I'm Terry is the third album in three years from Melboune's Terry. And given that other projects for the members of this talented quartet include Dick Diver, Total Control, Mick Harvey Band, School of Radiant Living, Eastlink, and Constant Mongrel, the production alone in impressive. But spend some time with the ten tracks on this album, and you are likely to conclude that the volume of their work pales in comparison with the breathtaking quality. The songwriting is terrific, adroitly balancing clever wordplay, socio-political commentary, and humor. The vocal delivery is deadpan, and at times almost percussive, which has the effect of allowing the lyrics and arrangements to step into the spotlight. The result is an album that is entertaining, emotionally affecting, and completely accessible. Sometimes it seems like the good people of Terry are playing the game at a different level than many of their peers, and we are the lucky beneficiaries.
Terry are Al Monfort, Xanthe Waite, Amy Hill, Zephyr Pavey. I'm Terry is out now via Upset The Rhythm.
Bandcamp for I'm Terry
Upset The Rhythm
This is not music criticism. On this blog, you will only read about music we like.
Friday, August 31, 2018
"Judy's Lament" by Yakima
Today's first feature is "Judy's Lament" by Glasgow shoegazers Yakima. To be honest, I was attracted to their name even before I heard their music because I live a couple of hours' drive from a city named Yakima. But that tenuous connection became irrelevant when I heard this song, a lovely, mid-tempo guitar pop tune with shades of melancholy. The song is available today on digital platforms, and the band is working on their debut album.
Yakima are Neil McArthur (bass/vocals), John Houston (vocals/guitar), Kay McLaren (drums), and Paul Bradley (guitar).
Soundcloud
Thursday, August 30, 2018
Two new songs by Drew Beskin
Drew Beskin has had several guises since we first encountered him fronting The District Attorneys. He also has been in Party Dolls and Purses, and we have covered them all. You see, Drew is a top level songwriter, sincere performer, and has the southern-rock-meets-indie-pop connection in his DNA. He first solo album, Cha-Ching Machine, was released in the first half of 2017. Solo number two, Nostalgia Porn, arrives in mid-October. Of course, we are expecting good things. That doesn't mean we are geniuses, it means that we have heard two of the eleven tracks, and have concluded that they are wonderful. Geniuses? No. But also neither stupid nor deaf. "Suspicion From The Start" was released earlier this month, and the second single, "Midnight Avenue Edge", is available tomorrow. The singles and the album are released via Laser Brains Records.
So, I suppose you want to hear them as well. We have you covered below, plus a video for "Suspicion From The Start".
Website
Soundcloud
Facebook for Laser Brains Records
Wednesday, August 29, 2018
DIET - Sundown EP
The public line is "let's all be body positive", but we'll be honest -- we all know lots of people who need to lose weight, and some of those people even try. And everyone wants to be an expert on the best method, so why the hell should we be different? So, we now want to tell you about a great new diet. Moreover, it is a diet that is particularly enjoyable, because it doesn't involve giving up any food or beverage. And what is this diet called? It is called DIET, and it is a five-piece band from Melbourne, Australia. They have just released the Sundown EP, and it delivers six slices of Britpop-influenced guitar pop. Or maybe the better description is that it reminds us of The Cure, if The Cure were a happy bunch. Yes, this band sounds happy, and their music is upbeat and tightly performed. This could well be your find of the week.
DIET is Ben O'Loughlin (vocals/guitar/synths), Carlos Tinsey (bass/vocals), Ted Mitchell (guitar), Andy Taylor (guitar/vocals), and Will Clancy (drums). Sundown is the band's second EP, and is available right now. Check out the Bandcamp link below.
Disclaimer: Neither WYMA nor the band makes any claims regarding weight loss as a result of using this product. In that respect, it is like any other diet, so you have nothing to lose. But because it is good music, you have an upside no other diet can give you.
Soundcloud
Bandcamp for Sundown EP
"The Martyr" by SRSQ
We start today with "The Martyr", an emotional, grand-scale song that serves as your introduction to SRSQ, the solo project of Kennedy Ashlyn of Them Are Us Too. Ashlyn's colleague in that band, Cash Askew, perished in the 2016 Ghost Ship fire in Oakland, California. The solo project's name is pronounced "seer-skew".
The production for "The Martyr" is full and lush, but the star is Kennedy's vocal performance, which may remind listeners of Kate Bush guesting with Cocteau Twins. The song is taken from SRSQ's solo album, Unreality, which will be released on October 26 via Dais Records. It is a rewarding listen and portends well for future material from this project.
Website
Dais Records
Tuesday, August 28, 2018
Tunng - Songs You Make At Night
Fifteen years after forming English band Tunng still has the capacity to delight. In fact, long time fans will rejoice in knowing that for the band's new album, Songs You Make At Night, the original line up, including founders Mike Lindsay and Sam Genders, was assembled for a recording for the first time since 2007. While often labeled a folktronic band, the group's broad palette encompasses dream pop and synth pop, and with samples and inventive rhythms, they sometimes appear heirs to The Beta Band's groovy niche. The songs are richly detailed, but not ornate, and adventurous without becoming overly precious. This is a masterfully conceived and executed album and we thoroughly enjoy it. At this point our favorite tracks are "ABOP", "Sleepwalking", "Dark Heart", and "Flatland".
Songs You Make At Night is out now via London label Full Time Hobby.
Website
Bandcamp for album
Full Time Hobby
Monday, August 27, 2018
Basement Revolver - Heavy Eyes
Gathering some well-deserved buzz from their initial single and the following EP, Canada's Basement Revolver shows us that they have the chops on their debut LP Heavy Eyes. Starting with the beefy noise of '90s alt rock and then accenting it with shoegaze and dream pop, the trio has a sound that is familiar, but also manages to be distinctive. Thematically, this is hear-on-the-sleeve stuff, direct and cathartic, but nevertheless accessible and graceful. The arrangements are dynamic and varied, providing a pleasing aural experience from start to finish. And make no mistake, frontwoman Chrisy Hurn is a vocalist capable of matching just about anyone in the indie pop space.
Basement Revolver are Chrisy Hurn (guitar/vocals), Nimal Agalawatte (bass/synths), and Brandon Munro (drums). Heavy Eyes is out now via Fear of Missing Out Records.
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Fear of Missing Out Records
Basement Revolver are Chrisy Hurn (guitar/vocals), Nimal Agalawatte (bass/synths), and Brandon Munro (drums). Heavy Eyes is out now via Fear of Missing Out Records.
Website
Fear of Missing Out Records
Saturday, August 25, 2018
"Lord Let Me Know" by Lights On Moscow
Well, well, well. If you are looking for one song to slay you today, try "Lord Let Me Know". The debut single from Lights On Moscow features an emotion-packed vocal performance and impressive production, and we have been playing it over and over this evening. The project combines the talent of Justin Lockey (Editors/Minor Victories/Mastersystem) and Hazel Wilde (Lanterns On The Lake). The song is the first to be shared from their upcoming EP, Aorta Songs - Part 1, which will be released via Physical Education Recordings.
Physical Education Recordings
Friday, August 24, 2018
"We Can't Win" by The Goon Sax
Regular readers of this blog already know that The Goon Sax, despite the youth of its members, are one of the true musical delights from Australia these days. Their new album is less than a month away, but we have a fresh audio of album track "We Can't Win". We beg to differ with the song title -- when we have music from The Goon Sax, we are winning.
The Goon Sax are James Harrison, Louis Forster, and Riley Jones. We're Not Talking will be released on September 14 via Chapter Music (Melbourne) and Wichita Recordings (London). The band will be touring the UK in September and October.
Website
Sea Pinks - Watermelon Sugar/Rockpool Blue (two-song single and LP announcement)
This post exists to alert you to both an excellent couple of songs, and an album coming in a few weeks. The songs are "Watermelon Sugar (Alcohol)" and "Rockpool Blue", by our favorite Belfast guitar pop band, Sea Pinks, and will be included on the September 28 release of the band's new full length record, also titled Rockpool Blue. If you pre-order the album at the Bandcamp link, you will receive an immediate download of these tracks, which just may keep you happy until the album drops.
Why do we love Sea Pinks? Well, they combine jangle pop with the forward push of post punk, and accent it with shades of melancholy and hope. But the bottom line is great songs that have immediate effect and deliver timeless satisfaction.
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CF Records
Bandcamp to pre-order album
Why do we love Sea Pinks? Well, they combine jangle pop with the forward push of post punk, and accent it with shades of melancholy and hope. But the bottom line is great songs that have immediate effect and deliver timeless satisfaction.
CF Records
Bandcamp to pre-order album
Thursday, August 23, 2018
Say Sue Me - Just Joking Around / B Lover (single)
Any day that starts with a fresh new record from Korean band Say Sue Me is a day we start with a smile and happy feet. The band thrilled us with full length Where We Were Together this spring, and return now with the two-song Just Joking Around/B Lover. The A-side begins as a mid-tempo slice of moody guitar pop reminiscent of Galaxie 500, but builds to storming '90s alt rock and then dissolving gently before ending with a bouncy pop coda. An unusually dynamic song from a pop band, and highly satisfying. "B Lover" is taken from the spring album, and provides a more straight-forward rocking, noise pop counter to "Just Joking Around". In our view, what this record delivers, in addition to fine music, is a promise that Say Sue Me will continue to grow and please us. If we were financial analysts, and this band were a stock, we would mark it a "buy".
And speaking of "buy", the single is available in digital and vinyl formats as of August 24 via Damnably.
Bandcamp for single
Damnably page for Say Sue Me
Tuesday, August 21, 2018
Sickest Smashes
This sort of discovery helps make trawling the web for indie music worthwhile. For those of us in North America, the underground of the south island of New Zealand is off the beaten page by more than a few days' hike. But here we are, grooving to Sickest Smashes, a compilation of indie rock and guitar pop from local label Melted Ice Cream. It collects songs from a cross section of currently active Christchurch bands, including a number of artists who haven't previously appeared on a record. Whether grooving to hooks in lo-fi guitar pop or bouncing to booming hits and chunky riffs, this album will satisfy your musical curiosity. The CD version contains a wealth of information regarding the bands and the Christchurch music scene, but the digital version is available as well.
Bandcamp
Melted Ice Cream on Facebook
Melted Ice Cream on tumblr
Melted Ice Cream on Twitter
Bandcamp
Melted Ice Cream on Facebook
Melted Ice Cream on tumblr
Melted Ice Cream on Twitter
Friday, August 17, 2018
Mikey Collins - Hoick
We've been spending a lot of time with Mikey Collins lately. Not at his new digs on the English coast, where he moved after his old band, Allo Darlin, called it a day. And in fact, not in person at all. But Mikey and some pals have crafted his first solo album, and it has been played quite a bit around headquarters here. The menu is indie pop and soft rock, delivered with warmth and sincerity. As it turns out, Mikey isn't just an able drummer, he actually is an adept songwriter and an appealing frontman. There is nothing new or innovative about this set of songs, nor should there be. Hoick is eminently accessible and satisfying summer music, and its songs quickly become like old friends that you welcome them into your life whenever you hear them. And in that, there is some real magic.
And my apologies to the people that got in my elevator on the way to the 33rd floor this morning. I may have seemed like I was a bit crazy, but I had "Sister", the fourth track of Hoick, streaming into my ears and my hips just cannot stay still to that song.
Hoick is out now in digital, vinyl and CD formats via Fika Recordings.
Website
Bandcamp for Hoick
Fika Recordings
The Just Joans - "Has Anybody Seen My Boy?" / "Who Does Susan Think She Is?"
See those happy faces at the start of this post? Those are the six members of The Just Joans, Scotland's most gloriously miserable pop band. Named after a long-running advice column, they make a point of finding and spotlighting the misery, rejection, and other odd bits of darkness and failure that we can all find in our lives if we really, really focus. And then they wrap it up in a lovely melody and tell the story with wit, heart, and a sharp bite. To no reader's surprise, that is the sort of thing that has placed their work on these pages on several occasions (most recently here). The band recently released a double A-side single consisting of "Has Anybody Seen My Boy?" and "Who Does Susan Think She Is?" We could describe the songs, but in this case we think the description by The Just Joan's co-founder and lyricist, David Pope, does the job succinctly: "Has Anybody Seen My Boy? is our attempt at writing a lost 60’s girl group track...had that girl group been from Motherwell. 3 minutes of bubblegum-tragi-pop. Flip side Who Does Susan Think She Is? is a direct message to the friends who swanned off to art school and came back 3 months later with dyed hair, a Polaroid camera and a snooty attitude. You know who you are…”
So there you are, terrific weekend angst-pop for the taking in digital and vinyl formats via Fika Recordings. By the way, The Just Joans are siblings David and Katie Pope, Chris Elkin, Fraser Ford, Doog Cameron, and Jason Sweeney. The record's artwork is special as well. It was created by Doreen Kay, who attends a weekly art class run by Katie Pope for adults with learning disabilities.
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Bandcamp shop for record
So there you are, terrific weekend angst-pop for the taking in digital and vinyl formats via Fika Recordings. By the way, The Just Joans are siblings David and Katie Pope, Chris Elkin, Fraser Ford, Doog Cameron, and Jason Sweeney. The record's artwork is special as well. It was created by Doreen Kay, who attends a weekly art class run by Katie Pope for adults with learning disabilities.
Bandcamp shop for record
Thursday, August 16, 2018
Outerhope -Vacation
Manila siblings Micaela and Michael Benedicto are Outerhope. If you don't follow them, you should, as their new album Vacation combines playful electronica and sparkling dream pop to create a transcendent listening experience. Dedicated to author and music critic Luis Katigbak, Micaela's late partner, it explores weighty themes of remembrance and loss, but does so with a beauty and charm that works as to celebrate Luis as well as grieve his passing. The chiming synths deliver an uplifting, summery warmth throughout, while the vocals .... well, all we can do is sigh and smile contentedly. Give yourself a treat, and stream "Holiday" and "Out to Sea" below. You will be happy that you did.
Soundcloud
Shelflife Records page for Vacation
Admlithi - Tyrants
Tryants had an interesting beginning. The Scottish artist who now records and performs as Admlithi had given up music. But a chance discovery of an '80 keyboard in a trash bin inspired him to create a party album in honor of Prince. However, the twin occurrences of the right-ward shift of politics and a diagnosis of adult autism led him down a different path. Working in his bedroom (except for some field recordings), Admlithi created a cinematic darkwave tapestry -- grand in scale, emotional in content. Put on your earphones and dive into the swirling shadows, it is a surprisingly rewarding journey. And no, it isn't a party album. But we think Prince, a man who thrived on inspiration and invention, would heartily approve.
Tyrants is out now in digital and CD formats via Armellodie Records.
Bandcamp for Tyrants
"Scarred" by The Chills
The Chills, one of New Zealand's finest musical exports, will put the exclamation point on their resurrection on September 14 with their new album Snow Bound. Our latest hint of the delights to be revealed is "Scarred", which follows the two-song single from the album released earlier this summer. Enjoy the stream, and mark your calendar for September. Or you could be efficient and hit Fire Records' pre-order link below.
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Fire Records page for pre-order of Snow Bound
Website
Fire Records page for pre-order of Snow Bound
Wednesday, August 15, 2018
"Cactus Country" by Cool Sounds
You know what it is like when you get up in the morning after a wildly successful romantic encounter, shower, put on clean clothes, and walk down the street toward your favorite coffee shop. The sun is warming your face, the people and dogs are friendly, and the birds are singing. You don't have to work today and life is good. Well, that is what listening to "Cactus Country" sounds like -- the sound of a morning that makes life so worthwhile. So of course, we have listened to the song approximately 3,009.5 times since it dropped in our box yesterday (the fraction represents the fact that the song remains on repeat here).
The summery, soulful gem is the creation of the Melbourne band Cool Sounds, whose name choice is just about perfect. The members of the band are Dainis Lacey, Nick Kearton, Ambrin Hasnain, Lauren Huynh, Steve Foulkes, Jack Nichols, and Liam "Snowy" Halliwell. And to pile on great news, the song is the title track for their album, which will be released October 26 via Osborne Again Music.
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Label page to pre-order album
The summery, soulful gem is the creation of the Melbourne band Cool Sounds, whose name choice is just about perfect. The members of the band are Dainis Lacey, Nick Kearton, Ambrin Hasnain, Lauren Huynh, Steve Foulkes, Jack Nichols, and Liam "Snowy" Halliwell. And to pile on great news, the song is the title track for their album, which will be released October 26 via Osborne Again Music.
Label page to pre-order album
"Starlight City" by New Silver Girl
We are conflicted. We don't want summer to leave us (although the forest fire haze could blow away anytime soon, thank you very much), but we want a little bit of October to be here right now. Which part of October? Well, you probably are thinking of Octoberfest, but that isn't the right answer. While we are quite fond of the brew, we are thinking of the debut album from Finland's New Silver Girl, which is coming via Soliti Music in a couple of months. And to justify our conflict, we offer the video version of the "Starlight City", the second track from the album shared by the band. The song is a eminently danceable jolt of glam-inflected rock and roll, and we think it fully justifies our anticipation of the album.
New Silver Girl are Olli Happonen, Samuli Sulku, Ilmo Cantell, and Niilo Suihko.
Soliti Music
Tuesday, August 14, 2018
The Ophelias - Almost
Darkly shaded themes swathed in bright art rock and related in delicious harmonies are the order of the day on Almost, the second album by Cincinnati's The Ophelias. The quartet get the balance just right, and aided by the unconventional deployment of a violin, as well as keys, bass, percussion and guitar, the ten songs present a fresh take on pop music. And while the band never disguises the serious themes (what would one expect from a band named after a character in Shakespeare's Hamlet?), these ten songs seem to be lighter than air and listening to them is like being surrounded by a sparkly mist. And that experience is as good as it sounds -- give it a try.
The Ophelias are Spencer Peppet (guitar/vocals/songwriting), Grace Weir (bass), Andrea Gutmann-Fuentes (violin/piano), and Micaela Adams (drums). Almost is out now in digital and vinyl formats via Joyful Noise Recordings.
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Bandcamp for Almost
The Ophelias are Spencer Peppet (guitar/vocals/songwriting), Grace Weir (bass), Andrea Gutmann-Fuentes (violin/piano), and Micaela Adams (drums). Almost is out now in digital and vinyl formats via Joyful Noise Recordings.
Bandcamp for Almost
Monday, August 13, 2018
"Meeting Halfway" by School Damage
Melbourne's School Damage consists of Carolyn Hawkins, Dani Damage, Jeff Raty, and Jake Robertson. At the end of this month they are hitting us with their second album, titled A to Z, but they aren't going to make us wait until then to give us a hint of what they have been cooking. So treat your ears to "Meeting Halfway", a nice slice of the band's trademark woozy DIY pop. And you can treat your eyes, as well, with the stop-animation video created by School Damage's Carolyn.
A to Z will be released in vinyl, CD, and digital formats by Chapter Music.
Links to pre-order A to Z
Chapter Music
Four Band Comp
Album titles don't come more descriptive than Four Band Comp which, as you no doubt have guessed, is a compilation of songs from four bands. The underlying concept is simple genius. Take four bands critical to the late Sarah Records, and include two previously unreleased songs from each. The chosen worthies are Even As We Speak, Secret Shine, Boyracer, and Action Painting!. Showcasing the variety, as well as the quality of the label, they bring indie pop, dream pop, and punk. The UK was treated to a joint tour by the bands in July, but everyone in the world can own this record. And they probably should.
Bandcamp for album
Sunday, August 12, 2018
"Roll It Out (feat. M.anifest)" by Iris Gold
Friday, August 10, 2018
"A Song About Holding Hands" by Gregor
Bandcamp for Silver Drop
Chapter Music page to pre-order Silver Drop
"Baby I Want You" by Alessio Peck
We continue celebrating Friday with the rocking delights of "Baby I Want You" by Alessio Peck. Peck resides in Paris, although he has worked with Seattle/New York band Acid Tongue. You can have a free download of this strutting gem by signing up for Alessio's mailing list on his website. Seems like a great deal to us.
Website
Twitter
Website
"Seasons" by Natvrals
Today's first feature is "Seasons" by Spanish electronic duo Natvrals. The track is taken from their debut EP, Loss Is Change. Featuring swirling synths and dominant bass, it is a terrific start to our day.
The band consists of Arturo and Gabriel, who reside in Madrid.
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The band consists of Arturo and Gabriel, who reside in Madrid.
Thursday, August 9, 2018
The Beths - Future Me Hates Me
We know what your first question will be -- how many Beths are there in The Beths? According to our crack research team, the answer is one Beth (also known as Elizabeth Stokes), and several deputy Beths -- Jonathan Pearce, Benjamin Sinclair, and Ivan Luketina-Johnston. Based on the quality of music they create, it seems to us that the band has intuitively arrived at the perfect number of Beths (this opinion is limited to music; we don't offer relationship advice when sober so we have no opinion on whether this number of Beths in your life would be appropriate for romantic purposes).
That important point sorted, cue music. The Beths' new album, Future Me Hates Me, is the sort of poppy indie rock that fuels our days. The arrangements are lean and uncomplicated, leaving the spotlight on melodies, hooks and lyrics. The themes are reflective and, at times serious and melancholy, but the music is punchy, propulsive and even euphoric, and glazed with a bit of sugar. Stokes is a talented and versatile vocalist and hits the right emotional inflection on each track. This is a triple threat album, satisfying the brain, the heart, and the feet in equal measure.
Future Me Hates Me is out on August 10 in digital, vinyl and CD formats via Carpark Records.
Bandcamp
Carpark Records page for album
Wednesday, August 8, 2018
Cuddly Shark - Cuddly Shark
Mid-week, hump day, only half way to the weekend -- how do we jump start our morning? Glasgow cowpunk, that's how! OK, Cuddly Shark, the new album by the band of the same name, isn't all cowpunk, but it has a thick vein of that style. More broadly, it is an indie rock album with plenty of punk style. However, Cuddly Shark is happy throw into the grinder whatever seems useful (a bit of gypsy on "La Barba"?). The lead vocals are often deadpan talk-sing, but the choruses invite everyone to sing along. The lyricism is quirky but very appealing, and often shaded with bittersweet or ironic humor. The performances heavily lean towards the up-tempo keep-the-patrons-dancing end of the spectrum, but penultimate track "Move On" displays a deft touch with the country ballad. We suggest you give this album a chance, and experience just how cuddly misunderstood sharks can be.
The band consists of Colin Reid (vocals/guitar), Ruth Forsyth (bass/vocals), and Jason Sinclair (drums/vocals). The band was formed in the Highlands, but now resides in Glasgow. Cuddly Shark is their third album, and is out now in digital and CD formats via Armellodie Records.
And a cover of Jonathan Richman:
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Page for purchase/stream of Cuddly Shark
Armellodie Records
The band consists of Colin Reid (vocals/guitar), Ruth Forsyth (bass/vocals), and Jason Sinclair (drums/vocals). The band was formed in the Highlands, but now resides in Glasgow. Cuddly Shark is their third album, and is out now in digital and CD formats via Armellodie Records.
And a cover of Jonathan Richman:
Page for purchase/stream of Cuddly Shark
Armellodie Records
Monday, August 6, 2018
Clearance - At Your Leisure
According to our blog historian, we started covering Clearance in 2013, soon after founding members Mike Bellis and Arthur Velez moved from Ann Arbor to Chicago. We've been pleased to feature their releases over the years, and none more so that their new At Your Leisure. Here the quartet takes a half step away from slacker pop and a big step towards the guitar pop associated with New Zealand in past years and, more recently, Melbourne, Australia. There are aural connections with The Clean and other early Flying Nun bands, as well as more recent worthies such as Auckland's Surf City (check out "Haven't You Got The Time"). The result is a set of songs that is lean, breezy and full of chime and jangle. The band is tight, the lyrics are worthwhile, and the performances shine throughout -- but especially on the up-tempo songs.
In our view, Clearance has been one of the better Midwestern bands to appear here, and this album is a superb justification of our opinion.
Clearance are Mike Bellis, Arthur Velez, Kevin Fairbairn, and Greg Obis. At Your Leisure is out now in digital, vinyl and cassette formats via Topshelf Records.
Bandcamp for album
Topshelf Records
Friday, August 3, 2018
Tony Molina - Kill The Lights
Summer is slipping away. The sunlight arrives a bit later every morning, but the transition is even more notable in the evening when my time in the courtyard with an evening beverage is shaded in twilight. The change isn't unwelcome, but it has prompted me to choose different music for that period, and right now the choice is Kill The Lights, the new album by the Bay Area's Tony Molina. This is a slender set of ten songs, ranging in length from one minute to an epic just under two and a half minutes. But rather than feel like afterthoughts or leftovers, each song has the sound and feel of a highly polished gem, with a coherent theme and a distinct sound. And the mix of Byrdsian jangle, paisley underground and acoustic styles are perfect for evening reflections on the day. We highly suggest visiting Bandcamp and giving the album a chance to speak for itself, but if you are undecided, stream a few songs below.
Kill The Lights is out now in vinyl, CD and digital formats via Slumberland Records.
Bandcamp for Kill The Lights
Slumberland Records page for album
Thursday, August 2, 2018
Michael Nau & The Mighty Thread - Michael Nau & The Mighty Thread
Having previously recorded under the names Page Francis and Cotton Jones, Michael Nau now wears his own name professionally, with '& The Mighty Thread' tacked on to recognize his collaborators. His new album, Michael Nau & The Mighty Thread, collects a wealth of his poetic, psychedelic and soft rock tinged folk songs into a breezy package that just may be one of your better surprises of the last month of summer. Nau is one of those rare songwriters whose creations appear to be simple and effortless. These are songs that are substantial and affecting, but flow over the listener like a warm summer breeze. Nau doesn't insist, he just offers, and what he offers fills you with contentment. And then there is his voice -- warm and weathered, like lightly used treasures you discover in a high quality vintage clothing store.
In addition to Nau, The Mighty Thread are Benny Yurco, Will Brown, Graeme Gibson, John Rogone, Robinson Morse, Dan Davine, Ari Abedon, and Brett Lanier. Michael Nau & The Mighty Thread is out Friday, August 3 in vinyl and digital formats via Full Time Hobby in the UK and Light In The Attic in the US.
Website
Bandcamp for album
Light In The Attic page for album
Full Time Hobby page for album
Wednesday, August 1, 2018
Dot Dash - Proto Retro
Hold on a second, we are receiving a transmission from Washington, D.C. "Dot dash, dot dash, dot dash." What excitement -- a transmission from Washington that is not in the form of a tweet, or even a news report about a tweet! Instead, we have Proto Retro, the new album from Dot Dash just in time to save your summer. And even if your summer didn't need saving, Proto Retro will improve it.
For this outing, the band's sixth album, the trio has shifted a bit from the pop punk approach of prior albums to full-on power pop and jangle, but full-on power pop and jangle with a decided punch. And in doing so, we think they have crafted their best-written and and most consistent album to date. Moreover, the quality of the supremely confident performance suggests that the band agrees with our assessment. We have chosen our favorite representative tracks, and then changed them, several times since we put this album on endless loop replays at headquarters. We try to limit such streams to three per album, but we can't here. In fact, we'd like to share more, but we will hold the line at four. And that should give you a reason to visit the Bandcamp site and stream the entire album.
Dot Dash are Terry Banks (guitar/vocals), Hunter Bennett (bass), and Danny Ingram (drums). Proto Retro is available in CD and digital formats now via Ottawa's The Beautiful Music.
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Bandcamp for Proto Retro
The Beautiful Music (label) page for Proto Retro
For this outing, the band's sixth album, the trio has shifted a bit from the pop punk approach of prior albums to full-on power pop and jangle, but full-on power pop and jangle with a decided punch. And in doing so, we think they have crafted their best-written and and most consistent album to date. Moreover, the quality of the supremely confident performance suggests that the band agrees with our assessment. We have chosen our favorite representative tracks, and then changed them, several times since we put this album on endless loop replays at headquarters. We try to limit such streams to three per album, but we can't here. In fact, we'd like to share more, but we will hold the line at four. And that should give you a reason to visit the Bandcamp site and stream the entire album.
Dot Dash are Terry Banks (guitar/vocals), Hunter Bennett (bass), and Danny Ingram (drums). Proto Retro is available in CD and digital formats now via Ottawa's The Beautiful Music.
Bandcamp for Proto Retro
The Beautiful Music (label) page for Proto Retro