It had to happen sometime. Our indiecater label has been on the go for over 6 months but we’ve yet to put out something that we could truly call our own. Well, we’ve set the record (!) straight with the release of the Very Most’s ‘Spring’ EP. We can’t think of a better band with which to announce ourselves as a purveyor of fresh new music. We’ve been fans of the Idaho band ever since we clasped ears on the sweet melodies that flowed from their sophomore ‘Congratulations Forever’. Getting to work with them was initially a grand aspiration but as indiecater started to sprout roots it slowly became a reality. The ‘Spring’ EP is part 1 of a 4 part series entitled ‘A Year With The Very Most’. Each seasonally adjusted digital release will have a quartet of melodious gems and will retail for a pocket friendly €2.50. We’re even giving a track away for free. And what a honeycombed piece of audio ‘April Is The Kindest Month’ is. So even though the recession might be bringing us all back down to earth the Very Most will be endeavouring to keep our heads firmly positioned in the silver lined clouds. Special thanks to Jedrzej for his photos which adorn the EP's artwork. KD

The Very Most - April Is The Kindest Month

More Info: Indiecater & The Very Most
Buy Songs: The Very Most
Year: 2009

Cute is what they aim for and on ‘The Hollow’ they pretty much succeed. Self-released by Charlie Crimando and Stephen Kemsley Aviary Ghost’s debut album was conceived in a small cold place over a number of years. Despite the sub zeroness the duo still produced ET’s bleeting heart as audio. ‘The Hollow’ is premium advert material because it is blessed with a sincere outlook, a dual paced progression and alarmingly good production values. At the very least it should form one of the thousand sonic microbes that go to make up the body of your music collection. If you look in the right places you can even scoop their album 'Memory Is A Hallway' for free but where's the fun in that? KD

Aviary Ghost - The Hollow

Watch The Video For The Brain Is A House

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: Aviary Ghost
Year: 2008

Not sure how many samples they’ve packed into this little wonder but it hardly matters because it's bordering on genius. Made up of a pair from Cincinnati ‘Two Muffins’ is actually a tacked on freebie from their self-released debut ‘You’re A Fun Drunk’. There is a touch of the surreal about the whole package, which adds to the fun and mystery. ‘Two Muffins’ is arresting from the getgo but as your listen count mounts you’ll slowly be reeled into its cartoon landscape. And even though it borrows heavily from old times I can’t help feeling that this is the freshest thing I’ve heard so far this year. KD

You, You're Awesome - Two Muffins

Watch The Video To Out Come Crazy

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: You, You're Awesome
Year: 2008

Who is James Yorkston I hear you say? He is your next record store purchase I say and the one after that too. Yorkston comes from Fife, is good mates with our own Adrian Crowley and is a master craftsman in the art of folk as pop music. This one is perhaps a little more traditional and comes from a single of the same name from 2002 way (which later appeared on the rarity collection ‘Roaring The Gospel’). The b-side was a remix by Kieran Hebdon of Fourtet no less. Despite extending to almost 10 minutes you may still wish ‘The Lang Toun’ carried on until early morn. It is an intricate piece that works from a simple premise and has a touch of the bayou about it (any cajun remixers out there?). In some ways Yorkston’s vocals are incidental, taking on the guise of another instrument and never disrupting the hypnotic flow. KD

James Yorkston - The Lang Toun

Watch The Video To The Hills and Heath

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: James Yorkston
Year: 2002

They called it a day but now they are giving it one last go and while such career moves can be a tad annoying I’m all for good acts reversing hasty decisions. Bears Repeating have recently gone through said dramatics and in the process have released their latest EP into the wilds of the internet for free. ‘Go Kid Go’ is the track I’m most fond of and although it is the sound of ye olde indie in almost every respect it is nonetheless rather fetching. The vocals show plenty of potential and the drumming sounds like it could really be well placed to throw us something even better down the line (despite being as tinny as a bachelors lorry at the moment). KD

Bears Repeating - Go Kid Go

More Info: Official & Myspace
Free Songs: Bears Repeating
Year: 2008

At the start of the century we travelled the world and for a good spell we had to survive on 3 discs burnt full of mp3s. This was pre big memory music players so it was only the only choice we had (tapes had become too clumsy). I think I was pretty ahead of the curve at the time but my Thomson only had a 64mb capacity so we had to make do with the CDRs. The long journeys soon ate into those 450 songs and by the end (or at least until we arrived in Hanoi, a heavenly copyright free zone) we knew each of them intimately. Just last week I came across one of the CD’s, played most of it and as I had hoped it ingeniously conjured up memories of our trip. This song brought a tear to my eye and I’m sure it still would have even without Iguazu flowing imperiously through my head. KD

Grandaddy - So You'll Aim Toward The Sky

Watch The Video To The Crystal Lake

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: Grandaddy
Year: 2000

This is a pretty devastating piece of music; I mean it must be to make an advert for a war game border on an emotional event. I felt it and was angry with myself for getting suckered but that victory was purely down to the atmospheric sonic backdrop. Nick Urata’s vocals summon Roy Orbison from the grave and Tom Hagerman’s violin proves just why artificial strings will never have the same impact. And that’s before you even contemplate the pretty piano and pulsing vintage synths. The strangest thing of course is that no matter how many times I listen to this band and peer in wonder at their endless plays on my music player I still fail to spell or pronounce their name correctly. Easier to just ask for ‘A Mad and Faithful Telling’ when their new album comes out in March. KD

DeVotchKa - How It Ends

Watch The Advert

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: DeVotchka
Year: 2008

It’s not mentioned that often in paragraphs written about this wonderful Leeds outfit but ‘Mrs. Dolphin’ is one of the finest early EP retrospectives that you’re likely to find (‘Ten Rapid’ being another). The Pale Saints were the poster kids for shoegaze in the early nineties and their ‘The Comfort of Madness’ one of the best records of the genre. The band were characterised by their dynamic instrumental turns and Ian Master’s fey vocals. Though at times reminiscent of both Ride and My Bloody Valentine the Pale Saints were responsible for a clutch of remarkable songs that were uniquely theirs. If you are unfamiliar with ‘Throwing Back The Apple’, ‘Language of Flowers’ or ‘Sight of You’ then you are missing out. ‘Colours and Shapes’ may have being a less off-kilter number but it nonetheless highlighted the bands gift for a good tune which was forever present despite the attentions of the discordant riffage that often accompanied it. One can only imagine how many Swedish upstarts have this playing on their turntables at the moment while they tune their instruments. KD

The Pale Saints - Colours and Shapes

Watch The Video To Throwing Back The Apple

More Info: (Un)Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: The Pale Saints
Year: 1990

When I heard this first I thought it must have been a lost indie gem from the late 80’s. But I was wrong, Burning Hearts debut ‘Aboa Sleeping’ will only be unveiled to the world early next month. And what a ridiculously brilliant opening salvo ‘I Lost My Colour Vision’ turns out to be. Burning Hearts are signed to the faultless Shelflife Records label and consist of Cats on Fire drummer Henry Olala and Jessica Rapo from Le Futur Pompiste. An entirely Finnish collaboration then and one that seems capable of creating an instantly familiar sound infused with a chorus that should frequent indie disco’s for decades to come. I can safely say that we’ve found an entry for our list of best songs from 2009 already. KD

Burning Hearts - I Lost My Colour Vision

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: Burning Hearts
Year: 2009

I’m sure they get plenty of ribbing (!) for the name but it’s hard to be critical of a band whose primary motivation is to fill the world with happy songs. The indie pop smarts of their debut album ‘Cheap Rate’ seemed to have slipped by relatively unnoticed which is a shame given that this country could do with a chirpy soundtrack to drown out the ubiquitous doom-mongers like George Lee. Not sure what ‘Hondamolly’ means (neither does google by the way) but from now on I'll associate it with a winning tune. ‘Hondamolly’ zips by on a bed of crispy guitars, tasty boy/girl asides and generous helpings of percussion. It's one of a scatter of highlights from this promising new quartet's early moves. KD

Story of Hair - Hondamolly

Watch The Video To Nanny Natch

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: Story of Hair
Year: 2008

Put aside the fact that the rhythms are the spit of this and that the vibe is a doppelganger for them outta Montreal and you’ll really enjoy this epic from Daniel Hart. And what a well-travelled man he turns out to be because as well as propelling the Physics of Meaning Hart also plays a big part in St. Vincent and John Vanderslice’s band. Remember to stop tuning out of ‘Aeroplanes and Hurricanes’ early doors; just try to be patient because around the 3-minute mark it morphs into a chamber pop gem. It’s taken from last year's ‘Snake Charmer and Destiny at the Stroke of Midnight’ which was the bands sophomore. KD

The Physics of Meaning - Aeroplanes and Hurricanes

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: The Physics of Meaning
Year: 2008

I guess it was inevitable in the wake of the somewhat surprising success of Glasvegas that more bands of that ilk would start to appear from the woodwork. Which leads us to Rikers, a Toronto outfit who’d fit quiet neatly into the yet unnamed scene (c’mon NME, that’s what you used to be good at) headed up by the Glaswegians. It must be said however that Rikers are no pale imitation as their own wall of sound is heaving with all manner of melodic hooks. ‘Easter Eyes’ is a hugely appealing mosaic containing huge swathes of chords, doom-laden drums and Ryan Kennedy’s near biblical vocals. The ghost of Echo and the Bunnymen looms large yet given that Rikers are less than a year old it is a remarkable achievement. ‘Easter Eyes’ is taken from the duo’s (hard to believe I know) forthcoming debut EP. KD

Rikers - Easter Eyes

More Info: Official & Myspace
Year: 2009

No, the Cocteau Twins haven’t been reborn as much as Fight Bite’s ‘Swissex Lover’ would have you believe. For one these dreampoppers come from Denton, Texas and secondly they are an outfit completely of the noughties (80’s aficionados check out this site and go wow, it includes a ‘Live To Tell’ cover from Fight Bite). The song is taken from the duo’s debut ‘Emerald Eyes’ of last year. The ethereal outpourings belong to Leanne Macomber with Jeff Louis on backup and together they put the album together in their bedroom studio. Hardly surprising then that ‘Swissex Lover’ has a slightly claustrophobic feel, recreating the uncomfortable moments when you were intentionally locked in a tight space with someone you entirely fancied. KD

Fight Bite - Swissex Lover

Watch The Video

More Info: Official
Buy Songs: Fight Bite
Year: 2008

Despite being sponsored by someone very high up the food chain in the music industry the Urges retain a very low level presence in the domestic scene. Kinda surprising given the immediacy of their sound which is part novelty, part retro, part innovative – leave it up to you to decide which part holds sway. The bottom line is that I can’t tear myself away from tracks like ‘The Urges Theme’ from their debut album ‘Psych Ward’. You’ll think you’ve heard it a thousand times before but then it curiously eschews the law of diminishing returns that such efforts normally attract. The chords are particularly impressive, especially the turn that arrives about 90 seconds in. The Urges have something and in this case at least it hardly matters that plenty of others have beaten them to it by several decades. KD

The Urges - The Urges Theme

Watch The Video

More Info: Official
Buy Songs: The Urges
Year: 2007

Fancy filling a quarter of an hour with especially soothing swells of noise? Well, you’ve come to the right place as ‘Bright Blue Dream’ has a special tenderness going for it. It could almost pass for an early Jason Pierce noodle yet you get the feeling that this particular spaceman is a tad more prolific. In fact, of late, Bill Baird (a.k.a. Sunset, now thankfully shorn of several dozen parenthesis) appears to have new works falling from him like confetti. This is the title track from his ‘Bright Blue Dream’ LP and over its 14 minutes delivers an exquisite sonic interpretation of a tropical beach just as the sun is about to go down. It may be unsuitable for those looking to boost their last.fm play count but for the not so in a hurry it could prove to be the pampering your worn out ears have longed for. KD

Sunset - Bright Blue Dream

Watch The Video To Dear Broken Friend

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: Sunset
Year: 2008

If you like Grandaddy then you’ll probably love this band from Atlanta. Band is probably the wrong word for it though because Brian Slushco primarily operates on his lonesome. This tune is taken from an album that was sitting around gathering dust for a couple of years but to these ears at least it is Slushco’s most fully realised effort to date. ‘Astronaut’ made it onto our first compilation and there is a veritable treasure trove of similarly tailored tunes scattered around ‘The Silver Surface Demos’. The opening salvo of ‘Sad Songs and Lonely Places’ and ‘Dead on the Inside’ are both devastatingly beautiful. Not immediately obvious perhaps and inherently offbeat in many ways ‘Sad Songs and Lonely Places’ is built to shred your emotions using a feather cleaver. It reminds me of Christmas and I can’t help wondering how marvellous a Slushco festive number would sound. KD

Slushco - Sad Songs and Lonely Places

More Info: Official
Buy Songs: Slushco
Year: 2008

Looking back now Revolver (and to a certain extent the band that inspired them Ride too) were probably a bit too wet for their own good. But that didn’t stop them from writing some of the best shoegaze anthems in the early ‘90’s. Revolver kicked off their short career with a trio of disappointing EP’s, which were nonetheless peppered with fine singles. ‘Crimson’ was the title track from the middle one and sports the signature shoegaze chords and fey boy vocals. The production is spot on but you’d have expected such from a label of Hut’s standing at the time (they also had the (then) heavenly Verve on their roster). The aforementioned vocals belong to Mat Flint who went on to play bass with the much more successful and enduring Death In Vegas. KD

Revolver - Crimson

Watch The Top 10 Indie Hits From Sept 1991....jaysus, I remember all of these!

More Info: Official
Buy Songs: Revolver
Year: 1991

I was liking this band already but when I read that the first albums they bought included ‘Going Blank Again’, ‘Nevermind’ and erm ‘Kick’ (it’s good) I knew they were kindred spirits of sorts. Not that you could filter any of the above from listening to ‘Spiders, Snakes’. The near perfect vocal interplay between Aaron Gerber and Sarah Winchester is a study in hushed dynamics and the shuffling instrumentation is an equally adept study in quiet drama. It’s taken from the Portland bands debut album ‘Cove’ which includes a batch of similarly beguiling portraits of sound. KD

A Weather - Spiders, Snakes

Watch The Video To The Feather Test

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: A Weather
Year: 2008

Of late we’ve gone completely potty for this band called the Very Most from Idaho. So much so that in a couple of weeks (February 1st to be precise) we are releasing a record or 4 together. Yep, Indiecater is finally stepping out of the shadows and is going to get down and dirty and produce some brand new music. On the first day of February the Very Most will release a download EP called ‘Spring’ on Indiecater Records. 3 months later the ‘Summer’ EP will appear and so this chain of predictable events will continue with the arrival of each new season until year end. It seems like a natural move because the Very Most produce the sort of the music that is closest to our hearts, namely a jangling take on indie pop. Think several bands from Glasgow and you’ll get the picture. Here is one of their bespoke tracks from last year (we got one too!) about a café in their hometown of Nampa, Idaho called ‘Flying M’. Stuart M, your crown is being wrestled from your head as we speak. KD

The Very Most - Flying M

Watch The Video To Spilt, Spilt Milk

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: The Very Most
Year: 2008

For some reason and this is a relatively recent phenomenon the 3 words I despise most in the English language are ‘dude’, ‘guys’ (in their usage by Irish people) and that pinnacle of annoyance ‘absolutely’ (everybody). Any combination or singular use of the above wordage sends me into a spin, my mouth dries up and in extreme cases the frustration leads to mini droplets falling from my pupils. It taints long held relationships, makes the fostering of new friendships nigh on impossible and for those I know who won’t take offence results in a stiff reprimand. Perhaps I should just open up the taps and let the invective that boils within out into the open and then snappy sentences like ‘calm down dude’, ‘hi guys’ and ‘oh absolutely!’ would amount to little more than the proverbial water off a duck’s back. The way things are at the moment I just want to shoot the avian blighter. This band from Dublin have worked it all out though and never let petty annoyances get in the way of letting people know what they're really thinking. I admire this characteristic in them and enjoy their music, this one especially because it's sorta calming. KD

A Lazarus Soul - Only Say The Word

Watch The Video To Icon

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: A Lazarus Soul
Year: 2001

Songs like this are this blogs lifeblood and bands like Unsparing Sea are what makes all the endless hours of filtering so worthwhile. The 5-piece come from Cleveland and in ‘A Cloud in the Cathedral’ they have crafted a slow burning gem. Because Unsparing Sea unfurl their gifts slowly it took me some time to appreciate their lavish murals. This certainly isn’t Saturday night music yet its melancholic stagger leaves an indelible impression. The sadness that is projected reaches a crescendo every time Tara Klein’s cello combines with J.R. Bennetts lonesome howl. It is enough to take your breath away but even though the underlying feeling is one of complete sadness the album never leaves one low. If anything the whole affair is an uplifting experience and one that demands repeat visits. KD

Unsparing Sea - On Sinking Ships

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: Unsparing Sea
Year: 2008

Deerhunter are one of those bands that are very hard to tire of. While ‘Microcastles’ practically single-handedly took 2008 by the neck and gave it a rather bracing yet ultimately tender massage there was also much life to the Atlanta band pre that epiphany. Their second album ‘Cryptograms’ was steeped in trauma. It spawned ‘Octet’ amongst others and here is that self same track in Simian Mobile Disco clothing. And what a fetching garb it turns out to be, moody and with an escalating rhythm this would go down just perfectly on those all too common P45 Friday drunkathons. Deerhunter don’t even have an official website, who needs html theatrics anyway when you’re charged with changing the musical landscape. KD

Deerhunter - Octet (Simian Mobile Disco Remix)

Watch The Video To Agoraphobia

More Info: Deerhunter & Simian Mobile Disco
Buy Songs: Cryptograms
Year: 2008

What an day of upheaval in online Irish music circles. We’d like to state that we’ll do our best to not follow the script. KD

Commander - No Crime, No Law

More Info: Official

This pleases me no end, primarily because it’s a fantastic piece of music but also due to the fact that it comes via Song, By Toad Records, an offshoot of the wonderful Edinburgh blog Song, By Toad. Run by an irrepressible Englishman named Matt this is a label well deserving of your attention and given the strength of the song choices on the blog you know you are in for a treat. And Meursault amply prove the point by delivering a wildly exciting album 'Pissing on Bonfires/Kissing with Tongues' full of electronic beats and traditional dalliances. ‘The Furnace’ is one of its incandescent tracks defined by a giddily plucked banjo and a vocal turn that mimics a recently evacuated insane asylum. This is Dan Deacon with more instruments and several better party tricks. KD

Meursault - The Furnace

Watch A Toad Session Featuring Meursault

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: Meursault
Year: 2008

Folklore’s debut ‘The Ghost of H.W. Beaverman’ is our 10th release on indiecater and we’re so glad this lovely record is illuminating that particular milestone. The album was our favourite of 2007 and so getting the opportunity to showcase it on our little record label is something that keeps us excitedly awake at night. Not only has it the brains but Jimmy Hughes’ collective managed to cram so many luscious ideas within such a short space of time. Beaverman has everything, the soft lilting vocals, the gently jangling chords, the traditional folk and some of the finest brass in indiedom. ‘The Pharmacist’ is a prime cut and a wonderful taster for what you can expect on the other 10 tracks. If you are tempted you can grab the whole thing for a decent price here. KD

Folklore - The Pharmacist

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: Folklore
Year: 2007 & 2009

Although this song is steeped in the traditional it could only have come from 2009. And what a magical piece of music it is too, I guess you’d expect nothing less from an army of musicians from various parts of deepest Scotland. I browsed the list of band members and the bands they call home and only recognised a couple of names. Hardly matters though because what happens within the 4 walls of the Second Hand Marching Band recording studio is something very special indeed. Their EP ‘A Dance To Half Death’ has just been released, has a limited run of 100 copies and should be filling your grim January with sparkle and joy. The title track alone should snag Beirut fans but it’s adventurous blend of instrumentation and accented vocals will ensure there are many more besides. KD

The Second Hand Marching Band - A Dance To Half Death

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: The Second Hand Marching Band
Year: 2009

This may only be a demo but it a very promising introduction to the world of Goatboy (unless of course you were familiar Mark O'Sullivan's previous work with Screaming Skies?). ‘Winter Tears’ has a restrained epic feel about it and could really blossom with the addition of some brass parts. The production is a little grey but that is to be expected for a bedroom recording. In some ways that matt finish actually heightens the retro feel as Goatboy’s vocals do have a tinge of Peter Cetera about them. Goatboy’s has expressed that he is aiming for a sound that approximates ‘Lost Souls’ Doves and in lots of ways he succeeds with ‘Winter Tears’. Really looking forward to the permanent migration from the bedroom to the cedar one. KD

Goatboy - Winter Tears

More Info: Official
Year: 2009

As much as the guitars at the start may sound like an early U2 move (care to guess) this track from the Beta Band has completely different intentions. It was the opening salvo on the bands third and final album ‘Heroes To Zeros’. As you probably know the Beta Band were not entirely successful but were frequently brilliant (what would ‘High Fidelity’ be without that ‘Dry The Rain’ scene?) which ultimately meant that it was their singles rather than their albums that stole the show. Their brilliance was conceived through an off-kilter approach, which was probably the reason why sometimes the idea just didn’t translate. But, once the groove stuck like on ‘Assessment’ it was hard to deny their genius. KD

The Beta Band - Assessment

Watch Them On High Fidelity

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: The Beta Band
Year: 2004

Given their tidy success (puzzlingly their list of hits back home in England remains incredibly short) in the sixties and their perfectly crafted tunes it seems a bit odd that the Zombies aren’t spoken about in the same breath as the Beatles or the Monkees. On the face of it they certainly had the material as you can hear from this gem ‘Hung Up On A Dream’ (you'll know ‘She's Not There’, watch the video below) taken from their remarkable 1968 album ‘Odessey and Oracle’. The 2-prong bolt of loveliness was provided by lead singer Colin Blunstone and piano player Rod Argent and you can see the duo perform in Whelan’s in a couple of weeks. Friday the 23rd of January to be precise and we’ve got 2 double pairs of passes to give away. If you’d like to go get in touch.

Update: Congrats to Philip & Tony! KD

The Zombies - Hung Up On A Dream

Watch The Video To She's Not There

More Info: Rod & Colin
Buy Songs: The Zombies
Year: 1968

Well the old way didn't work did it?

Mary O'Hara - Oro Mo Bhaidin


So how about a novel approach as espoused by these Boston noiseniks?

Passion Pit - Sleepyhead

KD

Watch The Video

More Info: Official
Buy Songs: Passion Pit
Year: 2008

I was about to turn in but then this song appeared from nowhere so I investigated and found out that the band from Southampton who’d written it about Cat Power had split up 3 years ago so rather than catch some zzz’s I decided to write this very long line to tell you how much I like the dynamics and fragility and how, somewhat ridiculously, I feel a bit sad that they are no more but at least something beautiful called Co-Pilgrim sprung from the ashes they left behind. Time for bed. KD

Black Nielson - Love Song To Chan Marshall

Watch The Video

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: Black Nielson
Year: 2005

There are few bands in this world as consistently brilliant as Viva Voce. Personal opinion of course but during random shuffles theirs is the song I always pluck out from the pack. Of course they deliberately play it awkwardly much of the time so while there are golden moments aplenty it is often wrapped in candyfloss made of barbed wire. The outfit is propelled by the family Robinson (Anita and Kevin), who have zigzagged through a raft of labels over the course of 4 LP’s. ‘Brightest Part of Everyone’ comes from the Asthmatic Kitty leg and throws a mildly psychedelic sweep before uncovering the sweetest of centrepieces. When last we checked Viva Voce were recording their next record in the snowswept environs of Portland. Gonna be special so spread the word. KD

Viva Voce - Brightest Part Of Everyone

Watch The Video To Alive With Pleasure

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: Viva Voce
Year: 2003

Here is a tip, New Yorkers Cymbals Eat Guitars to make it huge before this decade is out. How do I know you might ask? Well, I’ve heard the future and it’s called ‘Why There Are Mountains’, the bands epic debut album. Think ‘Merriweather Post Pavilion’ with guitars, as much invention and thrice as much passion. Yep, it really is something and much can be attributed to the ravaging intensity and songwriting craft of Joseph D'Agostino. I’ve spent some time talking to him about the record and his enthusiasm for his project is unshakeable. This confidence is well placed however because ‘Why There Are Mountains’ is scattered with gems. An early version of ‘Share’ appeared on our first compilation so we’ve be aware of what they’re capable for a while but nothing could prepare us for the genius of tracks like ‘The Living North’. This year’s ‘Microcastle’ I hear you shout in unison. KD

Cymbals Eat Guitars - The Living North

More Info: Official & Myspace
Year: 2009

You know the way music from yesteryear sounds old and creaky? Well, Hot Lava are here to recreate the scene but with a contemporary feel. It has been done before of course but Hot Lava also see fit to include lots of pranking in their retro stylings. Their album ‘Lavalogy’ of last year was bedecked with charming nuggets, none more so than ‘Mummy Beach’ which could have your grandparents waving their arms in a slowly curving up and down fashion. Once you recover you can then begin to decipher the tin cup technology being used by the Virginia 4-piece. They may have abandoned their thrift store instruments but it still sounds like they’ve pieced their it together using a electrified string and several pre-electronic alarm clocks. Precious. KD

Hot Lava - Mummy Beach

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: Hot Lava
Year: 2008

By a weird quirk of fate here is the second artist from Lyon to appear on mp3hugger in as many days. Is there some sort of Bergen renaissance going on there or something? Like My Raining Stars, François Virot is entirely cherishable, coming from that townland in the land of twee that doesn’t grate but merely inhabits the memory making parts of your consciousness. His album of last year ‘Yes or No’ passed me by but rectifying actions are being taken. Here is a precious cut called ‘Not The One’, all cascading acoustics and Virot’s pleasant whine which assists in making the holding of someone else’s hand a decidedly deeper experience. KD

François Virot - Not The One

Watch The Video

More Info: Official
Buy Songs: François Virot
Year: 2008

What a great way to kickstart the New Year by immersing oneself in some French indiepop courtesy of Lyon band My Raining Stars. I knew we’d be comfortable bedfellows when I read the bands list of favourite records from the 1990’s and their jangly output distils the best bits from many of them. There is a C86 aesthetic at work and perfect little tunes like ‘Head Over Heals’ are just made for tidal waves of blog love. Harmonies pervade its every pore and the winsome chiming chords provide the loveliest of backdrops. Quite incomprehensibly My Raining Stars remain unsigned but I predict that this may be just a temporary situation. KD

My Raining Stars - Head Over Heels

More Info: Official
Buy Songs: The Raining Stars
Year: 2008

Do you know for the longest time I just didn’t get LCD Soundsystem. In my book there aren’t that many songs as irritating as ‘Daft Punk Are Playing At My House’, talk about melody-free and perforatingly repetitive. Then something great in the form of ‘Someone Great’ had me scrambling for the excuses, revising those snarky posts and generally extolling the virtues of this Irishless Murphy. Who would have thought that someone with a double chin could record such cool music? Well, pretty soon after that sonic epiphany ‘The Sound Of Silver’ became a fixture in chez hugger and LCD Soundsystem moments became as treasured as Willy Wonka viewings. Here is the closing track from that aforementioned 2007 album, it’s non dancey but the last thing it will do is bring you down. KD

LCD Soundsystem - New York I Love You But You're Bringing Me Down

Watch The Video To Someone Great

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: LCD Soundsystem
Year: 2007

2009 is upon us and so is the first indiecater record of the year. How’s about that for timing eh? Well, the timing was crucial to be honest because Burning Codes seem particularly suited to soundtracking new beginnings. Boasting clean lines, simple themes and sumptuous instrumentation Paul Archer’s band immediately took a foothold in our affections when we heard them for the first time in early 2007. Since then Burning Codes have appeared on our first compilation and our association with the band is now fully cemented with the digital release of their debut album on Indiecater Records. If you’re not convinced after listening to ‘Cloak & Dagger’ we’ll be surprised because it is quality stuff (but I would say that wouldn't I). ‘Burning Codes’ is an amazingly simple album but one that consistently moves us in the strangest of ways. KD

Burning Codes - Cloak & Dagger

Watch The Video To For All Time

More Info: Official & Myspace & Indiecater
Buy Songs: Burning Codes
Year: 2009

I’ve loved this Swedish band (and its sometimes offshoot Gamba) since their debut left the environs of Labrador’s magnificent halls back in 2005. Their website might be headache inducing but their back catalogue is a faultless seam of gilded gems. There are shoegaze influences aplenty but its overriding nature puts lolloping melodies to the fore. ‘Die 5times times5’ should already be on your most prized mixtape (and you can nab it for free from the download section of the already mentioned red monster) and now EP#4 should be vying for your attention. The EP has just been released and contains this nugget of loveliness called ‘Davy Crocket’. In many ways it follows an unconventional path, blending 80’s stylings with lavish harmonies but the overriding feeling is one of blissfulness. If I were to worship this band any more my heart would surely explode. Would make for an interesting NYE fireworks display. KD

South Ambulance - Davy Crocket

Watch The Video To Die 5times times5

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: South Ambulance
Year: 2008

Matt Buszko is a nice lad, I know this having only communicated with him via several short emails. The most important missive included an attachment with this song of his called ‘Owl And The Crow’, a delightfully tailored piece of electronica, which has me swaying as if in a state of deep inebriation. It was probably conceived in Matt’s bedroom and executed on a laptop that you can now buy for less that €400 in the radical recession inspired sales. Sun Visor in creating an illuminating vision of the future marks his own arrival as a singular new talent. KD

Sun Visor - Owl And The Crow

More Info: Official
Year: 2008/9

Low Sea continue their evolution into one of the most interesting acts to come from Ireland (well partly Irish anyway) in recent years. Last time we looked Bobby and Billie were coming over all Jesus & Mary Chain yet within the space of a couple of months they’ve ditched the scraping guitars for something a little skimpier. 'The Crash' has all the hallmarks of an early nineties Curve, One Dove or even the dancier alter ego of St. Etienne. In essence it’s pretty ace, off-kilter and out of control but solid in its adhesion to a fluid song pattern. The Galway duo are currently working on their debut EP which will be a handmade effort which will doubtless set ebay auction records in years to come. Definitely a twosome to watch in 2009. KD

Low Sea - The Crash

More Info: Official
Year: 2009

Feeling very flubbly today. Not sure what that means but it’s certainly what came into my head as I dizzily awoke from another bout of overindulgence this morning. It all ends in a couple of days so while I drag my carcass sluggishly about indoors the Music Tapes are tending to my malfunctioning mind. Featuring Julian Koster and a gallery of instruments that have, in most cases, been long since been put out to pasture (including his beloved singing saw) his ‘Music Tapes For Clouds And Tornadoes’ is unlike anything else released in 2008. And even more pleasurable than the near shambolic nature of the music is Koster’s wasted vocals, which seals the deal on a dizzying record. The Music Tapes also have a Christmas album, but that will have to wait until next December when once again bodies and temperaments will be put through the ringer. KD

The Music Tapes - Majesty

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More Info: Official & @ Merge
Buy Songs: The Music Tapes
Year: 2008

Well it's almost time we started making merry so before we get snowed in mp3hugger is about to pull down the shutters for the festive period. Hope you have a wonderful Christmas and remember if you really want to get rockin' round the Christmas tree then 'An Indiecater Christmas' is your only man. To sign off we present this delicious slowcore rendering of 'Silent Night' from Seattle punk outfit Suffering And The Hideous Thieves. This is the sound of Christmas in slow motion, a delicate waltz of a song that never loses its head despite the mayhem and excess that surrounds it. Nollaig Shona Duit! KD

Suffering And The Hideous Thieves - Silent Night

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: Suffering And The Hideous Thieves
Year: 2004

Who’d have thought that the Parenthetical Girls and Christmas would have made such a wholesome partnership? Not me for one but over the course of 6 years the Portland act have released 3 festive missives. And surprisingly for the most part the songs are as quite as a mouse, not the noisy as a drunken party full of sailors that you’d expect. That’s the thing with PG (18, more like), you never quite know what their mood will dictate sonically. While their goods are always intriguing they are prone to dishing out tunes as mild tinnitus. ‘Festive Friends (Forever)’ however is about as perfect a tune as you’re going to hear with just a couple of days to go before the big one. KD

Parenthetical Girls - Festive Friends (Forever)

Watch The Video To A Song For Ellie Greenwich

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: Parenthetical Girls
Year: 2006

Ok, I know I am retreading old snowsteps here (both the original and the anglicised Ingo version have appeared on this site in Christmas’ past). Low’s ‘Just Like Christmas’ is probably many people’s favourite Christmas song ever so it is with much trepidation that covers of said classic should be approached. But, Ingo Star Cruiser have managed to overcome the odds and give the auld standard a pleasant reworking (they also have an ace reworking of 'Hang Me Up To Dry' so check it). This version bursts forth with Swedish lyrics which given the locations mentioned in the original seems entirely appropriate and sorta neat. Just thinking now wouldn’t it just be the coolest thing ever to have a compilation made up entirely of cover versions of this wondrous Christmas song? Hmmm, a project for Christmas 2009 methinks. KD

Ingo Star Cruiser - Just Like Christmas

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: Ingo Star Cruiser
Year: 2008

I’m not just including this here because the band are called Wintermitts and it’s a cold and wet December day. Nope, this is a group to embrace no matter what the weather is like because they always see fit to include handclaps or glockenspiel (they also whistle and do hand stands) and have a singer that sounds remarkably like Emma Pollock from the Delgados (yeah I know, I miss them too). They’re an environmentally conscious lot too because they’ve included a packet of tomato seed with every copy of their latest album ‘Heirloom’ sold at home in Canada. ‘Schoolyard’ is a blast, a giddy rampage of joy that’ll run riot in your ordered world. A year round treat then. KD

Wintermitts - Schoolyard

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More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: Wintermitts
Year: 2008

Could it have been simpler, probably not, could it have been more memorable, don’t think so. Yep, this really is something special and reminds me of Elephant Parade in it’s stripped back effortlessness. It comes from Elizabeth Darling who being an Aussie probably ain’t that used to frosty Christmas mornings but she has taken Deano’s classic and turned into a brand new seasonal treat. All is quiet, the only thing stirring is a soft mandolin, sparse maracas and Darling’s crystal tunings. It’s taken from her limited edition Christmas EP and will definitely be a fixture on my December playlist for years to come. KD

Allo Darlin' - Baby, It's Cold Outside

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: Allo Darlin'
Year: 2008

We already know what Alejandro Cohen does during office hours but now he’s filling his free time with a side project he’s pulled together with Nik Brinkman called Psychic Powers. One of them is based in the States, the other in New Zealand and thanks to the wonders of the internet they make soft audio furnishings (not lounge I might add) like ‘Special Boy’ together. To these ears at least it’s as if New Order were cleansed of that harsh edge of theirs. As you can imagine what remains is downright adorable and even though ‘Special Boy’ stretches to over 6 minutes you may still be pining for more at fade out. Is their no end to this boy’s special talents? KD

Psychic Powers - Special Boy

More Info: Official
Download More Songs: Psychic Powers
Year: 2008

Adrian Crowley was all Bermuda Triangle on my radar prior to his last album 'Long Distance Swimmer' (and then it was only initiated through his association with man/god James Yorkston), despite having garnered a good deal of critical acclaim via his 3 previous efforts. While the idea of someone and their guitar might not be an entirely enticing one, 'Long Distance Swimmer' hauled me in slowly through its combination of exposed emotions and slowly engineered dynamics. The album is a (mostly) slow (always) engaging ramble that could provide a nice antidote for the upcoming seasonal madness. And the best thing is that you can snag it for free until Thursday courtesy of Jim over at On The Record. You'll then have some time to let it bed in, in preparation for Crowley's new album which is due in March. To send you eagerly on your way towards the freebie here is one of the album's highlights 'These Ley Waters' wherein our hero (for once) kicks out the jams. KD

Adrian Crowley - These Ley Waters

Watch The Video To The Wishing Seat

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: Adrian Crowley
Year: 2007

This is just one of those tunes that got me from the getgo. Probably because of its shoegaze genes but celestial vocals in general also have that effect on me. Languis are based in Los Angeles but started out in Argentina and have a decade long career behind them already. This treasure is taken from a 2006 EP of their’s called ‘Other Desert Cites’ and is most reminiscent of the Reading shoegazers of yore Chapterhouse. The band recently released a new album called ‘Fractured’, their first in 4 years. We'll also feature their side project Psychic Powers here in the next 24 hours. So it seems times are changing alright, right back to the early nineties if you were going on this evidence. KD

Languis - Times Are Changing

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More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: Languis
Year: 2006