Spring has officially sprung, though not that you’d know it with all the intermittent rain. Over the winter, there have been all sorts of bangers dropped by artists both emerging and already on the scene. So I considered it useful to start posting recaps, in case RW’s not had chance to cover new gold dust in release roundups or interviews. 

So here are some top recent discoveries…

Unproductive

I have Spotify to thank for serving me some of Unproductive’s tunes. In spite of their moniker, they’re clearly a very accomplished band, hailing from Canada. In the rawest sense, they fit into the post-punk genre and give me vibes that land somewhere between Weezer and Taking Back Sunday. Sort of modern-day soundtracks for skaters.

Vaquelin

Vaquelin have been dropping music on streaming services since 2021, yet it wasn’t until they messaged me recently with news of their single, ‘Why Does It Scream When I Twist Its Arms Off?’, that I was looped into their greatness. They’re Leeds-based and ooze this gritty, hard rock that’s a little bit metal, a lot addictive. I’m keeping tabs on when they’re playing next!

Friday Pilots Club

With the backing of PR giants, Public City, Friday Pilots Club will go places. They’ve had a handful of songs out already this year, so you can see they’re eager to embrace 2024 and acquire no prisoners. Given they’re certainly for fans of HIMALAYAS, Dead Poet Society and so on, I can guarantee they’ll stay firmly in my rotation from now on.

Alice Kim

The soulful sister of a former work colleague and pal from way back, Alice Kim is a solo artist with velvety vocals that you need to hear! Musically, she straddles a bluesy, folky medium, with some joyful jazz for good measure, amid her often wistful melodies. I’m yet to catch her on the gigging circuit, but since listening to ‘Joni’, I’ve been desperate to.

Chemtrails

I actually hadn’t heard of Chemtrails before they started releasing singles from their recent album, ‘The Joy of Sects’. Their fun, psychedelic take on post-garage-punk is compelling, and while they once had more of a DIY sound (I’ve since trawled through their catalogue), what they’re producing now is slicker and more refined, yet still akin to their roots.