Mark May 27th on your calendars as Shelflife presents the return of the legendary Close Lobsters. Their new EP "Kunstwerk in Spacetime" features songs "Now Time" b/w "New York City in Space," the first new recordings since 1989. 

From Paisley, Scotland, to Portland, Oregon, via Glasgow and NYC, Close Lobsters graduated from the post-punk music scene in the late 1970s. Inspired by critical elements of the Sound of Young Scotland, Groucho Marxist Records, old NYC new wave, and anarcho punk, the Lobsters were off running. Conceived by singer Andrew Burnett and drummer Stewart McFadyen, they soon added guitarists Tom Donnelly and Graeme Wilmington and Burnett's brother Robert on bass. 

They made an appearance on NME's seminal C86 compilation with song "Fire Station Towers." This immediately opened up the group to the delights of London and soon the world and was many pop fans first introduction to their inscrutable lyrics, classic jangly guitars, and post-psychedelia melodies. The band soon released some of our favorite singles "Going to Heaven to See if it Rains," and "Never Seen Before" on Fire Records, before their colossal first album Foxheads Stalk This Land. In 1988 they joined Los Angeles label Enigma Records and released singles "Let's Make Some Plans" and "Loopholes" which were later included together on the EP "What Is There to Smile About?" In 1989 Close Lobsters made their maiden voyage over to the US to support their second album Headache Rhetoric. Also that year, a special release of "Just Too Bloody Stupid" was issued by the legendary Caff Corporation. 

The 90s were zones of indifference for the group as they decided to quietly call it a day. However, sometime in 2012 there was again electricity in the air, the original line-up reconnected and played their first shows in 23 years. Concerts in Madrid, Glasgow, and Berlin all received amazing responses from longtime fans. Feeding off this energy, the Lobsters performed another trio of shows in 2013, Hamburg, New York City and Glasgow. 

Now in 2014 they are scheduled to play the Copenhagen Popfest and to release their new single, a record where they pay homage to their spiritual American homeland, in May. Two songs that we fell in love with when performed at the NYC Popfest and reimagined over some impromtu dinner in a Brooklyn diner before the show. We are all delighted to announce our new special relationship together. Welcome to the phantasmagoria and super-modernity of Post-Neo-Close Lobsters. Yes, Close Lobsters are alive! 

The release will be available on 70 gram limited edition 7" vinyl with download coupon that includes two bonus remixes. Early presale copies will be available on ox blood colored vinyl. There will also be a digital-only version that includes an exclusive bonus mix of "New York City in Space."

http://shelflife.com/catalogue/LIFE112.html

Now Time

Shelflife presents the debut 7" "Jumprope EP" from NYC's newest pop sweethearts Gingerlys out on July 8 on limited edition vinyl and digital formats. 

Jumprope

Wish You Knew

Everything In The End

Shelflife presents the return of German pop heroes, Brideshead with their third album Never Grow Up, available on limited vinyl, CD and digital formats on Sept 18. 

Never Grow Up is comprised of nine newly recorded songs, plus last year's single "The Mermaid" and the four gems from their "Comeback" 10" EP. The album is a dream soundtrack for a serene summer day where 90's Swedish pop and 80's jangle mingle in the air. Bask in a bath of jangly guitars, timeless melodies and gentle vocals by a band once called "the best English-vocal band currently around in Germany." They combine the finest moments from classic P!O!P! -- the summer of '82 (Orange Juice and The Pale Fountains), the class of '86 (Mighty Mighty, McCarthy, The Brilliant Corners, and The Bodines) and the freshness of 90s Swedish pop (Eggstone and The Cardigans). Layers of guitars, bass, drums, and trumpet with Martin's handsome vocals to tie it all together. This is surely the record of the summer! 

Brideshead formed in spring 1993 in Wiesbaden, Germany. Through almost three decades, tours, albums, and some line-up changes, they are still every bit as fun and delightful as the day they started. 

Brideshead are playing the NYC Popfest in May. 

Never Grow Up LP is a co-release with Dufflecoat Records. 


At 45 Rpm

Introducing "Cloudburst," the new single from Airiel's upcoming album Molten Young Lovers, coming soon from Shelflife Records. 

"Cloudburst" is the first single from Molten Young Lovers, the band's latest LP since 2007's The Battle of Sealand. Previously, the group released the Kid Games EP as well as the now sold out Winks & Kisses vinyl set. Unlike Kid Games, these songs were written and developed in live settings before recording them in the studio, calling to the strengths of each band member's creative technique. Utilizing a number of Chicago studios, producer Adam Stilson helped to shape the material into the classic Airiel that you know and love -- it's loud, it's pretty, and you can dance to it. 

"Cloudburst" also includes a remix by Navigateur, who previously remixed "Firefly" for the Winks & Kisses vinyl. 

Cloudburst

http://shelflife.com/catalogue/LIFE136.html

It's been nearly two years since Shelflife has had the pleasure of putting out new music from the eternal Close Lobsters, and we're proud to say that this will be changing shortly. On June 2, we are extremely excited to be releasing the Scottish band's new EP featuring "Under London Skies" b/w "Wander Epic Part II" on limited gold 7" vinyl with download and digital formats. 

These self-proclaimed "Post-Neo-Anti-Close Lobsters" are back in a big way, and with these two tracks you'll be quickly convinced of that. The A-side, "Under London Skies," serves as both a lament and ode for London- the radical London of The Clash, the Rock London of The Only Ones and Flesh for Lulu, and the Libertarian London of The Mob and the June Brides. There's a lot of history (both musical and otherwise) tied closely with London, and if any band is gonna do justice to that fact it's undoubtedly our trusted Close Lobsters. If that sounds like a big subject to tackle, the single's B-side "Wander Epic Part II" will make you think again. Calling the song an epic is no exaggeration; the band has described it as a yearning for the vast and endless sea. The song is both a wanderlust and a pilgrimage, designed to take the listener on a journey as huge as the subject matter they're tackling. 

The release will be available on 70 gram limited edition 7" vinyl with download coupon that includes bonus tracks "Wander Epic Parts I & II" and "Wander Epic Part III". Early presale copies will be available on gold colored vinyl. There will also be a digital-only version that includes an exclusive bonus mix of "Under London Skies."

Close Lobsters - Under London Skies

http://shelflife.com/catalogue/LIFE144.html

Shelflife is excited to present the return of California Snow Story with their new album "Some Other Places," coming May 27 on digital format. 

David Skirving began California Snow Story in 2001 after leaving Scottish band Camera Obscura. David was a founder member and original guitarist of Camera Obscura and he gave the band their name. He wrote four songs on their debut album Rare UK Bird and guitar parts for their album Biggest Bluest Hi-Fi. David played with Camera Obscura at the legendary Bowlie Weekender festival in 1999. 

California Snow Story first released music on Shelflife Records in the US in 2002 (One Good Summer EP) and released their first album Close to the Ocean in the UK and the Philippines in 2007. This album was the first release to feature vocalist Sandra Belda MartÃ­nez from Spain and keyboard player Madoka Fukushima from Japan. Except for the occasional live show, the band went on hiatus due to other commitments and living in different countries. California Snow Story continued to attract a following and gradually began working on a follow up album. 

The new album features the same core members but also has guest vocals from occasional collaborator Melanie Whittle from the Hermit Crabs. Mel originally played drums and percussion for the band's live appearances. Additionally, vocalist Lupe Núñez-Fernández from Pipas / Amor De Diaz sings on the song "Outliers". Making the line up more international still, Kristoffer Solvang from Norwegian band The Loch Ness Mouse plays drums on two songs. This album (as with the other releases) was mastered by Jon Chaikin who has worked with bands such as The Pains of Being Pure at Heart and Black Tamborine.

California Snow Story -  Motorway

Shelflife is thrilled to announce Airiel's second full-length LP, Molten Young Lovers, coming out on double LP and digital formats on Oct 13, 2017. This album is the much-anticipated follow-up to 2012's Kid Games EP. 

"Cloudburst," the record's first single (which was released this past March), provides a clear insight into the record's magic. The huge chorus is carried by a vocal melody that stands out as the largest part, only complimented by the waves of cascading guitar. In fact, 'large' might be the best possible descriptor for Molten Young Lovers as a whole. The tracks on this LP have a larger-than-life quality, partly due to the crisp production. Kiss' drums are hard-hitting and clear, the guitars are enveloping and lush, and Blanton's basslines flesh out the walls of sound created by the rest of the band. Molten Young Lovers is an album that feels instantly seamless, but that doesn't prevent Airiel from covering a wide range of dynamic ground. Tracks like the opener, "This Is Permanent," and the final track, "The Painkillers," are uptempo songs carried by the unwavering rhythm section, while much of what's in-between--such as "Your Lips, My Mouth"--feel more reflective, without sacrificing any intensity. 

In a 2011 interview, Wrenn mentioned that to others, he often describes his music as, "It's really loud, it's pretty and you can dance to it." At first, this might sound like a description that could fit any number of bands. However, upon diving into Airiel's new album, you'll find it to be both an apt description and an inarguable truth. Molten Young Lovers is a record too loud, too big, and too beautiful to be ignored.

http://www.shelflife.com/catalogue/LIFE142.html

Molten Young Lovers

Airiel - The Painkillers

Airiel - Your Lips, My Mouth

http://www.shelflife.com/catalogue/LIFE151.html

Shelflife presents the new single "Laura Palmer" from The Luxembourg Signal available June 23rd on limited edition 7" vinyl and digital formats. 

With the release of their first single and debut album on Shelflife in 2014, The Luxembourg Signal quickly found a loyal following among fans of dream pop/indie pop music, and received enthusiastic reviews for their pop sensibilities, angelic vocals and lush soundscapes. Since the debut release, the band's lineup of Beth Arzy & Betsy Moyer (vocals), Johnny Joyner (guitars), Brian Espinosa (drums) and Ginny Pitchford (keyboards) has been expanded with the addition of Kelly Davis (guitars) and Daniel Kumiega (bass). 

The seven-piece played a handful of shows in the UK and Europe in the summer of 2015 to promote their debut album, including a Sunday evening performance at Indietracks that many cited as one of the highlights of the weekend. 2015 also saw the release of a split 7" single with Soft Science (Test Pattern Records), which featured a remix of Dying Star by Robert Hampson (Loop/Main). 

The band returned to the studio in 2016 to complete their second full length Blue Field coming out this fall on Shelflife and Kleine Untergrund Schallplatten. "Laura Palmer" is the first single from the album and one of our favorite tracks of the year. The b-side is a special cover version of "Let's Make Some Plans" by the Close Lobsters. 

The Luxembourg Signal will be playing various dates in Germany (TBA) in September 2017 as well as The Paris Pop Fest on Friday September 22, 2017.

Laura Palmer

The Luxembourg Signal "Laura Palmer"

Shelflife presents the new album Blue Field from The Luxembourg Signal available October 13th on limited edition LP vinyl, CD and digital formats on Shelflife and Kleine Untergrund Schallplatten (for Europe). 

With the release of their first single and debut album on Shelflife in 2014, The Luxembourg Signal quickly found a loyal following among fans of dream pop/indie pop music, and received enthusiastic reviews for their pop sensibilities, angelic vocals and lush soundscapes. Since the debut release, the band's lineup of Beth Arzy & Betsy Moyer (vocals), Johnny Joyner (guitars), Brian Espinosa (drums) and Ginny Pitchford (keyboards) has been expanded with the addition of Kelly Davis (guitars) and Daniel Kumiega (bass). 

The seven-piece played a handful of shows in the UK and Europe in the summer of 2015 to promote their debut album, including a Sunday evening performance at Indietracks that many cited as one of the highlights of the weekend. 2015 also saw the release of a split 7" single with Soft Science (Test Pattern Records), which featured a remix of Dying Star by Robert Hampson (Loop/Main). 

For their follow-up LP, Blue Field, The Luxembourg Signal returned to the studio with engineer Mark Rains and produced an album that reveals a bolder, more developed sound with a darker undertone. The album's first single "Laura Palmer," released on 7" in June, earned immediate admiration from fans across the globe. The new LP also features special guest vocals from Bobby Wratten (Field Mice, Trembling Blue Stars) on the reflective track "Fall Feeling." 

The Luxembourg Signal will be playing various dates in Germany (TBA) in September 2017 as well as The Paris Pop Fest on Friday September 22, 2017.

http://www.shelflife.com/catalogue/LIFE154.html

Blue Field

The Luxembourg Signal - Blue Field

The Luxembourg Signal - Are You Numb?

In 1997, Jeremy Wrenn formed a two-man shoegaze project called Airiel. Fast forward to 2012 and the band is four members strong, has toured nationally and internationally, released two singles, five EP's (including a box set), one full length album and tracks for multiple compilations. 

Recorded and produced by the band itself, Airiel has just finished Kid Games, a brand new four track EP for Shelflife. Bringing in many of the elements that formed Airiel's foundation, Andrew Marrah and Chase Johnson's drum machines and synths make a larger presence. This produced a new sound that keeps the elements that make Airiel great; catchy melodies, lush guitars, danceable rhythms and lasting dreaminess. "Kid Games" also marks the return of guest vocalist Stella Tran, who's first appearance was on "Firefly" from the Melted EP of the Winks & Kisses box set. 

Kid Games is released May 1st on limited edition 12" vinyl and digital formats. 

ORDER: http://shelflife.com/catalogue/LIFE083.html

Funerals

You Against The Rest of Us

In 1997, Jeremy Wrenn formed a two-man shoegaze project called Airiel. Fast forward to 2012 and the band is four members strong, has toured nationally and internationally, released two singles, five EP's (including a box set), one full length album and tracks for multiple compilations. 

Recorded and produced by the band itself, Airiel has just finished Kid Games, a brand new four track EP for Shelflife. Bringing in many of the elements that formed Airiel's foundation, Andrew Marrah and Chase Johnson's drum machines and synths make a larger presence. This produced a new sound that keeps the elements that make Airiel great; catchy melodies, lush guitars, danceable rhythms and lasting dreaminess. "Kid Games" also marks the return of guest vocalist Stella Tran, who's first appearance was on "Firefly" from the Melted EP of the Winks & Kisses box set. 

Kid Games is released May 1st on limited edition cyan and white 12" vinyl as well as digital formats. 

PREORDER: http://shelflife.com/catalogue/LIFE083.html

Flashlight Tag

Daydreamer

Tears Run Rings return with a new four-track release, "Somewhere EP," out October 19th on limited clear 10" vinyl and digital formats through a global label partnership of Shelflife and Deep Space Recordings. 

The band released their third album, "In Surges," in 2016.  The four songs on this new EP were written when the band met over a weekend in the late fall of 2016, and recorded over the next two years.  The EP is, as usual, largely a long distance effort, primarily recorded in both Portland and San Francisco home studios.  However, this EP marks the first time working with Kurt Feldman (Ice Choir, POBPAH, The Depreciation Guild), who mixed all the tracks.

The lead track ,"Helios Heliadae," features Matthew’s airy layered vocals alongside driving rhythms giving a nod to the early 80’s New Zealand sound.  The next song, "Someone Somewhere," is a dreamy pop song that, on one hand, is a return to the lush, transcendent sweeping sound from the band's debut album, but also showcases the band's more polished pop sensibilities.  Next, the jangly "Be Still" exerts a frantic energy  reminiscent of bands like Moose and Pale Saints.  The EP closes with the introspective "Daylight," a song drenched in soft melancholy and shimmering beauty.  

Tears Run Rings are playing live for the first time in 10 years this fall, with shows in Portland, Oregon (October 20th at Turn! Turn! Turn!), and in Michigan as part of the Kalamashoegazer festival on November 10th at Bells (with Ringo Deathstarr, Airiel, Soft Science, Springhouse, Tambourina, Seashine, and Brief Candles).  The band is working on a fourth album.

Somewhere EP

Tears Run Rings - Helios Heliadae

Tears Run Rings - Someone Somewhere

Tears Run Rings - Daylight

http://shelflife.com/catalogue/LIFE088.html

Shelflife presents the debut double A-side 7" "Honest" b/w "I Wish" from Dublin, Ireland's Goodly Thousands, coming February 19th, 2013. 

The band started in 2010 in the small town of Dundrum. Colm writes all the songs, plays guitar and sings, Aaron plays drums and Darren plays bass. The band draws inspiration from many of the beloved UK guitar pop groups of the mid-1980s. In fact, Colm reminds us of young Julian Henry (The Hit Parade) on guitar mixed with Ken Sweeney (Brian) on vocals. His songs are like lost Primal Scream demos from 1983. We know this is maybe the biggest compliment known to man, but we promise this record lives up to it! The jangly guitar sound so famously crafted back then is once again reborn 30 years later. The band's raw and intimate production on these recordings also show the pure genuineness of their sound (and heart). We just can't help to go nuts over this stuff and we can't wait to hear what's coming up next from them! 

Goodly Thousands previously released the fantastic "Kiss Me Upside-Down" on the Popical Island #2 compilation as well as a 4 track EP on Long Lost Records in an edition of 50 CD copies. The two songs featured here are different versions than what was released on that EP. They've been playing several gigs in pubs, clubs and houses around Dublin, with many of those nights curated by Popical Island and Long Lost. 

For fans of: The Hit Parade, early Primal Scream, Brian, The June Brides, The Servants

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