'Barefoot' by Jiggyvango

 

 

Released as a single on 10 March 2025.

I give up.

Since late March I have not found any song remotely interesting. And I tried, really searched - lots of crap.

My rule has always been: no interesting new song release=no post.

As it happens, once in a while I listen to Spotify's recommendations, their "Discover Weekly" play list, which is based on what you have listened to, and what the Spotify algorithm thinks you may like.

Six songs into a 30 song list, and this pops up.

Too nostalgically cool to not hit repeat, and a slide guitar sometimes is the best, it really is. 

'Buffalo Blades' by Mating Ritual

 

 

One of the songs from a pre-released EP (on 28 March) of selection of songs from the upcoming album "Shangri-blah", that will be released on 13 June 2025.

Yes, this is the way: selected releases of new albums, either as singles, or EP's from yet to be released full abums.

I understand why this is, as it draws fans into a new album.

Only for someone like myself, who analysis's new releases each week, it can get confusing, especially when the full album is finally released.

Wait: haven't I heard that one before?

Back to the song....

A dreamy, slow number with a great slide guitar solo - take your time and listen more than once.

'Shut You' Out by The Rions

 

A single released 19 March 2025. 

Yes, more Aussies. 

These guys are from The Northern Beaches, New South Wales - which is all those beaches going up from Manly to Palm Beach (yes, there's one there as well, only fortunately no lake). 

I have been listening to this group on and off since their 'Minivan' EP come out in 2023 - check out Talking to Walls - and they are one of the groups that make me say I still think the best Indie and Indie Rock music comes from Australia.

'Burning Question' by The Fiends

 

 

Released 14 March 2025 as a single. 

First time here for this group from Swensea in South Wales.

Their Spotify blurb calls them alt indie rock, which figures.

Great song.

'South Street 83' by Work Drugs

 

 

A single released on 7 March 2025.

This song is frankly different from their recent releases.

I understand that the beat is harking back to the 80's, and that's great. What is also great is that sax is back in the mix.

Interesting song. 

'Still Dancing' by Billy Idle

 

 

Released as a single on 26 February 2025, from his upcoming album, "Dream Into It", as yet unreleased on Spotify.

Hard to believe: he's back!

And how.

Classic Idol, with the voice, the punch and that fantastic guitar work by Steve Stevens, yep, same guy who blow us all away with it on Rebel Yell way back in 1983.

This album is touted as his first in 11 years.

Only don't miss out on his really great single, Bitter Taste, released on 11 August 2021, and probably one of the best romantic rock songs in a long, long while.