This week we were delighted to be asked to join Huw Stephens on his BBC Radio 1 show to talk about Fika Recordings and play some tunes from the catalogue. You can listen again here:
Here's what we played: Tigercats - Harper Lee Lisa Bouvier - Andreas Red Shoe Diaries - Ice & Snow Moustache Of Insanity - We Need More Awesome Darren Hayman - Photos Like Postcards The Smittens - First Bus Making Marks - Hard To Be Good
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 newest addition to Fika Recordings is Making Marks from Oslo, Norway. After 5 years as My Little Pony, they've slimmed down to a 4 piece to become Making Marks. They've gigged with the likes of Bonnie 'Prince' Billy, Asobi Seksu and Marit Larsen, toured extensively around Europe and the USA, including appearances at SXSW.
The debut single from Making Marks, Ticket Machine, will be released by Fika Recordings in October 2012 on 7" vinyl. They'll be in the UK playing some shows in September - full details to come.
We're celebrating our new signing by giving away a sparkling example of the joyous, sweet pop songs you can expect coming from Making Marks. So go download Hard To Be Good, watch the video, and keep your eyes peeled for more coming soon!
http://vimeo.com/fikarecordings/hardtobegood
"upbeat, lovely soulful indie pop. Think Belle & Sebastian sprinkled with Motown, jazz, and far more instruments, including the banjo, classical strings, brass and the glockenspiel. What keeps [them] an indie pop band as we know it is frontman Ola Innset’s serene, Paul Simon-esque voice" MTV
"Citing Neil Sedaka and Chris Isaak and possesing the gift of tenderness like Belle & Sebastian, Making Marks, [are] rich and varied, with strings, trumpets and electric guitars" Rolling Stone
"Wonderful twee-like qualities makes them sound like one of those legendary Labrador bands that have been perfecting this craft for years and years" Panic Manual
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
To celebrate the upcoming release of The Smittens' album on Fika Recordings in July, we're giving away a track for free! Burning Streets Of Rome is the lead single (out as a download on June 23rd, flanked by two brand new b-sides) from the album, to provide you a taster of what to expect. There's a video we'll be revealing shortly too. And if all that unveiling wasn't enough, we'll be previewing a track at a time from the album over on the Fika Recordings shop.
So, for now, download and enjoy Burning Streets Of Rome...
There's a brand new single from Tigercats, with a brand new video to go with it. http://vimeo.com/43298802
Darren Hayman, fresh from shooting videos for The Wave Pictures and Shrag is the man behind the camera for this one. He says "One of the best pieces of advice I ever got was every time you get a new instrument or toy, record everything you do on it for the first few weeks. I got an HD camera and before reading the manual I made a video for Tigercats. There is nothing quite like the excitement of discovery, stumbling upon ideas. I wanted to make a rock video as though I were someone who'd never seen a rock video before."
Harper Lee / Cats Run Free 7" out 23rd July 2012.
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
photob
Nik used to be one half of Moustache of Insanity. Fulhäst makes some sort of electronic, poppy/punky music, using old Casio keyboards, electric guitars, circuit-bent microphones and Game Boys. His debut EP comes out on Fika Recordings on the 18th of June. You can listen and pre-order the cassette here.
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.
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
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
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.
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!
Their songs betray no alterior motives of forced cool, only an enthusiastic young band in love with making songs. Excellent, alive, and bright.
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.
They made a joyous noise and I just wanted to dance.
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 Juice, Hefner and Violent Femmes blend to make a sound that, despite the band’s infancy, is considered, confident and utterly infectious.
Their straightforward guitar pop perfects the art of tight, compact melodies.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
