London-based punk rock quartet take their art seriously. We advise you to do the same.
Sauna Youth – Dreamlands
Matthias Scherer
Holograms – Holograms
A debut of cohesive, no-nonsense, and occasionally exciting stuff.
Hot Panda
Hot Panda’s Chris Connelly discusses the band’s take on current affairs and early-morning pints at UK airports.
The Hives – Lex Hives
Lex Hives is a continuation of the Swedes’ disposal of the garage punk limitations they set themselves when they first started out, and a reminder that their word is still law.
Tu Fawning – A Monument
The second album from the Portland doom pop quartet is more melodic and song-orientated than its predecessor, but all the more powerful for it.
OFF! – OFF!
The main feeling conveyed by this record is one of sheer, unbridled excitement of re-discovery – a renewed appreciation of the music you grew up with, an appreciation that is so much deeper now your hair starts growing in funny places and you don’t qualify for a student train ticket any longer. Essential, empowering, nostalgia-free escapism.
Sleepy Sun – Spine Hits
Mid-tempo psychedelia and heritage rock worship from California that, despite some genuinely interesting touches, fails to make a significant emotional impact.
Ceremony – Zoo
After releasing three albums of fast, pessimistic hardcore, Ceremony have been turned on to the more nuanced post-punk of the early and mid-’80s – with impressive results.
Trips and Falls – People Have To Be Told
While their taste in guitar-based indie rock a la The Weakerthans is impeccable, Trips and Falls’ own material could do with a little bit more bite and less niceties.
The Masonics – In Your Night of Dreams and Other Foreboding Pleasures
Half an hour’s worth of mostly upbeat, catchy, unpolished garage rock with only a handful of duds, made by The Masonics, veterans of the Medway sound. Tip: skip the slow tracks.
Beat Connection – Surf Noir EP
Five handsome Seattle boys help sad hipsters get over LCD Soundsystem’s demise with a record that should soundtrack every BBQ this summer. Matthias Scherer digs out his wayfarers and Disney beach towel.
Craft Spells – Idle Labor
Idle Labor works well as an escapist record. Not a full-blown removal from reality, granted – it’s more like smoking your first filterless roll-up after a week-long cold. The rush is short but sweet, and most importantly, familiar.