The debut album by Good Flying Birds technically arrived in early 2025 as a cassette on Rotten Apple, but it only hit my radar now thanks to a fresh vinyl release from Smoking Room and Carpark Records. Whether Tallulah’s Tape counts as a true debut is up for debate — it compiles sixteen home recordings and demos made between 2021 and 2024 — but for a band already lo-fi by design, that fits perfectly. Sure, there are some rough edges and odd corners, but they only add to the crate-digger charm.

What lingers is the sheer number of gems buried here, and that sense of discovery when you realize just how sharp their pop instincts are. It’s scrappy, jangly, and slightly twee underground pop with the occasional psych shimmer. There’s a definite ’80s UK undercurrent, but fans of contemporary bands like Sharp Pins, The Smashing Times, 2nd Grade or Now will soon be raving about Good Flying Birds.

This band will go places, no doubt.

Add to wantlist: Bandcamp || Carpark || Smoking Room