Octoberman - Run From Safety - 12"

Octoberman’s Marc Morrissette, no relation to his famous female namesake, has to be one of the great up and coming Americana songwriters of our times, and if his latest band’s 2005 debut didn’t prove that, then this follow up certainly does. “Run From Safety” feels like all the things a modern Americana album should be – like one of those classic albums from the heyday of the genre’s late nineties revival, with hints of everyone from Neil Young to Sparklehorse to Elliot Smith, yet still managing to do something new whether it’s the unexpected appearance of rabble rousing choruses, unexpected horns or painfully evocative lyrics. Tempos and levels change within single tracks but the record still manages to fall together in a way that make it a whole piece you just couldn’t miss anything out from. By the time you reach the climactic “Chasing Ambulances” the lump in your throat that’s been building throughout the whole record ends up positively choking you. Simply put, it’s that great, and for that reason a worthy recipient of Americana UK’s best album of 2007.

from americana.uk

Olafur Arnalds- Eulogy for Evolution - 12"

Beautifully arranged and produced orchestral music from Iceland. Comes in gorgeous gatefold packaging with digital download code for entire album. Recommended.

'A series of orchestral movements that pull the heartstrings like a marionette. Hamlet à la headphones, but prettier.' (8/10)
- The Silent Ballet

OPERATION S - ST - 7"

OPERATION S is from France, featuring ex-members of the much beloved No Talents. Ooh la la, sexy rock n roll, just liked you'd expect from the country that invented tongue kissing.

ox.eagle.lion.man - Fatherhood/motherhood - 7"

This great new band feature three former members of the sorely miss Les Incompetents. This band are getting of attention at the moment, so check them out to see why!