Within garage rock circles, the Len Price 3 have become a hugely popular fixture. Between their high energy live shows and some superb recorded works, the Medway lads have continually given the UK scene a kick up the arse. Despite not being the most prolific act in terms of studio work, they’ve been remarkably consistent, and the best bits of 2022’s ‘Ip Dip Do’ and 2023’s ‘Chinese Burn’ are every bit as powerful as the band’s earliest works. With such a high quality threshold, it’s no wonder that, despite hailing from a corner of Britain that isn’t exactly renowned for its musical heritage or wealth of live venues – it seems to have always been Billy Childish against the world – the LP3 managed to attract the attention of the Wicked Cool label in the US.
PUSH PUPPETS – Tethered Together
Chicago’s Push Puppets are a pop rock band who think a little bigger than most. There are moments during their second album ‘Tethered Together’ that hark back to the alternative boom of the 90s, moments that celebrate power pop, and there’s even a touch of melodic prog within some of the guitar work. It’s to main man Erich Specht’s credit that he has the creative vision to make everything fit together so well, but since he’s given sole credit for writing the songs and creating the album’s string arrangements, alongside being the band’s vocalist and guitarist, and being the co-producer of this record, he obviously has a very clear understanding of the direction he wishes the music to take, despite everything being drawn from different influences. What this creates, of course, is the kind of album that encourages its audience to listen closely.
Listen: Irish singer songwriter Conn Thornton shares new track ‘Heaven, I’m In Heaven’
Singer songwriter Conn Thornton has had a busy few years. Since transitioning from a classical background to a pop career during the lockdown period, they’ve released a string of singles and three full length albums, gaining critical praise.
Watch: Nightblade share new video for ‘Speak As You Find’
Opening with a fat bassline, Nightblade’s current single ‘Speak As You Find’ immediately catches the listener’s attention. Adding a chopping guitar riff, it initially sounds like the British rockers are about to venture into early Franz Ferdinand territory, but with the spikier elements offset by a broad, melodic vocal, it isn’t long before a slightly more familiar Nightblade sound takes centre stage.
THE REAL GONE SINGLES BAR #116
Welcome back to the Real Gone Singles Bar, the place where we explore some of the more interesting individual tracks that have landed in our inbox over the past couple of weeks. This time out, we’ve got something folk based with a strong 60s vibe, some well crafted pop with strong harmonies, and some dark alt-country. There’s also something with a twist of alternate pop, and a 90s influenced rocker that makes the best of a classic sounding riff. As usual, we hope the variety offers something of interest for many of our visitors and that you find something new to enjoy.
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