When still in high school in New Jersey, Ben Guterl and Ava Trilling formed the band Forth Wanderers. Five years later, they are releasing a self-titled album via the venerable Sub Pop label. We think that is a pretty impressive career arc. We also think Forth Wanderers is a damn impressive album. While it actually isn't their first record, it is a great introduction to the band. Ben and Ava collaborate on songwriting from their different collegiate locales, but the separation doesn't seem to detract from the final product. The band's creations are dynamic, lyrically and musically complex, and should be relateable for fans navigating the transition into adulthood. As a lyricist, Trilling is intimate and bold (the opening line of the album is "I'm the one you think of when you are with her"), with knack for expression beyond her chronological age. Trilling's bandmates match her lyrics and assured vocal delivery with a driving beat and probing guitar lines. All in all, they sound like a band that has been at it for decades, and has earned the right to last that long.
In addition to Ben (guitar) and Ava (vocals), Forth Wanderers are Duke Greene (guitar), Noah Schifrin (bass), and Zach Lorelli (drums). The album is out now in all formats, see the Bandcamp link below for details.
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This is not music criticism. On this blog, you will only read about music we like.
Monday, April 30, 2018
Friday, April 27, 2018
"Wonder" by San Mei
San Mei, Australian recording artist Emily Hamilton, continues to refine her appealing combination of dream pop vocals and scuzzy indie guitars, and in doing so emerges as a performer well worth following. With "Wonder", her second release since her recent Necessary EP, she supercharges the energy and strut and provides a tantalizing look at her continued progression. Her sound is concise, bristling with purpose, and newly confident. San Mei is a fresh voice, but seems to us to be ready for prime time.
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Azure Blue - Whatever '18 EP
Friday's number one mission for us was to find a set of music to get lost in. Music that is encompassing, absorbing, and provides an excellent reason to not bothering to finish the work that has piled up all week. And we found exactly what we needed. In fact, we found more than one, but we will start with Swedish musician Tobias Isaksson, who has gifted the world with another glistening jewel, the six-song Whatever '18. Recording as Azure Blue, Isaksson has been thrilling synth pop fans for years, but 2018 looks to be more important than most. In addition to the four original compositions and two covers (of "Justice" by Robert Forster and "747" by fellow Swedes Kent) on Whatever '18, he will be releasing the full length album Fast Falls The Eventide this summer.
Whatever '18 is lush, romantic synth pop with sparkling details and soaring melodies. The title track will be on the new album, but the other five are only available on the EP (except for the few tracks that appeared on European-only releases in the past). In addition to Isaksson, the songs boast contributions by Swedish artists César Vidal, The Land Below, Peter Morén, Charly A, and Bo. Of course, there are reminders of the synth pop heyday of the '80s, including some direct parallels to New Order, OMD and (including on the title track streamed below), but adept reworking by Isaksson provides a musical statement that is not only vital and life-affirming, but very much up to date. We loved it on the first listen, and our appreciation grows with every replay.
The CD format of Whatever '18 only is available via the Matinee Recordings website (see below). The digital format is available via Matinee, as well as iTunes, Amazon, and Spotify. The new album, Fast Falls The Eventide, also will be released via Matinee.
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Twitter for Tobias Isaksson
Matinee Recordings page to order Whatever '18 CDEP
Matinee Recordings
Whatever '18 is lush, romantic synth pop with sparkling details and soaring melodies. The title track will be on the new album, but the other five are only available on the EP (except for the few tracks that appeared on European-only releases in the past). In addition to Isaksson, the songs boast contributions by Swedish artists César Vidal, The Land Below, Peter Morén, Charly A, and Bo. Of course, there are reminders of the synth pop heyday of the '80s, including some direct parallels to New Order, OMD and (including on the title track streamed below), but adept reworking by Isaksson provides a musical statement that is not only vital and life-affirming, but very much up to date. We loved it on the first listen, and our appreciation grows with every replay.
The CD format of Whatever '18 only is available via the Matinee Recordings website (see below). The digital format is available via Matinee, as well as iTunes, Amazon, and Spotify. The new album, Fast Falls The Eventide, also will be released via Matinee.
Website
Twitter for Tobias Isaksson
Matinee Recordings page to order Whatever '18 CDEP
Matinee Recordings
Thursday, April 26, 2018
"Hemtjänsten" by Boys
Today's first musical enjoyment comes courtesy of Sweden's Nora Karlsson, who writes and performs as Boys. Her new single "Hemtjänsten" is taken from her May 11 release Rest In Peace, a debut album that should earn her a wealth of new fans. The song is warm and dynamic, showcasing her ability to provide intimacy or grandeur as the moment demands.
"Hemtjänsten" and Rest In Peace are available via PNKSLM.
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"Hemtjänsten" and Rest In Peace are available via PNKSLM.
PNKSLM store
Wednesday, April 25, 2018
"Run & Run" by Sea Pinks
We don't know what kind of weather you are experiencing, but we have bright sunshine and temperatures in the low '70s - a beautiful spring day! So what better music than a song unabashedly redolent of springtime? We present "Run & Run", by our Belfast favorites Sea Pinks. It jangles, bubbles and bounces, and even has a bit of trumpet! We can't get enough of it.
"Run & Run" is available as a digital single via CF Records. Sea Pinks are Neil Brogan (guitar/vocals/bass) and Davey Agnew (drums). Michael Barkley makes a guest appearance, because that trumpet isn't going to play itself, is it?
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Bandcamp Run & Run
"Run & Run" is available as a digital single via CF Records. Sea Pinks are Neil Brogan (guitar/vocals/bass) and Davey Agnew (drums). Michael Barkley makes a guest appearance, because that trumpet isn't going to play itself, is it?
Bandcamp Run & Run
Tuesday, April 24, 2018
"Solid States" and "A Premise" by Vital Idles
Creating a minimalist, and exceptionally direct, style of pop music, Glasgow's Vital Idles have earned our interest, respect, and anticipation of their debut album, Left Hand. And while the album is not yet in our hands, we have tracks "A Premise" and "Solid States" to justify our attention to the band. Vital Idles' art is a bit warped, a bit angular, and a bit brutal, but shaped with clear inspiration and intelligence. It is punk music, not in the commercial smash and scream sense, but rather in the all-important conception, and we early await more of it.
Vital Idles are Jessica Higgins, Matthew Walkerdine, Nick Lynch, and Ruari MacLean. Left Hand will be released June 1 via Upset the Rhythm.
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Pre-order page for Left Hand
Vital Idles are Jessica Higgins, Matthew Walkerdine, Nick Lynch, and Ruari MacLean. Left Hand will be released June 1 via Upset the Rhythm.
Pre-order page for Left Hand
"In Your Hometown" by Kluster
Malmö, Sweden's Kluster are celebrating the announcement of the June release of Civic, their debut album, with a new single. "In My Hometown" showcases the five-piece's signature sound, feature complex but accessible arrangements with noise pop elements. Intriguing and exuberant, we find it an excellent way to begin our day. The single is available digitally on all the usual platforms.
Kluster are Sebastian Hegedüs (guitar), Adam Jonsson (guitar), Pontus Örnstrand (keys/synth/bass), Andreas Pollak (drums), Linnea Hall (vocals). Civic is out June 15 via Rama Lama Records.
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Bandcamp for pre-order of Civic
Rama Lama Records
Kluster are Sebastian Hegedüs (guitar), Adam Jonsson (guitar), Pontus Örnstrand (keys/synth/bass), Andreas Pollak (drums), Linnea Hall (vocals). Civic is out June 15 via Rama Lama Records.
Bandcamp for pre-order of Civic
Rama Lama Records
Monday, April 23, 2018
Lio - Lio canta Caymmi
We present your summer soundtrack for relaxing under the stars enjoying a warm breeze - Lio canta Caymmi. The title reveals the nature of the work - Belgian/French vocalist Lio sings the songs of Brazilian singer songwriter Dorival Caymmi, but appreciation requires your ears and heart, as well as a bit of background. The genius behind this album is attributable to five individuals: First, Mr. Caymmi himself, the beloved and influential Brazilian singer songwriter and Bossa Nova visionary who died in 2008; Second, Jacques Duvall, the French lyricist who conceived of the project; Third, musician Christophe Vandeputte, who arranged the songs; Fourth, Lio, whose vocal talents and interpretive artistry lent new life to the songs while honoring the composer; and Fifth, Crammed Discs honcho Marc Hollander, who appetite for quality music regardless of origin has enriched music fans globally.
The twelve songs curated for this record lie in the space where French cafe meets Samba, Bossa Nova and other forms of Brazilian pop. The atmosphere is relaxed and romantic, with the focus appropriately turned on the singer and composer, with sparse but artful accents from the instrumentation. Lio, born Wanda Maria Ribeiro Furtado Tavares de Vasconcelos in Portugal, has spent her career singing in French, but turns to her native tongue for Caymmi's creations. On this album, she has cast a spell that will last all spring and summer, and whenever you want to remember the good times. And none of us will complain a bit about being bewitched.
Lio canta Caymmi is out now via Crammed Discs.
Bandcamp for Lio canta Caymmi
Crammed Discs page for Lio canta Caymmi/
The twelve songs curated for this record lie in the space where French cafe meets Samba, Bossa Nova and other forms of Brazilian pop. The atmosphere is relaxed and romantic, with the focus appropriately turned on the singer and composer, with sparse but artful accents from the instrumentation. Lio, born Wanda Maria Ribeiro Furtado Tavares de Vasconcelos in Portugal, has spent her career singing in French, but turns to her native tongue for Caymmi's creations. On this album, she has cast a spell that will last all spring and summer, and whenever you want to remember the good times. And none of us will complain a bit about being bewitched.
Lio canta Caymmi is out now via Crammed Discs.
Bandcamp for Lio canta Caymmi
Crammed Discs page for Lio canta Caymmi/
Friday, April 20, 2018
The New Tigers - Do Xao
Time for our patented, highly secret and never filmed happy dance. Why? In honor of Do Xao, the new album from our favorite band from Turku, Finland. We have followed The New Tigers enthusiastically for many years, and they have always rewarded our faith by releasing good music. The latest edition, which to our ears is their best ever, is a joyous, glistening guitar pop triumph. Eminently danceable, with shimmering arrangements and robust bass lines, it features the best of '90s and '00s indie pop influences (and sly veins of '70s soft rock and '80s new wave). The band dove into studio based production and multi-tracking, resulting in a Crayola box of musical colors and layers. And just when you think this is the most structured set of songs from these cool northern cats, they bust out a track like "Three Shadows", which makes one suspect that The Beta Band invaded Turku. This is music saturated with joy and fun, which makes it just about irresistible.
For Do Xao The New Tigers are Appu Jasu, Janne Kauppinen, Valtteri Virtanen, with some contributions on drums from Waltteri Katajamaki and Leif Elverstig. The album is out today in CD and digital formats via Soliti Music.
Bandcamp
Soliti Music
Wednesday, April 18, 2018
Emma Russack and Lachlan Denton - When It Ends
After earlier today making the point that life is too short to listen to crap music, we are being extra careful to ensure that all our recommendations meet our lofty quality standards (regrettably, we are not responsible for lower quality standards after happy hour tomorrow). Thus we have carefully chosen as the subject of this following post When It Ends, the new album by Emma Russack and Lachlan Denton. Denton is familiar to regular readers as a member of The Ocean Party, a band that appears on these pages whenever the prolific Melbourne outfit releases one of their frequent gems. Emma Russack is a gifted vocalist and storyteller who has fronted the band Lola Flash and released several solo albums in this decade. Together, Russack and Denton have crafted ten songs that artfully merge a breezy, melodic simplicity with remarkable subtlety and grace. The volume is restrained, instrumentation economical, and the delivery relaxed. Thus, the focus can rest on the lyrical content and sincerity of the performance. Projecting an atmosphere of warm acceptance of what life offers, these are songs that you will wear repeatedly like your favorite sweater, with a new spark of joy with every repeated listen. For the last week I have ended every day with at least one complete play of When It Ends, and I don't think that practice will end any time soon.
When It Ends is out now as a digital download via Melbourne label Osborne Again Music. See the Bandcamp link below.
Bandcamp for When It Ends
Emma Russack on Facebook
Emma Russack on Twitter
The Ocean Party on Facebook
When It Ends is out now as a digital download via Melbourne label Osborne Again Music. See the Bandcamp link below.
Bandcamp for When It Ends
Emma Russack on Facebook
Emma Russack on Twitter
The Ocean Party on Facebook
Various Artists - Life's Too Short To Listen To Crap Music
In a world in which leaders deliberately spread false messages, we need to value statements that are inescapably truth. One such statement forms the title of the latest compilation from Flagstaff's Emotional Response Records: Life's Too Short To Listen To Crap Music. The label has released a wealth of excellent music lately, and they've curated a set that will become your go-to collection for indie rock you really want to hear. Of course, the underlying albums by the artists also are available.
At $7 for a digital download of 21 songs, you can't afford not to own this record.
Mick Trouble:
UV-TV:
Even As We Speak:
The Ocean Party:
Razz:
Possum Moods:
Bandcamp for album
Emotional Response Records
Tuesday, April 17, 2018
Laura Veirs - The Lookout
The Lookout is a beautiful album with an important message. The message is pay attention to the special, beautiful things in your life because you cannot rely on them being there forever. The delivery consists of 12 folky pop songs that serve as an exquisite example to anyone who seeks to write music. Knowing indie fans have long known of the special art of Laura Veirs, but this is a great opportunity for everyone else to learn as well. Veirs' songs are confident, detailed, emotionally rich, and perceptive. But most of all, they are incredibly pleasing to the ear. By the way, the excellent production is by ace producer, and Veirs' husband, Tucker Martine.
The Lookout is out now in vinyl, CD and digital formats.
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Bandcamp for The Lookout
The Lookout is out now in vinyl, CD and digital formats.
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Bandcamp for The Lookout
Sunday, April 15, 2018
"Ooooh Baby in the Chorus" by Death And The Maiden
One of our favorite New Zealand bands is the trio known as Death And The Maiden. Combining reverbed guitars and synths with enchanting and darkly colored vocals, they weave a spell which is seductive, although slightly unsettling. Wisteria, their latest album, will be available soon but they have provided a glimpse of the gems within via album track "Ooooh Baby In The Chorus". "Ooooh Baby in the Chorus" is available now as a digital download. Wisteria is available April 27 in New Zealand and Australia via Fishrider Records, and UK and Europe on May 11 via UK label Occultation.
Death And The Maiden are Lucinda King, Hope Robertson, and Danny Brady.
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Fishrider Records
Death And The Maiden are Lucinda King, Hope Robertson, and Danny Brady.
Bandcamp for Wisteria
Fishrider Records
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"Talking Straight by Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever
Saturday, April 14, 2018
Black Gold Buffalo - Black Gold Buffalo
Black Gold Buffalo entered our consciousness in early February, and we immediately told our readers about it because that is what we do with great musical discoveries (link). The London quartet now has released their self-titled debut album, and to be perfectly honest, it is even better than we thought likely -- and we expected quality. Our only concern was whether the band's previously released material was far above the remainder of the album. This is an understandable concern because that sort of thing happens often in the music world. However, we are here to assure you that Black Gold Buffalo is excellent, darkly-shaded, pulsating dance rock crafted to the same high standards as the singles. This is a keeper of an album, folks.
Black Gold Buffalo are Keziah Stilwell (vocals), Hannah Holland (rhythm/production), Joy Joseph (rhythm/production), and Marc Hayward (guitar). The album is available via the band's own Buff Rekkids label. Check your preferred digital sources.
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Black Gold Buffalo are Keziah Stilwell (vocals), Hannah Holland (rhythm/production), Joy Joseph (rhythm/production), and Marc Hayward (guitar). The album is available via the band's own Buff Rekkids label. Check your preferred digital sources.
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Soundcloud
Friday, April 13, 2018
Say Sue Me - Where We Were Together
We like going far and wide for our thrills -- in music, food, beer and all the other important things in life. So today's first musical treat hails from Busan, South Korea, courtesy of Say Sue Me. Their new album is Where We Were Together, an energetic blend of '60 garage filtered through '90s noise and surf pop. The affecting female vocals ride the instrumental waves of a band that plays like there is nothing else they would rather be doing. Thinking about it, there is nothing else we'd rather have them doing either. And this album isn't a one-note fast tempo affair either, as they can dial it back and let Sumi fill your head with bittersweet musings reminiscent of those Camera Obscura songs you cherish. Exhibit A would be the charming "Funny and Cute".
We think that this band is poised for a breakthrough, and this album deserves to give them the boost. In our view, Where We Were Together is an excellent way to begin your weekend.
Say Sue Me are Jae Young, Kim Byunkyu, Kang Semin, and Sumi Choi, although Kang is recovering from injury and drummer Chang Won is standing in. The band are touring the UK and Europe in April and May. Where We Were Together is out today in digital, CD, and vinyl formats via Damnably and Electric Muse. Stream and source at the Bandcamp link below.
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Bandcamp for Where We Were Together
Damnably Records page for Say Sue Me
Electric Muse on Bandcamp
We think that this band is poised for a breakthrough, and this album deserves to give them the boost. In our view, Where We Were Together is an excellent way to begin your weekend.
Say Sue Me are Jae Young, Kim Byunkyu, Kang Semin, and Sumi Choi, although Kang is recovering from injury and drummer Chang Won is standing in. The band are touring the UK and Europe in April and May. Where We Were Together is out today in digital, CD, and vinyl formats via Damnably and Electric Muse. Stream and source at the Bandcamp link below.
Bandcamp for Where We Were Together
Damnably Records page for Say Sue Me
Electric Muse on Bandcamp
Thursday, April 12, 2018
The Amazing - In Transit
Swedish project The Amazing may set a high bar for assessing their music in choosing their name, but one can't deny the quality of the results. The latest edition is the recently released In Transit, a glorious 11-track statement constructed of the tension of light and fog, glimmer and distortion. Atmospheric and richly textured, it manages to soar while remaining slightly reticent and consciously shrouded in haze. For us, the overall impression after listening to In Transit is like waking up from a pleasant dream, remembering some parts with clarity while other parts remain just slightly beyond our reach. When we wake up from such a dream, we usually wish we could fall asleep again and resume the dream, but of course that rarely happens. Happily, after we finish this new gem from The Amazing, we simply can press "replay".
The Amazing are frontman Christoffer Gunrup (guitar/vocals), Reine Fiske (guitar), Moussa Fadera (drums), Alexis Benson (bass), and Frederik Swahn (keys/guitar). In Transit is out now in vinyl, CD and digital formats. See the Bandcamp link below for details.
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The Amazing are frontman Christoffer Gunrup (guitar/vocals), Reine Fiske (guitar), Moussa Fadera (drums), Alexis Benson (bass), and Frederik Swahn (keys/guitar). In Transit is out now in vinyl, CD and digital formats. See the Bandcamp link below for details.
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Bandcamp
Wednesday, April 11, 2018
Holy Wave - Adult Fear
On Adult Fear, the third album by Austin's Holy Wave, the band weaves a dreamy psychedelia with enough traces of mystery and veins of unease to create a soundscape reflecting the record's title. The arrangements are layered and enveloping, sprawling patiently while revealing varied textures and sly hooks through the haze. This band knows what they like, and what they are good at, and Adult Fear is their best album yet. Fans of psychedelia can rejoice.
Holy Wave are Kyle Hager, Dustin Zozaya, Julian Ruiz, Joey Cook, and Ryan Fuson. Adult Fear is out now in vinyl, digital and CD formats via Reverberation Appreciation Society. A cassette version is available via Burger Records.
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Bandcamp for Adult Fear
Holy Wave are Kyle Hager, Dustin Zozaya, Julian Ruiz, Joey Cook, and Ryan Fuson. Adult Fear is out now in vinyl, digital and CD formats via Reverberation Appreciation Society. A cassette version is available via Burger Records.
Bandcamp for Adult Fear
"Running In The Dark" by Color Dolor
Friday brings the release of "Running In The Dark", a taste of what Finnish band Color Dolor will deliver next month with full-length album Love. The album promises to be an examination of the titular concept from multiple angles, expressed through the original pop and skewed R&B of this Helsinki band. "Running In The Dark" is an intimate R&B-flavored track that is perfect for your late evening listening.
Color Dolor features Stina Koistinen (vocals) and Nicolas "Leissi" Rehn, although they add musicians for drums, bass and synths when playing live. Love will be released May 4 in vinyl, cassette and digital formats via Soliti Music.
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Soliti Music
Monday, April 9, 2018
Triptides - Visitors
The sun is out today, and our mood requires some sun-kissed psychedelia. Fortunately, LA's Triptides are ready, willing and able to meet our needs with the 12-track beauty, Visitors. Those who have followed the band through their previous five albums know what they will get -- swirling, trippy psychedelic pop reminiscent of the '60s and early '70s. These guys have the substance of the genre running through their veins, and their execution is impeccable. This album may be their best yet, and will please with songs spanning the spectrum from rocking to dreamy. Put on your sunscreen.
Visitors is available now in vinyl, CD and digital formats via French label Requiem Pour Un Twister.
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Requiem Pour Un Twister
Visitors is available now in vinyl, CD and digital formats via French label Requiem Pour Un Twister.
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Requiem Pour Un Twister
Sunday, April 8, 2018
"Talking in My Head" by Delsbo Beach Club
We have a new single from Rama Lama Records' band Delsbo Beach Club. Formed in Umea but now based in Stockholm, the band works the indie pop/surf pop groove we find irresistible. And since it is raining and windy as we write this, it helps us think of better times ahead.
Delsbo Beach Club are Erik Bjorkland, Jesper Jonason, Alexander Kuronen, Stas Heilyk, and Ebba Vikdahl. They will be releasing their debut EP, and we hope to bring it to you.
Bandcamp for "Talking in My Head"
Rama Lama Records
Friday, April 6, 2018
Firestations - The Year Dot
It doesn't take long to welcome The Year Dot, the new album from Firestations, into our hearts. Opening track "Build A Building" evokes the joy of life, with soaring choruses, pulsating rhythms and dancing guitars and synths. That song also tells us what we can expect in the following tracks, and reveals the defining characteristic of Firestations. Starting with well-conceived pop songs, the band then goes to work decorating the bones with layers of delightful sounds, vocal and instrumental, resulting in an exceptionally rich listening experience. And this assessment doesn't apply only to the upbeat songs. Even the few songs with a more languid pace benefit from dynamic structures and an arsenal of textures and details. Lyrically, the band addresses everyday life, but rarely has the mundane, even sharply observed as it is here, been rendered this colorfully. The Year Dot is like a musical fireworks show, and you won't want to miss it.
The members of Firestations are Mike Cranny, Laura Copsey, Martin Thompson, Giles Littleford, and Tom Hargreaves. The Year Dot is out now via Lost Map Records.
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Bandcamp for The Year Dot
Lost Map Records page for The Year Dot
The members of Firestations are Mike Cranny, Laura Copsey, Martin Thompson, Giles Littleford, and Tom Hargreaves. The Year Dot is out now via Lost Map Records.
Website
Bandcamp for The Year Dot
Lost Map Records page for The Year Dot
Thursday, April 5, 2018
Amen Dunes - Freedom
Damon McMahon, aka Amen Dunes, has proved himself to be a musical shapeshifter over his career to date, as well as an exacting craftsman. As revealed in his new album, Freedom, his current version is our favorite yet, combining accessible pop tunes and appealing grooves with darkly shaded meditations on life, mortality, masculinity, relationships and human foibles. The album was three years in the making, but the reward for the listener is perfectly formed songs, combining guitars, synths, and crisp percussion to provide a glimmering, swaggering platform for McMahon's passionate and expressive vocals. These are songs that are vulnerable yet confident, spiritual yet profane and gritty. Redemption may be in the sky or in the gutter, or maybe nowhere at all. But this is the perfect soundtrack to contemplate the possibilities.
I don't know what kind of freedom McMahon is looking for, if any. Maybe it is just the freedom you grant to yourself to look at the past, remember, judge, and forgive. Maybe it is the freedom to clean out the corners of the emotional attic and move on with life. Maybe it will give you a journey to freedom, as well as immediate pleasure. And you'll dance -- even if you are crying. McMahon has said that "[y]ou make art to make good art, you don't make art to get accolades." While we appreciate the sentiment, we believe that good art deserves accolades regardless of expectations, and we suggest that Freedom deserves accolades -- and your ears. Suggested listening approaches: (1) Earphones; or (2) Driving at night with a good audio system.
Freedom is out now in vinyl, CD and digital formats via Sacred Bones Records. See the Bandcamp link below.
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Bandcamp for Freedom
Sacred Bones Records
I don't know what kind of freedom McMahon is looking for, if any. Maybe it is just the freedom you grant to yourself to look at the past, remember, judge, and forgive. Maybe it is the freedom to clean out the corners of the emotional attic and move on with life. Maybe it will give you a journey to freedom, as well as immediate pleasure. And you'll dance -- even if you are crying. McMahon has said that "[y]ou make art to make good art, you don't make art to get accolades." While we appreciate the sentiment, we believe that good art deserves accolades regardless of expectations, and we suggest that Freedom deserves accolades -- and your ears. Suggested listening approaches: (1) Earphones; or (2) Driving at night with a good audio system.
Freedom is out now in vinyl, CD and digital formats via Sacred Bones Records. See the Bandcamp link below.
Website
Bandcamp for Freedom
Sacred Bones Records
Nathan & Eva - Nathan & Eva EP
Brother-sister duo Nathan & Eva (Nathan and Eva Leach) have built a credible following on You Tube over the last few years, mostly playing covers of other artists. They now have stepped forward with an EP of their own work, and we think it is worth checking out. Fans of their previous work are aware of Nathan's solid musicianship and Eva's exceptional vocals. This self-title record will burnish their reputations in those areas, and add songwriting to their accomplishments -- each of them contributed lyrics for two of the tracks. So if you are looking for a sweet spot in your day, listen to Nathan & Eva. You may even want to take it home with you. And a tip, while all the songs are good, if you only have time for one, listen to "Grocery Boy"; it may have you dancing around the room.
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Bandcamp for Nathan & Eva
Bandcamp for Nathan & Eva
Wednesday, April 4, 2018
Soccer Mommy - Clean
With Soccer Mommy we get a trifecta of goodness. The crunch and jangle of the guitars perk up our ears, as always, the vocals and the accompanying oohs and aahs make us smile, and the introspective and perceptive lyrics prompt us to nod and mark Sophie Allison as an artist to keep watching. Clean is her second release since the beginning of 2017, but as the preceding Collection consisted of re-recorded songs from the past few years, it really is her real debut album.
Soccer Mommy rocks out on a few notable tracks, and several more boast a well-constructed loud/soft dynamic. But this album still has a dominant foot planted in the singer-songwriter universe. While we personally look forward to further movement into the noisier space in future work, we are by no means complaining. Allison is an artist that conveys vulnerability and angst with an impressively deft touch, and her chosen arrangements, while often restrained in volume and pace, are richly detailed to make the killer point as sharp as possible.
The players on Clean are Sophie Allison (guitar/vocals/bass), Julian Powell (lead guitar), Nick Brown (drums), and Gabe Wax (keys/bass/guitar/drum programming/percussion). The album is out now via Fat Possum Records.
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Bandcamp for Clean
Soccer Mommy rocks out on a few notable tracks, and several more boast a well-constructed loud/soft dynamic. But this album still has a dominant foot planted in the singer-songwriter universe. While we personally look forward to further movement into the noisier space in future work, we are by no means complaining. Allison is an artist that conveys vulnerability and angst with an impressively deft touch, and her chosen arrangements, while often restrained in volume and pace, are richly detailed to make the killer point as sharp as possible.
The players on Clean are Sophie Allison (guitar/vocals/bass), Julian Powell (lead guitar), Nick Brown (drums), and Gabe Wax (keys/bass/guitar/drum programming/percussion). The album is out now via Fat Possum Records.
Bandcamp for Clean
"Dead Connection" by Pictish Trail (video)
We're working hard today and may not post much. But the inability to reach certain people we needed to reach to complete ongoing projects brought to mind "Dead Connection" from the latest album by Pictish Trail, our favorite musician living on the Scottish island of Eigg. The song is taken from the 2016 release Future Echoes, but is timely today because it is the subject of the recently released video which you can stream below. It also is timely because the album is getting a well deserved reissue from Fire Records later this month. Enjoy!
When not answering to Pictish Trail, the artist also answers to Johnny Lynch (and perhaps other names as well).
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Lost Map Records page for Future Echoes
When not answering to Pictish Trail, the artist also answers to Johnny Lynch (and perhaps other names as well).
Website
Lost Map Records page for Future Echoes
Tuesday, April 3, 2018
Frankie Cosmos - Vessel
Originally a bedroom project of Greta Kline, Frankie Cosmos are unveiled as a full band for Vessel. We give them a hearty welcome, and offer some advice to our readers: Don't miss this one! Full (and by full, we mean 18 songs) of concise, perfectly formed earworms featuring Greta's girlish soprano and her wry lyricism. The arrangements are dynamic, and with a running time under 34 minutes for the entire album, each song stays long enough to earn your love and then leaves you wanting more. As was the case with the last effort from Frankie Cosmos, Vessel will be on a number of year-end lists by knowing music writers. We hope that this time more of you will be able to nod your head and say "oh, we know", rather than "who"? You've been warned.
Frankie Cosmos are Greta Kline (guitar/vocals/songwriting), David Maine (bass/vocals), Lauren Martin (keys/vocals/guitar), and Luke Pyenson (drums). Vessel is out now in digital, vinyl, CD and cassette formats via Sup Pop.
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Bandcamp for Vessel
Sub Pop page for Vessel
Frankie Cosmos are Greta Kline (guitar/vocals/songwriting), David Maine (bass/vocals), Lauren Martin (keys/vocals/guitar), and Luke Pyenson (drums). Vessel is out now in digital, vinyl, CD and cassette formats via Sup Pop.
Website
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Bandcamp for Vessel
Sub Pop page for Vessel
Mark Martyre - Southern Soul Sessions
We are unabashed fans of the bittersweet tunes by singer/songwriter/poet Mark Martyre, so we are happy to present his little two-song record, Southern Soul Sessions. The songs were recorded and released to mark the start of Martyre's 2018 tour. Track 1, "Wait", features Stacey Dowswell, who will be performing with Mark on tour. "Never Forget You", the second song, features Matt Antaya.
Southern Soul Sessions is available now as a digital download.
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Bandcamp for Southern Souls Session
Monday, April 2, 2018
Baker Island - Always, 1995
Mondays -- how to deal with Mondays is an age-old problem. I expect that even our cave-dwelling ancestors dreaded the beginning of the work week ("No, woman! Grul is too hungover to hunt wholly mammoth, me must sleep longer." [Citation omitted]). However, in our struggle to survive, and serve our higher calling, we venture into the week nonetheless. The secret to such heroic perseverance is external stimulants. In our case, this Monday morning is brought to you by Baker Island. The Newcastle upon Tyne noise pop band has gifted us with Always, 1995, a forward pushing blast of well crafted tunes to jump-start the week. Consisting of the closing song from their most recent LP, Restless Legs, and three new worthies, it is just what our office psychiatrist recommends for beginning the day.
Always, 1995 is out now in cassette and digital formats via Philophobia Music.
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Bandcamp page for Aways, 1995
Philophobia Music