St Johns Wood Affair: 2

English psychedelic rock band St Johns Wood Affair turned some heads when their released their self-titled debut album in 2023. Had their members crawled out of the woodwork where they had been hiding since the late Sixties? Their analog approach touched a nerve, but could they do it again, now that the cat is out of the bag? It turns out they can and then some. The rather unimaginatively named album 2 has all the swagger and rawness - they call it happy accident themselves - that made rock such a powerful force.

Band leader Keith Smart must have listening to Traffic and The Move religiously, and maybe someone also handed him a copy of smart pop band Spygenius' sprawling Man On The Sea. This band can switch between pastoral (Secret Garden) and industrial (Follow Me To The Stars) without missing a beat. For those who are wondering if they sneaked in a Steppenwolf cover, they didn't. Magic Carpet Ride is brand new and a fun trip to the heavens to boot. Is 2 retro? Hell, yes, but standing on the shoulders of giants makes for a great view.

Matching Outfits: Cold Sea

Berlin-based indie trio Matching Outfits bridge the gap between twee pop and folk with Cold Sea. Swedish frontwoman Linnea Mårtensson looks back on a breakup and, although the scars are still sore, there is also room for a bit of humour, like having first world problems such as realising she has only one bikini.

Her band mates Rachel Glassberg and Leah Corper have her back, their voices following her lead as she strays from the main melody to keep it interesting and challenging. Marlene Bellissimo supplied the choice notes and drones with her violin. Recommended if you like Kate & Anna McCarrigle.

Oh Hazar: shows in Hengelo & Hamont-Achel

Dutch art rock band Oh Hazar have announced a couple of shows to promote their debut EP Clair Obscur: "They have the hooks, the words, the breaks and the ability to string it altogether to create something very special indeed. They play with light and darkness, making it personal or political and - as a whole - pretty intense. They shun the easy routes, sprinkling dissonants, feedback and unexpected rhythmic shifts in each track."

Beth Gibbons: Tiny Desk Concert

Watch English singer Beth Gibbons and her seven-piece band play four songs for a NPR Tiny Desk Concert.

Setlist:

1. Tell Me Who You Are Today
2. Floating on a Moment
3. Lost Changes
4. Mysteries

» bethgibbons.net

The Wedding Present: North American "Bizarro" tour

English indie darlings The Wedding Present are playing their Bizarro album in full during their North American tour. Like minded Welsh band The Tubs is booked as the support act. Tickets are available here.

Live dates:

• 05/19 Atlanta, GA @ Earl
• 05/20 Columbia, SC @ New Brookland Tavern
• 05/21 Durham, NC @ Motorco Music Hall
• 05/22 Washington, DC @ Black Cat
• 05/23.Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall Of Williamsburg
• 05/24 Cambridge, MA @ Sinclair
• 05/26 Montreal, QC @ Bar Le Ritz
• 05/27 Toronto, ON @ Great Hall
• 05/28 Cleveland Heights, Oh - Grog Shop
• 05/29 Chicago, IL @ Empty Bottle
• 05/30 Chicago, IL @ Do Division Street Fest
• 05/31 Saint Paul, MN @ Turf Club
• 06/03 Seattle, WA @ Madame Lou's
• 06/04 Portland, OR @ Mississippi Studios
• 06/06 Sanfrancisco, CA @ Chapel
• 06/07 Los Angeles, CA @ Lodge Room

» The Wedding Present on Facebook