Holiday Ghosts “West Bay Playroom”
Falmouth, UK band is a wonderful amalgam of The Clash and The Modern Lovers, with a youthful energy that recalls a primitive rock ’n’ roll sound. Originally starting out as a solo project from Sam Stacpoole, the band evolved into a partnership with Katja Rackin. The opener “Low Flying Bird” you’ll hear the Strummer-like shout, “wee-hoo” backing vocal and catchy guitar riffs. I was sold right away and then Katja adds her touch to “Thinking of You” with its infectious rhythm.
The songs are mostly short and sweet, and the playing style is loose and fun. The traditional rock style of “B.S. Porche” and “Cobra” wouldn’t be out of place alongside The Kingsman’s “Louie, Louie” from 1963. The band gets creative on the catchy “Stuck Here” and “Take Heed.” It’s like having an old soda shop jukebox in your playlist. Check it out!
La Fille “Alright Already”
La Fille (pronounced la-fee) is a Seattle band whose music has been described as indie-rock and power-pop. Frontman Jay Louis met drummer Joe Oakes via a Craigslist and then added Tom
Moskal on bass and Jackson Fahey on lead guitar. The bands’ sound reminded me of those Elephant Six bands of the early aughts (for example, Apples in Stereo) but with a connection to today’s modern pop.
The opener “Letting Go” boasts powerful chords on with Jay’s honest vocal and self-deprecating lyrics. “I’m Movin’ On” is a laid-back punk track, with a thick drum beat, and it follows with the slow tempo of “Everyday Feels Like I’m Getting Older.” Jay explains “This song reflects on past anxieties and realizations that came at a turning point in my life. It’s a recognition of my new perspective and how I want to move forward and stop wasting time.” We do get some dance-pop with “Skyline,” but the guitar punches through on the title track and then “Piff” boasts a great bassline. It does flirt with some slowcore/shoegaze heaviness at times but as a whole, this is a compelling album. It definitely deserves to be heard!