Cougar Microbes

Northampton’s premiere purveyors of indie-folk My First Tooth returned with a consolidated lineup and the release 4-track EP ‘Margaret Yen‘ last month.

Singer-songwriter Ross Witt was officially joined by violinist Sophie Galpin meaning that the guitar and violin interplay seen on the ‘My First Tooth And the Rubies’ EP has gained further prominence.

With a full length debut expected later this year these tracks are a good indication of the direction the band is moving in. Check out the special “quiet” rendition of ‘Margaret Yen’ dedicated especially to Cougar Microbes (and the blog readers too I assume).

The ‘Margaret Yen’ EP is available now on Alcopop Records.

TRACKS:

My First Tooth – Silent Spring

Thom Stone is mysterious man:

• His official website and myspace are (deliberately?) vague
• the press release that accompanied his latest release does not delve too deep into his past
• there is little information on last.fm and the likes…

All you really need to know is that his ‘Hearts & Bones’ release is loaded with superb tracks and feels quintessentially British in delivery and outlook.

Temporarily ditching the band he had been playing with recently, Thom recorded over a weekend in his bedroom. This decision plus the choice to split the tracks into two parts works wonders for the pacing of the EP mixing up moments melancholia, liveliness, mischief and defiance.

This recording proves to be an open window into Thom’s mind with nothing but a guitar, some well placed strings and sporadic handclaps to shield him. These tracks are not meant for instant consumption but should be savoured as a collection to truly be appreciated.

The two part “Hearts & Bones” ep is released on 10 of August through Airbag Recordings

TRACKS:

Thom Stone – You Can Do What You Like

Thom Stone – Buy Me Flowers