysterious, alluring music. No doubt her Franco-Moroccan heritage plays a pivotal role her creativity, along with developing a love for poetry at a young age. As a child, she dreamed of becoming a writer to capture the beauty of the land that she constantly left behind, caught in the perpetual exile of a childhood shared between two countries. Later, she pursued studies in literature and philosophy. However, at 23, after earning her teaching qualifications, she made the bold decision to leave everything for a nomadic life. To take risks, embrace radical choices, and taste the dust. This transformative decision led to years of wandering. Sophia traveled across Europe, the Maghreb, and the Middle East, singing and playing the Indian harmonium. Without formal musical training, her work was guided entirely by instinct and conviction. She learned the craft of singing through experience, and from countless performances in underground clubs. Sécheresse should be cherished.

MarMar – Sobers Me

“Sobers Me is a song written about the pitfalls of loving blindly. It’s about looking back with clear sight on where things went wrong, and how it takes time to get back to normal life after heartbreak.” Writes MarMar who is American-French producer, Mario Pedron. Another masterful gem courtesy of the always notable Mammal Sounds in Sydney, Australia. And – if you haven’t already do check out the stable of superb artists. 

Aiming – The Legend

Here is an outfit from the stunningly beautiful city of York in the county of Yorkshire, UK. I’m not sure if being close to the beautiful Yorkshire Dales and ancient historic sites had an influence of this trio’s work, but they do explain, “This is a concept EP that paints a vivid picture of small-town isolation”. The Legend EP is carefully produced featuring analogue synths, drum machines, and, in the bands words, too many pedals. Certainly worth of your scrutiny and Aiming are on the Blackjack Illuminist label, so that’s a signal of superior quality. 

Semi Trucks – Hey Lover

You gotta love a catchy line, especially when it’s the opener. Hey Lover coupled with such a glorious sludgy guitar sound…perfectly realized. Semi Trucks are Brenden Sepe (guitar and vocals) Finn Beard (guitar and vocals), Bronwyn Bradshaw (bass and vocals) and Ian Collins (drums). Their album is titled, Georgia Overdrive and I think it’s wonderful. There is air of innocense about these folks and their music, maybe not naive, but definitely sincere. Do not miss.

Cloth – Golden

From Glasgow, twins Rachael & Paul Swinton are Cloth making smart music with terrific songwriting and production skills. Golden is from their splendid LP, Pink Silence that almost secretly surprises. This is one you need to invest time with to reap rewards. Impressive and do search out there back catalogue.

Panix feat. Lionpulse & KAYA FYAH – Swing By Mine (Dub Mix)  

Marvelous Dub-wise Reggae here from Panix feat. Lionpulse & KAYA FYAH courtesy of Firmly Rooted Records & Soundsytem out of Bristol. Four hot mixes, we selected the Dub but you won’t be disappointed in any of the cuts. Play this one loud, very loud and mash up the dance inna Swing stylee.

Photograph by Sean McKay 1954 – 2022 “Cynthia tasting again” digital print circa 2000. Courtesy of Norman B’s collection