Vapour Trails Vapour Trails

The Vapour Trails, a UK band left by the father/son team of Kevin and Scott Robertson, released two excellent records in the past few years, the most recent being 2020’s Golden Sunshine. Just when I thought they were going to be taking a break (but really glad they didn’t) out comes a new 7-song EP! Apparently it was only going to a 4 songs but the band added a few extras and it’s just as strong as the band’s other material. They haven’t messed with the formula (if you could call it a formula) with loads of jangly guitars melded with ace harmonies that brings their 60’s influences right up to the present. “Tommy’s Tune” and the title track are the 1-2 punch that open the record and are both terrific cuts, among the band’s best really and there’s a few more (including a remix of “Strange’ and a Kinks-y number called “Autumn and Spring”). I won’t delve into all of the songs (‘cos where’s the fun in that?!) but suffice it to say it’s strong collection top to bottom. Pop music the way it was meant to be done.

Code Indigo is one of those hard to categorise electronic bands whose music and concept albums cross genres and has wide appeal. The music is original, with thematic compositions, an imaginative combination of synths, keyboards, guitar, samples and rhythms plus a good helping of experimental, ambient and down tempo chill out influences. The music compares to that of a ‘Blade Runner’ style soundtrack, with Pink Floyd and Art of Noise influences. The band was founded in 1994 by David Wright and Robert Fox with the original line-up completed by Nik Smith and Vaughn Evans.

The progressive rockers who emerged in the '90s and 2000s ranged from time-warped artists who faithfully emulated the prog explorers of the '60s and '70s to artists who combined prog rock with '90s/2000s alternative rock and were not oblivious to life in a post-Nevermind world. This best-of collection, which spans 1999-2008, makes it clear that the Pineapple Thief falls into the latter category; founder/leader Bruce Soord appreciates Pink Floyd's classic '70s albums, but the fact that he enjoys Wish You Were Here and Dark Side of the Moon doesn't make him any less appreciative of Nirvana, Radiohead, or melodic industrial rockers Nine Inch Nails…

Think of it as smoothness for a tense world. Glorious, even shameless, musicianship from before computers replaced real players in the studio. Another amazing collection of songs by the most talented back-room gals and guys. DJ Supermarkt’s mission remains the same: to excavate some of the finest lost songs from the recording business’s imperial phase. From groovesome to mellow, sinful to spiritually yearning, all of these tunes deserve a second chance at the limelight.

The first Late Night Tales release of 2016 is a very special project by Sasha. Imagine listening to music inspired by Frahm, Richter and Steve Reich, but made by one of the UK’s leading house and techno DJs. Away from the hubbub of the club, the craziness of Ibiza, there’s a contemplative side to everybody. Forget the beats and the sweat and the billowing anthems; this quiet, undulating, at times pastoral piece is less about songs and anthems and more about texture and atmosphere. ‘Scene Delete’ is a side of Sasha you’ve never heard before.

This fictitious studio group was masterminded by Richard A. Hewson (b. 17 November 1943, Stockton-on-Tees, Teesside, England). In the late 60s arranger, conductor and multi-instrumentalist Hewson worked with James Taylor and Herbie Hancock and arranged hits such as the Beatles ‘The Long And Winding Road’ and Mary Hopkin’s ‘Those Were The Days’. His fame as an arranger spread and in the next decade he worked with artists including Supertramp, Diana Ross, Carly Simon, Art Garfunkel, Leo Sayer, Al Stewart, Chris DeBurgh, Fleetwood Mac and Chris Rea.