Hi,
I've been discovering lots of new stuff but haven't posted in a while, so here I write into the void. Shoutouts to those who may have rec'd any of these to me. Takes a village!
Prism Shores - Softest Attack (2026)
This immediately floored me, it's pop rock at heart but there are so many lovely guitar layers, some of them even kind of inscrutable, it's a unique atmosphere. Whereas Hotline TNT has a very crisp take on the "Goo Goo Dolls but noisy" kind of sound, Prism Shores has a more loose and jangly approach that I really adore. A good variety of sounds here, occasionally more twee and sometimes approaching straight shoegaze, but the production is consistent to make it a proper listen. Likely to be my album of the year. Do yourself a favor and check out "I Didn't Mean to Change My Mind".
I-Rails - Unfocused (1987)
I'll admit it, this is pretty much a Replacements rip-off band, but man they are so GOOD at it. I actually feel like The Replacements albums can be hit-or-miss, or maybe they just still have to grow on me. This album feels very smooth, and some real memorable songs. I listened to this nonstop for a good week when I found it, had the tunes stuck in my head and just had to go back and listen again. This band changed their name to Primitive Radio Gods and had a hit song that I don't really like, but glad they got their dollar. Their early stuff under I-Rails has my heart. See "There Goes Another" and "One Day Older".
Three Shades of Dirty - Paper Roses (1990)
This is a very neat little indie rock/emo demo featuring Daniel Littleton, the guitarist of The Hated and Ida. I guess I draw comparisons to Modest Mouse, where the line is blurred between the slacker and emo sounds. Despite that, there's an upbeat sound here too that reminds me of Counting Crows(?), a radio rock feel I can't quite describe. Really unique and I wish they made more music, but at least we got some really great tracks here, my favorite being the most emo: "First Fall Is Fall".
Translator - No Time Like Now (1983)
I continue exploring power pop and jangle pop and found this album which for some reason has a tint of reverb across nearly every instrument but it's mixed nice enough to make for a real pleasant listen. The guitar tones in particular are great, a good amount of gain befitting early-80s L.A. but still restrained. There are moments where the band sounds like The Blue Nile, a very interesting sound. Fans of 80s sophisti-pop or post-punk would also do good to check this album out, even if it is mostly a straight pop rock record. The opening track "Un-Alone" is a nice highlight, sounds like The Cars. Cute video.
Honorable mentions: The dB's, Autocamper, Robert Lester Folsom.
until next time □
