In this 49th edition of LeftLion's Latest Listens, our music team reviews new releases from Richard Snow, Emily Ashberry, Pillow Fort and CATHEDRA...
Album: Richard Snow - Am I Really That Boring?
This album is a special 15th anniversary vinyl reissue of Richard Snow and the Inlaws’ previously released CD Am I Really That Boring?, and is in fact, anything but, with some standout tracks, some of which splendidly showcase his love for 1960s pop music, especially that of The Beatles.
Back in the day, half the fun of buying an album was savouring the artwork and info contained on the sleeve, and this 11-track album recreates these times wonderfully, along with pictures of the band which are also featured on the record’s centre.
The opening track, Stop Your Crying, shows off Richard’s beloved 12 string Rickenbacker to great effect, with some nice backing Beatles-ish harmonies; Middle Class Girl is another track that recalls that era with its earworms and addictive hooks; Good Guys Never Win is suggestively reminiscent of Joe Jackson; while Fishspeaker has a distinct Indie flavour. Taking a break from the 60s theme, 21st Century is Richard’s candid observation of present times, but the album’s centrepiece is the title track, with its striking riffs and repeated lyrics, and Richard asking, almost like Johnny Rotten, “Am I really that boring? - Yes I am, and I don’t care!”
Am I Really That Boring? was released on vinyl via
elasticstage.com/richardsnow (Claire Spencer)
Single: Emily Ashberry - The Bee Charmer
Inspired by the novel Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistlestop Café, The Bee Charmer is a song with a remarkable sense of place, the instrumentation transporting you into the hot Alabama day, feet firmly planted on the sun-baked earth of the American south. Folksy and bright, the melodies weave with the sparkling vocals beautifully, surrounding them with atmosphere redolent of clapboard houses and swaying crops.
But it's the subject of those vocals that remain most prominent throughout, the very human lives described so eloquently by Emily Ashberry’s exceptional writing as she references the forced secrecy of lesbianism in that time and a desire straining at those unjust societal limitations with a deftness and sweetness befitting the honey on the single’s cover. As both a singer and a storyteller, Ashberry singles herself out here as a fantastic and intriguing folk talent.
The single is the first from Emily's upcoming album Ocean Big & Wide, due for release on 23rd October. @emilyashberry (Kieran Lister)
Single: Pillow Fort - Codename Kids Next Year
With their first release in three years, three-piece alt band Pillow Fort have proved that a break can inspire and revitalise. The song just overflows with energy: a rush of emo intensity packed with rapidly worked guitars, urgent drums and fervent vocals. You'll also be entertained lyrically, with strong lines being spat out with vigour by founder Ryan Crick.
If you could bottle up the best of jagged American skate-punk, combine it with garage rock honesty and then filter it through Nottingham's sandstone bedrock you'd get something approaching Pillow Fort's sound.
Listen once and you'll come back wanting more; listen again and you'll be hooked. and there are whispers of a debut album later this year, so watch this space. @pillowfortuk (Phil Taylor)
Single: CATHEDRA. - Wasted Youth
The second single from a band still exploring their sound, and pushing the dark/coldwave genre into new regions. Wasted Youth has an intriguing cinematic feel, opening with rich, dusky sounds before broadening sonically with layered synths and a lo-fi beat. The dreamy vocals play a big part here, leading the ear onward and inspiring the underlying swirl of pads to explore and intensify.
This is a rewarding listen and an exciting indicator of CATHEDRA.'s future journey. @wearecathedra (Phil Taylor)
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