Heading into the weekend with some really wonderful new albums for you.
Hello, Friends.
Pinch us, we feel euphoric at the return of the holy duo... Some sixteen years and six months after the release of the all-time iconic Superwolf album, Matt Sweeney & Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy re-form the pack and release Superwolves. Knowing that we are huge huge huge fans of the first LP (and all of the various tones and twangs the duo have released before and since), it was always going to be a big one for us, but we honestly can't quite rave hard enough about what a brilliant set of songs this new outing is. Whereas the debut had fragile whispers and intermittent growls, Superwolves covers so many bases and sonics with inimitable style. From Bluegrass plucking to Desert rock riffs, it plays out like a travelogue with the two protagonists leading from the front with delicious humour. Our Record of the Week is a euphoric and brilliantly delivered album, an instant classic very much in the spirit of its predecessor, but never in the shadow of it.
+ Ocean Blue colour indies exclusive vinyl includes temporary tattoos.
This week also sees the release of Busy Guy, the exceptional new LP from Stephen Fretwell. We announced earlier this week that not only is it our July Album of the Month, but also that Stephen will be joining us in August to play it live as part of Sea Change Presents. The songs are intimate and strikingly honest, with little more than a guitar and his voice, he has recorded a transportive set. We'll be playing this album for a long time and we'd not bet against this topping many an end-of-year list.
+ We will be including a very limited edition lyric book with all vinyl orders. The foreword has been written by longtime fan and current Poet Laureate Simon Armitage. Busy Guy is available as a limited edition in a gatefold sleeve and pressed on Transparent Pink heavyweight 180g vinyl.
+ Visit our Instagram to win a signed test pressing.
Following on from his extraordinary Dinked release of Elements, we're stoked to be working with Richard Norris again on Hypnotic Response, a set of propulsive bangers! Influenced by German 70's music, psychedelia, hypnotic repetition and an old Korg 55 drum machine, they are hypnotic and totally mesmerizing. Our Dinked Edition sold out, but we do have limited red vinyl copies available still.
Manchester post-punks Blanketman release the excellent National Trust EP. Loads of hooks and riffs, really got something going on here.
Sub Pop release a fresh pressing of clipping's 2016 fan-favourite, Wriggle. This improved, expanded version features new art, previously unreleased remixes, and a track that’s exclusive to the vinyl format. No one sounds like clipping, they are such badasses.
London-via-Italy three piece Qlowski release Quale Futuro? on Maple Death Records. More dark guitar hooks and really good stuff. Includes a limited Marbled Mahogany colour vinyl pressing.
Self-dubbed "Congo techno", Na Zala Zala is a set of futuristic bangers from Rey Sapienz & The Congo Techno Ensemble. High energy, but plenty of lush detail too.
Hideaway is the big, brash new LP from Nathan Williams and Wavves. As ever, he sure can write a hook and sonically this one is a trip. Available on limited Orange colour vinyl.
Drama is an album of really lush and uplifting bossa nova feels from Rodrigo Amarante. You may know Rodrigo Amarante already, his "Tuyo" was used as the theme tune to the Netflix drama Narcos. Available on limited Clear Olive colour vinyl.
The Woman You Want is the new LP from Sudanese-Scottish artist Eliza Shaddad. She has such a great voice and this is a really engaging set. A reminder that Eliza will be playing live in the shop next Friday (23rd). Info.
Expansions is a new set of steel drum covers (Grace Jones, Galt MacDermot, Slum Village, Minnie Riperton, Jay Z, Ike Turner) from the mysterious, Hamburg-based Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band.
Leave Love Out Of This is the swooning new album from New Zealand singer-songwriter Anthonie Tonnon. He produced the album with The Beths' guitarist and producer, Jonathan Pearce. He also - did you know - operates New Zealand’s oldest public underground lift.
Hildegard is the new project from experimental singer-songwriter Helena Deland and multi-instrumentalist and producer Ouri. Spacious and sonically fascinating, this really is one to get lost in. The Deluxe edition is REALLY impressive, including three art prints and an eight panel insert, all housed in a super-deluxe debossed clamshell box.
Sling is the much hyped and highly anticipated new LP from Clairo. We have a very limited Green vinyl pressing if you are quick.
God Melodies is the first new album in six years from Fryars. The indie shop exclusive edition is pressed on Gold colour vinyl.
Following numerous false-starts and delays, the twenty-fourth - and last ever - issue in FatCat’s long-running and much-loved Split 12” Series finally arrives with collaboration from acclaimed Canadian singer / composer Ian William Craig alongside the brilliant but little-known Estonian poet / singer Kago. A fitting and experimental end to an often thrilling series, worth also noting that the perforated sleeve art is special stuff indeed.
Lastly this week, a beautiful headspace that we've been floating to this week (and not just because the title has 'Drift' in it before you get all snippy). Hollie Kenniff releases The Quiet Drift via Western Vinyl and it really is a bit magic. Dense ambient music, but still elegant and light enough to leave loads of room for imagination. Highly recommended, really lush Snow White colour vinyl pressing, too.
- Drift
