An EP called ‘A Glossary of Broken Humans & Beating Hearts’ automatically sets itself on a pedestal of fragility. Thankfully, although this second release from Yard Arms is emotionally honest, it’s music has an uplifting quality in its melancholy. Although sometimes treading a different musical path, the four songs are able to stir the emotions in a way that Kitchens of Distinction, The Blue Nile and Death Cab For Cutie had previously. This is a good thing.
The Fall: Set of Ten #2 coming soon from Cog Sinister
Following their 2018 box set of archive live recordings, Cog Sinister are getting ready to release ‘Set of Ten #2’, a second box of Fall related live recordings, this time dating from between 1984-2014.
THE WONDER STUFF – Better Being Lucky
The are some great albums in the Wonder Stuff back catalogue. From the undeniably classic (‘The Eight Legged Groove Machine’) to the underrated (2005’s ‘Escape From Rubbish Island’), Stourbridge’s finest can often be relied on for delivering entertainment. A natural successor to 2016’s ’30 Goes Around The Sun’, ‘Better Being Lucky’ has a balanced approach; its mix upbeat material and thoughtful downers will appeal to the more committed fan. On first listen, it’s good…but as time passes, it’s one of those albums that sounds even better.
GYPSY’S KISS – Heat Crazed Vole & Other Tails EP
Back in the mists of time, long before Iron Maiden became a reality – let alone a world conquering phenomenon – bassist and founder member Steve Harris was in a band called Gypsy’s Kiss. Maiden fans will surely have heard Steve briefly talk about the band during the excellent Iron Maiden ‘Early Years’ documentary, but few would have suspected they’d actually get to hear them.
EXTRA ARMS – Up From Here
A concept record isn’t exactly what you’d expect from a band heavily influenced by Superchunk, The Replacements and various pieces from a pop-punk past. You probably wouldn’t expect a “divorce record” either – such things are often the province of the more introspective singer-songwriter – but that’s exactly where we find Ryan Allen and his Extra Arms at the close of 2019. An eight song outpouring, ‘Up From Here’ does a fabulous job of documenting Allen’s feelings and place within the world following a marriage split, but those who’ve enjoyed his previous works shouldn’t be concerned that this is too heavy going, as his thoughts are often coupled with some fabulous power pop and pop-punk arrangements.