Track of the Day: 'Martin' by Car Seat Headrest

The second track to appear from their forthcoming album 'Making A Door Less Open', this song sees Will Toledo's Car Seat Headrest in a relatively mellow mood. I'm assuming that the titular Martin is the narrator of the song, since he's singing about a guy called Justin. The introduction of a trumpet towards the end gives the song a different vibe to most Car Seat Headrest tracks, and makes me think the the new record will be even more diverse that I was expecting.

I'm not sure if the extreme protection and cleaning video was made before the coronavirus pandemic kicked in, or if it's a response to that, but it feels a bit too close to home for now - we need some escapism in these troubled times. But don't let that put you off listening to the song.

'Making A Door Less Open' is released on 1st May 2020.

Recommended music: 'Collector' by Disq

Hailing from Madison, Wisconsin, new 5-piece guitar band Disq inhabit the same sort of spaces as Bodega, Fountains of Wayne and Weezer amongst others. There's some great melodies in here, along with some decently (or indecently) fuzzed guitars, some acoustic track, and even a bona fide pop song on 'Loneliness'.


Parts of some of these songs also remind me of the band XTC, in the way they're constructed and the rhythms they use, like for example on 'Fun Song 4', and there are also hints of Ben Folds on 'Gentle'.


 All of these influences combine in a record that sounds joyous and full of energy, as if it's designed to lift the spirits and propel you forward, while at the same time looking back through the nest bits of your record collection.

Like every other band Disq have had to cancel their forthcoming tours, so once you've listened to the full album below why not by a digital or physical copy from them? You know it;s the right thing to do.

Track of the Day: 'War Is Coming (If You Want It)' by Car Seat Headrest

"This is a song about not murdering people"

It's great to have a new Car Seat Headrest track to listen to, especially one as pertinent to our times as this one.Will Toledo's lyrics are bang on - "Last night I dreamed you'd murdered some kids" he sings, "If it has been on TV I would've changed the channel".

The world needs more songs like this and more bands like Car Seat Headrest, and less fuckwits like Donald Trump and Theresa May. That's just my opinion of course, but you and I both know it's true.

Listen and buy the track below.

Video of the Day: 'Visa Vulture' by Shame

I'm a few months late to the party with this, but having stumbled across it while searching for acts to watch at Visions Festival this Saturday I wanted to share it with you. It's great to find a band making political protest songs these days, we need more of it the state we're in. I'll definitely be watching them at Mangle on Saturday evening.

Recommended music: 'Occult Architecture Vol. 1' by Moon Duo

2017 will see the release of Moon Duo's fourth album 'Occult Architecture', split across two volumes, the first of which is out on February 3rd. Celebration the hidden patterns and connections embedded into life, having two separate volumes signifies the light/dark, day/night and yin/yang of everything.

So what do we get on Volume 1? You may already have heard the driving, pounding riffs on lead single 'Cold Fear', a track that gnaws at your bones like some psychedlic horror-trip soundtrack.


This album spreads its wings wider than that. There's the fast-paced, electro-riffing of 'Cross-Town Fade' which reminds me A LOT of 'Love Missile F1-11' by Sigue Sigue Sputnik - the video for that is below in case you've never heard it.



'Cult of Moloch' is a glam-rock stomp through child sacrifice, while 'Will of the Devil' is a much more open and straightforward 80s type of track. Closer 'White Rose' is the album's epic Krautrock moment, complete with motorik drum beat and phased guitars, and gives you a full ten and a half minutes to lose yourself in an alternative musicverse.

It will be interesting to see how 'Volume 2' differs when it's released later in the year, but for now this is a suitably dark and wintry half of the story.

Recommended music: 'My Band Is A Computer' by Chuck

I knew I was going to like this record from the moment I saw its title. The first release from Old Money Records (part of the Audio Antihero empire) is an introduction to the sad and wondrous world of Charles Griffin Gibson, who as Chuck has put out a load of records independently, from which these tracks have been culled. Despite this it flows pretty seamlessly as an album piece, telling tales of life, love and loss in New York.

With a vocal style that's part Jonathan Donahue, part Jonathan Richman and part Ezra Furman, Chuck plays the role of outsider as he narrates his tales of New York life. 'Bushwick Girl' is one of the highlights, as the 'L' train announcer gives way to a whimsical tale of an imaginary idyllic life in Brooklyn. 'Phoebe's Lips' (one of many songs about girls on here) is a darker love story about Mikey & Phoebe though, with Mikey's erectile issues contrasting with how easy love was when he was younger. Meanwhile 'The Internet' is possibly the the saddest feeling and most acoustic song ever written about a day in the life of a computer - "chatting with girls who claim to be ex-men, selling your dad's wedding ring, videos of rappers with expensive things" - all human life is here.

'Death' and 'Wipe Out', are as you can imagine from their titles, not the happiest of tracks, but perversely they're two of the most musically upbeat tracks on here. The album closes with 'Let's Make Out', a mournful tale of the end of the night (and possibly the end of the relationship) - "In the darkness on your couch, with nothing left to talk about...Let's make out, let's order take-out" - like most of Chuck's stories you're not sure if this one has a happy ending or not.

There's lots to love about this record - like all good things in life it has some darkness to highlight the light, and it's comfortingly lo-fi approach feels warm and reassuring. The album is out on September 9th and you can order it here.

Video of the Day: 'Let's Pray' by Blaenavon

As the moment for indie-pop stardom for Blaenavon gets ever closer, they've deferred their University places and focussed on completing their debut album for Transgressive records. From it comes this slice of jangly guitar angst, with its plaintive cry 'Let's pray for death' and accompanying revenge-flick video.

Glastonbury 2016 - The Ones To Watch - T-8 Days: Beck

Beck's albums are many and varied with his style changing seemingly with every release. It's now 20 years since his biggest hit 'Odelay', something he seems to be acknowledging in the genre-splicing new single 'Wow', which hops from Major Lazer style beats to horns to lyrics about a 'Lamborghini Shitzu' (whatever that is).


It's a continuation of the upbeat nature of his one-off release last year, 'Dreams', which was a big hit at the festivals he played last summer.

If you've never seen him live then you're in for a treat. He picks and chooses cuts from across his back catalogue, mixing them in with the odd choice cover version (I think he's currently doing Donna Summer). I've seen him a few times, the last being last year in Hyde Park where he was a million times more entertaining and fun than headliners The Strokes.

Glastonbury 2016 - The Ones To Watch - T-9 Days: Car Seat Headrest

This band, headed by Will Toledo, hit the headlines recently when their new album 'Teens of Denial' had to be pulled from the shelves due to a last minute wrangle over a sample from the Cars' track 'Just What I Needed'. That song (originally called Not What I Needed / Just What I Needed' and now more succinctly revised to 'Not Just What I Needed') will no doubt feature in a set that's bound to lean heavily on the new record but also pull from their previous releases.

Their guitar heavy sound, which veers from The Strokes to Kings of Leon to even (unbelievably) Status Quo on current single 'Fill In The Blank' seems to tailor-made to kick start your day, so head up to the Park Stage on Saturday morning to catch them.

Glastonbury 2016 - The Ones To Watch - T-17 Days: Blaenavon

I've been writing about Blaenavon in the pages of this blog for nearly three and a half years now. Over the course of that period they've grown-up, grown a moustache or two, and put out 3 releases.



Following the intelligent indie-rock trail blazed by the likes of Foals, as their hair has got longer so have their songs become more complex and involved (although judging by their latest video below, they haven't spent much time practising their lip-syncing skills),


Having just completed a full tour of the UK they've also developed into a great live act and will be an ideal opener for the William's Green stage on Friday.

Glastonbury 2016 - The Ones To Watch - T-28 Days: Unknown Mortal Orchestra

One of my favorite 'indie' bands of recent years, Unknown Mortal Orchestra's third album really showed off Ruban Neilson's ear for a melody, while at the same time developing them as a band rather than just Neilson's bedroom one-man effort.

Live they're a bundle of energy and fun, really bringing the songs to life and showing Ruban's character. Make sure you see them if you get the chance.

Recommended music: 'Don't Dwell' by Star Parks

Another gem from the magical world of Paper Trail Records, this swoonsome little album features heart, soul and sunshine by the bucket load. Imagine Mercury Rev crossed with the Beach Boys, with more than a touch of Fleet Foxes, and you'll be somewhere on the way to understanding the pop hooks, harmonies and melodies that fill this record. It has a classic, timeless quality that has been given a modern skew, enabling it to sound both fresh and retro at the same time.

Hailing from Austin, Star Parks is the creation of Andy Bianculli. He recorded this gem in Tuscon with 2 additional members, Andrew Collberg and Chris Stafford, and between the three of them dreams have been realised and worlds created.

You can order the limited edition blue vinyl here or get the download from your usual choice of soulless media provider. 

Recommended music: 'Loop The Loop' by Bullion

Releasing your records on your own label can sometimes spell danger - self-indulgence and lack of quality control are things that spring to mind. Fortunately that's not the case here - Nathan Jenkins' debut full-length record on his own Deek label is full of quality from the get-go. You know that you're in for something a bit special when the violin on opener 'Dip Your Foot' swoops in, an instrument that again is used to good effect on 'My Lar'. Is there such a genre as 'pastoral electronica'? If there wasn't already then I think Bullion may just have invented it.

Throughout the album there's a whole heap of lovely sounds, and hints of music from countries far and wide - one minute you're on a retreat in mystical India, the next you're on a yacht in Nice. The vocals gently form part of the music, allowing the whole tracks to envelope you. This is not grim, industrial electronica that makes you think of concrete and despair - don't get me wrong, there's a place for that, but here we have melodic, pop-tinged electronica with room for you to breathe and explore the open air.If you're partial to the likes of Metronomy, Hot Chip, NZCA Lines or Night Works then you'll certainly be taken with this.

Guests on the record include Sampha, Laura Groves, and Sarah Anderson (from Chrome Hoof) amongst others, who all help add to the depth and quality of the work here.

'Loop The Loop' is out now - you can buy it direct from the label here.

Track of the Day: 'Hell Is My Head' by Blaenavon

It's hard to believe that it's coming up for 3 years since I first wrote about Blaenavon and tipped them for success. They've obviously been tucked away in the Transgressive bunker being fed red meat, as they've emerged with a beefier sound on this lead track from their new 'Miss World' EP.

Powerful guitars and crisp, clear vocals take their place over a powerhouse of drumming to create a melodic barrage of sound. This really is the sound of them emerging from their adolescent cocoons and turning into young men with a purposeful stride.



You can pre-order the EP from Transgressive here.

Live review & pictures: Visions Festival, London 8th August 2015

The sun always seems to shine on East London for Visions Festival, and so it was yesterday for the third edition of this annual event. This is a blessing in disguise as although it makes for pleasant strolls between the venues, it makes the venues themselves incredibly hot (especially the Brewhouse which was so hot and humid that it managed to turn the bar of chocolate in my bag from a solid to liquid state in about 30 minutes).

Oscar at The Laundry 8/8/15

First on my agenda was Oscar at The Laundry. This was an upbeat way to start the day - Oscar Scheller has a deep, rich voice and some great, melodic hooks to go with it. I was surprised at the quality of his songwriting and although it might be hard to pigeonhole him into a genre or market I hope he makes it.

Girl Band on stage at The Laundry

Next at the same venue were one of the current buzz acts, Girl Band. This four-piece from Dublin are loud and intense and definitely bring something fresh to the scene. It's hard to make out what he's singing but that's never been a barrier to success in the past and they definitely seem to be the sort of band they will inspire a rabid following.

Loyle Carner on stage at The Brewhouse 8/8/15

Just over the road from The Laundry is the aforementioned boiling hot Brewhouse, where the heat was matched with the talent. Loyle Carner is the future of British hip-hop. He writes brilliantly aware, emotional and heartfelt lyrics, and is a great performer to match. As well as his raps he did 3 poems which were well received, especially the one about his mum who was in the front of the audience. If you get a chance to see him then grab it, you won't be disappointed.

Torn Hawk

Next in the Brewhouse (after one of their excellent homemade pizzas) was Torn Hawk, who matches video images with experimental music. I couldn't see all of his performance though as I had to head down to The Oval Space to see one of my picks of the day, Son Lux.

Son Lux on stage at The Oval Space 8/8/15

I've loved this band for a while so it was great to get the chance to see Ryan and the boys live. They played mostly tracks from the latest but with a couple of older ones for good measure. It was a really powerful performance, Ryan definitely puts his heart and soul into the performance and his emotion was matched with a rapturous reception.

Ryan Lott (Son Lux) 8/8/15

Next it was time for a double bill back at the Brewhouse. Norfolk's finest Luke Abbott twiddled his modular knobs to perfection, building up to an electronic crescendo.

Luke Abbott

He was followed by California's Peaking Lights, who played a set of electro-pop-dub with some thunderous bass lines that got everyone dancing (including one or two of the guys from Merchandise who'd played The Laundry earlier.

Aaron Coyes (Peaking Lights) 8/8/15

Finally it was back up the road to The Oval Space for Holy Fuck, Having been away for some 5 years they treated us to a shitload of new tunes and their performance got better and better as they went on. No photos for this one as they were on a darkly-lit stage (and I was too busy dancing anyway).

Overall it was another great day, although I have a couple of (connected) gripes. St. John's Church in Hackney is a pretty long way from The Oval space, and led to people basically deciding whether to stay in Hackney or Bethnal Green for the evening as it wasn't feasible to move between the two. Also the organisers seemed to be trying to brand it as a 'Hackney' festival, no doubt for the hipster value, but most of the venues were still in Bethnal Green. So let's have the venues a bit closer together or if not, maybe a shuttle bus between the two?

Surprising cover version of the day - Ewan McGregor does Catfish and The Bottlemen

Because it's Friday afternoon I'm feeling a bit more accepting and relaxed of stuff I might not normally like, and so I give you this. McGregor was recently in the official video for 'Hourglass' and now there's footage of him doing an acoustic cover of the song for you to contend with. He fits the role of an acoustic troubadour pretty well actually, playing the guitar, clearing his throat and slightly fucking up the last verse - in another world I reckon he'd have made a pretty good frontman for an indie band.

Here's the video.

Recommended music: 'Kite Without A String' by Beach Moon/Peach Moon

Another release from the bijou Paper Trail records, this hazy, gently lo-fi record will slowly drift into your consciousness. Full of warmth and tinkling melodies, it's an album that never outstays its welcome but makes the most of the time it has with you.

Starting life as a solo vehicle for Robert Prisco from San Francisco (I love how that rhymes), but since expanded to a full band, at its heart Beach Moon/Peach Moon revolves around Prisco's high, softly-sung vocals. Like Mercury Rev's Jonathan Donahue but with less angst, he subtly swoops through the tunes, using his voice as an integral instrument within the overall set-up. Meanwhile the lyrics are full of missed opportunities and stolen moments that fit well with Prisco's world-weary delivery. "Thoughts are fleeting, seething through my barren bones" he sings on The Fog, one of many references to the natural world and our environment. On 'Firefly Stars' he tells us how "She filled my sky a deep dark indigo, That's how I saw how bright the moon was", before moving on to the end of the relationship on the title track: "I'm not mad at you, I'm just sad at us".

Overall then it's a wistful but not downbeat album, full of touching moments and hidden pleasures. Well worth a listen.

Track of the Day: 'Atheist Money' by Adam Stafford

Although we've got to wait until October for Stafford's new album 'Taser Revolutions', the lovely people at So, by Toad Records have seen fit to bestow this taster track upon us. I loved the last album 'Imaginary Walls Collapse', and this sounds like it heralds another great record.

The deceptively gentle start is soon rudely interrupted by some abrasive electronic rhythms. As first Stafford's guitars and then his vocals come in the song starts to build to something rather epic. Melodies and harmonies soar, like Coldplay or U2 when they still had all the tunes but none of the pretension. This man knows how to write a tune, that's for sure, and if he keeps putting out belters like this he'll deserve the chance to play them on festival stages in the early evening sun.

Grab yourself a free download below.

Track of the Day: 'Young' by Kins

The lead track from the new Kins EP 'Cyclical', this brilliant track has a pounding, hypnotic rhythm driven by crisply effected drums. Over the top come squalling, distorted guitars which suddenly give way to reveal the clear, crisp vocals of the lead singer. With a touch of Wild Beasts about him, he swoops and soars above the progressively wilder backing. It's the most amazingly unhinged thing I've heard all week, and I love it.

The EP is out at the start of July but you can grab this track for free now, just follow the download link below.

Video of the Day: 'Shake and Tremble' by Django Django

With their appearance at the mighty Field Day just over a week away the Djangos have released this video for the latest single from 'Born Under Saturn'.



The band play in some sort of nightmarish rain forest, populated by carnivorous plants, insects and goodness know what else. I must admit to being surprised that they all made it out alive as I was expecting at least one of them to be swallowed up by whatever was lurking in the forest!