CYMANDE, RENASCENCE

Cymande, the legendary British funk band, has returned with their latest album, Renascence. Formed in 1971 by a group of Afro-Caribbean musicians in London, the band developed a distinctive fusion of funk, reggae, jazz, and soul, which they called "nyah-rock." Though they gained international recognition, touring with artists like Al Green and performing at the Apollo Theater, they remained largely underappreciated in the UK. After releasing three albums, they disbanded in 1974, but their music lived on, finding new audiences when hip-hop artists began sampling their tracks in the 1980s and 1990s.

This revival of interest led to their reunion in the 2010s, culminating in A Simple Act of Faith (2015), their first album in over 40 years. As their influence continued to grow, they were inspired to return to the studio once again, resulting in Renascence. 

Listening to it, I was blown away by just how good the band sounds after fifty years. Their sound is vintage Cymande with some new, fresh influences sprinkled in. Driven by both nostalgia and a desire to continue their musical journey, Cymande are proving their timeless relevance in the world of funk and beyond. Honestly, it just doesn't get much better than this.

THE GENTLE SPRING, LOOKING BACK AT THE WORLD

The Gentle Spring’s debut album, Looking Back at the World, marks the return of Michael Hiscock, co-founder of The Field Mice, alongside Emilie Guillaumot and Jérémie Orsel. Known for helping define the emotional honesty and pop melodies of 90s Brit indiepop, Hiscock and his new bandmates have crafted a collection of songs that maintain the light, sensitive qualities of The Field Mice but with a more mature, introspective lens which can only happen with the passage of time. 

Blending strummy acoustic guitars, sparsely placed keyboards, cellos, sophisticated guitar textures, and hushed vocals, the group has created a sound that is both gentle and richly layered. With its understated melodies and delicate lyrics exploring love, loss, and reflection, Looking Back at the World is a beautifully crafted and heartfelt album. 

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.