Embrace – ‘Avalanche’ album review


Embrace return with ‘Avalanche’, the Yorkshire band’s ninth studio album. Released via Cooking Vinyl, Danny McNamara says the song is one that looks for joy in the simple moments: ‘Real, deep, honest-to-God joy doesn’t live in the big, dramatic moments we’re all taught to chase. It doesn’t live in huge, unattainable goals or impressive, life-changing…

Jack Kaye (The Magic Gang) – ‘Dora’


Jack Kaye, formerly of The Magic Gang, has shared his debut solo single ‘Dora’ via Fascination Street Records. His first new material in the six years since the band broke up, it combines zesty Lemon Twigs melodies surrounding something far more sinister as Jack takes aim at a toxic relationship that leaves a loved one…

Sesame Girl – ‘Wings of a Butterfly’


Australian indie-poppers Sesame Girl have shared new single ‘Wings of Butterfly’, a song about ‘asking for proof instead of promises’ according to vocalise Heather Duncan. Very much in the Beabadoobee or Soccer Mommy mould, it’s a fresh slice of dreamy pop with gently lilting melodies and melancholic elements: ‘If you’re here to stay, can’t you…

Formal Sppeedwear – ‘Who Needs Spain Ball?’


Stoke-on-Trent’s art punks Formal Sppeedwear have shared ‘Who Needs Spain Ball?’ ahead of the release of their debut album ‘Punch Card’ via Melodic on 11 September, 2026. Wonderfully wiry and angular, the song sounds somewhat akin to David Byrne jamming with Dutch Uncles – while XTC grapple for overall creative control from the other side…

Tugboat Captain – ‘Us & the Moon’


Spectral Nights favourites Tugboat Captain have returned with ‘Us & the Moon’. The song will feature on the band’s forthcoming album ‘All at Once’, which is set to be released on 17 June, 2026. Capturing the introspective thoughts that come with a night-time stroll through South London, the song veers between gentle Efterklang-style chamber-pop experimentation…