Into Music Reviews: New Music March 2022

As March continues apace, we bring you some new and some old music to get your ears round. The mix here is great, whether it is completely new releases, compilations or re-released tunes. Stick with Into Creative and you’ll not go wrong so read on, pop pickers…

Artist: Various
Album: I Found That Essence Rare (The Sound of Beauty)

One of the great things about the record label The Beautiful Music is what they stand for:

Music that is created for the sheer LOVE of it.

On one hand, it’s quite a (bold) statement. It immediately grabs the attention but once you start to delve into the artists and albums they’ve released over the years – a key component and one that helps make them stand out in what can be quite a crowded market – you quickly realise how much they do actually LOVE the music.

This new release comprises twenty tracks by eighteen different artists and celebrates songs that will put a spring in your step, a smile on your face and will give you the glowing feeling that only music can inspire. There are a few covers and a “sort of cover” which sees Summerhouse mine their inner disco/Beach Boys vibe on the wonderful I May Not. Dot Dash contribute their jangly pop track Gray Blue Green, taken from their Proto Retro album and is a clear highlight on the album.

The Fish John West Reject do a raw, punky version of The Bluebells’ Cath while The Poems – more of whom later – do a completely stripped back semi-acoustic take on New Order’s Temptation, a really cracking interpretation.

Northern Soul comes in the shape of James Clarke Five, with an up tempo Under My Skin adding to the variety and elsewhere there are excellent cuts from the likes of Skytone, Crumb and Gretchen’s Wheel. As I mentioned at the start, TBM label get it. Check this album out here and have a look at what else they offer. You won’t be disappointed.

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Artist: The Poems
Album: Young America

Quite simply, another belter from the Last Night From Glasgow label sees The Poems album issued for the first time on vinyl having been released on CD only in 2006. The fact that the CD is difficult to get – a quick check on Discogs confirms – means this has been hotly anticipated since it was announced a few months back.

First up, Sometime Somewhere Someone Should Say Something really showcases singer Kerry Polwart’s talents while the band provide harmonious backing vocals, a more than confident start for what is to follow. See The Sunrise offers a foot taping bassline that helps drive the song forward but it’s much more than that with lyrics offering tales of hope, love and life’s beauty.

In addition to Kerry Polwart, the band showcased a stellar line up of talents with Robert Hodgens, Bobby Paterson, Adrian Barry, Andy May and Ross McFarlane featuring prominently. Add to that a number of guest contributors including Isobel Campbell, Justin Currie and Norman Blake, it’s easy to see why this collection is so special. Layers unpeel on each listen with subtle nuances discovered every time, the sign of a great album. Ballad Of A Bitter End is perhaps the best example of this, the track mixing cinematic overtones and orchestral strings while Polwart’s delivery suits the song to a tee.

Side Two starts with the poppy I Am A Believer, which benefits from another great vocal and harmonies playing out in the background while the guitar interlude fits perfectly with the overall rhythm. Elsewhere, No Sign Of Life and the closing Lost And Found are highlights, the latter’s refrain “don’t stop thinking about good times, nothing sweeter can beat good times” really sums the record up and is the ideal way to close off one of the albums of the year to date.

The Poems album Young America is out now – to buy it, head over to the Last Night From Glasgow website here.

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Artist: The HARA
EP: We All Wear Black

The Manchester three-piece, The HARA are back with an upcoming EP which includes lead single Domino and provides at times, an anthemic soundscape which will thrill both new and old fans alike.

The past twelve months or so have been a busy but productive period for the band, hitting the festival scene including a gig at Glasgow’s TRNSMT as well as nationwide radio play.

The three and a half minute rock rouser will be included on the six track We All Wear Black EP which is released on Scruff Of The Neck records on 01 April 2022 in a year that the band also hope to release their debut long player.

The HARA hit the tour bus from April which will see them visit 16 towns and cities across the U.K. including dates in Aberdeen (Tunnels) and Glasgow (King Tuts) for what are sure to be electric live shows.

To keep up to date with the new EP, tour and much more, visit their website here.

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Artist: MEMES
Single: Second Thought

MEMES have just released their new single Second Thought which ploughs through the brainwaves at breakneck speed with little time to stop for breath. The lyrics tell a tale of getting into trouble without seemingly much thought for the consequences.

It’s 150 seconds of modern post-punk which demands your attention and will leaving you reeling at the impression it makes. Personally, the impression I had was “what the fu#k have I just listened to”? So of course I listened to it again, then again, then again. It’s that kinda record.

There is no doubt having listened to a few MEMES tracks, the Glasgow band would be scintillating live and are surely one of the acts to look out for in 2022. Just remember where you heard that recommendation first!

You can keep up to date with MEMES including their U.K. tour which will see them play Glasgow McChuills on 01 April 2022 here.

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Artist: Jet City Sports Club
Single: She Don’t Need No One

Playing innovative indie/rock/pop inspired by the best 80s/90s music ticks a lot of boxes and so we find the new release from Jet City Sports Club on fine form.

The Australians (from Sydney) have cut a solid track in She Don’t Need No One. Guitars gently build to start before the catchy vocal courtesy of Lilla Obradovic comes in as the track widens out to showcase a band that clearly feel assured in their sound. Having only formed in mid 2020, this is their 5th release (check out the excellent September Sun mini album).

You can keep up to date with Jet City Sports Club via their Bandcamp page here.

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John Welsh
@welshjb