Each vinyl of the week 2024

Every friday the record store shelves are full with new vinyl releases. Each week Vinyl Fantasy presents a selected highlight. You can listen to one song from the featured album in a Spotify playlist every week.

March 29th 2024: SONS OF ALPHA CENTAURI – PULL

For their predecessor, the band attributed to the post-metal genre brought in one of my musical heroes as a vocalist: Jonah Matranga (Far, Gratitude or Onelinedrawing). On the second work of this brillant collaboration, they celebrate an emotion-filled blend of hardcore and alternative rock. In fact, it sounds like a metal-infused version of Far, but also reminds me of the Deftones or even Alice In Chains at times. This record will definitely spin on my turntable more often.

Vinylvarianten:*

• black Vinyl (record and online stores)
• Pull “Apart” Edition (incl. 5“ clear Vinyl, 3“ CD, postcard, sticker plus 2 posters, Exile On Mainstream Exclusive, sold out!))
• Pull “Away Edition (incl. 3“ CD, postcard plus 2 posters, Exile On Mainstream Exclusive)

*diese Liste erhebt keinen Anspruch auf Vollständigkeit

March 22nd 2024: DAEVAR – AMBER EYES

Did someone say ‘doom grunge’? Then count me in! When a band combines these two music genres, I definitely have to listen to it. And let me tell you, the psychedelic-hypnotic blend on the sophomore album of the Cologne trio, which I would rather associate with doom than grunge, captivates you, even though the songs come without major noisy outbreaks. Perfect for enjoying it through headphones.

By the way: Online I only found the album on the bandcamp page of the Berlin-based label The Lasting Dose Records.

Vinylvarianten:*

• green vinyl (Bandcamp, 100 copies, sold out!)
• marbled red vinyl (Bandcamp, 100 copies)
• black vinyl (Bandcamp, 100 copies)
• marbled clear/black vinyl (Bandcamp, 200 copies)

*this list does not claim to be complete

March 15th 2024: GOUGE AWAY – DEEP SAGE

The predecessor ‘Burnt Sugar’ was my most listened to album of 2018. So it’s no wonder that this album was one of my most anticipated of 2024 so faryear. The expectations were immensely high… but what can I say: Gouge Away actually easily exceeds them.

For a long time it was in limbo whether ‘Deep Sage’ would even be release. And I’m so happy that it’s now happening. The noise-soaked hardcore, carried by the incisive voice of Christina Michelle (who is now also active as bassist in Nothing), completely captivates you. It’s actually unbelievable that every single song was captured on tape in just one take under the guidance of producer Jack Shirley. Absolute recommendation from me!

Variants on vinyl:*

• cloudy clear Vinyl (record and online stores)
• Baby Blue/Black Mix Vinyl (Indie Exclusive)
• Coke Bottle w/ Black Splatter Vinyl (Deathwish Exclusive, sold out!)
• Pink/Black Mix Vinyl (Deathwish Exclusive, sold out!)
• White In Aqua Blue Vinyl (Tour Exclusive)

*this list does not claim to be complete

March 8th 2024: BLEACHERS – BLEACHERS

May I be honest: If the record had “The National” printed on it, I would have believed that some songs were directly from an album by Matt Berninger’s band. However, behind Bleachers is none other than the star producer Jack Antonoff, who has collaborated with the likes of Taylor Swift, Lorde, St. Vincent and Lana Del Rey. Besides The National, there’s also a lot of Bruce Springsteen in here, in my opinion. With their fourth album, the band simply presents a really good indie pop album, with some melodies that linger in your mind permanently.

Vinylvarianten:*

• clear Vinyl (record and online stores)
• blue Vinyl (Indie Exclusive)
• Picture Disc (Spotify Fans First, Labelstore)
• red & white marbled Vinyl with 4 alternate covers (Dirty Hits Labelstore)
• white Vinyl (HMV Exclusive (UK), Target Exclusive (USA))
• galaxy red Vinyl (Urban Outffiters exclusive)
• black and white colour-in-colour Vinyl (Blood records, sold out!)

*this list does not claim to be complete

March 1st 2024: YEAHRS – SPIRITUAL SICKNESS

Once again, a hidden gem for our Vinyl of the Week, which you should definitely keep an eye (or ear) on. Although the french band released a 10″ with four songs back in 2017, they have now, after a short hiatus, released their debut album – meanwhile based in Berlin-Kreuzberg. Often labeled as post-shoegaze, the band blends shoegaze with grunge, dream pop and bursts of hardcore into an intensely noisy yet melancholic sound. Inevitably, memories of Slowdive or even My Bloody Valentine come to mind. Unfortunately, I missed them as the opening act for Explosions In The Sky last year, but there’s still a chance to catch them live in germany until early May, including the Record Release Party on March 14th at Urban Spree in Berlin.

Variants on vinyl:*

• red vinyl incl. Vinyl Only bonustrack (Recordstores, Labelstore)

*this list does not claim to be complete

February 23rd 2024: SHORELINE – TO FIGURE OUT und SPERLING – MENSCHEN WIE MIR…

It’s time again for a Vinyl of the Week double feature. And this time, both releases come from two german bands that deserve way more attention than they have received so far.

On their third album, Shoreline have finally found their sound and rightfully landed on the renowned label Pure Noise Records as the first european band ever. The band from Münster celebrates a diverse blend of finest emo-pop-punk, including some hits that just won’t leave your ears. A special recommendation is ‘Seoul’ (see the Vinyl of the Week playlist).

Sperling, on the other hand, is one of those bands that make me wonder why they haven’t already filled large venues and thrilled fans with their emotionally charged music. Their second album is an atmospherically dense mix of spoken word and post-hardcore, accompanied by string instruments and extremely intense lyrics that you should definitely pay closer attention to. If you’re into Casper, Fjørt, or Heisskalt (even though Sperling doesn’t quite fit into this name-dropping), you should definitely give the album a listen. Well, actually… everyone should!

Variants on vinyl:

• Shoreline – To Figure Out:
  • Violet In Clear w/ Baby Pink & Evergreen Splatter Vinyl (Record stores)
  • Pink w/ Black Splatter Vinyl (Band Exclusive, sold out!)
  • Half Violet/Half Baby Pink vinyl (Uncle M Exclusive)
  • Violet & Baby Pink A-Side/B-Side w/ White Splatter Vinyl (Pure Noise Records Exclusive #1)
  • Clear w/ Violet, Baby Pink & Evergreen Splatter Vinyl (Pure Noise Records Exclusive #2)
• Sperling – Menschen Wie Mir…:
  • golden Vinyl (Uncle M Store, Bandstore, Record Stores)
  • golden Vinyl plus Bonus 10″ (Uncle M Exclusive)

*this list does not claim to be complete

February 16th 2024: LIME GARDEN – ONE MORE THING

At this point you simply can’t escape Idles, as they seem to have secured the title of album of the week or even month in virtually every relevant music publication, both online and offline. However, that’s too mundane for us, and I’m glad that Vinyl Fantasy was able to uncover a second gem on this Release Friday.

Lime Garden, hailing from the wonderful Brighton (an absolute travel recommendation from me!), celebrate casual indie rock reminiscent of Wet Leg on their debut album. It’s a fantastic album that should by no means be overshadowed in the midst of the general Idles hype.

Variants on vinyl:

• red vinyl (recordstores, bandstore and bandcamp)
• blue vinyl (bandstore Exclusive)
• Cornetto effect “Mr Blue Sky / Pink Cadillac” Vinyl (Dinked Edition, in participating recordstore in UK and Ireland, probably sold out everywhere!)

*this list does not claim to be complete

February 9th 2024: FLEUR DE MALHEUR – KUMMERKUMPELS

Why are certain albums not featured in popular music magazines? Using Google I haven’t found one single review of ‘Kummerkumpels’. Neither on the websites of well-known music magazines nor on smaller blogs. Which is a pity, because anyone who doesn’t listen to this album is missing out on a real highlight of intelligent german-language music.

Although I wasn’t socialized with Berlin punk, I was still familiar with the name Tom Schwoll. Especially through his latest band ‘Es War Mord’, whose releases (also released on Sounds Of Subterrania) are among the best that german punk has had to offer in recent years. With his first solo work, Tom Schwoll embarks on a singer-songwriter path influenced by country and Americana. Carried by texts with the aim that listeners engage with the content. If you are into sophisticated music with german lyrics, be sure to give this album a listen. You will not regret it!

Variants on vinyl:

• regular black vinyl, that’s it (in the label store an in selected record stores)

February 2nd 2024: THE LAST DINNER PARTY – PRELUDE TO ECSTASY

I am really trying to highlight records at this point that may not necessarily be on everyone’s radar. But this week, I simply couldn’t ignore one of the most hyped bands of the past year. The music of this London based band is just too irresistible.

Hardly any review comes without a reference to Florence Welch, which is not surprising after listening to the album. The songs, meandering somewhere between glam, pop, and indie ruthlessly embed themselves in your ears. While listening, I occasionally found myself thinking of Dresden Dolls, just to stick with references, although that doesn’t quite do justice to the band’s sound. We will definitely be hearing a lot more from The Last Dinner Party in the future!

Variants on vinyl:*

• black and oxblood Indie Exclusive vinyl in every well-sorted recordstore
• Ivory vinyl (Rough Trade Exclusive)
• Picture Disc (Bandstore Exclusive)
• Obi Edition Oxblood vinyl (Assai Records Exclusive, sold out!)
• Red Wine Stain Edition (Blood Records, sold out!)

*this list does not claim to be complete

January 26th 2024: YIN YIN – MOUNT MATSU

Alkaline Trio, The Smile, Future Islands, Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes, Torres, Gruff Rhys, Lucifer, Coogan’s Bluff, New Model Army, or Ty Segall. In addition late vinyl releases from The Menzingers and Casey. Today, the news section in the record store is as well-stocked with familiar names as it has been in a long time and the wallets of many vinyl collectors are likely to take a hit.

With all these big names, I have chosen a band as “vinyl of the week” that may not be known to everyone. A fact that should change immediately. Yin Yin from Maastricht present their third album “Mount Matsu.” On it, they offer a wild – mostly instrumental – ride through asian psych sounds, soul, disco music and Japanese folk. A must-listen for fans of Khruangbin or Altin Gün. But also for everyone else!

Variants on vinyl:*

• black vinyl in every well-sorted recordstore
• Orange vinyl (hhv.de Exclusive)
• rose vinyl (Bandcamp, sold out!)

*this list does not claim to be complete

January 19th 2024: SLIFT – ILION

A rather untypical album for the label roster of Sub Pop. A psychedelic stoner trip spanning 80 minutes (with only one song clocking in at under eight minutes), perfect for an immersive listening experience with headphones. Just tune out and immerse yourself in a noisy world of doom, psych, and stoner. Fantastic!

Variants on vinyl:*

• black 2LP Vinyl or Sub Pop Loser Edition on 2LP Blackened Red Marbled Vinyl (Recordstore)
• Orange Marbled [Engine Fire] 2LP Vinyl (Rough Trade Exclusive)
• 2LP Space Dust Marbled Vinyl (Bandstore, sold out!)
• White 2LP Vinyl (Indie Exclusive for french recordstores)

*this list does not claim to be complete

January 12th 2024: MARIKA HACKMAN – BIG SIGH

The first singer-songwriter highlight of the year. Marika Hackman presents her fifth album, on which she played every instrument herself – except for the brass and strings. Overall, the album leans towards ballad-esque tones and often veers into indie-pop territory. With “No Caffeine,” it boasts a genuine hit that won’t easily leave your ears.

Variants on vinyl:

• black vinyl and Indie Exclusive on green vinyl (Recordstore)
• Signed black vinyl (Artist Store)

*this list does not claim to be complete