Back catalogue: Indie/Alternative

Review: The story of this one revolves around San Diego native Anthony "Antone" Williams. He was one day alone in a studio, messing about with the gear and before he knew he it lay down the haunting rhythm that underpins the tune now presented here by the good folks at Athens of the North. It's a sinister, restless one that got released as a hugely limited 7" on Unity Records with otherworldly soul production and a pained vocal up top. Post punk soul, some call it, and that's a fitting descriptor. A remix appears on the flip but the allure of the original is hard to beat.

Review: Under a full moon to commemorate Portland's official holiday on their first Dead Moon Night, Mike Lastra recorded Michael Hurley play 'Jane' live at Portland City Hall in 2017. He performed, rather wittily, this cover of Portland Oregon Dead Moon's 1991 release to the most well attended non protest event in the history of the hall. Hurley, American "outsider folk" singer-songwriter, guitarist, banjo and fiddle player, and part of the Greenwich Village folk music scene of the 1960s and 70s is not only known for his iconoclastic songs, but also his cartoons and paintings, here illustrating the single's cover. The B Side 'Go My Way' features an unreleased Range Rats track from 1986 recorded at home by Fred Cole, Toody Cole and Rolly (their Roland drum machine), covered paradoxically by Portland's own Dead Moon in 2004, giving a comforting circularity to this limited 7" on Mississippi US, a label that prides itself in supporting artists and their families when crafting ethical and respectful releases of previously overlooked music. So, if you're into the Appalatian folk troubadour tradition with an undertone of irony that has a bluesy edge, you'll love this.

Review: The latest short form offering from Scottish alternative indie rockers Teenage Fan Club will do nothing to dissuade fans the Glaswegians remain at the cutting edge of their sound. After a four year hiatus, they've returned to hit us with catchy, upbeat, sweet and jangly aural sugar that masks the rather melancholic lyrical content. 'Home' bounds along with summer seemingly pouring from every guitar chord, while Bellshill's finest sing of dejection, frustration and longing.

Then we are told 'Everything's Falling Apart' through harmonious vocal delivery on the B-side: an understatement of epic proportions given the current global situation, it's indicative of the band's well-established modus. Packing suggestion and inference beneath easily-accessible instrumentation is a sure fire way to make as many people as possible stop for a long, hard think.

Review: The latest offering from The The, 'Linoleum Smooth To The Stockinged Foot,' emerges as a deeply personal and haunting track, showcasing Matt Johnson's evocative songwriting amidst a backdrop of surrealism and introspection. Penned during Johnson's recovery from a critical surgery, the lyrics resonate with introspective depth, capturing a hallucinogenic journey heightened by discordant horns and fiddle arrangements. This release stands out for its collaborative spirit, featuring guest musicians like Sonya Cullingford on fiddle, Terry Edwards on horns and Gillian Glover on backing vocals, all contributing to the song's atmospheric complexity. The single cover, features artwork by Johnson's late brother Andrew (Andy Dog), adds a poignant layer to an already compelling release.

Review: THE THE's eagerly awaited Ensoulment marks their first studio album since 2000's NakedSelf. This 12-track collection traverses sharp social commentary and personal introspection, something the band has always excelled at through the years. To celebrate the release, a strictly limited 7" vinyl single will feature 'Some Days I Drink My Coffee By The Grave Of William Blake,' a standout track from the album. The single also includes an exclusive B-side, a previously unreleased track, making it great for collectors wanting a unique piece of their discography. With Ensoulment, THE THE delivers a potent mix of incisive lyrics and introspective musings, reinforcing their legacy with a fresh yet timeless edge. While, like most of mainstream media missing this amazing band as usual, true tastemakers know the legendary career Matt Johnson has had. His impact is immeasurable.

Review: Iconic post-punk visionaries THE THE have been a much missed presence on the British alternative scene. Despite touring with relative regularity, their new album in 2024 was their first in a quarter of a century. Formed in 1979 by singer-songwriter Matt Johnson, they have had a revolving door policy with regards to the line-up - and included Johnny Marr for a spell - but Johnson remains the sole constant member and mind behind the name. This 7" release comes after the band have been touring their latest album Ensoulement and worked out which tracks deserve a featured release. "We found that these two songs were amongst the most popular. 'Where Do We Go When We Die?' was written for my late father Eddie Johnson (author of Tales From The Two Puddings) whilst 'Risin' Above The Need' is a philosophical muse upon addiction and materialism and the power of the human spirit to overcome obstacles," says Johnson in a press release. Proving that deciding on which release to print after road testing is definitely the right way to go about business, this 7" is an irresistible, soulful treat that will make up for its brevity through begging to be played on repeat.