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.

 

TEN 2024 ALBUMS THAT DIDN'T GET THEIR DUE

On most weeks throughout the year, I write about stand-out albums that really grabbed me. But for every album that I write about, there are so many others that never get featured here on Sonic Subway. To right a wrong as the year comes to a close, here are are my top ten of those albums.

 

10. John Moreland, Visitor

John Moreland's Visitor is another standout album that reflects the Oklahoma singer-songwriter's introspection while exploring new sonic textures with atmospheric and electronic elements. 

9. Michael Kiwanuka, Small Changes

I’ve been a big fan of Michael Kiwanuka since I first heard his 2016 album, Love & Hate. It was and continues to be one of my favorite albums over the past decade. Kiwanuka’s latest album, Small Changes, once again highlights the British singer-songwriter’s soulful artistry, blending his rich vocals and warm instrumentation. 

8. English Teacher, This Could Be Texas

English Teacher’s This Could Be Texas delivers sharp, witty lyrics and great post-punk instrumentation, showcasing the band’s knack for blending humor with social commentary. Hailing from Leeds, the rising quartet has gained recognition for their energy and thought-provoking approach to modern indie music.

7. Maggie Rose, No One Gets Out Alive 

Maggie Rose's fourth album, No One Get's Out Alive, seamlessly blends Americana, soul, rock, pop, and folk into a contemporary sounding album that showcases Rose's skillful storytelling and powerful voice.

6. Jessie Murph, That Ain't No Man that's The Devil

Jessie Murph’s Ain't No Man That’s The Devil shows off her strong, fierce, and captivating voice, unfiltered storytelling, and a blending of some cool haunting melodies with a contemporary pop edge. Crazy that Murph is only twenty years old.

5. Leif Vollebekk, Revelation

Canadian singer-songwriter Leif Vollebekk's fifth album, Revelation, wonderfully blends narrative lyrics with cinematic arrangements, reflecting Vollebekk's spiritual explorations and dreams during the COVID-19 lockdowns. 

4. Been Stellar, Scream From New York, NY 

Been Stellar has been getting quite a bit of attention in the NY City music scene and rightfully so. Their indie rock sound feels like the channeling of the restless energy of the city. And it's greatly showcased on their debut album Scream From New York, NY.  

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3. Yard Act, Where's My Utopia

Leeds, UK, Post-Punk band, Yard Act's debut album, The Overload, was a top ten album for me in 2022. Two years later they have return with Where's My Utopia? Co-produced with Gorillaz member Remi Kabaka Jr., the album marks a stylistic shift incorporating diverse musical influences including disco (really). It's a great step forward for the band and a great album.

2. Vampire Weekend, Only God Was Above Us

Ezra Koenig has done it again. Only God Was Above Us, Vampire Weekend's fifth album, finds Koenig once again fusing pop, baroque pop, Afro-pop, and classical to perfection create a sound scape that can only be of his making.  

1. MJ Lenderman, Manning Fireworks

MJ Lenderman's distinctive blend of alt-country and indie rock provides the perfect backing for the 25 year old singer-songwriter's candid, off-beat, and insightful lyrics.