Wednesday, June 30, 2021

“Time Walk” and “Ambulance” by Bnny

Photo credit: Alexa Viscius

Bnny is a Chicago guitar rock band playing a lo-fi, reverb-heavy style with the breathy vocals of leader and vocalist Jess Viscius, a staccato rhythm section and some excellent guitar sounds. First song is "Time Walk", and it gets a lot done in 1:33. There are alternating guitar figures throughout the song, including a short but killer bent-strings solo right at the end. Check it out, and stay tuned for more; there's enough variety in just these two songs to pique the interest of any indie rock fan. Here is "Time Walk":

 
 And here is the second song released in advance, the super slowed-down "Ambulance":
   

 
 In addition to Jess Viscius, the band includes her twin sister Alexa Viscius, plus friends Tim Makowski, Matt Pelkey, and Adam Schubert. The album is due out in August - you can stream both of those songs now, and pre-order the album in a boatload of formats via Bnny's website or Bandcamp. Bnny Band website Everything by Bnny at Bandcamp

Massage - Still Life

Of course, this post should have been published several days ago. The subject, Still Life by California quintet Massage, truly is one of the better guitar pop albums I have heard in several years. However, with temperatures in town soaring into three digits, we fled to the coast. The cooler temperatures meant mission accomplished, but internet connectivity was inadequate. So there is my excuse for this post, and for several others that will come shortly.

Still Life is 14 tracks of shimmer and jangle, of bittersweet observations and romantic notions. The touch is uniformly light, and while the songwriters have managed to display incredible diversity, the album maintains a common thread of summery warmth. Depending upon your listening background, you might hear hints of New Zealand and Australian guitar pop, The Pains of Being Pure At Heart, The Jesus and Mary Chain, The Cure and many others. And you wouldn't be wrong with any of them. But all it takes is one listen to decide that this isn't a band imitating a list of worthies, it is a band that belongs on that list.

Massage are Alex Naidus, Andrew Romano, Gabi Ferrer, Natalie de Almeida, and David Rager. Still Life is out now, with your preferred source depending on your continent: Bobo Integral in Europe; Mt.St.Mtn. in North America; and Tear Jerk in Australia.




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Tuesday, June 29, 2021

“Blind War” (feat. Ben LaMar Gay) and “Green” by TOMÁ

Photo by Paul Schütz 

TOMÁ is the name under which Bulgarian guitarist/producer Tomá Ivanov records, and he has released a couple of songs ahead of a full album due out at the end of July. This is a fantastic record, featuring a variety of collaborators each bringing a different ingredient to Ivanov's impeccable producer skills. On "Blind War" he is backing Ben LaMar Gay, a Chicago producer and MC, with an understated set of keyboards and staccato beats:
 

In addition, here's the instrumental "Green", an upbeat jazz/hip-hop track - love the guitar on this:


He claims influences you would probably expect - Squarepusher, Flying Lotus, Aphex Twin - but in listening to this, you can also feel the influence of his jazz studies, along the lines of Stones Throw and other LA-based artists like Thundercat and Kamasi Washington. It's a heady mix and high quality music. More to come, but you get the idea. 

Friday, June 25, 2021

Birling Gap - The Catenary Wires

 


Very often indie pop appears to be the playground of youth. But we get periodic reminders that the genre, and our lives, can be enriched by the contributions of experienced musicians with some decades in the rear view mirror. Such an apt reminder is Birling Gap, the new album by UK project The Catenary Wires. The album is named for a significant and dramatic geological feature - the white cliffs forming part of England's southern coast (a segment of which is the cover art for the album). The choice is deliberate and incisive, for the songs on the album are very English in tone and perspective and the themes are dramatic. I don't mean cap D dramatic as in famine, war, or Boris Johnson and Donald Trump getting lifetime appointments at leaders of their respective countries, but rather the dramas that form the fabric of our daily lives. Here, the songwriters focus on the joys, uncertainties, anxieties, successes and failures of life, both looking forward and backward. They also share their scorn for those who push pretend solutions while disguising their racism and bigotry. But while not shying away from darkness, the songs taken as a whole are infused with a sturdy appreciation for surviving and, ultimately, and affirmation of life. Of course, it all hits the ears quite pleasurably because the melodies and harmonies are the sort that never fail to touch the hearts of indie pop fans.

We featured album track "Mirrorball" recently (link), so we offer three other gums for your evaluation below. Note that the Bandcamp page has a link to the lyrics, and we highly recommend that you listen to the songs with the lyrics

The Catenary Wires are Amelia Fletcher (vocals/harmonium), Rob Pursey (vocals/guitar), Fay Hallam (keys/vocals), Andy Lewis (bass/percussion), and Ian Button (drums/vocals). Amelia and Rob wrote the songs. Birling Gap is out now via Skep Wax, the band's label, but Shelflife is handling the album in the North America.




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Bandcamp for Birling Gap

Bandcamp for Birling Gap (North America)


"The Poisoned Word" by Errant Boy

 

Edinburgh's Errant Boy has been a bit quiet for the past couple of years, but now has returned with the first of two singles planned for 2021. The band states that the two singles are "lyrically twinned", although they will be released a few months apart. This week brings us the first, the rocking, groove-heavy "The Poisoned Word". The serious theme rides the bouncing beat as the song continues to gather steam. One can imagine dancing to this one at an outdoor festival -- that is, if one is still young enough to dance when we have outdoor festivals again.

Errant Boy are Sean Ormsby (vocals/bass), Chris Harvie (guitar), and Sarrah McLaren (drums). "The Poisoned Word" is out now via Errant Media.

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Thursday, June 24, 2021

Carpet Burn - I Can't Believe It's Not Carpet Burn

 


Here is your chance to get a carpet burn. What - you ask, why would I want a carpet burn? The answer is that this Carpet Burn is a good carpet burn, with no pain other than a little bit of cash to own the new four-track 7", I Can't Believe It's Not Carpet Burn. Admittedly, the title is a bit quirky, but this band's specialty is tuneful, quirky, and even absurd blasts of indie pop. While the songs are sparse and a bit obtuse, this is music that entertains and engages the listener. It is as if you have been made party to an inside joke, even if some of the nuances have not yet revealed themselves. It is an off-kilter party, but everyone is sincerely invited.

We featured the final track, "Butterfinger Hands", recently (link) so we will give you two more of the songs below.

Carpet Burn is Amanda, Kayley, Louis, and Tam, who are members of other Melbourne bands such as Girlatones, Permits, Tam Vantage, Gutter Girls, Blonde Revolver, and Plastic. I Can't Believe It's Not Carpet Burn is out now via Spoilsport Records.


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Spoilsport Records


Wednesday, June 23, 2021

“Frank Bacon” by Liam Kazar

Photo Credit: Alexa Viscius

Liam Kazar is a young Chicago native, Kansas City-based singer songwriter with an easygoing, almost sort of slacker feel to his music. It’s plenty melodic and features some sweet guitar and keyboard sounds backing his warm vocals. I'd recommend this to anybody who is a fan of Wilco or Jeff Tweedy's other work, or the Allah-La's (as we certainly are around here), as Kazar has what feel like echoes of both of those artists in his songcraft. He's worked with Jeff and Spencer Tweedy and Chance the Rapper, among others. Currently his label is sharing the song “Frank Bacon”, which features some nice country guitar work:


 

This is an advance single from the upcoming album Due North. I love the way this song just sort of rolls, sways and makes its way along. Looking forward to this album, which is coming out August 6 on Woodsist.




Tuesday, June 22, 2021

Stevie Weinstein-Foner - Wondering

We first wrote about Stevie Weinstein-Foner at the beginning of May, when he shared the single "Good Medicine" (WYMA post here). At the time, I characterized it as Southern California folk rock, and I'll stick with that. This is a well-conceived and well-crafted album, featuring songs that run the whole way from pure acoustic folk ("I Just Can’t Wait") to roaring guitar rock ("Lionheart"), with a lot of great guitar sounds throughout. Weinstein-Foner even has a song about his guitar, a sweet tune called "My Friend Guitar" that features some of his best singing and an obligatory ripping electric guitar solo - having mentioned a couple of his heroes (Lou Reed and Neil), it would be rude not to give us a solo. 

The title track is an existential tour de force with some slinky, watery slide guitar sounds backing his plaintive vocal that quavers and almost, but never quite, cracks as Weinstein-Foner puts forth question after question, some in the form of koans, some just basic human queries - "who's gonna hold my hand when my heart is breaking?":
   
It's a beautiful, heartfelt song and clearly the album's centerpiece. Another high point, in addition to the already-shared "Good Medicine" is the confessional country song "I Feel You":

 
After all the wondering and philosophisizing, one thing is clear. It's clear the guy loves his work and loves sharing it with his friends and listeners. Check it out, listen to more songs and order it at one of the sites.


Holiday Ghosts - North Street Air

Making your holiday checklist? Of course you will take a bathing suit, sun screen, towels, books and some exercise gear to ignore. But don't forget the ghosts. To be clear, I am referring to Holiday Ghosts, late of Falmouth and now resident in Brighton. The primary apparitions are drummer Katja Rackin and guitarist Sam Stacpoole, although for new album North Street Air, their third, they enjoy contributions of various willing and available friends.

Holiday Ghosts aren't an easy crew to typecast. They draw references to a number of other bands, each such reference being more or less apt depending on the song. Those references include The Kinks, Beat Happening, Modern Lovers, Violent Femmes, and Australian bands Terry, Twerps and Dick Diver,  among others. But the common threads in their songs are intensely rhythmic arrangements, upbeat tempos, group singing and a garage rock attitude that is both distinctive and highly appealing. And it should be noted that Holiday Ghosts' brand of garage rock is inclusive of rock, country, pop, and a taste of psychedelia. They spin good stories, decorate them well, and then sell them with driving performances.

I don't get any special prize for being an 'early adopter' of Holiday Ghosts, except the satisfaction of hearing music I love from demo stage through the new album (I first discovered them when looking up what Sam Stacpoole was doing because I have followed his previous band). But that is enough for me. There is much to like about this band, but one of the most impactful for me is that their music sounds so vital. They perform every track like they are live and this song is the most important and fun song they will every play. And at that moment, it may well be the most important and fun song in your life too. What more could you ask for from a set of songs?

North Street Air is out now via FatCat Records.



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Sunday, June 20, 2021

“As Long As I Have You” by Foster

Foster is a Nashville-based hip-hop artist and “As Long As I Have You” is just his second release. It’s a melancholy song with a sweet vocal intro, playing on the power of nostalgia and memory. I'm reminded of the oft-quoted Don Draper speech about nostalgia: "It's delicate but potent... far more powerful than memory alone." I think there's a certain power that derives from someone so young clearly depicting this kind of longing for a lost loved one. His first song was a reworking of an Elvis Presley classic; this one is an original. 

It's out now (6/4) and available via all your usual streaming sites. 



Friday, June 18, 2021

Corduroy - Corduroy

 

Corduroy is the sound of ringing reverbed guitars, cavernous drumming, spacious arrangements and dreamy vocals. The 8-track album is the self-titled release of a Swedish four-piece that seems to us has taken the '80s-'90s Manchester sound and reinvented it as a robust dream pop. And we think it sounds very good. We featured lead single "NLMN" a few weeks ago (link), so we've chosen two others to feature in this post. In truth, you can throw darts at the track list to pick songs, because the quality is just that consistent.

Corduroy is Amanda Wallin, Olle Rosén, Martin Boström and Serafim Kristjansson. The album is out now via VÅRØ.



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The Wind-Ups - Try Not to Think

 


I have covered Terry Malts, Smokescreens and The Neutrals on these pages with great enthusiasm. So I was thrilled to learn of a project that brings together members of all those bands. Please meet The Wind-Ups. Based on familiarity with those other projects, when pressing 'play' on their new double EP, Try Not to Think, I expected hooks and noise. What I got was hooks and noise. Oh, so many hooks and so very much noise; so much very good noise. Rumors that one of California's recent power outages was attributable to the recording of this record are unconfirmed. However, mastering technician Dave Gardner reported that it was one of the loudest record he has worked on. But while the initial impression may be The Ramones turned up to 11, the core of these songs is well-conceived power pop.

The album was written performed and recorded by Jake Sprecher (Smokescreens, Terry Malts, Beehive, and Jonathan Richman. When it is time to play live, Terry Malts companions Phill Benson and Nathan Sweatt will join Jake. Try Not to Think is out via Mt.St.Mtn., with distribution via Revolver (US) and Cargo (UK).

Label page for vinyl album

“I Can’t Wait” by Rodrigo Amarante

 Rodrigo Amarante has released another track ahead of his album Drama, due out next month. Contrasted with the previous one "Mare", which was a rollicking, multilayered, swinging track sung in Portuguese, this is a ballad sung in English, and it's beautiful. His voice suits either style - on this slower song he builds the emotion of anticipation ("that old dream of ours / our hearts beat as one / to be free is to belong") along with the melancholy sense of missing someone, or something we are all missing. In his words, "I wrote this song ... because Darwin's ideas are serving the purpose of turning ourselves against one another, because I believe freedom does not stem from independence, separation or disconnect as the dictionaries suggest, but rather from the acknowledgement of our interdependence, because freedom is belonging." 


 

 I especially love the way Amarante has used the first two single releases to showcase his talent in creating different musical styles within the same album. He sounds on top of his game in every way. You can preorder the album in several different formats, and explore other music at the sites below.


Thursday, June 17, 2021

“Cumbia Divina” by Mitchum Yacoub

 

From California drummer and band leader Mitchum Yacoub via All-Town Sound, we have a rocking, swinging Afro / Latin track called "Cumbia Divina". This is a terrific song, a great combination of influences of Afrobeat and Cuban cumbia with what sounds like a bit of California psychedelic as well. On vocals is Divina Jasso. The song was originally an instrumental, but was reworked to include her voice. They cover a lot of ground in just about three and a half minutes - check it out:
   

Here's another track, "Cumbia De La Selva":
  The vinyl will be out August 13, but in the meantime spend some time exploring Yacoub's music and more from All-Town Sound, a new label in San Diego planning to release more of these infectious world beats, starting with the Yacoub record this summer.




Jasper the Vinyl Junkie - Vinyl Junkie Thangs

Vinyl Junkie Thangs is a true delight, a bountiful collection of funk, jazz, soul and Latin music from BBE Music, curated by Jasper the Vinyl Junkie. It's along the lines of great crate-digger collections like The Funky 16 Corners - you know the type. This is Jasper's first curation for BBE since 1997, so fortunately he has pulled together 18 tracks, broken into four sides and a 7" (vinyl format, of course). Says Jasper: “Even all the digital interference hasn’t stopped vinyl being a fantastic way to get your groove on. When I put together compilations like this back in the day, there were just 3 formats: Vinyl, CDs and Cassette Tapes. Now there’s a whole heap of ways to get your favourite tunes: downloads, streaming, youtube etc. etc… Even so, when I put an album together, I always do it with the analogue in mind, so it has a certain feel to it.” 

 The stuff is all pretty funky, but runs the gamut from old school funk with horns (and screeches and growls), like The Ashantis' "Safari" to Basement Freaks' "Makes Me Wanna Scream", a drum-based rave-up remixed by Blend Miskin with lasers and synths, and falsetto wails throughout.

   
   
 There are several instrumentals and a number of Latin-tinged tracks, like "JB's Latin" by Spitting Image - well, it's almost an instrumental, but there are inspired scat-style shoutouts scattered between the flute and electric guitar breaks that keep the attention levels up where they belong:
 
 

This is tough stuff - fun, hardworking music. Play it at your next get-together and watch everybody start to move. They can't help it. It's out now on BBE Music.


"Parisian Friends" by Declan Welsh and The Decadent West

    I liked "Parisian Friends" on the first listen, and I like it better each time I hear it. The song is a swaggering blast of Glasgow garage rock with tangled guitars, a shout-along chorus and lyrics providing a humorous take on trying to act cool and not quite making the grade. Fans of '00s rockers like Franz Ferdinand, The Futureheads and The Arctic Monkeys may find their feet involuntarily starting to dance, but to my ears "Parisian Friends" is unmistakably Declan Welsh and the Decadent West. Always a treat, this band continues to grow with each recording.
     "Parisian Friends" is taken from the band's It's Been A Year EP which will be released on September 2. In addition to Declan West (guitar/lead vocals), the players are Ben Corlett (bass), Duncan McBride (guitar), and Murray Noble (drums).

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Various links for "Parisian Friends"

"Secret" and "No B.S." by Jerome Thomas

 

What a way to begin a Thursday! The sun is shining on what will be a warm, but not too hot, day. And I am listening to "Secret" and "No B.S." by Londoner Jerome Thomas. The London artist's take on soul is timeless, His delivery is smooth and passionate, the melodies pull me in and Jerome and his team got all the production touches just right. Sex for your ears is a good thing, and Jerome delivers a big dose.

"Secret" and "No B.S." are taken from Jerome's debut EP, That Secret Sauce, which will be released on July 9 by Rhythm Section International.



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Various links for That Secret Sauce



Wednesday, June 16, 2021

"At The End Of The World" by Massage


At the end of the world I will still want jangle pop -- especially if it is being delivered by Los Angeles band Massage. And their new single, "At The End Of The World", should be all you need to know why I feel that way. A chiming, jangling jumble of guitars and synths with wistful vocals and a heart-tugging hooks in the choruses, it is solid gold indie pop. The song is the final single from their soon to be released album Still Life, which will be out June 25. While not quite half way through the year, I am certain that Still Life will be high on my year-end list.

Your preferred source for Still Life depends on your continent: Bob Integral in Europe; Mt.St.Mtn. in North America; and Tear Jerk in Australia.

Massage are Alex Naidus, Andrew Romano, Gabi Ferrer, Natalie de Almeida, and David Rager, four of whom were members of The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart.


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Bandcamp for Still Life

"Keep It Together" by Pip Blom

Wednesdays can be difficult for me. Work is piled up and work days surround me. So I look to an aural shot of energy. Today's choice is aptly named for my situation: "Keep It Together" by Dutch band Pip Blom. With an extra dose of energy and bubblebum served with attitude and a wink, it is just what I needed.

The single is out now, and if you like it you will be happy to learn that it is taken from the band's upcoming album, Welcome Break, which will be out October 8 via Heavenly Recordings.
 




Tuesday, June 15, 2021

"Living With Myself" by Snowy Band

 

Last year I was quite impressed with Audio Commentary, the debut album by Melbourne's Snowy Band (link). Impressed, but not surprised. When a recording involves Liam "Snowy" Halliwell, it invariably pleases the ears, tickles the brain and lifts spirits. Adept as a songwriter, engineer, multi-instrumentalist and performer, he is a multi-tool for many bands. He was a member of The Ocean Party, No Local, and many others, and his current projects in addition to Snowy Band include Pop Filter. Today brought the happy news that Snowy Band's second album, Alternate Endings, will be released in August via Spunk Records, Osborne Again, and Palo Santo (Texas). Our first listen comes in the form of the just released single "Living With Myself". The song begins as an engaging slice of bedroom pop but expands delightfully. We think that this album is going to be another winner.

Snowy Band are Liam Halliwell (vocals/guitar/other), Emma Russack (vocals/guitar), Nathalie Pavlovic (vocals/bass), and Dylan Young (vocals/drums).


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Bandcamp link for "Living With Myself"

“Frozen in Time” by Jyroscope & Montana Macks

Photo credit: Jason Nelims 

This is a deeply satisfying hip-hop song, featuring a great low-key sort of "film noir" jazz saxophone intro, a solid beat and three excellent artists. Jyroscope is a Chicago group consisting of MCs I.B. Fokuz, Collasoul Structure and DJ Seanile - and producer Montana Macks. Ahead of their upcoming EP Happy Medium, they're sharing this single, "Frozen in Time":
 


 
The lyrics seem to be about the delicate balance between striving for more and guarding what you have in a world (and a city) that can be hostile to both of those, between protecting your own (family, career) and putting yourself out there. As I said, it's deeply satisfying in a number of ways. You can pre-order and listen to this at their Bandcamp, they also share news via Instagram - see below. 


“Love Will Work it Out” by Durand Jones & The Indications

Durand Jones & The Indications have announced their upcoming album, Private Space (due out July 30), and have already shared one track - we posted the song “Witchoo”, a funky, romping sing-along number, a little while back. So it’s exceedingly kind of them to treat us to another track while we wait. “Love Will Work It Out” is an old school soul vocal by Jones and, in addition to the tight Indications team, it also features Blue Note artist Joel Ross on that nice vibraphone solo. It’s available to stream now, and you can pre-order the whole album at the sites below.


 



Sunday, June 13, 2021

“Chimes” by The Joy Formidable

Out now, a strong guitar-driven track from The Joy Formidable, “Chimes”. 


This is the second track off the upcoming album, Into the Blue, which will be out in August. If you've come to expect buzzing guitars with strong clear vocals on top, you won't be disappointed here. Songwriter and singer Ritzy Bryan describes the song as part of her healing process after a breakup, referring to a set of actual chimes made by her grandfather that she brought from her European home to her home in Utah, and how they help keep her grounded. 

You can listen via the video above, or a number of streaming sites, and learn more (including tour dates for later this year) via the band's website.  



"Be My Maybe" / "David Bowie" by The Bordellos


Song obsession alert: "Be My Maybe" is on infinite replay in my house today. I might need an intervention, but I'm not inclined to call for help yet. The heart-damaged beauty is by UK trio The Bordellos. Based in St Helens, which is a few miles east of Liverpool for those keeping track, The Bordellos have an extensive catalog that I now intend to dive into with relish. But first I need to get my fill of "Be My Baby". And just for the record, the breezy flip side "David Bowie" is the perfect complement to "Be My Baby -- sparse, simple, concise, and really different in most every way except that it is birthed by the same musical talents. And that is more than sufficient. 

The double A-side is out now via Sydney's Metal Postcard Records.


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Saturday, June 12, 2021

Quivers - Golden Doubt

Golden Doubt is a jangle pop treasure from the southern hemisphere. Specifically, it is the work of Melbourne (formerly Tasmania) quartet Quivers. Initially, the disparate elements of the title of the album confused us. After a few listens, it seemed perfect to us as a collection of songs that represent a golden genre of pop expression combined with melancholy themes of uncertainties, complexities, and the risk of relationships. We are optimistic people, but life is complex -- we may start each morning hereafter by naming the day 'golden doubt'. But enough about us ...

In this ten-song album Quivers passes every test essential to a guitar pop band, and every nonessential test one can think of as well. The guitars are gorgeous, the harmonies sweet, and the rhythm section robust and driving. The lyrics are exceptionally well written with pointed observations, warmth, humor, and economy of expression. The first two songs (both of which are streamed below) are jangle pop gems, with "Gutters of Love" being one of our favorite songs of the year. The third track, "Hold You Back" couples clever wordplay with a a soulful swing replete with string accompaniment. After dialing back the intensity for the fourth track, the band displays its rock chops with "Chinese Medicine". Deft wordplay features again on  the fast-paced love song "You're Not Always On My Mind". The powerful songwriting is no better evidenced than by the reflective "Videostores", in which the serious themes are balanced by a fulsome arrangement and soaring choruses. The country washed "Laughing Waters" is not streamed below only because we try to limit ourselves to three per album; it is a treasure.

Golden Doubt is the work of a band that knows who they are, knows (or should know) that what they are is very good. Get this album and you will love it for a long, long time.

Quivers are Sam Nicholson, Bella Quinlan, Michael Panton, and Holly Thomas. Golden Doubt is out now via Spunk Records (Australia/NZ), Bobo Integral (Europe), and Ba Da Bing (North America/UK).



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Various links for Golden Doubt

Friday, June 11, 2021

Dive Index - Refolded: Waving at Airplanes

Dive Index is a collaborative project of California producer Will Thomas, with vocals from Natalie Walker and Merz. Last year he released the album Waving at Airplanes, and over the time between then and now, he took the songs apart, sort of dub style, and with the help of several fellow producers and remixers, came up with new identities for each of the songs. It's exhilarating music - while it does settle into a groove from time to time, it doesn't settle in for long and the hallmark of this record is its changes in direction, which keep the sound fresh and your mind engaged. Here’s “Wish I Had a Pulse”, a hypnotic track with a languid vocal by Natalie Walker:

 
 My favorite track on the album is this Mike Lindsay (Tuung) remix of "She's Exploding". It’s got a noirish quality - sort of murky, muffled in places and dark, dark lyrics. “Bloodstained fingers” and what is it she keeps apologizing for? 
   


That's also Walker on vocals, but the mix distorts the vocals along with most of the instruments, to great effect, creating an overwhelming atmosphere that has you gently swaying until the synthesizers do a sort of stepdown and reset everything. This song has some great singing on it - really, the whole record does. Along with Walker, vocals are contributed by Merz, as on this emotive song "Say Yes to Tenderness":

 
Beautiful, sort of cinematic in spots, this album rewards repeated listening because there is so much going on in each track, and there is so much variety in beats and melodies from song to song. It's out now on Neutral Music. 

Wednesday, June 9, 2021

“95 Percent” by Split Single

(Photo by Joe Losurdo)

Jason Narducy’s supergroup power trio Split Single is back with another advance single from upcoming album Amplificado - here is “95 Percent”:



As with the previous song we shared, “Nothing You Can Do to End This Love”, they are playing at a breakneck pace, with drummer Jon Wurster and bassist Mike Mills laying down a rapid field of fire, on top of which Narducy’s pyrotechnics on guitar and vocals give a strong sense of his passion. Narducy shared some thoughts: “As a liberal person, I can get tripped up by my tendency towards empathy,” says Narducy. “Part of me wants to believe that politicians are earnest in their efforts to help all Americans even when I know they are not. So it can backfire when I get hesitant and confused but overall I think it's positive because I never fully trust ANY of them. I'm 95 percent committed and 95 percent suspicious. I'm also not good at math.” 

Amplificado on Vinyl/CD 

"She's Gone" by GA-20

 

Theodore Roosevelt is not often mentioned on indie music blogs, and with good reason. However, Theodore Roosevelt Taylor is more than worthy of a few words. Known to his friends and fans as Hound Dog Taylor, he was a renowned blues performer. He made no claim to being a master technician on the guitar, but he justifiable took pride in creating a guitar sound that conveyed energy and thrilled the audience. One of my most prized vinyl albums is Hound Dog Taylor & The Houserockers self-titled 1971 release for Alligator Records.

Most of you will never have that piece of vinyl unless it is re-issued. But I have good news for you: Boston blues trio GA-20 has recorded Try It ... You Might Like It. Consisting of ten songs written and/or recorded by Hound Dog Taylor, it will be released on August 20 via Colemine Records in partnership with Alligator Records. In our opinion, Hound Dog's memory deserves it, and we all deserve more Hound Dog, so this is a win-win. And just so you know that you are getting authentic-sounding interpretations of the master's tunes, lead track "She's Gone" is not out as a single. Boogie onward, my children.

GA-20 is Matt Stubbbs (guitar), Pat Faherty (guitar/vocals), and Tim Carman.



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Various links for album

"Back Of The Train" by Velvet Starlings

 

Los Angeles' Velvet Starlings have amplified the announcement of their August LP, Technicolour Shakedown, with the release of single "Back Of The Train". A rocking riff and fuzz stomper with '60s blues rock influences, it gets my blood racing. These guys must be awesome live.

Velvet Starlings was founded by 18-year old Christian Gisborne. He has released two EPs (the first when he was just 15), and wrote and played all of the instruments on the upcoming album. The project has become a full band with the addition of Foster and Hudson Poling. Technicolour Shakedown will be out August 27 via Sound x 3 Records/AWAL/The Orchard.

Tuesday, June 8, 2021

Pastel Coast - Sun



Sun, the new album by French band Pastel Coast is aural sunshine. 'Well', you might say, 'with that name, it should be'. OK, point granted. But we want to emphasize the we aren't talking any old sunny sounding music. We are talking about a set of songs that transports you to a beach on the French coast, with the impression of warm breezes and visions of lithe bathers and sailboats on the horizon. We are talking about shimmering guitars and lush, glossy synths that deliver a dose of vitamin D far in excess of the recommended daily dose. In our view, main man Quentin Isidore and his colleagues have crafted a perfect sub-genre of French beach pop.

Quite frankly, if you leave this album off of your summer playlist, you might as well admit that you are just waiting for next winter.

Sun is out in vinyl, digital and CD formats via Shelflife and Groover Obsessions.



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"My Father Took Me Everywhere" by Chris Connelly and Monica Queen

"My Father Took Me Everywhere" is the second single from The Birthday Poems. The album consists of 18 tracks presenting a fictionalized romance between Scottish personalities Stella Cartwright and George MacKay Brown. The artists are Chicago-based Scot Chris Connelly and fellow Scot Monica Queen. As we explained in our post for the first single, the title of the album refers to the poems that George would write for each of Stella's birthdays.

The first single was a swaggering sing-along titled "Tae the Poets" with Chis voicing George MacKay Brown. "My Father Took Me Everywhere" features Monica as Stella, recounting her young years when her father would take her to cultural events, parties and bars.