On Golden Margins, troubadour Owen Tromans reunites with his band, The Elders, to produce nine songs drawn from a deep well of inspiration. Recorded during the depths of winter in the Hampshire countryside the album channels ghostly chill and laid-back charm in equal measure. Described as being driven along by Byrds-ian twang and thrum, the title track takes a wry look at what it is … Continue reading Owen Tromans – Golden Margins
We first posted about Annie Eve at the height of last summer and her new Feversome EP will feature three tracks all written and performed (except slide guitar and accordion) by Annie, with the lead track Southern released on 17th March. Watch the video for this emotive and bewitching song, driven by haunting vocals, resulting in a sound that manages to be simultaneously powerful, intimate … Continue reading Video: Annie Eve – Southern
We don’t know much about Stampede Road other than what their Bandcamp bio says, namely that they’re a Scottish four piece with plenty of harmonies, reverbed guitars, and a clubhouse mentality that aims to create the type of folk songs that have been lost since the 1960s. On the evidence of single Old Town, and latest Soundcloud offering, a cover of Michael Marra’s Scribbled Down Drunk, … Continue reading Introducing >>> Stampede Road
We’re putting up the bunting at Mackerel Towers because long-time favourite, Wooden Wand will release a new album, Farmer’s Corner on May 5th via Fire Records. This time it is an album recorded on his travels, in fits and starts, and wherever and whenever he felt like it. It means nine new songs captured in six sessions in four studios in three different states. Amongst … Continue reading Wooden Wand Announces Farmer’s Corner
We have just discovered Dan Baker’s album Pistol In My Pocket. It is a marvellous collection of skeletal, tortured alt-country and folk that tells tales of the wounded and the damaged with songs of betrayal and revenge as well as songs of love-lost and love-regained. And all delivered with Baker’s mix of wavering, unforgiving howls and whispered confessionals. Released last year, there is always one record … Continue reading Dan Baker – Pistol In My Pocket
Marika Hackman will release a new four track EP titled Deaf Heat next month. The first track from it is the sweet indie pop of Deep Green that manages to retain the haunting, fragile beauty that marked out her earlier releases, whilst also delivering something more determined and intense. Pre-order the EP here. . Continue reading Marika Hackman – Deaf Heat EP
Broken Twin will release her debut album May through ANTI- on the 29th April. It is a timely post for us as we are feeling particularly well disposed to all things Danish at the moment and Broken Twin is the synonym of 25-year-old Danish songwriter Majke Voss Romme. She turned plenty of heads (and ears) with her debut single in November Sun Has Gone (see our … Continue reading Mad Mackerel Recommends… Broken Twin
Spoiling you with five excellent videos this morning. I don’t know where you are, but we’ve got yet another day of dank, dreary, drizzly rain and I need something to brighten up my Friday. So, contrast and compare scrappy indie jangle from Such Hounds, gentle intricate harmonies from The Sea The Sea, tough, catchy garage from The Coathangers, fevered, intense pop from Rare Monks, and … Continue reading Videos of the Day: The Coathangers || Reverend Horton Heat || The Sea The Sea || Such Hounds || Rare Monk
Some excellent videos, mainly featuring deserts, suns and tribes oddly in one way or another, to start the day from the brilliant Desert Mountain Tribe, A Mini Tribe (who feature members of Sleepy Sun, Bella Vista and Són Boom and have a stripped back, gloriously spartan version of Nico’s These Days), The Big Sun, and finally New Desert Blues. . . . [Click through for free download] . . Continue reading Videos of the Day: Desert Mountain Tribe || A Mini Tribe || The Big Sun || New Desert Blues
Here is a live version of an, as yet, unreleased song and a lovely Townes Van Zandt cover by Laura Marling. Both were recorded for US Radio station NPR’s eTown programme. Born To Love has featured regularly in her live sets over the past year or so and Colorado Girl is one of our favourite TVZ songs. Watch both here. . . . Continue reading Laura Marling – Born To Love & Colorado Girl
The Mad Mackerel 