THE REAL GONE SINGLES BAR #146

Posted on March 5, 2026 by Real Gone

A rather spooky offering from veterans of the UK alternative scene, an epic but self-effacing narrative set against great orchestration, and an almost uncategorisable number splicing synths with a world music flair are just three things you can expect to find at the Singles Bar this time around. As we head further into 2026, the sheer variety of “single” recordings remains impressive, and perhaps ever more so now that we live in a world where underground artists are more likely to present digital singles and EP releases over an old school album format. To call this selection a mixed bag would certainly be an understatement but, as always, we hope you find something new to enjoy…

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Watch: Modesty Blaise share video for ‘Coral Mountain’ ahead of deluxe reissue

Posted on March 4, 2026 by Real Gone

A quarter of a century ago, Modesty Blaise released a self titled album full of retro pop gems that took cues from various touchstones from the past, including The Beach Boys and The Zombies, and recycled them with love. A second record, ‘Melancholia’ improved on the formula, and at its best, the record flaunted a huge budget and equally big hooks. In terms of that kind of musical pilfering, Jellyfish became absolutely worshipped in the power pop community, and by comparison, Modesty Blaise have sort of become also-rans. That deserves to change.

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UNBURIER – As Time Awaits EP

Posted on March 3, 2026 by Real Gone

When it comes to showing off the more technical aspects of their sound, English death metallers Unburier really don’t waste any time. The intro to this EP’s lead track ‘Continuum’ kicks off with a time signature that constantly shifts, taking the band’s extreme heaviness away from traditional death metal roots and into the realms of a prog-death blend. It proves to be a great showcase for the band, as it really throws a spotlight onto drummer Kim Hughes as he shifts effortlessly between fierce pneumatics and heavy groove laden rhythms with ease. Dropping in a couple of unexpected stops, this really accentuates the more progressive approach taken.

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RYAN HAMILTON – The Come To Jesus Moment / You May Be Right

Posted on March 2, 2026 by Real Gone

In a just world, the name Ryan Hamilton would be one of those dropped into musical conversations often, but over the years, the US singer-songwriter has had to settle for achieving a Marshall Crenshaw-like cult status. Whether as a solo performer or as frontman of the Harlequin Ghosts, of course, he’ll be more than familiar to fans of retro sounding college rock, power pop and indie infused country rock.

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DONNIE VIE – Plain Jane / Instant Karma

Posted on February 28, 2026 by Real Gone

For power pop fans, singer songwriter Donnie Vie will need no introduction. With Enuff Z’Nuff, he lent his vocal and songwriting chops to a string of great albums, released at a time when a blend of Cheap Trick obsessions crossed with a 60s inspired, flower power cool was decidedly uncool. Their first three albums (‘Enuff Z’Nuff’, ‘Strength’ and ‘Animals With Human Intelligence’) are cast iron classics which still play brilliantly, decades after the fact. During the second half of the nineties and beyond, the band’s tendency to take a cut ‘n’ paste approach to making albums could be frustrating, but for the more patient fan, there was always a little more gold to be mined, and an on-form Vie continued to show his very natural melodic gifts on tracks like ‘There Goes My Heart’, ‘Believe In Love’ and ‘What Can I Do?’

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