The Waeve – ‘The Waeve’ album review


The Waeve – a duo made up of Blur’s Graham Coxon and former Pipette Rose Elinor Dougall – are all set to release their debut album. Co-produced by James Ford, the record finds the talented songwriters exploring various subjects and soundscapes with infectious enthusiasm. ‘Can I Call You’ opens the album in style with its…

Hamish Hawk – ‘Angel Numbers’ album review


‘Angel Numbers’, Hamish Hawk’s follow-up to 2021’s acclaimed ‘Heavy Elevator’, was once again produced by Idlewild’s Rod Jones at his Post Electric studio in Leith, Edinburgh and finds the singer-songwriter offering up his witty and wry observations on all the foibles of modern life… Opener ‘Once Upon an Acid Glance’ quickly sets the scene with…

Dutch Uncles – ‘Tropigala (2 to 5)’


Photo credit (video still): Ben Harrison Meek Dutch Uncles have shared ‘Tropigala (2 to 5)’ ahead of the release of their sixth album, ‘True Entertainment’, on 10th March. The new single – inspired by ‘the cyclical resentment musicians sometimes harbour for the rest of the professional world’s lifestyles and aspirations (and vice versa); which can…

The Xcerts – ‘Gimme’


The Xcerts have made a welcome return with ‘Gimme’ – a short, sharp and spiky piece of distorted pop that finds the trio embracing the joys (and, of course, angst) that comes with complete artistic freedom. Murray Macleod said: ‘Lyrically, it’s more observational than gut-wrenchingly personal; when burning desire meets apathy, it’s both comical and…

Tugboat Captain – ‘Flash of Light’


Photo credit: Rob Humm Tugboat Captain have made a triumphant return after two years away with ‘Flash of Light’ – a two-minute kaleidoscopic and psychedelic treat that opens with all kinds of weird and wonderful space-age synths and melodic guitar hooks. Reminiscent of Super Furry Animals’ blend of the experimental and exemplar, the dual harmonies…

Elliott Green – ‘Everything I Lack’


Photo credit: Alex Martinez Based in Seattle, Elliott Green’s Bandcamp page simply states ‘I write sad songs’ and she lives up to this statement on new album ‘Everything I Lack’ – out on Count Your Lucky Stars Records on 27 January. Haunting piano tones and atmospheric feedback swathe around the opener ‘Friendly Advice’ – a…

We Are Scientists – ‘Lobes’ album review


Written over a stretch of two to three years, We Are Scientists’ eighth album ‘Lobes’ finds the New York duo exploring new sounds and directions with confidence and glee… The synthy toe-tapper ‘Operator Error’ opens the album with rhythmic and hypnotic statements – ‘It’s all a a game of confidence’; ‘You kwwp on saying you…

Billy Nomates – ‘CACTI’ album review


Photo credit: Eddie Whelan Billy Nomates‘ second studio album, ‘CACTI’, comes out this Friday (13 January) via Invada Records. Recorded in both Tor Maries’ flat and at Invada Studios, the 12 songs find Tor Maries laying everything bare while she confronts some uncomfortable truths that have come to light over the past few years… ‘Balance is…