The first few months of a year always feel slow, not necessarily that releases are bad, in fact far from it, but the early releases feel like left over’s from last year due to long promotional campaigns. The past few weeks has seen some pretty exciting announcements over the next few months. 2014 finally feels like it is taking full shape (even if FACT has posted its best of so far list already, come on, we don’t need that many lists…)
Song, By Toad Records 2014 Sampler – Now!
Not really an album, but well worth a listen, or a download, or a purchase. A selection of tracks off the five year boxset and an unreleased track from Sparrow and the Workshop’s Murderopolis sessions are reason enough to get this, but the real highlights lie in the tracks from the upcoming split 12”: David Thomas Broughton, Jonnie Common and most of all Siobhan Wilson. Getting your hands on anything by Siobhan is a real treat.
Randolph’s Leap – Clumsy Knot (Lost Map) – 7th April
Hooky singer songwriter, Adam Ross, backed by a seven-piece band is set to release their first proper full length. After a long string of EPs, mini albums and singular tracks (see bandcamp), on Olive Grove records as well as self released, the clan have made their way to Lost Map for Clumsy Knot. Expect engaging, light hearted and funny pop songs.
Ancient Astronauts – S/T (Chemikal Underground) – 7th April
This grungy record is shaping up very nicely from clips. Fusing proggy 70s riffs with those of a turbo-charged Black Sabbath and an early 90s slack to it, this album is definitely going to hit you in the face. The lack of overdubs on rhythm tracks shines through with the band’s organic sounding tightness.
Virgin of the Birds – Winter Seeds (Song, By Toad) – 7th April
OK, technically American, but with strong endorsement from and released by Song, By Toad, this deserves a place on here. Song, By Toad liked Jon Rooney’s self released bandcamp EPs so much that a selection of them were pressed to vinyl and included in the five-year boxset. The album sounds even more rough around the edges that the EPs, an unusual step, but this is Song, By Toad we’re talking about, the rougher around the edges the better.
King Post Kitsch – Sheep On A Beach (New Pleasure Recordings) – 14th April
King Post Kitsch returns for a second full-length album. New label New Pleasure Recordings are releasing the CD just a few weeks after its announcement. The new, percussive lead sound can be heard on free download The Days Keep Coming. Sounds nice and DIY with interesting guitar lines over a dirty drum beat.
Yusuf Azak – Peace in the Underworld (Gerry Loves Records) – 5th May
Yusuf Azak has, like King Post Kitsch, moved from Song, By Toad so a smaller label. They’re in good hands though. Gerry Loves Records put out beautifully well put together small runs of cracking bands (see their impressive catalogue). Yusufs songs are weirdly catchy considering their slack nature. This is guaranteed to be a laid back slow burner. Tape or record, tape or record??
Tuff Love – Junk EP (Lost Map) – 5th May
Distorted lo-fi laid back rock seem to be the trend this year. Brand new Lost Map signing will be launching their EP in Glasgow on 2nd of May. All in attendance get the white 10” free. Why wouldn’t you go? Poncho is short and sweet.
The Phantom Band – Strange Friend (Chemikal Underground) – 2nd June
After two critically acclaimed albums, front man Rick Anthony went of to record one of last years best albums, No Selfish Heart, under the guise of Rick Redbeard. New track, The Wind That Cried The World, maintains Rick’s sense of an unusual, but no less lovable melody.
Honeyblood – Untitled (FatCat)
No release date or information, but according to the Skinny this is out this spring (don’t keep your fingers crossed, summer sounds more likely). First single Bud saw both the A and B side putting sickly sweet melodies over loud and grungy guitars and drums. No bass. The album is recorded, and one other track has been released. The band have been steadily gaining speed with support slots with Angel Olsen and fans Twilight Sad. Judging by their live sets, this will be a good one.
haiver 