What really drew me into the Banh Mi La vortex were the clean electronic lines and Ooshmann just make good on the auspicious start to keep the groove ticking over nicely for several minutes. I was thinking Daniel Avery/Orbital among others, the tribal features offering down time while the piece gathered steam and returned in new and interesting ways. This is clear soundtrack material, not needing visuals but you could see how the combination could be a visceral thrill. I’m properly in my element here, clever electronica back in the groove thanks to Ooshmann. KH Ooshmann · Banh Mi La mp3hugge ..read more

You’d just have to remark on the heavy percussion first but that is not the main attraction on ‘More Than A Mountain’, no that comes in a singer who has the heft to take over our day because he is bona fide crooner from the old stock. So there will be knees a-weakening and hearts a-racing as his words make like a younger Barry White so it feels like we’re in the middle of being sweet talked to within an inch of our lives. The class happens all around, from the gospel backdrop to the brass surrounds -so much goodness until finally we are left with no option but to reciprocate. Uncommonly short ..read more

Oh this is a dirty era Sonic Youth excursion alright, I could feel it in my rattling teeth and no better act than Conflict at Serenity Pools to act out ye olde slacker rock of yore. Things move at a pace that is never taxing so that means we get to experience the individual moving parts at our leisure. The vocal interactions are really the icing on top so those with a predilection for low-ebbed guitar play also have something else to occupy themselves. ‘Bosun’ is confident stuff, a band who know what they are about and by extension it lets the rest of us to get lost inside their sound. KH CA ..read more

It is the changes of intonation that really had me curling up happily under a comfort blanket of soft retro slide guitars and so the effect of ‘Love and Plenty’ is encouragingly pleasant as a result. On and on it circulates and offers up plenty tropical instrumental break time too so that we’re drawn even further into the ‘Party of the Sun’ honeypot – reminding me constantly of World Party as it goes. Sweetness abounds but never overdone and for me the way the singer seems so high on life is something we’ll have to return to time and again. Country reasoning and gospel platitudes in glorious ..read more

‘Guessing Game’ is our sort of indie vehicle, careering about the place with abandonment but with full attention given to having a song that will stand up to repeat plays. Tampa quartet Taverns sure are bright eyes souls and it is reflected in a work that cascades with sparkle. So prepare yourself for nearly 4 minutes of alternative action with flailing chords, rabid percussion and a cooing at every turn when the vocals take a breather periodically. Rocketship fans rejoice! KH mp3hugger’s best new music in our Fresh Indie playlist! More Info: Offical Hear More Songs: Taverns Year: 2024 ..read more

It is the vitality that I like most about Bantams, each one of their vignettes a bolt of lightning that comes prefit with a rare imagination. They are new wave but they are themselves too so tracks like ‘Loaded / Fist’ feel like we are pushing the game forward. At the helm is Chris Rathke who puts himself about with so much gusto I am sure he would have needed a good sit down afterwards. For us though it is an expression of fine vigour and for once an act with the talent and passion to get us excited all over again. KH Mike Vermeil · 11loaded Fist00 24b48kHz 01 – 01 mp3hugger’s best new musi ..read more

Finger picked so naturally the mood softened all around and it helps that we’re in the company of a bard who knows how to articulate a way of being that is beyond mere mortals. In other words that part of us that is present rather than chasing something we can’t find on our devices. Stockholm’s St. Jimi Sebastian Cricket Club describe something we’ve lost as a result and they do it in a manner that reminded me of Frightened Rabbit. ‘Soothing Nights’ moves from introspection to baring its soul in anthemic fashion and it feels very good to be on that journey with them. Fans of the Coral rejoice ..read more

We’re all for something different and Finland’s UTU appear to be capable of generating it going by this folksy anthemic piece of aural yarn. Things move slowly initially, deliberately too because there is a story to be issued and there are fantastical ways in the UTU locker in which to impart it. Björk springs to mind and the ambition in ‘The Worst Is Yet To Come’ shows us that there is plenty of depth in a work that opens out and spreads its wings to dramatic effect. An epic journey, an ebb and flow that feels like it is taking us to places as yet unheard by the human ear. KH Utu · The Wors ..read more

Messages from the future it sounds like, an elastic synth and beats that replicate that lead. Add in a Beach Boys/Animal Collective giddy vocal line and ‘Should Be’ really does come across as the kind of company we need to be keeping. Not least because horsebread continually stir the pot, I mean this could be summer and the season for standing on our own two feet and having a ball of a time while we are it. Yep, there is a twinkle in the eye all over ‘Should Be’ and for that we are accept their invitation to gorge on a few minutes of rapture from this Nashville duo. KH horsebread · Should be ..read more

‘Station’ is bursting out all over, experimental zeal which is obvious from both the electronics and the early vacant but then full throttle vocals from Jenna Balfe. Yep, this is attitude and it bursts out all over with intention – a bit of punk, particles of pop and a baggy kind of approach that reminds of Whale of yore wherein there might even be a groove for those out there who are hard enough to take on a freight train of noisen. It dares to do different while not barging too far out of familiarity. Exuberance encapsulated in under 5 minutes, yep we’ll have a bit of that from this Miami s ..read more