RANSOM AND THE SUBSET – Perfect Crimes

Ransom And The Subset’s debut album ‘No Time To Lose’ celebrated a wide spectrum of pop/rock influences, and with the help of power pop heroes Ducky Carlisle and Brian E. King, vocalist/multi-instrumentalist RanDair Porter created the kind of debut that felt timeless in its own way. The release didn’t really connect with a massive audience, but was well received by those who actually heard it, setting strong foundations in place for a timely follow up.

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THE JACKLIGHTS – Womanchild / Underachiever

In terms of releasing their debut EP, the timing couldn’t have been any more unfortunate for The Jacklights. The Covid pandemic meant that they couldn’t put in the promotional hard yards in front of a home crowd; instead they were forced to rely on word of mouth and strong online press support to get things rolling. However, those who found the band around that time seemed very supportive, and with good reason. Although a few of the vocals were a little loose, the release showcased a solid band whose stock sounds – falling between classic, US-centric college rock and 90s punk – really delivered in terms of chunky melodies.

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THE DOLLYROTS – Hey Girl / I Touch Myself

Over the years, The Dollyrots have carved out a fine sound blending power pop melodies with pop punk-ish riffs. Their albums are home to some really sugary tunes, but thanks to some taut bass work and a constant nod back to the 90s and bands like Other Star People and The Muffs, their guitar driven pop/rock has never felt completely saccharine.

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THE LEMON DROP GANG – Sweetie Pie / The Party’s Over

This two track release from garage rockers The Lemon Drop Gang presents the band’s first new music since 2020’s cult sensation ‘I’m Not The One!’, and for those who loved that full length release, these tunes will certainly be hailed as a welcome return. New listeners will, perhaps, have to work slightly harder to reap those listening rewards, but they’re very much there, and should present themselves very definitely somewhere around the fourth play.

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