October into November always marks one of the most congested periods on the release calendar for artists. Here are a few things that came across the desk but for scheduling reasons didn’t get the attention they deserved.
Laura Marling returned with her eighth studio album Patterns in Repeat – whilst 2020’s Song For Our Daughter was written from the perspective of writing to and about a fictional child, this latest outing was recorded largely at home in the basement of her house after the birth of her daughter last year. With strings by arranger Rob Moose, it marked a further post-folk departure for the multiple Brit, Mercury and Grammy winner and nominee.
A founding member of the Trashcan Sinatras, John Douglas released his solo album in 2023, covering their classic Weightlifting. His latest EP Still or Sparkling takes in backing vocals from his partner and former Fairground Attraction singer Eddi Reader on the title track and also includes a cover of Tom Waits’ Johnsburgh, Illinois.
Mark Heffernan – AKA Pocket Lint – has explored the early 80’s synth pop stylings of Fad Gadget and Soft Cell on The Jet Age, to great effect on the likes of German Messages and Dictatorship of The Air. A more contemporary link to William Doyle meanwhile is clear on Pin Up Queen and E28 39.
Last but in now way least, back in sunny Leeds the Utah Saints reissued their self titled 1993 classic; rave again to the sounds of Something Good, What Can You Do For Me and My Mind Must Be Free whilst going deeper with an additional slab of remixes from the likes of Perfecto and C J Bolland. Finally punk/thrash crossover band Pest Control returned with their brand of melodic hardcore on the Year of The Pest EP – big things are coming for them.
The Voice Of Unreason 