Paul J Fox is a 25 year old artist from Belfast who records and performs under the moniker Coastal. He draws influences from (amongst others) Beck, The Strokes, Robin Guthrie, Wilco and Television, but like all the best artists, he has enough originality and imagination to turn these into something entirely of his own making. Previously he was a member of Kitty and the Can Openers until … Continue reading Introducing >>> Coastal
Collective songwriting trio O’Captain have released the second in their series of “seasonal” EPs. The Summer EP contains two songs and is free to download. Both tracks straddle a fine line between folk rock and indie pop and both offer much to be enjoyed. The Sumpter is a earnest acoustic ballad with some gorgeously mournful harmonica cameos and Eyes Like Anchors has a sweetly catchy guitar … Continue reading MM Shorts 182: Free EP From O’Captain
We must confess to be taking a bit by surprise by this. Described as being “full of washed out guitars, punctuated with equal parts textual synths and reverb“, it didn’t really sound like it was going to be up our proverbial street. However, proof once more that we should never pre-judge, because once we’d played Suburban Living’s first single, Float In Clouds from sophomore EP Cooper’s … Continue reading Introducing >>> Suburban Living
A little over a year ago we posted about Louisiana singer-songwriter Zachary Cale. Back then we said “His voice draws you in, it is inviting and hypnotic and works beautifully with the gentle folk accompaniment as he strums away in true troubadour style. They are reflective, poignant and emotive and he has that rare talent of being able to make you forget what else is going on … Continue reading Zachary Cale Is Back
Hello! Swum out of hiding for a brief frisson on a Friday. This week saw Big Sair and I take to the open road once more and try and find our way to old London Town. And so we began by chanting the gospel according to Big Sair: what’s said in the car, stays in the car. I like that. Off we shot, with Doris … Continue reading Mrs Mackerel’s TFI Friday (22nd June)
A few new releases on the radar and well worth some ear-time we think. We have a new single from Van Pierszalowski aka Waters following on from his excellent debut album Out In The Light last year, If Only is another quality slice of psych-pop with added fuzz. Download Waters – If Only mp3 (from If Only Single) After a four year hiatus, Cat Power has a new album, … Continue reading Thursday Means Six of the Best
Koko Beware are a married couple who enjoy the simple things in life – particularly when that comes to music. They release their debut album Something About The Summer in August and it is packed full of summery guitar pop that throws caution to the wind and just concentrates on one thing – having a good time. Influences are joyfully celebrated from the surf … Continue reading Introducing >>> Koko Beware
Southampton band Woven Bird are due to release their debut album on Folkwit later this year and preceding it is their new single, Saw You In Two, due out on 25 June. It is a most promising slice of off-kilter pop that offers a nod to The Shins or even Vampire Weekend. Have a listen. a Continue reading MM Shorts 176: Woven Bird
The Mad Mackerel 