Author: mike

Bastards of Fate, Tunabunny, and Muuy Biien at Pop Rock Nation

Bastards of Fate, Vampires are Real and Palpable. Loud, woozy, strange, carnivalesque, racing from one idea to another, and prone to explosions — all with crooned melodic vocals. Muuy Biien, D.Y.I. An abrasive, churning, hostile splatter of echoey 2-minute punk-rock songs, more spoken/yelled than sung, that’s very well-played for what it is and ends up striking me as lots… Continue reading Bastards of Fate, Tunabunny, and Muuy Biien at Pop Rock Nation

Close Lobsters at The Vinyl District

Those carrying an eternal torch for the epochal C86 compilation are certainly familiar with Close Lobsters. That Scottish band emerged from estimable company with a pair of full-lengths and even made some late-‘80s ripples in the US market before breaking up around the turn of the ‘90s. In 2012 they announced a reunion, and Shelflife Records’ issue of the sturdy, unfussy, and… Continue reading Close Lobsters at The Vinyl District

Muuy Biien at Red & Black

You wouldn’t be blamed for assuming a group like Muuy Biien is full of pretentious pricks. Their general persona is built around a now infamous incident of vocalist Joshua Evans blatantly denouncing the band’s recognition for “Best Punk/Hardcore” band at the 2013 Flagpole Athens Music Awards. Its new release’s artwork even features a lifeless, hanging… Continue reading Muuy Biien at Red & Black

Bastards of Fate at Roanoke Times

Roanoke-based indie band The Bastards of Fate has released its second album, “Vampires Are Real And Palpable.” But don’t think for a second that the title has anything to do with pop-culture vampires from the likes of “True Blood” and “Twilight.” “I see it as an Anton LaVey psychic vampire thing as opposed to literal… Continue reading Bastards of Fate at Roanoke Times

Luxembourg Signal at Innocent Words

This two-song release from The Luxembourg Signal – “Distant Drive” and “Wishing Pool” – is a spacey blend of mature indie pop. Comprised of members of Aberdeen, this debut is curious, but not exactly revolutionary. The A-Side, “Distant Drive” is the more compelling of the two tracks, but both feature jangly guitars, strong synthesizers and… Continue reading Luxembourg Signal at Innocent Words

Eureka California at Fear and Loathing in Long Beach

Athens, Georgia’s Eureka California have been active since 2007, with singer/songwriter Jake Ward remaining the only static member since their formation. On 2014’s Crunch (HHBTM Records), Ward bares his proclivity for higher knowledge once again, stating in the album’s opening track Edith (One Day You’ll Live In A Bunker) that “I’m a deep thinker, and… Continue reading Eureka California at Fear and Loathing in Long Beach

Close Lobsters at With Guitars

I remember the Close Lobsters, they appeared on the now legendary C86 album and became associated with that scene, although along with the likes of the Wedding Present, Mighty Lemon Drops and A Witness probably represented the natural link between the end of post-punk and the start of indie music. A few years earlier and… Continue reading Close Lobsters at With Guitars

Cosines at Get It On Vinyl

The best thing about seven-inch singles is they can showcase the wide range of a group. With their second single, Commuter Love/Disclosed Stories, London pop band Cosines deliver polar opposite styles of songs, and deliver outstanding results in between. “Commuter Love” starts off with a rhythmic guitar riff, full of fuzz, and provides plenty of… Continue reading Cosines at Get It On Vinyl

Close Lobsters at The POP! Stereo

Wow! Just wow. I can’t believe I’m sat here listening to Close Lobsters. New Close Lobsters. This is like a gift, an unexpected treat and stunning return to form. Easily one of my favorite late 80’s indie pop it’s nice to have these guys back and with such an excellent single to boot. Unlike so… Continue reading Close Lobsters at The POP! Stereo