Ollie Judge (vocals, drums), Louis Borlase (guitar, vocals), Anton Pearson (guitar, vocals), Laurie Nankivell (bass), and Arthur Leadbetter (keyboards) were drawn together while studying in Brighton, England, united by a shared love for experimental music—its unpredictability, freedom, and ability to push beyond conventional song structures. In 2016, they formed Squid, quickly developing a distinctive sound that blended post-punk, jazz, and electronic influences. Since then, they have embraced the challenge of crafting music that feels spontaneous and immersive, incorporating unusual rhythms, shifting time signatures, and layered textures.
Their first two albums pushed sonic boundaries in ways which I have to admit was a bit much for me at times. But with their third release, Cowards, Squid introduces a new sense of restraint, which is welcomed. While still adventurous, its nine songs are more approachable, balancing complexity with clarity. Exploring themes of evil and moral ambiguity, Cowards is an evolution for Squid, refining their experimental tendencies without losing their edge. It’s singular in its creativity and one of the more fascinating albums that I’ve heard in some time.
What do you get when you bring together two great guitarists and musicians with leanings toward '60s and '70s psychedelic rock and shared California roots? In the case of Ty Segall and Color Green's Corey Madden, you get their new collaborative project, Freckle. Their self-titled debut blends fuzzed-out guitars, sunlit harmonies, and freewheeling jams into a sound that’s both nostalgic and fresh. Tracks like Paranoid and For the Last Time balance heavy, riff-driven grooves with reverb-soaked melodies. Segall’s raw energy and Madden’s fluid guitar work complement each other effortlessly, making Freckle a cool trip through modern psychedelia.
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’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.
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.
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.
What I love about music is its power to transport me. Sometimes it’s unexpected, sometimes it’s exactly where I want to be. A single melody can unlock memories I didn’t realize I still carried, while certain chords or lyrics take me to another time or place. Some songs feel like home, offering shelter, while others deliver me to an unknown place or space, stirring emotions I can’t quite name. In this way, music isn’t just sound—it’s a sonic subway, delivering me to a station of refuge or one I never knew existed.
Music has always been an important part of my life. My family and friends knew this well, often asking me what I was listening to and what I liked. It was always humbling to be asked, and eventually, I gathered the courage to create this music blog—to put into words what draws me to certain music and why.
Over the years, my passion for writing has grown, along with my excitement for sharing musical discoveries. I hope your time here sparks excitement and leads you to a musical discovery of your own. More than anything, I hope your visit brings a little joy to your day.
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