I was to publish this post yesterday but wasn’t feeling well. It was a bit of a rough day in general, but well… at least I am feeling much better today.

Still expect a post tomorrow and Friday.

Love, Burns: 3 out of 5 songs that were recorded for the Tom Gallo podcast, are available on the Love, Burns’ Bandcamp. These songs are “To Say Goodbye”, “Wired Eyes” and “Something Good”. You can also check the full session plus interview if you follow this link.

Midlife Poetry: here’s a fun pop punk indiepop band from Berlin. Their latest release were two songs they put out last April. These are “Miss” and “Tomorrow”. The band is formed by Flowzee on drums, Lucy on bass and vocals and Ber Von Largue on guitar. Do check their previous release that includes a song called “Entre Rios” that is ace.

The Age of Colored Lizards: the Norwegians have been featured many many times on the blog. So yes, you know I like them. Their latest song is a mellow one. It is called “Sirens” and it is a pretty one.

Calamity Jane & Wild Bill: the synth-pop duo from Berlin/Malmö is back with “Midnight Praises”, a 4 song EP. Always fun and with smart lyrics, they know how to craft catchy poppy songs. I highly recommend this EP. Hopefully gets released on physical format.

The Orchids: and lastly the legendary Glasgow band, one of the best bands ever, is releasing a new album on September 2. “Dreaming Kind” will be available on vinyl and CD and you can pre-order now. And that’s not all, one of the songs, “This Boy is a Mess”, is up on Bandcamp for everyone to listen on repeat. The album will include this song and 12 more. This track is gorgeous… the album seems promising. I can’t wait for September!

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Back in 1994 the Australian label Phantom Records released “The Corridor” (PHCD-34). This CD was a compilation of 4 EPs recorded by four prominent Newcastle (NSW Australia) bands of the early to mid 90s.

The bands on this CD were Burning Winter, Golden Section, Me Me Me and Bugbears. The band I want to investigate today is Burning Winter.

The four songs they included were “Sandcastles”, “Cecile”, “Denial” and “Wrong”. The only other song I know they properly released was called “Killing Me” which appeared on another Phantom Records compilation, “My Beautiful Pigeonhole” (PHCD-26). This was also a compilation of Newcastle bands but this time only one song each.

I don’t own any of these releases, not sure what information is available about the band in them, in the liner notes.

The thing is that on Youtube there are more than a few songs by them, including official music videos.

“Sandcastles” that appeared on “The Corridor” comp has one video. I learn from the details included that the band was formed by Darren Rowe (lead vocals/guitar), Rachel Rose (guitar/vocals), Craig Beck (bass) and Mark Hetherington (drums). This song was produced by the band and engineered by Rob Taylor.

“Killing Me” That was on the “My Beautiful Pigeonhole” also has a video. Heree the band is a bit different. Instead of Rachel Rose we find Phillippa Rees on keyboards and vocals.

I believe this was the original lineup of the band.

This same lineup is credited for the video of the song “Mesmerised“. This track had been recorded by Dave Henderson.

Then we find a song I really enjoy a lot, “Painful Memory“. On the details it says that this was a live favourite. The footage was filmed by Simon Kokins in the band’s rehearsal studio in Hunter Street. It says that the 12-string Rickenbacker was the signature sound of the band’s early days. No wonder I really enjoy their sound!

Then there’s “Typical Life” but no information is available for this song.

Also good to mention a song called “Fireglow“. This one doesn’t have a video but it was recorded in 1990 by the band’s original lineup.

The only other upload in this Youtube account is a song by a band called Moonscope. It seems this band was the predecessor of Burning Winter. It features Darren and Phillippa. It sounds great too! Would be a good idea to write about them next!

Then I find that the band released in 1991 an EP titled “Lap of the Land”. It is not listed on Discogs. I know the songs were recorded and mixed by Dave Henderson.

They were four songs, “Lap of the Land”, “Mesmerised”, “Let Her Out” and “Relic”.

Then probably the best find. A soundcloud account that has 11 more songs by the band! The songs are compiled under the title “The 90’s Vault” and include the tracks “A Crystal, A Clover”, “No Surprise”, “What I Need”, “Take it Away”, “Sunday”, “Stranger (So it Goes)”, “Sheryleisha”, “Her Aura”, “Enchanting” and “What Goes On”. The account is by Purpelelf Records from London, UK. Who were behind this label? Someone from the band moved to London?

Another piece of the puzzle that I found was that Craig Beck, the bassist, was later in the band Skybaby Siren.

And I think that’s it. A lot of great stuff. Hopefully someone reading this remembers them and can shed some light about their releases. Did they put more stuff out? Tapes? Where do all of these songs come from?

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Listen
Burning Winter – Lap of the Land