Inhaler – It Won’t Always Be Like This (Polydor)

Inhaler were going to feature in one of my last New Band Specials, but their album dropped so quickly that they’re no longer an unknown entity, especially since we found out that they include Bono's brother Elijah on vocals, but that not important as the music speaks for itself. It’s classic indie rock, all anthemic choruses and radio-friendly hooks, and the assured musicianship makes up for any naivety in the lyrics.          

    
Inhaler - It Won't Always Be Like This

Ghosts Of Jupiter - Keepers Of The Newborn Green (Self-released)

I hadn’t heard this band before I got this album, but on checking them out I found that their early records were guitar/organ stoner rock, whereas this is more pastoral progressive rock. The lyrics might reflect modern issues, such as the pandemic, the media and politics, but setting them to prog-rock instrumental passages means they don't come over as too preachy. Overall it’s a very successful change of direction.   

    
Ghosts Of Jupiter - The Undertaking

Goat - Headsoup (Rocket Recordings)

Goat are probably my favourite modern psychedelic band, but with seven albums and numerous singles, where do you start if you don’t know them? Well, this collection of b-sides, radio edits and unreleased tracks is as good a place as any, as it gives a fine overview of what these freaky Swedes have been up to since 2012. If you like what you hear then check out their brilliant ‘World Music' debut album.       

    
Goat - The Sun The Moon

Roy - Roy’s Garden (Bandcamp)

Roy is the brainchild of one Patrick Lefler, who is a psychedelic scholar with a deep musical knowledge of the genre, and he’s put it to good use on this, his fifth album. This is very much a homage to the 60’s, with fuzz-laden rockers next to Wilson-esque pocket symphonies, and you can hear the care taken to get the feel just so. Following his recent alien visitation concept album, this one is much more down to earth.            

    
Roy - In The Garden Defeated

Ringlefinch - Tall Tales (Folkroom)

 

Ringlefinch formed in 2012, and following a number of line-up changes have settled as a seven-piece for the recording of their first real album after releasing a couple of EPs. Led by songwriter/vocalist Andy Logan, the band seem to revel in the tall tales of the title, with songs based on folklore from the past, as well as some heartfelt ballads, and the playing from the whole band is superb. If you like folk/rock, then give it a try.   

    
Ringlefinch - Edward Gorey's Gory Stories

Tangents – Timeslips & Chimeras (Temporary Residence)

Australian band Tangents have been around since 2010, releasing three albums of improvised electro/ post-rock. Long jams are recorded and then edited in post-production and overlaid with other instruments and effects to produce semi-structured pieces which include jazz, rock and electronics. This double disc combines last years digital only 'Timeslips' with new music on 'Chimeras', and rewards investigation.        

    
Tangents - Vessel

Low – Hey What (Sub Pop)

 

It’s been three years since Low's last album, but this one carries on the extraordinary sounds of ‘Double Negative’ as if they were made at the same time. What seemed like an aberration at the time has now become the norm, with jagged distortion overlaying the sweet vocals of Alan and Mimi at the heart of the songs. I've loved the hushed beauty of Low’s music for years, but this new direction is growing on me.       

    
Low - White Horses