Cmon Cmon

20 BEST TRACKS OF THE MONTH – JANUARY 2025

Posted on by JL

The best of the best of the past month

ALL TOGETHER

TRACK BY TRACK

– 1 –

Band: BOB VYLAN
Who: London‘s hip-punk-pop duo.

Track: DREAM BIGGER
One of the singles of last year’s 3rd
album Humble As The Sun.

The jackhammer returned now re-named Dream Bigger.


Amyl Taylor (and The Sniffers) – photo by TUTV – Antwerp, 2023

It features riot-gun rappin’ vocals from Australian
punk daredevil Amyl Taylor from Amyl & The Sniffers.

Bigger dream. Bigger havoc. Bigger Amyl.


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Instagram – Linktree
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– 2 –


Photo by Graham Noble

Band: DECLAN WELSH AND THE DECADENT WEST
Who: Post-rock-punk combo from Scotland. So far
they recorded/released two albums.

New single: CAREFREE

A stunning steamroller that gets under your skin faster than
you can say “this is bloody bonkers “. Its red-hot-blooded rush
doubles your adrenalin production on the spot. Blimey. Ecstasy.

Instagram – Linktree
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– 3 –


Promo photo

Band: FRANZ FERDINAND
Who: The Scottish power-pop
veterans.

Track: HOOKED

Best piece of their new 6th album The Human Fear.
Far better than the two average singles they dropped.

Addictive electricity.
Yep, you’ll get hooked.
Can’t escape the buzz.

Instagram – Facebook
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– 4 –

Band: THE LATHUMS
Who: British folk rockers with a massive following,
countless Mumford & Sons fans included.

Track: HEARTBREAKER
From their upcoming, 3rd LP, titled
Matter Does Not Define, out March 7.

A blazing hot crackerjack
driving your ears and your
legs crazy.

Instagram – Facebook
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– 5 –

Band: CHEST.
Who: Post-punk
combo from Paris.

Track: ACETA
From their debut EP,
that’ll land in February.

Aceta speaks to someone overwhelmed by anxiety. Someone feeling stuck, unable to
move forward, and uncertain about why. The song aims to bring comfort, offering a
reminder that doubt is a natural part of life and that it’s important to embrace these
turbulent phases, as they always pass with time.

Imagine Idles, Yard Act and Kneecap
throwing punches at each other.
Mind-blowing uppercut. Wowzers.


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Linktree
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– 6 –


Credit: Anya Forrest

Band: MARSEILLE
Who: Juvenile rock wolves
from Derbyshire, UK.

New single: HISTORY
The song is a love letter to the
dreams we all had as children.

TUTV: These young British gunslingers echo the early hopped-up days of global rock champs Oasis. They have the Gallaghers‘ sassy swagger, cocksure verve and champagne supernova groove. And the vocalist is Liam‘s son, well he could be.

They look cool, they act cool and they sound supersonic cool. They don’t look
back in anger, they want to conquer the future. D’ you know what I mean?


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Instagram – Echo Bass Records
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– 7 –

Band: SKUNK ANANSIE
Who: Famous British noizz rockers SKUNK ANANSIE,
fronted by the awesome Skin.

Track: AN ARTIST IS AN ARTIST
Their first single in 3 years and according to
a press message “the surprising first taste of
what’s to come from the band in 2025”.

An Artist Is An Artist is an instant striking stroke pushed by a mind-boggling
speedy velocity, Skin‘s hyperactive rapping, a paranoid saxophone and a
flabbergasting chorus. Not the titanic bombast we’re used to. Mind you,
still loud enough to wake your neighbours. Fucktastic flare-up.

Instagram – Linktree
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– 8-


Press photo by Destiny Robb

Band: CHARM SCHOOL
Who: The latest project from Andrew Sellers who, originally from Louisville (KY),
has paid his dues in both the NYC and LA DIY music scenes, and his various bands
have played with seminal acts like Joan of Arc, Grizzly Bear & At The Drive-In.

Track: WITHOUT A DOUBT 
Cut from their upcoming LP, titled ‘Debt Forever‘,
out on January 24th. More info here.


Album artwork

Sellers about the track: “It’s by far the most pensive, melancholic song on the record, and it seems fitting that it’s coming out right now, amidst all the turbulence in the world. The main theme of this new record is financial uncertainty (or just uncertainty in general), so the main thing I remember about this song is the refrain “Please don’t let me run out of money” coming out randomly during practice one day.”

Interpol guitar echoes are the backbone of
this glorious mid-tempo gem. Close your eyes
and lose yourself in this riveting masterstroke.


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Instagram – Facebook
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– 9 –

Band: THROWING MUSES
Who: Legendary indies fronted by
mesmeric voice Kristin Hersh.

Track: SUMMER OF LOVE
Single from the Muses‘ upcoming, 11th longplayer,
baptized Moonlight Concessions. Comes our way
on March 14.

The song was inspired by a bet Hersh had with a guy for
a dollar that revolved around the idea that the seasons
don’t change us.

Kristin Hersh strums her acoustic guitar
as she did/does her wayward way for years
now, on this sonic hypnotizer. It gets under
your skin without asking permission.

Instagram – All Albums
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– 10 –

Band: CMON CMON
Who: Brussels/London-based indie rock trio,
who started to realize their childhood dream
in their 40s.

New track: TURN OFF THE LIGHTS

It’s the second shared song from their upcoming, new EP, titled Headwind.
It follows CC’s excellent 2023 debut album The Crack And The Light.


Striking artwork by Belgian designer Lisa Van de Vyver with
cover images by Swedish photographer Moa Karlberg.

Turn Off The Lights is exhilarating guitar pop that sticks
on the spot. It has all the entertaining ingredients to be
added to your on repeat list.

An effervescent flow, a dominant and steadfast drum beat, an awesome guitar solo, romantic vocals, blithesome harmonies and a resonant chorus. Sonic warmth in winter.
CC hit the bullseye again!

Linktree – Facebook
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– 12 –

Band: MUMFORD & SONS
Who: London’s famed folk-rockers.

Track: RUSHMERE

I had no clue these guys were still around.
But with this contagious TUNE they triggered
my ears right away.

Instagram – Website
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– 13 –

Band: SNAPPED ANKLES
Who: London-based synth mavericks, incorporating
elements of performance art and art rock. Masked
and dressed up as threes on stage.

Track: SMART WORLD
Third single from their new upcoming album Hard Times Furious Dancing. Out on
28 March.

Snapped Ankles never let you down
when you love to sway yourself gaga
to electro dancefloor uplifters like
this acid house one.

Instagram – Linktree
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– 14 –


Credit: Julie R. Kane

Band: RATTLE
Who: Musicians Katharine Eira Brown and Theresa Wrigley formed in
2011 after meeting on the live circuit whilst both playing in other bands.

Track: RITUAL

It is inspired by Boleskin House in Scotland, once
inhabited by occultist/writer Aleister Crowley.

Drums thud non-stop and put
you in a trance. ghostly vocals
augment the eerie mystique.
Intriguing and spellbinding.

Instagram – Bandcamp
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– 15 –

Artist: ERIC SCHROEDER
Who: Very productive San Diego-born songwriter
and multi-instrumentalist who released no less than
5 albums in just 4 years and a new one is waiting
in the pipeline.

Track: EMILY
Piece from his new, forthcoming LP
named Cat’s Game out on April 11.

The lyrics speak to a lost love, as he sings, “I long to be where the colors tease, and her love concedes” with wounded swagger benefitting the paradoxical paradise of psychic devotion. There’s a unique form of bittersweet American poetry in Schroeder’s ability to make you feel the weight of longing with every lancing line.

A guitar-infused reviver from start to finish.
Catchy as hell. Emily will bounce around in
your head for quite a while.


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Instagram
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– 16 –

Band: HOT HAIL!
Who: Seattle-based darkwave
act. Brainchild of songwriter Billy Sigil.

Track: HORRIFIC
It follows the 3-track debut EP
Dance Your Body Broken.

Depeche Mode vibes, a touch of New Order and Bauhaus echoes.
Apocalyptic danger in the dark. The world is in a really bad place.
Have a last doom and gloom dance before it’s all over.


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Instagram – Linktree
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– 17 –


Single Artwork Photo by Max Power Photography

Artist: TRISTAN ARMSTRONG
Who: Skilled composer and lyricist finding beauty in the quotidian struggles of urban life. His music combines a sense of earnest romanticism and poignant introspection, with a guitar-centric aesthetic.

Track: THE LONELY AVENUE
A cathartic release of rock-and-roll energy inspired by the dualities
of urban life and a longing for home. Written during his early days
in Toronto after moving from Vancouver Island.

Expect a tsunami of riffs and a pulsating
bass engine juiced with avid vocals.

Instagram – Spotify
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– 18 –

Artist: MR BILLY FRITZGERALD
Who: Dublin-based solo artist writing lush indie-pop songs
that simultaneously bathe in the faded light of heartbreak
while pulling you on to the dancefloor.

Track: LET US BE (SINGLE)
Song from his upcoming debut album,
titled ‘A Grand Romantic Gesture’, out on
Feb 20th.

Lyrically the track explores the theme of being with someone when everyone else thinks it’s a bad idea. Billy draws on his own experience, while growing up and learning how to be in a relationship and developing those tools, inevitably and regrettably, people get hurt along the way. Here he delves into this, as he declares love and devotion while facing down the barrage of words against the union. A true Romeo and Juliet story.

Tremendous intro. Infectious upper
juiced with sparkling guitar play,
a puissant, foot-tapping drum beat
and intensive vocals.


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Linktree
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– 18 –

Artist: BOB MOULD
Who: Former Hüsker Dü frontman.

Track: HERE WE GO CRAZY
Title song of his upcoming,
15th longplayer.

Mould about the album: “On the surface, this is a group of straightforward guitar pop songs. I’m refining my primary sound and style through simplicity, brevity, and clarity. Under the hood, there’s a number of contrasting themes: Control and chaos, hypervigilance and helplessness, uncertainly and unconditional love.”

Vintage Mould passion.
Affective. Sticks immediately.

Instagram – Spotify
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– 19 –

Artist: STEPH SWEET
Who: Arresting British
songstress.

Track: TUESDAY LOVE

The shadowy aura of Mazzy Star,
the mysterious karma of Tess Parks.
Dim the lights and let this torch song
capture your soul.


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Instagram – Website
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– 20 –


New album artwork

Artist: SHARON VAN ETTEN
Who: Renowned Brooklyn-based
singer-songwriter.

Track: TROUBLE
Song from her 7th LP, titled
Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory,
out on 7 February 2025.

Her first album which credits her band, named
for the occasion, The Attachment Theory.

One of the finest and most sensuous voices
of the past years. Van Etten charms even
when she’s in trouble.

TURN UP THE VOLUME

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CMON CMON – Guitar Pop Addicts Score Again With New Exhilarating Track ‘TURN OFF THE LIGHTS’

Posted on by JL

Daily electricity to load your batteries

20 January 2025

Band: CMON CMON
Who: Brussels/London based indie rock trio,
who started to realize their childhood dream
in their 40s.

New track: TURN OFF THE LIGHTS

It’s the second shared song from their upcoming, new EP, titled Headwind.
It follows CC’s excellent 2023 debut album The Crack And The Light.


Striking artwork by Belgian designer Lisa Van de Vyver with
cover images by Swedish photographer Moa Karlberg.

TUTV: I’ll start with my hungry ears’ final impression. Turn Off The Lights is exhilarating
guitar pop that sticks on the spot. It has all the entertaining ingredients to be added to your on repeat list.

An effervescent flow, a dominant and steadfast drum beat, an awesome guitar solo, romantic vocals, blithesome harmonies and a resonant chorus. Sonic warmth in winter. Score!

WATCH/LISTEN

STREAM


.
Linktree

20 BEST TRACKS OF THE MONTH – NOVEMBER 2024

Posted on by JL

ALL TOGETHER


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TRACK BY TRACK

– 1 –


Press photo

Band: DITZ
Who: Unbridled post-punks from
Brighton, UK (where everybody is
in a band).

Track: TAXIMAN
Piece from their forthcoming second longplayer, baptized
Never Exhale. It’ll hit the streets on 25 January 2025. Pre-order
info here.

TUTV: Taximan does your head in the way we, brainbangers, like it. Bam Bang Boom.
No mercy for the wicked. Maddening mayhem as usual. You better check out if Robert ‘Travis’ De Niro is behind the wheel before taking a cab.

Helter skelter.


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Linktree – Bandcamp
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– 2 –


Press photo

Last August former white stripe JACK WHITE (aged 49 now) released
one of the best LPs of the year with powerhouse record NO NAME,
his 6th solo one. A crazed punk blues LP with a total of 13 thunderous
outbursts.

Track: YOU GOT ME SEARCHING

TUTV: I’m quite sure that this song was recorded during the No Name
sessions. Anyway, it’s as if Jimi Hendrix woke up from the dead for a day
to play firework guitar on this blistering blow.

Instagram – Spotify
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– 3 –

Band: GETDOWN SERVICES
Who: Two flamboyant
weirdos from Bristol, UK.

Track: DOG DRIBBLE
From the duo’s brand new 6-track EP
Your Medal’s In The Post.


New EP artwork

TUTV: Dog Dribble operates somewhere between Yard Act and Sleaford Mods.
Its limbs-activating groove is simply irresistible. Get up, stand up, and fight
for your right to move in mysterious ways.

Instagram
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– 4 –


Album artwork

Band: LAMBRINI GIRLS
Who: A two-motor punk bulldozer from Brighton, UK who have built
a notorious reputation over the past 2 years, on record and on stage.

Track: LOVE
Piece from the duo’s upcoming debut LP
Who Let The Dogs Out. Out next year, on
January 10.

TUTV: Don’t be mistaken, it’s not because the new single is titled ‘Love’
that LB wrote their first-ever song about the birds and the bees. According
to the lambrinis tandem, ‘true love is nothing more than the wrong hill to die on”.

It’s one of their best knockouts so far.
An amazeballs wall-of-flaming-guitar racket
and a manic drummer with 4 arms. Hell yeah.

Instagram – Spotify
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– 5 –

Band: BILLY ZACH
Who: German act described by singer/guitarist
Max Zacherl as “the sandpaper of pop music”. So
far, they canned/released two albums.

Track: PAINTED NAILS
Single from their notable brand new 5-track EP, called
Interferer (you can stream/buy it below via Bandcamp).

TUTV: Painted Nails is a flabbergasting post-punk tour de force, a jawdropping
psychedelic trip burning its way through a turbulent trip, fired-up by schizophrenic
guitars and bone-chilling vocals. Petrifying thrill.


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Linktree – Spotify
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– 6 –

Artists: SLEAFORD MODS and HOT CHIP.

Track: CAT BURGLAR

The rap-punk poets teamed up with the famous synth-pop band to collect money for help organization WARCHILD. An organization that works with parents, caregivers, community members, NGOs, governments, corporations, and other partners worldwide to ensure that children have access to protection, education, and psychosocial support.

It’s an unlikely collaboration, but it’s pretty cool that they do it together
for charity. They recorded 2 tracks in London’s famed Abbey Road studios.
You can buy both here, via Bandcamp.

One of them is a frisky punk-disco stomper; called CAT BURGLAR


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Website Warchild
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– 7 –

Band: CAMLANN
Who: Intruiging Indonesian
dark disco duo.

Track: RONNY (BURN IN HELL)
The song is deeply rooted in the personal experiences of lead singer Ony Godfrey,
who candidly addresses the sexual harassment she faced as a teenager at the hands
of a middle-aged man named Ronny. Through this powerful narrative, Camlann channels
a raw and unfiltered expression of female rage that resonates with many women who
have endured similar traumas.

TUTV: Expect a knockout headbutt, an in-your-face sucker disco-punk punch.
Hells bells. A blazing blast that goes after all sexual abusers out there. Bullseye.
The message is loud and clear. To hell with all harassing predators. NOW!

“You have played with fire
And the fire’s now burning you alive
So have fun suffering
‘Cause God knows that you will be
Burn in hell forever”


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Instagram – Spotify
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– 8 –

Artist: KELE
Who: Bloc Party‘s maestro.

Track: KINTSUGI
From his 7th solo LP. The Singing Winds Pt. 3
and lands next year, on January 17th.

TUTV: Kintsugi is a funky and zippy riff-infused
tune that bounces on the dancefloor in your head
for a wild while.


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Instagram – Spotify
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– 9 –


Photo credit: Frank Fieber

Band: FAT DOG
Who: London disco-punk cowboys, guilty of
releasing one of the best debut LPs of the
year with Woof.


(Brussels, 10 October 2024 – Photo by Turn Up The Volume)

Track: PEACE SONG

TUTV: The band say they have written this energizer, they want to compete
with at the Eurovision Song Contest of 2035. Say what?. The big question, of
course, is ‘will the world still turn in 2035?‘ as devastating wars destroy lives
every single day on half of our planet and the future doesn’t look bright
whatsoever. We can only hope for peace.

Instagram – Spotify
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Photo by Jim Fuller

Artist: SOMEBODY’S CHILD
Who: Musical project led
by Irish songsmith Cian Godfrey.

Track: TIME OF MY LIFE
First taster from his upcoming 2nd album
When Youth Fades Away, out 28 March 2025.


New album artwork

TUTV: If you can resist this epic guitar/drums/piano-driven earworm
you need to change your meds and/or consult your shrink and you’ll
have the time of your life.

Stupendous tune!

Instagram – Spotify
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– 11 –

Band: CANYONS AND LOCUSTS
Who: Two-piece garage rock act, Justin Keane (vocals, guitar) and Amy Young (drums, backing vocals), from Boston, MA. Fueled by the current chaos of the world and an urgent need to be part of the conversation, the two took the indie rock foundation they built in previous bands and upped the ante by adding new levels of noise via pervasive, edgy guitar sounds, low and thundery drumbeats, and emotional vocals.

Track: ANNA SAVE A LIFE

Rowdy piece the tandem’s forthcoming
2025 concept album, The Goal Gigolo.

TUTV: Another manic motherrocker from this duo who sound as a 4-motor hit-and-run band. As usual, amps way up, and the volume to the max. Riff-o-rama all the way while bashing drums do your head in. Garage punk ‘n’ roll at its turbulent best. Call your own Anna and challenge the anti-decibels police. Sounds like far-out fun, right? You betcha.


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Instagram – Linktree
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– 12 –


(photo by Turn Up The Volume)

Band: PRIMAL SCREAM
Who: Veteran stars with Scottish
roots, fronted by Bobby Gillespie.

Track: THE CENTRE CANNOT HOLD
Highlight from their new,
so-so LP Come Ahead.

The Scream on a roll.


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Instagram
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– 13 –

Band: FORGOTTEN DREAM
Who: Italian alt-rock group.

Track: RABBIT HOLE
Highlight from their brand
new album Distorted Karma.

Rabbit Hole is an invitation to explore life’s hidden corners, where desire and despair
often collide. The accompanying video clip immerses fans in distorted shadows and dramatic visuals, that perfectly mirrors the raw and introspective.

TUTV: Expect a motorized riff-ripper
with a titanic fists in the air chorus.
Steaming stuff. Punktastic!

Instagram – Spotify
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– 14 –

Band: NOVANOISE
Who: Italy’s rising alternative
punk rock outfit.

Track: LEVELS
It’s a fresh blend of punchy punk rock riffs, bold synth lines, and the undeniable
energy of frontwoman Luna Esmeralda Rizzi. Known for their high-voltage performances and cyberpunk flair, Novanoise delivers a track that’s both defiant and uplifting.
A shout-out to staying connected in a chaotic world.

TUTV: Levels is a high-voltage blowout,
with biting vocals, Herculean powerhouse
intensity and full-on electricity.

Bingo!


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Linktree
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– 15 –

Artist: PETER PERRETT
Who: Former frontman of legendary British new wavers
The Only Ones (1976–1982, 2007–2017)

Track: FOUNTAIN OF YOU
Single from his new, 3rd solo
album, named The Cleansing.

TUTV: It’s a heartfelt, sepia-colored musing where sparkling guitar lines
and Perrett‘s unique voice come together to shine. Moony melancholia in
motion.

Top!

Instagram – Spotify
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– 16 –

Band: CMON CMON
Who: Brussels/London based indie rock trio from Belgium,
who started to realize their childhood dream 5 years ago,
in their 40s.
.

New track: ALL THE OTHER KIDS
It’s the first taster from their upcoming, new EP, titled Headwind that’ll land
next year and recorded in renowked producer’s James Brown‘s studio in the
world-famous Portobello Road in London. It’ll follow CC’s 2023 debut album
The Crack And The Light.


Single artwork by Belgian designer Lisa Van de Vyver
with cover images by Swedish photographer Moarlberg.

TUTV: All The Other Kids is a breezy, zippy and riff-juiced
tune that brings notorious songsmith Evan Dando and his
Lemonheads to mind.

Its easy-going melody and feel-good vibe make you want to whistle,
hum, or sing na-na-na along. That’s what pop-ular music is about.

Linktree
________________________________________________________________________________________________

– 17 –


Photo Credit: Asher Thomas

Band: NEVERLESS.AM
Who: Prolific Boston trio who pulls threads from their hard
rock, psych, and funk influences to create a distinctive sound
that blurs a line between shoegaze and dream-punk.

Track: WILL I EVER?
Preview from their forthcoming
debut album, out in February.

It details a horrific personal experience vocalist and guitarist CA Newcomb endured
two years ago, as she relays the story and emotion of being hit as a pedestrian by a
drunk driver, sending her to the hospital and placing her on a long path to recovery.

TUTV: Woozy layers of fuzzy guitars and Alice-in-Wonderland vocals take you on a shoegazing trip to a place where reality and surreality meet. Btw, don’t get petrified
when you hear some freaky growling for a moment.

Press play.


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Instagram – Linktree
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– 18 –

Artist: BLAIR GILMOUR
Who: An 18-year-old multi-instrumentalist and singer/songwriter from Irvine, Scotland. Immersing himself in music at a young age, he quickly realised that performing helped suppress his Tourette’s tics. Diving into music on a sensory level, the young artist explores the secrets of songwriting, producing and performing, inviting listeners along for the journey.

Track: BURNING UP

The tune was written at a songwriting camp in Spain. Initially inspired by the heat of their environment, the song eventually transformed into a love song, with Blair exploring the question: “How can you love something or someone so much that you know it is bad for you and your mental health, but you’re still in it for the chase?” 

TUTV: Swirling pop bliss is what you get, adrenalized amorousness is
what you feel, euphoric elation is what you hear. Touch play and enjoy.


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Instagram – Linktree
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– 19 –

Band: WYLDERNESS
Who: Welsh shoegazers from Cardiff
with 2 full-lengths under their belt.

Track: BIG IDEA
First taster from their forthcoming new EP
entitled ‘Safe Mode‘ which will be released
in 2025.

TUTV: Glistening guitar sparks set the glistening tone
for this sonically colored rainbow, all the way through.
Woolgathering vocals and arresting melodiousness.


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Linktree – Spotify
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– 20 –


Peter Murphy – photo by Jolene Siana / Boy George – photo by Dean Stockings

Former Bauhaus voice/face PETER MURPHY (67) and Culture Club‘s voice/face
BOY GEORGE (63) team up for a beauty of an epic reflection. A romantic ballad
titled LET THE FLOWERS GROW with another legend, Killing Joke’s Youth taking
care of the track’s production.

The song was originally written by the Boy George with its initial message being
“one of personal acceptance about being gay. As the song developed, it took on a more expansive and universal scope with its lyrics extending beyond sexuality and embracing
race, gender, creed and religion.”

TUTV: It’s a surprising, but terrificallyt gripping heart-and-soul
collaboration. Starry-eyed magic spreading gold dust.

“I’ve been changing / and mama don’t know /
let her tears fall / and make the flowers grow,”

CMON CMON – From London To Brussels With ‘ALL THE OTHER KIDS’

Posted on by JL

Daily electricity to load your batteries

19 November 2024


Single artwork

Band: CMON CMON
Who: Brussels/London based indie rock trio from Belgium,
who started to realize their childhood dream 5 years ago,
in their 40s.
.

New track: ALL THE OTHER KIDS

It’s the first piece from their upcoming, new EP, titled Headwind that’ll land
next year. It’ll follow CC’s 2023 debut album The Crack And The Light.

The EP was recorded in The Netherlands, produced by James Brown, mixed in a studio situated in the legendary Portobello Road, London, and mastered by in Chicago, USA.

The origins of the new EP go back to a message from out of the blue. The trio had been writing songs for their second album when an unexpected offer altered their plans.

British producer James Brown had heard CMON CMON
on Spotify and fell instantly for them.

Jorrit (singer, guitarist, and main songwriter): “James messaged say he’d been driving in London and had to pull over because he loved our sound so much. He mentioned some of the bands he’d worked with – Suede and Razorlight, and invited us to London to record with him.”


EP Artwork

It wasn’t until the trio arrived at James’ studio on the world-famous
Portobello Road that they realized the scale of the invitation.

“It was the swankiest place we’d ever seen, whose recent clients include
Olivia Rodrigo, Stormzy, Skrillex, Sigrid and Burna Boy. Totally not our
usual environment.”

They grabbed the opportunity and left London a fortnight
later with the 4-track extended play Headwind completed.

All The Other Kids is the first taster. Its breezy, zippy and riff-juiced
flow bring notorious songsmith Evan Dando and his Lemonheads to mind.
The overall tone is both melancholic and infectious.

Its easy-going feel and feel-good vibe make you want to whistle,
hum, or sing na-na-na along. That’s what pop-ular music is about.

WATCH/LISTEN

STREAM


.
The wonderful single/EP artwork is by Belgian designer Lisa Van de Vyver
with cover images by Swedish photographer Moarlberg.

CC: Linktree

Turn Up The Volume’s 20 BEST ALBUMS OF 2023

Posted on by JL

1. ‘Heavy Heavy’ by YOUNG FATHERS

This sizzling Scottish trio nailed it big time with their 3rd LP. Heavy Heavy is one of those rare remarkable records that arouses from start to finish, with the cliché no fillers, all killers all over it. You hear its sonic brilliance, you feel its dauntless vocality, you realise quickly that this album is special, very special.


(Photo by Turn Up The Volume – Antwerp 2023)

An undisputable first-class work where vitalizing soul, ecstatic pop melodiousness
and self-willed hip-hop come together in an organic way. A spiritual happening.

Funk-punk drunk virtuosity with astonishing vocal teamwork.

STREAM


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2. ‘Sea Of Mirrors’ by THE CORAL (Liverpool, UK)

The seasoned psych-folk-pop-rock ramblers launched their 11th album, named
Sea Of Mirrors last September. Unquestionably one of their best in their succesful
career.


(Press photo via Maintain Perspective PR)

Expect a non-stop sequence of reflective pop fantasies, of tantalizing tunes
with a laid-back resonance and meditative musings that cause a welcome,
lazy state of mind.

Blissfully feelgood vocality, with a melancholic timbre, everywhere.

Gently weeping strings. A seamless sonic marriage of acoustic and electric guitars.
It’s vintage The Coral as we know them, but even more yearning for romanticism than before. So they left their island and travelled to their fictional Western reality where all
sorts of misfits try to survive. Americana, the Liverpool way.

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3. ‘Fronzoli’ by PSYCHEDELIC PORN CRUMPETS

The turbulent psych-rock team from Perth, Australia hit bullseye with
their 6th full lenght Fronzoli (meaning ‘something unnecessary added
as decoration’).


Press photo

Uppercut after uppercut, corker after corker, jackhammer after jackhammer and two breathers with Cpt. Gravity Mouse Welcome and the short acoustic beauty ‘Illusions of Grandeur’). Your ears need to be in great shape to absorb
this whirlwind record.

If PPC were animals they would be hungry wolves wandering in the deserts of Australia looking for prey. Their melting pot of glam metal, pithy punk, high-voltage pop and other noisy shout-outs results in an ecstatic body of infectious. Btw, am I the only one who thinks McEwan‘s voice resembles Arctic Monkey’s Alex Turner one (now and then) and vice versa, of course.

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4. ‘War Is Obsolete’ by THE BARBITURATES (Northern Island)

These Northern Irish political punk guerilla’s launched
a fully topical record titled War Is Obsolete
this year.

Here’s a message from their HQ in Londonderry.

“Some of The 1% are investors in the great big industrial war machine – the clearing / repairing of war torn cities / countries and rebuilding them along with there big pharma – food n supplies companies ect they make massive profits on all levels of war from the bullets n bombs fired to the food n medicine and everything you can imagine in between – this collection of sound scapes and anti war songs on this guerrilla ontological discordant meditation Ep are our SMALL way of trying to help raise money for the innocent human beings being punished and hurt because of other people’s ignorance – hate – fear – oppression!! ALL THE PROCEEDS OUR DIGITAL SALES NOW AND UNTIL THINGS INPROVE WILL GO TO THESE PEOPLE!!”

The Barbiturates care about our messed-up society, about humanity, about the weak, the poor and the outsiders, about tolerance, about inclusivity, about the desperate need for global peace. Couldn’t agree more.

Unfortunately, all the caring in the world can’t avoid (another) dirty war. After Russia invaded Ukraine early last year, Israel and Palestine started a filthy, deadly war in Gaza two weeks ago. Horrible, just horrible, again. One day a devastating world catastrophe will end it all.

War Is Obsolete is an intruiging, versatile and bone-chilling journey. Sonically with its experimental electronica psych jams and ambient, spacey orchestrations. The evil terror caused by war-and-power greedy scumbags needs to be stopped. The late great pacifist John Lennon never understood these murderous maniacs either, as we know it.

Purchase this record, digitally, 5£ or more.
All proceeds got to PCRF – Palestine Children’s Relief Fund.

BUY/SUPPORT


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5. ‘Ignore Grief’ by XIU XIU (California)

This Californian experimental act, founded in 2002 by singer-songwriter Jamie Stewart surprise every time they come up with new music. Also with Ignore Grief, already their
13th full length, XX impress mightily.


(Press photo)

Ignore Grief is not happy music, it’s grim reality music, it’s mind-boggling music.
Inventive, capricious and ideal as the soundtrack for one of David Lynch‘s hallucinatory films. Although after a couple of spins, you’ll find out that Xiu Xiu‘s spellbinding sonic exorcism is more accessible than you thought at first. Their orchestral manoeuvres in
the dark are flabbergasting.

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6. ‘One Man Band’ by MILES KANE (UK)

British retro-mod rocker Miles Kane, half of The Last Shadow Puppets
(the other half being his great friend and Arctic Monkeys’ maestro Alex Turner)
released his 5th LP, titled One Man Band’ last summer.

As he said himself multiple times Kane loves the swinging 60s/70s pop, rock
and soul splendor. So again, you hear here those flamboyant influences from the past. And he always comes up with upbeat tunes that stick and put a big smile on your face. Guitar pop at its cacthing best.

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7. ‘Songs Of Silence’ by VINCE CLARKE (UK)

The synth-pop musician/songwriter who started his career with Depeche Mode,
who he left after their 1981 debut album to form Yazoo (1981–1983, 2008-2011)
with grand voice Alison Moyet and later on he started Erasure with singer/songwriter
Andy Bell launched his solo debut LP with Songs Of Silence.

TUTV: If you don’t pay attention to the author of this record when you’re listening
to it, there’s a great chance that you think that it’s another ambient Brian Eno album.

The relaxing ambient atmospheres Clarke creates (Cathedral / Passage / Imminent / Last Transmission) are similar to the ones Eno composes/composed (29 solo LPs, so far).

Clarke paints synth-scapes with an overall symphonic sonority, with both classical
and futuristic sounscapes. This is the sort of cosmic music that calms me down after a busy day. Its relaxing effect soothes my buzzing mind. Tranquillizing, instrumental (except for Blackleg which is infused with eerie chants) uncomplicatedness for dark winter nights.

Silent majesty.
Sonic ear-massage.

STREAM

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8. ‘God Games’ by THE KILLS (US/UK)

Seasoned blues-rock duo THE KILLS – Alison Mosshart and Jamie Hince – are finally back with a new longplayer, their first in 7 years, following the swirling Ash & Ice album in 2016.


(Photo by Turn Up The Volume – Amsterdam, 2016)

God Games features fewer fireworks than on previous LPs, but the pair still move and groove with sonic fervour and melodramatic tunes, as we know them. Sultry, delirious and passional.

When Mosshart sings the blues, her heart-and-soul vocality draws all attention. Her tantalizing timbre and her midnight hour tone combined with Hince‘s edgy riffs and roasting hooks are what made me a Kills fan from day 1.

This 12-track record is a slow grower. Take your time, it’s all worth it.

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9. ‘Praise Of The Iconoclast’ by MORLOCKS (Sweden)

Swedish post-punk-Goth turbo MORLOCKS were formed last century by mastermind J.Strauss, and had several line-ups over the years. The trio operate around the borderlines between the collective subconscious, paradoxical multiverses and the bad conscience of the world, as we know it.

They travel either like sinister prowlers through the shadows, or like a raging
bulldozer, sneaking and bolting through and between the Cold War, radioactive wastelands, the catacombs of Rome and unspeakable dimensions beyond
the Unknown Kadath.

They care about humanity, they haunt everybody who doesn’t care, and they
embed their anger, frustration and hope in titanic, intimidating and cast iron
industrial bombast with loud and clear messages. Think Rammstein and NIN
having a sonic fight with riot guns. Doomsday is just around the corner and is
orchestrated by Morlocks.

STREAM/BUY


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10. ‘Islands In The Sky’ by DEATH VALLEY GIRLS (California)

The L.A. garage rock fury led by vocalist/guitarist/organist and natural-born
charismatic front-Amazon Bonnie Bloomgarden triumphed with their 5th LP
this year.


(Photo by Turn Up The Volume – Brussels, 2023)

Islands In The Sky is, without a shadow of a doubt, according to my trained ears, their
best achievement (so far). When you combine pop/rock songwriting quality, richly layered orchestrations, Bloomgarden‘s full-hearted vocal dynamism and tons of tunes (if anything else tunes are key) wrapped up in party-igniting vibes, you have a winner.

STREAM/BUY


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11. ‘Good Busy’ by THE IRRATIONAL LIBRARY (The Netherlands)

Dutch humanistic rock unit The Irrational Library is a pretty special affair.

A band with its roots firmly planted in both the regional and international
counterculture. They produce a raw, dirty groove influenced by punk,
provo, punk icons and spiced with sultry saxophone here and there.

Their poetry is packed with social criticism. They drew my ears’ attention with their 2021 album We Are… Doomed. An open-minded-plainspoken-asskicking-anti-establishement-and-other-scumbags opus.

The same biting spirit is present on their brand new full-length GOOD BUSY. Moody reveries and blasting belters alternate creating an overall stirring/roaring record in the end with, once again, a main role for highly dedicated and caring America-born frontman-punk-rapper-poet-storyteller Joshua Baumgarten.

STREAM/BUY

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12. ‘The Crack And The Light’ by CMON CMON (Belgium)

Belgian guitar pop/rock band CMON CMON started their second coming
about two years ago, driven by sheer love for music. Writing it, recording it,
sharing it, playing it live, and enjoying it along with their fans.

No masterplan whatsoever to conquer the world, no commercial pressure.
They restarted with one and only one goal. Making the best album their
experience and their hearts and souls could come up with.

A balanced mix of amplified guitar-infused dream pop tunes with a melancholic
and soothing touch. References? R.E.M, Dinosaur Jr., Teenage Fanclub, Sparklehorse
and The Chills, to name a few. I’m sure you get the sonic picture.

STREAM/BUY


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13. ‘A Headlong Fall Into The Vast Ocean Of Anxiety’ by EYEMOUTH (Sweden)

Expect atmospheric synth-scapes for soundtracks of sci-fi movies, mellow Pink Floyd echoes, dark-electro-wave surrealism, and an overall synth-symphonic sonority.

All mesmerizingly orchestrated with both classical and venturesome music structures. Now and then composer Marcus Lilja‘s ghostly voice adds an extra mysterious touch to
the instrumental grandeur at play. The power of nature in selectronic motion. Cinematic music that triggers your imagination.

STREAM/BUY


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14. ‘Back In The Room’ by THE DHARMA VIOLETS (Wales)

THDV embed 60s psychedelia in a blistering mix of flaming garage rock mania,
swaggering mid-tempo grooves, an impressive, amplified slo-mo jam right in the middle and a stunning opener with horns snippets of Primal Scream‘s e-tastic classic Loaded.

Overall I hear Beatles-like harmonies, multi-layered guitar extravaganza à la Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, steady drums/bass horsepower, sizzling six-string solos, psyched-out space steamrollers, 24 Karat riff-rushing rockers, some slow ones, and echoing vocals
from the eight miles high past. Final result: a hell of a must-hear record that I added to
my best-albums-of-2023 list. The Dharma Violets should be huge. FACT! Don’t miss them.

STREAM/BUY


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15. ‘Secret Life’ by FRED AGAIN… and BRIAN ENO

Weird collaboration? No, certainly not. The very popular EBM/house/hip-hop/DJ Fred and the legendary ambient wizard Brian Eno complete each other here perfectly. They create a sonic labyrinth where Eno‘s hallucinatory ambient waves progress in slow motion, causing a trance trip in a foggy environment while Fred‘s phantasmal vocals seem to come from an unknown universe.

Secret Life is a hushed, soothing companion for late-night mind entertainment after
another busy day and too much noisy music. Soothing, calming and triggering lazy dreaming.

STREAM/BUY


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16. ‘Shook’ by ALGIERS (US/UK)

With Shook this American/English outfit drew tons of critical praise. Rightly so.
It’s a tremendously varied work. They jump from zestful hip-rap-hop to forceful
post-punk-rock, to soulful lullabies, to arresting spoken-word protest, to sparkling
gospel. 54 minutes long, but you get sucked in every second. Wowzers!


(Press – FB Algiers)

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17. ‘Venom’ by WARGASM (UK)

London‘s nu-rap-metal sensation WARGASM – Milkie Way and Sam Matlock – shocked the indie punk world with their debut album, titled Venom.


Press photo

A vicious motherrocker of an album. A monstrous collection of left/right uppercuts.
A schizophrenic series pf brain-breaking slegdhammers you can win sonic wars with. Holy smoke!

STREAM/BUY


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18. ‘The Death Of Randy Fitzsimmons’ by THE HIVES (Sweden)

The Swedish amazeballs punk clowns The Hives are back in town. They unleashed
their new LP, called The Death Of Randy Fitzsimmons (I have no clue who that guy is?)
last summer.


📸 Bisse Bengtsson

Be ready for a tsunami of Molotov cocktails, punk-o-rama riffage, and yell-along
refrains spit out by primal screamer Pele. No rest for the wicked. Beware, this explosive record can damage your speakers. On the other hand, it’s the ideal soundtrack for banging your poor head against the kitchen wall and/or jumping up and down like a kangaroo on ecstasy.

Alert your neighbours before you start the deafening razzmatazz
and watch out for the anti-decibels police. Lots of LOUD fun.


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19. ‘This Stupid World’ by YO LA TENGO (US)

Yo la Tengo is all things indie. They follow their own capricious path, for almost
40 years now. They create uncomplicated melodies and then give them an edgy touch
that guides them in different directions. From acoustic to electric and back.

Different moods, different sonic tones. It’s old news that we live in a stupid world where political me, myself, and I leaders use the 2000-year-old trick of divide and conquer. YLT know too, of course, but reality as it is, obviously inspired them to make another rad record.

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20. ‘Clear Pound Road’ by KRISTIN HERSH (US)

The stirring Throwing Muses legend Kristin Hersh released
her new solo LP, titled Clear Pound Road last September.


(Photo by Turn Up The Volume – Belgium, 2022)

Expect Krautrock dynamics with an acoustic guitar and a mellow cello. Song by song,
the repetitive/rotating rhythms have a magnetic power. 10 intro/outro-spective sparks glowing, like the lights on the LP’s cover. Hersh‘s voice is singular, a bit hoarser than before, think Marianne Faithfull. I love both voices

STREAM


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INTERVIEW – Dreamy Guitar Pop/Rock Trio CMON CMON Explain What Their Debut Album Means Not What It Seems

Posted on by JL

21 July 2023

Belgian guitar pop/rock band CMON CMON started their second coming
about two years ago, driven by sheer love for music. Writing it, recording it,
sharing it, playing it live, and enjoying it along with their fans.

No masterplan whatsoever to conquer the world, no commercial pressure.
They restarted with one and only one goal. Making the best album their
experience and their hearts and souls could come up with.

Enter The Crack And The Light. The band’s very first longplayer.

A balanced mix of amplified guitar-infused dream pop tunes with a melancholic
and soothing touch. References? R.E.M, Dinosaur Jr., Teenage Fanclub, Sparklehorse
and The Chills, to name a few. I’m sure you get the sonic picture.

To get deeper into CMON CMON and their firstborn, I thank Jorrit Hermans, vocalist/guitarist, for taking time to tell us about themselves and the record.

But first, as usual, we start an interview with a slice of music. Enjoy one of the
LP’s highlights, the sprightly looking-back-and-forth gem ‘The Summers We Missed’.

Hello Jorrit,

CMON CMON had a first life about 20 years ago.
What or who inspired you to come back?

“We wanted to get back together as musicians because we missed playing
together and writing the songs we love but couldn’t hear on the radio.

So, our first goal was to have fun and share a laugh as friends.

Our second goal was to be ruthlessly creative and make the best album
we could possibly write. Nothing more. If you expect anything from music,
you’re expecting too much.”

What’s the story behind the band’s name?

“If you watch R.E.M.’s music video for “Imitation of Life”, you should pay attention
to the first 10 seconds. You’ll see a neon sign that reads CMON CMON. That’s where
we got the name from. Steven came up with this while we got back from London
on the Eurostar after we decided to launch the band.

The story behind the name? Well, that’s all about the attitude to just go out there and get it. Nothing is impossible in our world, and we love to encourage our fans with that positive message.”

Which track would you play to the people who never heard of you?

“Love that question! I guess it would be our debut album’s closing track “New Orleans” because it really is the summary of what the band is about: a captivating story, cool melody, vocal harmonies, big, jangly guitars, Rickenbacker basslines, and drums to die for.”


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The debut album is out now. It’s titled THE CRACK AND THE LIGHT.
What does it mean?

“The Crack and The Light” reflects the nature of the songs, all of which are true stories. They’re quite dark and twisted with lots going wrong, but what connects them is hope. That’s the crack and the light.”

The LP’s image is quite intriguing. What or who do you want
express with it and how is it related to the album’s title?

“We wanted to create a mysterious cover with lots of stopping power and symbolize
the album title. Meanwhile, we wanted to tell a little story with the cover in its own right.

If you look at that girl, she seems frozen in the air, and you ask yourself, ‘Is she falling?
Or is she jumping up?’ What happened in the seconds before that shot? Is it a positive or
a negative story? It’s all in the eye of the beholder. That’s what we loved to trigger with
this cover.”

Were all three of you involved in the writing/recording process?.

“Oh yes, writing together is what we love the best. I come up with rough song ideas and demos and throw them in the group, Michel and Steven take them apart and together we make them better. Same with recording, it’s what we do together as a group that makes it work for us.”

Do all songs are in some way connected
or do they all stand on their own?

“They all have a crack and a light in them so I would say they are thematically connected but not on a storyline level. In that sense, it’s not a concept album. Every song can stand on its own. But if you listen back in hindsight, they all share the same intention. Must be the universe that was on our side there.

Were you listening to other music while writing the album?

“Well, I can’t really listen to other music when I’m writing songs. Obviously,
we build on our backgrounds and inspiration from the heroes that went before
us, but songwriting with CMON CMON is a very intense, deep dive into emotions,
narratives, and arrangements that leave no margin at all to be able to process
other music than ours.

It’s just so compelling, and we always pour our very hearts into this every time again.”

Opening track SAY WHAT IT MEANS sets the sonic tone for the full
record. What did you want to reflect with its video?

“Lyrically, this song was fueled by my experiences with dishonest people who disguise their true intentions. I developed the lyrics to support people when they’re at their most vulnerable and delicate state of mind. Yet, this can be very powerful as well. So, here’s a plea to look at strength and vulnerability as two sides of the same thing. We hope it can help people to speak up and speak out to actually say what they mean.

It’s everyone’s right to do so. In the accompanying music video for “Say What It Means” by director Aline Boyen and DOP Michel Rosendaal and produced by Wenneker in Belgium, we watch how a group of teenagers chase another teenage girl. She’s being hunted and bullied and has to escape the glances, preoccupations and judgments of others. This
creates a strong tension because a very grown-up theme is played by a group of kids
who should be representing honesty and authenticity.

These kids start to yell brutally and run towards the protagonist. They chase her down
in a scary event that ends in darkness on a deserted country road. The story shows how we sometimes deal with other cultures, ideas, feelings and opinions. Who can escape the herd? How can we find the strength and the confidence to act our spirits?

This is what we wish for everyone. Especially kids growing up with social media, unintentional attention and everything that can go wrong with being misunderstood.

Just say what it means. Not what it seems.

My ears tell me that your overall sound is
reminiscent of Dinosaur Jr. Are they right?

You have an excellent pair of ears!

Suppose the album would be the soundtrack
for a movie, which one would it be?

Lovely thought! I guess I’d pick “Revolutionary Road” by Sam Mendes.

It has all the inevitable drama, insight into the human psyche,
lots of cracks but also a little light.

What’s the band ultimate goal?

“We have had a tremendous first year with worldwide critical acclaim and
amazing fan response, but our ultimate goal will never change. We’re not
in this band for achievement, we just want to add a little beauty to the world
and touch people’s hearts with our songs.

If we can do just that, who needs money or fame?”

Thank you very much, Jorrit, for this interview
May the road rise with CMON CMON.

STREAM


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BUY


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CMON CMON: Facebook – Instagram

20 BEST TRACKS OCTOBER 2022

Posted on by JL

A stream of rattling rippers, jagged jams, and magnific musings

All 20 on Spotify

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Track by Track

Blood-tingling Scottish dance-funk-punk trio YOUNG FATHERS
have their new, 5th LP, called Heavy Heavy out on 3 February 2023.

Sickly sticking stunner I SAW. is the first taster.
I added this spicy scream-along earworm to
my best-tracks-of-2022 list.

Touchdown!

YOUNG FATHERS: Facebook – Instagram

Finally back on track. James Murphy and his musical vehicle LCD SOUNDSYSTEM
are part of the soundtrack of the movie White Noise based on the 1985 novel by
American author Don DeLillo.

LCD Soundsytem still sounds like LC Soundsystem. New track NEW BODY RHUMBA
has that familiar hypnotic and groovy speed-up rhythm propelled by a steady bass riff, guitars popping up now and then and Murphy singing with his characteristic, nervous voice.

Catch the catchy vibes.

LCD SOUNDSYSTEM: Facebook – Instagram

Band: DECIUS (UK)
Who: Members of Trashmouth Records, Fat White Family (frontman Lias Saoudi)
& Paranoid London finding themselves climbing out of a hole together at a disco
after hours.

Single: SHOW ME NO TEARS

Put up your make-up and shake
your booty to the techno beat.

DECIUS: Facebook
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Last month dark-Goth-wave artist Raymond Watts aka PIG
unleashed his gloom and doom album The Merciless Light
.

Hammering brainbreaker THE DARK ROOM is one
of the many highlights on Turn Up The Volume‘s album
of the month.

Let’s roll…

PIG: Facebook – Instagram – Spotify
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Band: GLYTSH
Who: 2 seasoned female musicians from the London music scene.
They mix their love for metal music with their passion for dark and
haunting sonic soundscapes and visuals.

Single: SAV@GE

Want some references: Ho99o9, Skunk Anansie, Nova Twins. Fucking cool, right?
You betcha. Sav@ge is a badass piece, a metal beast. Hell bloody hell yeah!

GLYTSH: Facebook – Instagram
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Band: THE BYKER GROVE FAN CLUB
Who: Ponderous post-punk three-piece from the UK.

I heard and watched this British post-hardcore bulldozer play
in Antwerp, Belgium recently. They blew my mind and turned
me into an instant fan. What a find.

Here’s why…


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T.B.G.F.C: Facebook – Instagram – Spotify
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(photo by Niklas Hawkesworth)

Band: RED LAMA
Who: Formed by five friends from Svendborg, Denmark in 2011. Since then, the sextet has been refining their unique take on psych rock, music for the inner journey, carried forward by melody, groove and soundscapes exploding in grand crescendos.

Single: CHAOS IS THE PLAN
Third shared track from the upcoming new
album – their 3rd – Memory Terrain, landing
on 4 November.

Expect a hypnotic and magnetic psych jam moving
hauntingly, propelled by a groovy bass riff, sinister
synth layers, weeping guitars and emotive vocals.

Grand score!


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RED LAMA: Facebook – Instagram
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(Credit: Luci Lux, Chiara-Meattelli & Dominic Lee)

Band: THE PULL OF AUTUMN
Who: The art-rock collective of Rhode Island musician Daniel Darrow,
from 80s post-punk group Johanna’s House Of Glamour. working
constantly with other notable artists

New album – the 4th – Beautiful Broken World is a 15-track
undertaking that involves a number of experienced musicians.
It arrives on 18 November. Pre-order info here

The first single, named OUTLAW EMPIRE grooves and moves with Massive Attack‘s
trip-hop swagger, spacey reverberance, and a mesmeric, ongoing dub rotation. If you were/are a Pop Group fan you’ll recognize Maffia Godfather Mark Stewart‘s voice from
the first note.

It’s a beautiful swing-and-sway activator
for a broken world, as we know it.

Stream/buy here.


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THE PULL OF AUTUMN/RBM Records: Facebook
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(Press photo via C & The R)

Scottish post-hardcore punk and tattoo artist FRANK CARTER
and his RATTLESNAKES had their 4th longplayer Sticky out last year
(Carter also released 3 albums with his first band Gallows and 1 under
the moniker of Pure Love)

For new single THE DRUGS Carter invited his friend Jamie T to the studio.

An anti-drugs slam.
A nasty rant. Holy cow.

FRANK CARTER & THE RATTLESNAKES: Facebook – Instagram
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Artist: HANG LINTON
Who: British musician, visual artist, filmmaker
and avant-funk enchanter based in Berlin.

Debut single: SALE feat. LeBron Aggressive

TUTV: This funky hip-hop uplift does what great hip-hop vibes do. Having
a prompt impact on your hips’ movements that in turn activate your whole
body’s spryness. Think of rap hero Roots Manuva‘s flamboyant flow.

SALE is for sale, go get it.


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HANG LINTON: Facebook – Instagram
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Band: BUGEYE
Who: Female pop quartet from London blending cherry-liqueur lyrics, bubblegum-kneecap bass electrics, goth-heavy drum compactions & hi-rise guitar sculptures.

Single: SUMMER IN THE CITY
“A song that explores the highs and lows and stories of life in the city. From feeling like you’re winning in life, to turning a corner to tensions and violence, to dating app cringeworthy dating experiences and the death of David Bowie. It is a playful song that highlights our fickle nature and our scrolling boredom obsession.”

Time flies. It’s already 2 years since these 4 colorful Amazons had their swinging
dance-punk debut LP Ready Steady Bang out. But the wait is over with this new
firecracker. It’s sexy bugglegum pop, it’s groovy electro-funk, it’s effervescent fun.

Helloooo!


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BUGEYE: Facebook – Instagram
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Band: PAISLEY PARC
Who: Robust rockers from
Merthyr Tydfil, Wales

Single: COMPLICATED

“The song captures the frustrations of people across the globe as we all try to make
sense of our new emerging world following the pandemic and the economic mayhem
it has created.”

This Welsh turbo bring their celebrated countrymen Stereophonics to mind here, but
with three guitarists, a John Bonham drummer and a red-hot-blooded vocalist who’s alarming voice fits the confusing times we live in. Wowzers!

“Don’t call the doctor he won’t save you tonight”

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PAISLEY PARC: Facebook – Instagram
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(Press photo via YYYs)

Band: YEAH YEAH YEAHS
Who: Pop/rock trio from New York
fronted by the gorgeous Karen O
Active: Since 20000 / 6th LP (new one incl.)

Their new album Cool It Down – first in 9 years – is out now.
The title is taken from the Velvet Underground song of the same name
from their 1970 LP Loaded.

YYYs burn again…

YYYs: Facebook
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(Photo by Rose Dekker)

Band: BLACK NITE CRASH
Who: A psych collective started by Jim Biggs (vocals, guitar) twenty years ago
in Seattle Washington. The band had more than 30 members over the years.

They just released a new full length, baptized Washed In The Sound
Of Black Nite Crash, the band’s fifth. A must hear psychedelic journey.

Opener THE TAKE sets the tone for the full remarkable longplayer.
Influences by masters of the genre such as jangly hero Anton Newcombe
and his Brianjones Town Massacre gang, The Black Angels, and Heart
are all around.

Top stuff!

BLACK NITE CRASH: Facebook
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KAT KOAN is a Berlin-based artist with a passion for expressing intense emotions through music and visuals. With her Belgian musical partner Raymond Rose she canned her second album Coccoon and released it on 7 October.

A sonically versatile and compelling record with Koan speaking and singing
her mind and her heart out. Think Garbage‘s charismatic lady Shirly Manson.

One of my fav tracks is this moody pearl titled STAY
featuring Freddie Dickson and her band The Lost Souls.

KAT KOAN: Website – Instagram – Linktree
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Band: CMON CMON
Who: Indie rock trio from Belgium, signed by renowned manager
Stephen Budd (Gang Of Four, Heaven 17, The Magic Numbers)

Single: SAY WHAT IT MEANS
From their new self-titled debut EP.

The jangly guitars and the glossy resonance of R.E.M. and Teenage Fanclub are obvious,
but my ears also detect the slacker rock mood of Dinosaur Jr. ‘Say What It Means’ is an
ideal post-summer musing for grey Autumn days for confused and vulnerable souls.

Listen/watch

CMON CMON: Facebook
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(Photo by Jeremy McGuire)

Band: MIKE & THE NERVE
Who: A Florida-based folk punk band.

Debut single: CHRISTMAS IN OCTOBER

Mike Llerena (vocalist/songwriter) “This song is our love letter to The Fest, a punk rock festival held in Gainesville every year during Halloween weekend. I’ve attended, volunteered, and/or played at Fest almost every year for the past decade and I’ve made a lot of great friendships and memories because of it.”

Melancholia on Halloween? Why not? When it sounds moony, warm
and romantic as Christmas In October does I’m all ears. So should you.

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MIKE & THE NERVE: Facebook – Instagram
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No retirement for 80-year-old JOHN CALE.

The Welsh icon will release his 17th solo longplayer, titled Mercy
on 20 January 2023 via Double Six/Domino.

Single NIGHT CRAWLING was written with David Bowie in mind when
both had fun in New York City in the 70s. It’s a synth-trippy and chilling
reflection.

Watch/listen here.

JOHN CALE: Facebook
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Band: MODERN STARS
Who: Spacey shoegazers from Italy. Their work is loaded with stringed
and electronic sounds laid down through a multilayering approach that
has more in common with Indian traditional music and Techno,

Single: DROWNING
New piece from the trio’s upcoming third album,
named Space Trips For The Masses.

If I tell you that my ears here echoes of The Brian Jonestown Massacre
and The Black Angels on Drowning you know that you’ll enter a dark space
with enigmatic, psychedelic encounters.

Roll the tape and get puzzled…

MODERN STARS: Facebook
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Band: USE KNIFE
Who: Started as a Belgian duo – Stef Heeren and Kwinten Mordijck – born out of the mutual love for analog and modular electronic machinery. They explore and express hallucinatory freethinking visions to contemporary living. Iraqi artist Saif Al-Qaissy recently joined the duo, making a trio now.

Track: TO FEED THE GENTRY

A spectacular ambient jam from their spectacular debut album The Shedding Of Skin.
An intriguing and fascinating piece featuring Iraqi, Brussels-based artist Saif Al-Qaissy
adding Eastern vibes.

Press play here…

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USE KNIFE: Facebook

Post-Summer Musing For Vulnerable Souls – CMON CMON With New Single ‘SAY WHAT IT MEANS’

Posted on by JL

Daily electricity to load your batteries

22 September 2022

Band: CMON CMON
Who: Indie rock trio from Belgium, signed by renowned manager
Stephen Budd (Gang Of Four, Heaven 17, The Magic Numbers)

New single: SAY WHAT IT MEANS
It will feature on their debut EP, planned for
release on 14th October.

Jorrit Hermans (vocals, guitar) explains: “This song was fueled by my experiences with dishonest people who disguise their true intentions. I developed the lyrics to support people when they’re at their most vulnerable and delicate state of mind. Yet, this can be very powerful as well. So here’s a plea to look at strength and vulnerability as two sides of the same thing.
We hope it can help people to speak up and speak out to actually say what they mean. It’s everyone’s right to do so Just say what it means. Not what it seems.”

TUTV: The jangly guitars and the glossy resonance of R.E.M. and Teenage Fanclub are obvious, but my ears also detect the slacker rock mood of Dinosaur Jr. It’s an ideal post-summer musing for grey Autumn days for confused and vulnerable souls. Melancholic music can have a healing force. Cmon Cmon know how to create that salubrious feeling.

The accompanying vide clip shows a group of teenagers chasing another teenage girl. She’s being hunted and bullied and has to escape the glances, preoccupations and judgements of others. This creates a strong tension because a very grown-up theme is played by a group of kids who should be representing honesty and authenticity. These kids start to yell brutally and run towards the protagonist. They chase her down in a scary event that ends in darkness on a deserted country road. The story shows how we sometimes deal with other cultures, ideas, feelings and opinions. Who can escape the herd? How can we find the strength and the confidence to act our spirits? This is what we wish for everyone. Especially kids growing up with social media, unintentional attention and everything that can go wrong with being misunderstood. Just say what it means. Not what it seems.

Listen/watch

CMON CMON: Facebook