Review: ?Boys Wonder's 'Be Reasonable' is a lovely and limited edition new 10" etched vinyl released exclusively for Record Store Day 2025. Serving as a companion to their long-awaited debut LP Question Everything, this limited-edition single features two previously unreleased tracks exclusive to wax. The band's distinctive blend of glam-rock energy, sharp wit and infectious pop hooks brings both of these to life and are part of the reason they have been endorsed by Vic Reeves as the greatest band that never was and hailed by Jonathan Ross as one of my all-time favourite bands.
Review: Brenda is the soul-infused solo project of prolific Melbourne drummer and multi-instrumentalist Hudson Whitlock who now makes a stunning debut on College Of Knowledge Records with two tender ballads. He is already known for his work with Surprise Chef and Karate Boogaloo and here steps into the spotlight as a vocalist delivering introspective lyrics in a fragile falsetto. Drawing from sweet soul traditions of the 60s and Melbourne's cinematic soul movement, both 'Where Did I Go Wrong?' and 'Family' show off Brenda's emotive, indie-soul sound with lush arrangements and heartfelt deliveries marking a poignant and promising new chapter for Whitlock.
Review: It sometimes only takes one great song to gatecrash your way to prominence and Australian modern punk greats The Chats managed that with the opening cut here, 'Smoko', which is an ode to the joys of the fag break: "Leave me alone / I'm on Smoko". This reissue is of their second EP that was released by Sunshine Coast label Bargain Bin records. With the first pressing going for big money, it's a welcome chance to get your hands on this classic. Despite 'Smoko' being the biggest song, it's loaded with bangers and a stroke of genius that they realised that a song about struggling to afford bus money would connect on such a wide level.
Review: Depeche Mode's standout album Violator (1989) produced the landmark song 'Personal Jesus', and with its catchy bluesy riff and innovative but rare use of guitar by the otherwise great synthpop act, the song would upend and expand at the edges of an already well-varied sound. With lyrics inspired by 'Elvis And Me' by Priscilla Presley, exploring themes of devotion and stardom, while the record's controversial promotions saw the band take out personal ads, as well as advertise a phone number through which fans could hear the song. Now Matt Early (aka. Funky Wogan and Hardbag), DJ, producer and remixer extraordinaire of Far Horizon and Sub London fame, lays down an ingenious edit backed by the original number on the flip. Limited numbers on this furtive output, so keep your shopping cart fingers poised...
Review: Out of stoner rock miasma traipse David Eugene Edwards (Wovenhand, 16 Horsepower) and Al Cisneros (OM, Sleep) with two new sludge-offs, 'Pillar Of Fire' and 'Capernaum'. With leeward, mountainous horror vacui depicted on the front cover - and a 10" press signifying that the musicians intend for this to be a maestro's statement, not too invested in the magnanimity of a full LP and yet still knowing full well that you'll lap up the sense of terse completion such a record promises - these tracks are estivate delights, both their meditative experimental-bass workings evoking barren, anxious wanderlust.
Review: Few tracks capture the icy allure of early 80s electronic experimentation quite like this underground classic. Originally released in 1981, this Swiss post-punk/coldwave classic has transcended its era, becoming a cult favorite across underground scenes and DJ sets of various genres. Now reissued on limited blue vinyl, its influence remains undeniable. 'Eisbaer' is a track that bridges stark, minimalist electronics with the raw energy of post-punk. The hypnotic bassline and cold, robotic drum programming lay a foundation for jagged guitar stabs and eerie synth flourishes, creating an urgent, mechanical pulse. The disaffected, almost mantra-like vocalsideclaring "Ich mochte ein Eisbar sein" ("I want to be a polar bear")iheighten its existential detachment. Echoes of Throbbing Gristle's industrial edge and Cabaret Voltaire's abstract electronics blend seamlessly with the emerging synth-pop movement, helping to push new wave into more danceable, electronic territory. Side B's 'Film 2' takes a more abrasive approach, a pounding, near-industrial instrumental that pulses with motorik intensity. 'Ich Lieb Sie' is more restrained but equally unsettling, its sparse arrangement and ghostly atmosphere reinforcing Grauzone's unique ability to evoke emotion through minimalism. Timeless and still chillingly modern, this reissue ensures that Eisbar and its B-sides continue to inspire. A crucial document of coldwave's evolution, reaffirming why this track remains a DJ favourite decades later.
Review: Are NewDad your favourite contemporary Irish rock band? If the answer is no, w want to understand why. 12 months or so ago they blessed us with the woozy, late-afternoon-in-the-park-cum-6AM-walk-home jangle of Waves, a stunning EP that cemented their status as one of the few truly authentic sounding indie outfits we have right now. So good it's still on the office playlist, Safe follows that up with another spellbinder. This time there's definitely more gnash and snarl, discordance and strained noises that should sound harsh but have been so beautifully used they only make the whole thing sound more joyful to weirdos. Or at least that's opener 'Entertainer'. The title track lets no side down, keeping that whirlwind of cacophony vibe, while 'Puzzle' and 'Be Kind' double down on melodies without lightening the mood. It's perfect.
Review: Reissued to mark 50 years of Bomp! Records, this 7” revives two sweetmeats from Nikki And The Corvettes, all teased hair, leather jackets and bratty charm. ‘Honey Bop!’ leads with snotty vocals and handclap hooks, wired on girl-group gloss and Ramones-tight riffs. On the flip, ‘Shake It Up’ elevens up the fuzz and attitude, nodding to 60s garage and jukebox sleaze. Originally released by Bomp! - the label who helped connect power pop, punk and psych weirdness under one roof - this single rattles with the same no-rules spirit that defined the imprint’s heyday. The Corvettes never hung about long, but their bubblegum snarl still cuts sharp.
Review: To their credit and our benefit as fans, Oasis are smartly leaning into the spiking demand for the atmospheric and nostalgic formnat that is the 7" single and celebrate the 30th anniversary of 'Some Might Say' in doing so. It's a seminal single - their first UK number one and a track you can envision being a great set opener at their upcoming reunion shows. This version is remastered so it'll leap out of your speakers like never before. A guaranteed scorcher for any knees-up you're planning with your mates.
Review: DFA Records prime mysterious new Brighton signees Proper Monday Number with a sure start, flicking the proverbial Rube Goldberg machine into gear with a banging remix of their otherwise unreleased debut track 'High Horse'. Here, of course, it's LCD Soundsystem / DFA's very own James Murphy at the remix controls, together with resident DFA DJ and "decent human" Matt Cash. Toolroom dance moods extend over a lusciously simple seven minutes, bringing home FM stabs and LinnDrum faceslaps aplenty. And the lyrics: "stop what you're doing now... you ain't got no crown! get off your high horse! turn this ship around!" In our day and age, we need more anti-stagnation, ego-teardown anthems like this, so we welcome the sentiment by the masked duo.
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