Gold Baby – ‘Rabbits’ EP review


Gold Baby self-release their debut EP, ‘Rabbits’, on 26 March. The four songs find Siân Alex offering astute observations on everything from her own struggles with OCD to female identity, American ghost towns and the medieval notion of cockaigne – an imaginary place of luxury where physical comforts and pleasures are always availble. Sole drumbeats…

En Garde – ‘Debtors’ EP review


Akron, OH-based duo En Garde (Ross Horvath – vocals/guitar – and Andy Hendricks – drums) have shared a collection of songs recorded back in 2012 with Joe Reinhart (Hop Along, Algernon Cadwallader) via the always sublime Count Your Lucky Stars Records. The EP opens with the urgent, intense and impassioned ‘Our Hands’. Reminding us of…

Blanketman band National Trust EP review

Blanketman – ‘National Trust’ EP review


Already favourites of Annie Mac, Steve Lamacq, Marc Riley and Lauren Laverne, Manchester four-piece Blanketman are getting set to release their new EP, ‘National Trust’. The songs cover everything from the band’s exasperation at Britain’s national identity to personal fears, escapism and the consequences of financial, social and geographical divisions. The early Maximo Park-style art…

Juliet Quick – ‘Glass Years’ EP review


Brooklyn-via Hudson Valley singer songwriter Juliet Quick releases her new ‘Glass Years’ EP – five songs full of poignant storytelling, spare acoustics, playful synths, stirring strings and lap steel. The EP opens with recent single ‘Circles’ and Juliet delivering the lines ‘Don’t know what to do with myself lately, I’m not that driven. Funny how…

Camp Trash – ‘Downtiming’ EP review


A band steeped in mystery, Camp Trash are getting set to release their debut EP ‘Downtiming’ via Count Your Lucky Stars Records. The distorted pop-rock hooks of ‘Bobby’ opens the EP in refreshing and vibrant style. There’s perhaps a touch of The Lemonheads in the guitar sound as the band plea with the subject to…

Martha Hill – ‘Summer Up North’ EP review


Martha Hill shares her eagerly awaited ‘Summer Up North’ EP this weekend. The Newcastle-based musician worked remotely with producer Julien Flewon on these five songs during lockdown, recording them via Zoom. Martha says the overriding concept of these songs sums up simpler times (well, the ‘old normal’ that we’re all so desperate to return to):…

Tomberlin – ‘Projections’ EP review


Sarah Beth Tomberlin follows up 2018’s beautiful ‘At Weddings’ album with her new EP, ‘Projections’. This release follows appearances on Jimmy Kimmel and tours with emo heroes including American Football, Alex G and Andy Shauf. The EP opens in subtle style with ‘Hours’, an understated song that reminded us of Tim Kasher’s solo material with…