A DIY INDIEPOP VINYL & CASSETTE LABEL

Tullycraft - Lost In Light Rotation

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrlk82j4NB4 2013 has been a bit quiet on the release front so far for Fika Recordings, but don't panic, we're kicking into gear to bring you loads of exciting new releases over the next few months. First up will be the brand new album from Tullycraft, their first in absolutely ages! We'll be putting out a very limited (100 copies only) handmade cassette version of the album, towards the end of March. Fortuna Pop and Magik Marker Records are handling CD/LP duties in Europe and North America respectively. It's a stunner of an album; just the job to get this year off to a flying start.

So here's the brand new video for the single, Lost In Light Rotation. Enjoy!

Lost In Light Rotation available to pre-order from shop.fikarecordings.com

Red Shoe Diaries

With great sadness, we can announce that Red Shoe Diaries have decided to call it a day and concentrate on new projects. They were the first artist to release a vinyl record with Fika Recordings, and as such, they'll always occupy a special place in our hearts. It is a beautiful sounding record and a beautiful looking sleeve. "After 4-ish years together, Red Shoe Diaries have decided to bring things to an end.

We are so grateful for all the support we have received from you all, whether it has been coming to gigs, buying our records or generally just being nice to us. We have had some great times.

But far from feeling like an end, this is a new beginning for a lot of us. One of those new beginnings is ‘Seabirds’, a new band featuring members of Red Shoe Diaries. We are very excited about this new venture, and look forward to making more music for y’all!

Seabirds’ first performance will be at the Leicester Indiepop Alldayer on Saturday 23rd March." Red Shoe Diaries

We have the last few copies of their 10" EP, When Will I Find My Heart..., available from the Fika shop for £5.

Halloween Special Offer

As it is almost Halloween, you're going to need something suitably awesome and suitably gory to listen to. But fear not! We've just the album you need! We've slashed the prices on Moustache Of Insanity's Album Of Death to just £5, on both the LP and the CD. It's an album bursting with blood, guts and tales of zombie sex. Those dodgy looking characters lurking in the shadows? Why, they're Nik Vestberg [Fulhäst] and Bill Botting [Allo Darlin'], teaming up for a 13 tracks of getting attacked by human cats, gameboy screams from hell and, er, dinner parties with the recently deceased.

The vinyl comes all wrapped up in a blood smeared inner sleeve too - every one provides a different window into the darkest part of my/Bill's/Nik's inner most nightmares...

Plus a download code and all sorts of other goodies. Just a fiver. Go here http://moustacheofinsanity.fikarecordings.com/album/album-of-death to buy Album Of Death and here http://shop.fikarecordings.com/ to browse the rest of Fika's back catalogue. Offer ends in November. Be quick or have a slightly more rubbish Halloween.

The Smittens - Believe Me [12"]

Artist: The Smittens
Title: Believe Me
Format: 12" album on transparent vinyl
Cat#: Fika020
Release date: 23rd July 2012
Bandcamp | Spotify 

Formed on a whim at a party in 2002 the Smittens have emerged as one of America's best- loved underground indiepop quintets, releasing 3 full-length albums, a remix ep, and a handful of singles and compilation appearances. Their fourth studio album, Believe Me, is due out on London's Fika Recordings in summer, 2012. 


As a fixture on the international indiepop festival circuit, with appearances at the Indietracks festival, Athens Popfest, NYC Popfest, Popfest New England, San Francisco Popfest, London Popfest, and the Cosy Den Festival in Stockholm, the Smittens have been bringing their lively, melodic sound to new fans every chance they get. In summer 2012 the Smittens are heading back to Europe for their most ambitious adventure yet, this time with the fabulous help of backup singer/soapmaker Missy Bly. 


To date the Smittens have toured across the US and in Canada, the UK, France, Sweden, Germany, and Denmark and have shared the stage with many bands they admire including Allo Darlin’, Math & Physics Club, Tullycraft, The Mountain Goats, The Undertones, Ballboy, Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, Mates of State, We Are Scientists, Mirah, The Butchies, Kimya Dawson, Dub Narcotic Sound System, Tender Trap, Bishop Allen, The Essex Green, Comet Gain, Standard Fare, Bunnygrunt, The Manhattan Love Suicides, Cats On Fire, Dear Nora, James Kochalka Superstar, and even Richie Havens! 

Press for Believe Me

"each and every song they write is a rampant musical pleasure - they could force a smile on the sourest face. 'Believe Me' is a delightful album, perfectly timed for the sunshine and full of that summertime innocence" Bearded Magazine

"They craft bittersweet indie pop" Neon Filler

"Sounding like a Belle & Sebastian brought up solely on Tullycraft instead of all that Bob Dylan and ‘60s soul stuff" Norman Records

"‘Believe Me’ is twee pop in the best possible way – jolly, carefree and full of character" Shout 4 Music

"Burlington, Vermont's most lively bubblegum group have gone all Magnetic Fields - synthesised 80s pop references, baritone vocals, lyrical gay playfulness" Sweeping The Nation

"The Smittens have carved out a unique underdog niche built around happy tunes peppered with surprisingly melancholy, socio-political-influenced lyrics" Burlington Free Press

""Believe Me" is sometimes tongue in cheek amusing, and always entertaining." Examiner "an indiepop disco floor-filler" Adequacy

The Smittens - Burning Streets Of Rome [Digital]

Monday the 25th of June sees the release of the lead single from The Smittens' brand new album. Burning Streets Of Rome is accompanied by two brand new tracks, These Days and Almost to form a digital download single.

"a natty little pop tune" Drowned In Sound [Burning Streets Of Rome single]

"a wonderful touch of The Magnetic Fields about [Burning Streets Of Rome]" Lauren Laverne, BBC 6 Music

Video: A Decade of The Smittens by Stuck In Vermont

Tigercats - Harper Lee / Cats Run Free [7"]

Artist: Tigercats
Title: Harper Lee / Cats Run Free
Format: 7” single
Cat#: Fika019
Release date: 23rd July 2012
Bandcamp

The second single from Tigercats' debut album (Isle Of Dogs) will be out on a limited edition 7" vinyl and available as a digital download on July 23rd. The double A-side single will consist of tracks Harper Lee and Cats Run Free - a completely new, previously unreleased track from the band which was unveiled on their recent tour of Europe. The artwork for the new single follows in the same vein as the artwork for the last single Full Moon Regge Party, the album Isle of Dogs and the much applauded animated video for Full Moon Regge Party.

Darren Hayman (ex-Hefner) directed the accompanying video for Harper Lee. The video features Duncan and Laura in Epping forrest being filmed using what Darren refers to as 'avaunt guard jazz' filming. It's not quite apparent whether anyone, Darren included, understands what this means.

Tigercats have a new single out in July. This is exciting enough, but it'll also be the first 7" single I've put out on Fika Recordings! The single takes Harper Lee from their debut album Isle Of Dogs, and raises it with the second of the double a-sides, Cats Run Free. See that artwork above? That's the cover; isn't it a beauty? It'll be available from the Fika webshop very shortly and should be on sale for £4 online, at Indietracks and at various indiepop gigs that I turn up to.

Tigercats are about to head out to play Primavera festival in Barcelona this weekend. If you're going, make sure you see them; if you're not (like me), there are plenty of other chances to see them. Sat 2nd June: Barcelona - Red Bull Bus/Parc Del Forum/San Miguel Primavera Sound Mon 4th June: Barcelona - Forum FNAC Triangle, 19:00 hrs + Macondo Bar (w/ The Missing Leech) - 21:30 hrs. Tue 5th June: Bilbao - Forum FNAC Wed 6th June: Gijón - Pabellón Cajastur/Recinto Ferial Luis Adaro Thur 7th June: Madrid - Nasti Sat 9th June: Madrid - Neu! Club (Farewell party with Mate, Wild Honey, Ellos y La Familia del Árbol) Thur 14th June: Oxford - Bullingdon Arms supporting the School Fri 29th June: Rochester - The Deaf Cat Sat 7th July: Derbyshire - Indietracks Thur 12th July: London - Old Queens Head, Tigercats & The Smittens & Fulhast

See that last gig? That's a Fika show. I very rarely put on gigs, so you should probably calm my jittering nerves, buy an advance ticket and ease back, safe in the knowledge that once Indietracks is over, you've only got a couple of days of work before there's something to soothe the pains. It should be a good show, with Tigercats being joined by The Smittens and supported by Fuläst. We'll have records-a-plenty from all three to buy on the night. Advance tickets available here

Tigercats Smittens Fulhast

Tigercats Smittens Fulhast

Allo Darlin' - Europe

This is one of the most exciting things Fika Recordings have gotten involved in so far. We've been asked to put out a super limited edition (100 only) cassette version of Allo Darlin's second album, Europe. I'm busy making them at the moment, and it'll be quite some package. Every cassette will be handmade and hand numbered, and will come with a digital download code, a bag of Allo Darjeelin' tea, a recipe for Elizabeth's mum's Sacher Torte, and a very small 16 page artwork and lyric booklet.

You can pre-order the album on cassette from us now - we'll be shipping when the album is released in Europe at the start of May.

The ever reliable Fortuna Pop will be releasing Europe in Europe on CD, LP and digital; while the lovely Slumberland Records will be putting the album out on the other side of the Atlantic. Thanks to them both for asking us to get involved - it is a delight to be involved in releasing what is a mighty fine record.

Tigercats - Isle of Dogs [12"]

Artist: Tigercats
Title: Isle of Dogs
Format: Vinyl LP
Cat#: Fika015
Release date: 9th April 2012
Bandcamp | Spotify

With 11 fantastically catchy, heartfelt and infectious songs, the band are well in to their stride, demonstrating an enthusiastic confidence and a fun-loving charisma.

Hereʼs a bit of history: Tigercatsʼ singer Duncan played in Esiotrot until suddenly he didn't, and after a respectful interval of ambling around for 18 months he asked his brother Giles to join on bass in a new band.

The name Tigercats appeared out of the air and was soon followed by Jonny on drums, Stefan on guitar and Laura on keyboard.

Tigercats have released three singles on Haircut and WeePop! records that have been mostly compared to Orange Juice and Hefner, with the Wave Pictures and Violent Femmes close behind. Steve Lamacq said their longest ever song, "Banned at the Troxy" was "a great little single" and Huw Stephens said "it reminds me of Los Campesinos that, and thatʼs a very very very good thing". This is of course excellent, and perhaps someone will pick up on their love of Chic eventually.

Tigercats have been lucky enough to play some great shows with Allo Darlin, the Wave Pictures, the Lovely Eggs, Dum Dum Girls, the Pains of Being Pure at Heart and Omi Palone. After one show, Darren Hayman kindly said, "Incidentally, Tigercats are really good. Not [just] in that way that most people say bands are good, but good in a way that means something.." Which is ideal, really.

Following well attended shows in February supporting Allo Darlinʼ and at London Popfest, Tigercats are playing the following:

16 Mar#Ramsgate, Caboose Cafe (headline show)
21 Mar#Manchester, The Castle Hotel w/ Shrag
22 Mar# London, Kibo Kift at Somerset House (headline show)
29 Mar# Brighton, Horse & Groom (headline show)
30 Mar# London, Power Lunches - Isle of Dogs album launch, supported by Omi Palone, Fever Dream & Robert Rotifer w/ Allo Darlin' and Moustache of Insanity DJ's

Tigercats are a very, very good band. The kind of band that make you want to be a teenager again, so they can be your band.

The Sunday Times review of Isle of Dogs

A fine slice of indie-pop

Lauren Lavern, BBC 6 Music on Full Moon Reggae Party

Tigercats are that rarest of bands, an indie-pop act you can actually dance to..

neonfiller.com: ”top ten bands to watch out for in 2012″

it reminds me of Los Campesinos that, and that’s a very very very good thing

Huw Stephens, BBC Radio 1

as an indie-pop album goes this is as good as it gets. It’s teaming with radio friendly, infectious hooks, [and] the freshest sounds I’ve heard for some time from a UK act. Plus, as we said when we touted them as one to watch this year, they are an indie pop band you can dance to. That’s actually rarer than you’d think.

Neonfiller.com’s 10/10 review of Isle of Dogs

‘Isle of Dogs’ is an album to be adored. Superbly crafted, original and soul-tingly, Tigercats can bring who they want to the party. Just make sure you have a ticket.

Clickmusic.com’s 5/5 review of Isle of Dogs

there’s something unconsciously authentic about Tigercats... this could be a band to listen to obsessively

drownedinsound.com's review of Isle of Dogs

Tigercats have written a record that is full of personality, vitality, and even youthful rebellion, the sort of record that very well might reinvigorate indie pop

YPOIW’s 9/10 review of Isle of Dogs

this superbly crafted debut album… [features] bouncy Orange Juice-style dance-pop, with boy-girl vocals, bustling percussion and an endearing sense of wonder. Along with recent tourmatesAllo Darlin’, Tigercats are continuing to find a place for heart-on-sleeve indie pop that defies shifting fashions.

eMusic.com review of Isle of Dogs

Maybe the unique thing about Tigercats is that they are not just making great indie pop that catches your attention immediately because it’s hugely vibrant and captivating, but that the band is also telling stories with every chord they’re playing and every note their voices sing.

It’s All Happening’s review of Isle of Dogs

Tigercats are one of those bands who live and breathe their music… when their hormones take control they produce some of finest nuggets of indiepop since Allo Darlin’ first appeared on the scene.

MusicOMH.com’s 4 star review of Isle of Dogs

Tigercats [are] a heap of fun, especially as a live act. Barrett yaks and yelps his way through a rattling run of floorshakers, among which the opener, the deeply cynical, highly topical ‘Coffin For The Isle Of Dogs’, takes its half-spoken, half-sung, passionate sloganeering lead from Spearmint’s epic Sweeping The Nation.

For Folk’s Sake review of Isle of Dogs

a great little single

Steve Lamacq, BBC 6 Music on Banned at the Troxy

Incidentally, Tigercats are really good. Not in that way that most people say bands are good, but good in a way that means something. I mean to say, they can actually play their instruments and everything & the words make you feel the way you’re supposed to.

Darren Hayman

Without pose, additives or preservatives, Tigercats play a fresh, freestyle indie pop which is less obvious than it looks. It’s these types of offerings that make the Primavera Club festival so special. Bravo for that!

indiespot.es

Their songs betray no alterior motives of forced cool, only an enthusiastic young band in love with making songs. Excellent, alive, and bright.

artrocker.com

What Tigercats has come up with is a manifesto for what it means to be alive, to be in London and to be living life… if I was 16 right now I’d think this album was sent to save my life.

A Layer of Chips

They made a joyous noise and I just wanted to dance.

slatethedisco.com

Comprised of former members of Esiotrot and Hexicon, and with EP tracks entitled Konny Huck and Stevie Nicks, there’s no cloak and dagger going on here. They’re a studied version of indiepop; the product of 30 years of jangly guitars and heartfelt post-punk. Slices of Orange JuiceHefner and Violent Femmes blend to make a sound that, despite the band’s infancy, is considered, confident and utterly infectious.

musicomh.com

Their straightforward guitar pop perfects the art of tight, compact melodies.

burythehammer.com

TIGERCATS write songs about Stevie Nicks and Whitechapel, all delivered atop a cloud of shimmering dream rock. Drums twist and guitars bloom like fireworks, whilst a plaintive vocal sounding eerily like Pete Shelley underpins their sound.

Upsettherhythm

this single could only be any better if it came with free drugs cellotaped to the cover.

Leeds Music Scene Review of Easter Island

Tigercats’ debut LP Isle Of Dogs (or I Love Dogs as it is known in my house) is one of those rare albums that on first listen clears a space inside your brain and makes itself comfy because it knows it’s going to be sticking around for quite a while. Neon Fillerwebsite recently gave the record 10/10; the only other album they have ever awarded a perfect score to is London Calling, and despite the 35 year gap, the difference in production values and the fact that one was by one of the biggest bands in the world and the other by a small indie outfit led by the bloke from Esiotrot, the two are comparable; both are a vital slice of life in the capital with not a single wasted second, so vivid you can almost smell the petrol fumes

Brighton Noise gig review

Following on from their great (and brilliantly timely) Konny Hucksingle, the band are back with a new release that was apparently only finished up last week. Gone are the days when you waited months for a release to be sorted out, now they are with us a few days after a band finishes them. Anyway, Easter Island doesn’t really deviate from what the standard set by Huck, which is fine as the band are sounding increasingly assured in what they are doing.

Another Form of Relief

Tigercats are the product of mating Hexicon with Esiotrot; the resultant sound is a bastardised Bo Diddley beat chained to an indiepop set up (part Orange Juice, part Hefner). They have songs about “Konny Huck” and Stevie Nicks, which should just sound sweet but have an angry intensity and buzzing loudness that makes them not only catchy but a lot more interesting.

Sounds XP live review

A brand new band featuring members of Esiotrot and Hexicon, east London’s Tigercats reimagine The Wave Pictures and Violent Femmes as spiky, infectious post-punk anti-heroes. We haven’t heard a new band sound this perfectly-formed for quite some time

Red Shoe Diaries - Ice & Snow now out!

Ice & Snow, the lead single from Red Shoe Diaries' 10" EP, is out now! It is available as a free/pay what you can download from the Fika Recordings webshop.

Since before they knew how to talk to girls, guitarist Ashley and singer Thomas have been writing songs and playing music together, and now, years down the line, these teenage bedroom rumblings have matured into a sophisticated blend all of their own. The missing links were added gradually, with long time college friend, Michael playing drums and adding musical direction. Singer Leanne came next, introducing herself at an early gig as “what you need”. They needed bass too, and Rob didn’t have one yet, but he had what they wanted, so, he got this guitar and he learned how to make it talk. They were complete. So they started gigging more seriously, playing with the likes of The Wave Pictures, Ballboy, Allo Darlin, Nouvelle Vague, A Sunny Day in Glasgow, and playing at festivals such as Indietracks, Edinburgh Popfest and Summer Sundae.

“Nottingham favourites Red Shoe Diaries make sophisticated indie pop that joins the dots from Jacques Brel to Darren Hayman in epic, Morricone-esque broad strokes. Possibly the most exciting glittery-literary indie pop band to come from Nottingham since Tindersticks”. - Fists

“Outside of The Melons Nottingham hasn’t really had a great pop band. But that might change with Red Shoe Diaries getting everyone’s hearts a flutter” - A Layer of Chips

Red Shoe Diaries have a few gigs coming up. Catch them here: Feb 27th - The Musician, Leicester, w/ Allo Darlin, & Tigercats March 26th - The Chameleon, Nottingham, w/ The Wave Pictures June 1st - Ireby Music Festival, Ireby, Cumbria