Our latest 45s are the top sellers on the Matinée hit parade at the moment and they are enjoying great reviews in the music press as well. The current number one is the debut ‘Real Tears’ 7” (matinée 090) on transparent blue vinyl from English quintet Seabirds. Here are choice quotes about the single from six people in the know:
“A storming debut … a triumph of five people capturing a moment and time in three minutes, like all the best seven inch singles … one quite glorious debut single.” —A Layer of Chips
“Love at first listen … Matinée Recordings just found another unmissable new band … stunning jangle-pop with rocking guitars and male-female soaring vocals … we want MORE!” —Bloodbuzzed
“As pure a slice of jangly rock as you’ll hear all year.” —Gold Flake Paint
“Two top class indie pop songs with energetically played guitars, sincere lead vocals and excellent harmonies … an extremely well-crafted debut release.” —When You Motor Away
“Like a disaffected distant cousin of B&S [who] nonchalantly swigs a premium-strength brew of Butcher Boy, Tompaulin and approximately 92 Scandinavian pop heroes.” —In Love With These Times, In Spite Of These Times
“In short, a triumph!” —Troublezine
Have a listen to ‘Real Tears’ here to see what all the fuss is about:
Seattle trio Math and Physics Club are selling strong in the shop with their new ‘Long Drag’ 7” (matinée 089) on coke bottle green vinyl. The single is basking in praise from around the world and here are some of the superb things written about it so far:
“This is not the Math and Physics Club your parents knew and they are all the better for it! More like this please.” —The Finest Kiss
“If you want to know what the best single to be released this year is, then look no further than the mighty Math and Physics Club who continue to lead the way in perfect pop with the hand-clap laden Long Drag.” —A Layer of Chips
“Pure indie-pop goodness.” —Backseat Mafia
“Long Drag is well worth the wait … a punchy bassline, B52s guitars, crisp handclaps and a subdued vocal performance make for a wonderfully understated yet superbly poppy indie smash in the making.” —Listen with Monger
“Charming and sublime.” —The Big Takeover
“Long Drag is simply stunning, pulse-beating, addictive and joyful … what a comeback!” —Bloodbuzzed
Here’s a stream of ‘Long Drag’ to play while you continue reading:
Australian band The Steinbecks are another favorite with their first release in six years, the splendid ‘At Arkaroo Rock’ 7” (matinée 088) on classic black vinyl. Here’s what the indie press has to say about the single:
“At Arkaroo Rock gradually permeates your brain with its delicate charms and simple melodies… a quite beautiful song.” —Sounds XP
“Their new single harkens beautifully back to those old Sugargliders days, from the influence of Aztec Camera (think ‘We Could Send Letters’) in the guitar and vocals to the conspiratorial closeness of it all.” —Mess + Noise
“Moth-delicate, with gently cascading vocal lines and a glistening spun web of guitars … it operates at a dizzying level of exquisiteness.” —In Love With These Times, In Spite Of These Times
“At Arkaroo Rock is a gentle, lilting, meandering song with dreamy, Chris Isaak guitars and bass line that waitresses will simply have to wiggle their bums to.” —Listen with Monger
“Green, lush introspective pop music with inch perfect guitar phrases and the usual love of nature that comes through on all Meadows brothers recordings.” —A Layer of Chips
“Fabulous guitar pop from Australia.” —Rockerilla
You can hear ‘At Arkaroo Rock’ on the player below:
Finally, the bubblegum pink vinyl ‘Have You Seen Faith?’ 7” (matinée 087) from Scottish hitmakers Bubblegum Lemonade is flying off the shelves and here are a few of our favorite quotes from recent reviews:
“Have You Seen Faith? is a lilting, harmony-laden track, complete with Rickenbacker solo and infectious little chorus. Whatever the time of day and mood, there’s always time in your day for little pop gems like this.” —Backseat Mafia
“The sound, as ever, is pristine indiepop and the melodies are typically wonderful.” —The Sound of Confusion
“Have You Seen Faith has the Byrds jangle and adds a little of the Stone Roses more melancholy side to the equation. Bonus points for writing the answer to Heavenly‘s Cool Guitar Boy on the b-side.” —The Finest Kiss
“The hazy Byrds-like title track moves from gentle drawn out vocals to a super melodic guitar figure, while ‘Cool Guitar Girl’ transports the sweet C86 pop of Primal Scream’s superlative ‘Velocity Girl’ across the Atlantic and ‘Angry Birds’ hits a melodic sweetspot … a brief but brilliant record.” —Rave Child
“Have You Seen Faith is one of those magical moments in pop music.” —When You Motor Away
“Another trio of timeless songs.” —Sounds XP
Have a listen to the ace title track now if you’d like:
All four singles are available now in the Matinée shop in both physical and digital formats. Please see the updated catalog pages for complete release details including soundclips and full reviews. Hurrah for 7” vinyl!