Clinic Stars – 10,000 Dreams EP (self-released)

Thanks to Brian from the Vinyl Detroit podcast for sending this band my way. This is a duo from Detroit that plays hypnotic and intoxicating dream-folk/dream-pop. Like a washed-out take on early Mojave 3 but there’s some ’60s folk in this too. “Who Will Stop the Rain” is not a CCR cover sadly, but it has perfect harmonies drenched in reverb and gentle acoustic guitars. Each song never takes on too much but instead focuses on a compelling simple melody. “Marathon” is the kind of thing I can’t get enough of, a 6 min repeated riff in waltz time. Next time edit that one to be 15 min friends, thanks in advance! This one came out in 2021 but is well worth doubling back for. A new EP is up too that I am just now diving into, can’t wait for a full length.

Sad Eyed Beatniks – Fruitful Corner EP (self-released)

Kevin from Paisley Shirt records is back with more of his earnest explorations into the realms of outsider pop. This still reckons with the influence of the best of ’10s lo-fi (like say Eat Skull), but it’s also like some mutated ’60s garage, conjuring ESP-Disk label psychedelic deconstructionists The Godz, a bit of lost band that no one mentions anymore. SEB likes to throw curveballs at you, like the crude bass throb and free jazz clarinet of “Culture-lite”. Kevin’s voice always comes off as a bit deranged in a lovable way, making even the more straight-ahead songs sound odd. I am digging the long EP format lately, the perfect appetizer.

Ibex Clone – All Channels Clear (Goner)

I have been meaning to review/recommend this band for a while, and it looks like there’s a new LP up for pre-order. The guitarist favors a heavily modulated sound, not unlike a more legit punk Andy Summers ripping it up with Thin White Rope. The watery melodic guitar warbles are breathtaking really. There’s something happening in the world of guitar pop that is more art rock than say indie pop. They don’t all sound alike, but Ibex Clone would fit on a bill perfectly with Chronophage, Motorists, and a band from SF called NOW, all of them a touch new wave but very DIY with unique guitar explorations.

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