reviews

The Perfect English Weather – Simon and Wendy Pickles of 90s indie pop favourites The Popguns,  return with a double offering that reaffirms their gift for crafting wistful, melodic indie pop soaked in gentle melancholy. “London By The Sea,” the second single from their upcoming album Just Beyond The Lights, is a beautifully rendered daydream — a shimmering mix of chiming guitars, soft harmonies, and nostalgic warmth that wraps around you like your favourite old jumper. There’s a comforting familiarity here, but it never feels recycled. Instead, it drifts with grace through the passing of time, reflecting on change with a soft ache. Inspired in part by a fleeting 1980s train conversation and rooted in the band’s Brighton roots, the track balances personal memory with wider emotional resonance — making it feel quietly universal. Paired with non-album B-side “Flames,” the single becomes even more intimate. This track strips everything back to just voice, acoustic guitar, and the most tender of cello flourishes. It’s delicate and utterly lovely, with the duo’s harmonies melting together in a way that speaks of years of shared life and music. There’s a fragility to it, but also strength — a kind of hushed resilience that lingers long after the final note. Together, these songs are a reminder of how powerful understatement can be. The Perfect English Weather have created something quietly special — music for rainy afternoons, late-night reflections, and anyone who finds beauty in the bittersweet. London-by-the-sea is out now via Matinée Recordings, pop over to matineerecordings.com and pick it up along with a load of other indie pop goodness. —Backseat Mafia

For me, Tuesday’s are always the struggle (I’m a Monday kind of guy!). So, with that, this velvety bit of jangling pop from the Perfect English Weather is the perfect salve for my morning grumpiness. According to the notes, the tune was penned after the band reflected upon a chance meeting with Morrissey back in 1984, and in that, our narrator seems to question is it possible to still love the person he has become (or that’s how I see it). If that’s the case, it’s a quite biting tribute, but disguised in this chamber pop fever dream that seems perfectly suited for a cafe in London-by-the-Sea. The group will be releasing their first album in seven years, Just Beyond the Lights, this May via Matinée Recordings. —Austin Town Hall

Simon and Wendy of  UK band The Popguns are icons around the WYMA World Headquarters taproom Executive Suite. But it isn't just because of our love of The Popguns. Working in the more acoustic space as a duo they have been recording as The Perfect English Weather. The project highlights their knack for euphoric melodies and evocative songwriting. We understand that they will release a new album in May, but for now you can swoon with us over the singles "Caroline of Brunswick Square" and "London-By-The-Sea". The digital releases are out now via Matinée Recordings. —When You Motor Away