Man of Moon – Strangers

Strangers, the new single from Edinburgh duo Man of Moon is like the best firework in the box, the one you save until last before setting it off. It starts with a bang and never lets up as brief moments of calm are followed by ever more intense splashes of aural effervescence.

There’s a lot packed in to this four-minute psychedelic rocker. Even cow bells make an surprise but inspired appearance. It’s a track that should be played loud then played again  even louder. The bands album Dark Sea comes out in September and if this track is anything to go by it’s going to be seriously good.

Man of Moon, like so many working bands just now have recently had to reschedule their tour dates. The good news is tickets are on sale and are available here.

Click here for info on where to buy/stream Strangers.

Get more info, follow Man of Moon on Facebook.

Or tweet away with them on Twitter.

Man of Moon are Chris Bainbridge and Mikey Reid.

 

honeychain – Pocket Full of Good Luck

It’s been three years since honeychain released their debut album Crushed. Produced by the late Kim Shattuck, its explosive opening track, Bombs Away, set the tone for what proved to be thirty-three minutes of exhilarating power pop.

Now they are back with their latest offering Pocket Full of Good Luck and it’s good to find that this is not the sound of a band standing still.  The  punk pop sensibilities that made Crushed so accessible are still present, especially on the album’s second track Go Away. However, the guitar sound is now dirtier, the lyrics slightly edgier and the pace of the whole album much more considered than its predecessor.

With Spaceman, honeychain have yet again set things up with a cracker.  Band leader Hillary Burton’s slightly distorted vocal adds perfectly to the feeling of displacement engendered by the song.

Alt-rocker Flee Los Angeles is a real highlight, the grungy guitar sound the perfect backdrop for the love/hate lyrics.  The title track, Pocket Full of Good Luck,  is a fast and furious adrenalin rush, positively dripping with attitude. Its two glorious minutes of brash punk rock is sure to leave you breathless and wanting more.

Chemtrails is a jangly classic, the one minute long outro lifting it to another level. The acoustic Late Night Movie Show, brings things to a wistful conclusion and is sure to stay in your head long after the last notes have faded away.

There is much to love about this album, with echoes of The Muffs, Blondie, Teenage Fanclub, L7 and Nirvana present. It all blends perfectly together to give honeychain a distinctive sound. Pocket Full of Good Luck, for me, is one of the best releases of the year so far.

Honeychain are: –

Hillary Burton – Guitar, Vocals and Effortless Cool

Andre Tusques – Bass and backing vocals

Loye Aubrey Jnr – Drums

For info click visit the bands website at honeychainmusic.com.

To Buy/Listen to Pocket Full of Good Luck click here.

Photo of Hillary Burton by Steve Rood.

 

Lucy May Walker – Bad Day

Released at the beginning of June, Bad Day is the new five track EP from London based singer-songwriter Lucy May Walker.

If a revenge song can rightly be described as joyous then the country flavoured title track certainly qualifies. It is nearly impossible not to smile as the singer lays out her wish list of minor mishaps for the target of her ire to endure. The singalong chorus is a delight, ensuring things move seamlessly towards what proves to be a surprisingly emotional sign off.

The mood changes on You Say You’ve Moved On. It’s a thoughtful and moving track delivered in Lucy May Walker’s more familiar folk-pop style. Happy for You and Gold showcase just how endearing her voice is. There is never any doubt that these songs are inspired by personal experience, the words skilfully capturing the frequently bittersweet moments of everyday life.

Inspired by visits to festival time Edinburgh, Home from Home is a heartfelt tribute to that city. Beautifully driven by piano, the songs sense of place is sure to strike a chord with anybody who have found their own home from home, wherever that may be.

Bad Day is a sure step forward from Lucy May Walker, do  try and catch her live when we eventually return to some sort of normality.

To find out more visit the artists website HERE.

Catch up with latest from Lucy May Walker on Twitter.