ROSE CITY BAND, SOL Y SOMBRA

Five years and five albums in, guitarist and vocalist Ripley Johnson and his Rose City Band continue to impress. On their latest album, Sol y Sombra, the band maintains their signature laid-back vibe while exploring a fresh approach to production. Drawing inspiration from the raw, intimate essence of private press records from the early '70s, Johnson, along with pedal steel guitarist Barry Walker, keyboardist Paul Hasenberg, and drummer John Jeffrey, embraced minimalist production to create a warm, organic sound. The result is an album that captures the timeless charm and emotional honesty often found in these rare, handcrafted recordings—a perfect match for Rose City Band's easygoing style.

 

TUNNG, LOVE YOU ALL OVER AGAIN

Time flies for Tunng, whose self-coined "pagan folktronica" first emerged over 20 years ago in East London with singles on Static Caravan. Their 2005 debut album, This is Tunng... Mother’s Daughter and Other Songs, blended acoustic guitars, poetic musings, and crackling electronics into a fusion of the rustic and synthetic. Now, their eighth studio album, Love You All Over Again, revisits this signature sound, with co-founder Mike Lindsay describing it as a conscious return to their roots—a full-circle moment that feels fresh again. 

As a longtime fan, I’ve always admired Tunng's quirky, innovative approach to merging pastoral themes, electronic elements, and surreal humor, and this new album is a fitting celebration of their 20 years of uniqueness.

 

PIGEON PIT, CRAZY ARMS

Hailing from Olympia, WA, just an hour south of Seattle, Pigeon Pit is a band whose sound is hard to pin down. Blending indie, punk, and country influences, they embrace a maximalist style. On Crazy Arms, their fourth LP and first as a touring six-piece band, they explore a new chaotic sound while celebrating humanity’s contradictions and flaws. Front-woman Lomes Oleander describes it as a collection of love songs that confront the overwhelming realities of the world, urging listeners to embrace their messy, beautiful selves. 

Drawing inspiration from bands like The Weakerthans, early Modest Mouse, and The Violent Femmes, Pigeon Pit pairs introspective lyrics with raw, anthemic energy and a rebellious vibe that keeps you engaged and on your toes.

 

EX-VÖID, IN LOVE AGAIN

London-based band Ex-Vöid, led by former Joanna Gruesome members Lan McArdle (vocals) and Owen Williams (guitar and vocals), blend timeless guitar pop with a punk spirit. On their second LP, In Love Again, McArdle, Williams, Laurie Foster (bass), and George Rothman (drums) deliver concise, hook-laden tracks with jangly guitars and bittersweet melodies. The album captures the band's evolution from chaotic power punk to polished pop, weaving in elements of 90s indie rock, power pop, punk, country, and self-assured songwriting. Their sound is marked by energy and an undeniable sense of melody, with varied arrangements that showcase the band's growth as true students of perfect pop.

 

PASTEL, SOULS IN MOTION

Early '90s Britpop, shoegazing, and psychedelic rock are alive and well thanks to a number of rising UK bands, including Manchester rockers Pastel. The five-piece band has quickly become known for blending these nostalgic influences with a modern sound. Drawing inspiration from legendary bands like The Verve, The Charlatans, Shack, and Ride, Pastel crafts music that features dreamy melodies, captivating rhythms, and a distinctive blend of vintage and contemporary rock elements.

Their 2021 debut EP, Deeper Than Holy, marked the beginning of their rise, and in 2022, they made history as the first unsigned band to support Liam Gallagher at his iconic Knebworth shows. Now Pastel has finally released their highly anticipated debut album, Souls in Motion. Showcasing their signature fusion of shoegaze, psych-rock, and Britpop, the band has pushed their sound to even greater heights. With their ever-growing fan base and a sound that continues to evolve, Pastel is poised to become one of the most exciting names in the UK rock scene.