Softjaw - Softjaw

 

The sun is out and Springtime is invading out world. In such times, our musical interests expand to music with a wide scope and a tempo that invites driving on the open roads in a convertible -- even if we are stuck in an office. Fortunately, Long Beach indie rockers Softjaw understand us. They know we need crunchy, riff and hook infused traveling music with power pop harmonies. And that is just what they delivered in their debut, self-titled mini-LP.

The core of the band is the duo of Tanner Duffy and Dustin Lovelis, who write all of the songs (except for the occasional cover of a song by a worthy such as Paul Collins). Softjaw is out now via Oakland's Dandy Boy Records.

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Massage - Coaster

 

One of our favorite albums in 2021 was Still Life by L.A. band Massage. That jangling, dream-gazing, guitar-dense album remains a favorite and we still play it regularly. However, we need to make some room in our soundtrack because we have a new Massage gem demanding out ears. The new 10-track Coaster builds on the delights of its predecessor, retaining the instant classic pop melodies, multi-voiced vocals and lovely layers of guitars. To that foundation, in our opinion, Massage has added a wider sound palette. While still delivering their perfectly crafted blends of guitar pop and shoegaze -- check out the exquisite "We're Existential" below -- the band offers echoes of Creation Records on "Fading Out" and folk rock that will prompt fans of The Go--Betweens smile on "Hang On to that Feeling". "Psychic" starts out as a clap-along guitar pop and finishes as a slice of countryfied southern rock on "Psychic". Every song here is a star and that adds up to a top 10 2025 album for us.

Massage are Alex Naidus (vocals/guitar), Andrew Romano (vocals/guitar), Gabrielle Ferrer (vocal/keys), David Rager (bass), and Natalie de Almeida (drums). Coaster is out now via Bobo Integral Records and Mt.St.Mtn. Records.

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"Bounce" by Torrey

 

We don't have a crystal ball, but we feel quite confident in writing that one of the top indie albums out in the first half of 2024 will be the self-titled album from Bay area band Torrey. Masterfully blending multiple textures and pop hooks and vocals, they give the listener the feeling of floating in a pool on a sunlit afternoon. And no song better embodies that vibe than new single "Bounce". All bright tones, shimmer and bliss, it makes our day.

Torrey are Ryann Gonsalves, Kelly Gonsalves, Sinclair Riley, Adam Honingford, and Susie Chinisci. Torrey will be out March 8 in vinyl, digital and CD formats via Slumberland Records.

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Blue Ocean - Fertile State

 

What's your personal poison? Noise pop? Shoegaze? Jangle? Post punk? One or more of the foregoing? May we humbly suggest that you can get all of that, as well as memorable melodies and a full load of energy on Fertile State, the debut album from Oakland, California's Blue Ocean. The tracks are distinctly drawn but sufficiently varied that the band is hard to pigeonhole. For our tastes the more aggressive shoegaze/noise pop tracks have the greatest initial appeal. But some of the others, such as "Take A Care", suggest that the band may thrill us mining other musical veins in future releases.

Fertile State is out now in vinyl, CD and digital formats via Slumberland Records.

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Soft Science - Lines

 

One of the more satisfying albums we have heard this month is Lines. Its ten tracks consist of a swirling, shimmering, robust dream pop that seems to be constructed out of shoegaze. It is music in which the listener can, quite pleasantly, get lost. And some days that is just what we need. The album is the work of Soft Science, which is comprised of notable Northern California dream pop/shoegaze artists. They released three previous albums (we covered Highs and Lows in 2012 (link), but Lines is the first we have had the pleasure of writing up in over a decade. We most certainly will make a point of not missing number five.

Soft Science is Katie Haley (vocals), Ross Levine (guitar/synths/backing vocals), Matt Levine (guitar), Tony Cale (drums/percussion), Becky Cale (bass/backing vocals), and Hans Munz (electronics). Lines is out now via Shelflife Records (US), Spinout Nuggets (UK), and Fastcut Records (Japan).

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The 1981 - Move On

It is often said (usually by one or more parents) that you only have one chance to make a first impression. We don't know Adam Widener and Bobby Martinez of Oakland band 1981 well enough to know whether such sage advice was given to them. But we can say that the first impression delivered by their debut album Move On marks them as a band that deserves our ears. Using '80s guitar pop and power pop as a springboard, the band has added their own spin and crafted songs that delight in turn with muscle, jangle, and fuzz. Given the instrumental prowess and melodic sense of its members, that alone would be sufficient to gain our praise. But 1981 takes an additional step up by using the album to deliver a 12 chapter story of a troubled and dying relationship. Boldly conceived and expertly executed, Move On should find itself on some year-end lists.

For Move On, Adam Widener and Bobby Martinez were assisted by Colin McDonald on bass. Move On is out now via Dandy Boy Records. 

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"Fertile State" by Blue Ocean

 

Oakland, California trio Blue Ocean is capable of ferocious noise and melodic pop, and they deliver both in the same song, creating very satisfying noise pop and shoegaze. They got our attention in 2021 with a collection of EPs released by Paisley Shirt/Dandy Boy. They now are preparing to release their debut album on October 13 via Slumberland Records. Get a week,s worth of energy from the title track: "Fertile State".

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"Sky Club" by Allah-Las

 

In June we alerted our readers to the good news that Allah-Las would be releasing new album Zuma 85 this Autumn. At the time we shared the second single, "The Stuff" (link). "Sky Club" -- the third single -- arrived this week with a bouncy vocal and a synthesized melody. Yes indeed! Some new tools in the arsenal of the talented quartet.

Zuma 85 will be released October 13 via Calico Discos and Innovative Leisure. The band will be touring Europe and the Western US from late August into November.

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"Notebox" by 1981

 

Oakland powerpop/fuzz & buzz duo 1981 have released their second single from their upcoming debut album Move On. The song is "Notebox" and we think it will earn the band increased interest in the album release. It is an intriguing track that begins with spoken word and a wiry guitar before bursting into a thumping slice of indie rock.

1981 is Adam Widener and Bobby Martinez (assisted by Colin McDonald on bass). As we noted last month when we shared the first single from the album, the band is influenced by such worthies as Comet Gain, Mike Krol, and The Jesus and Mary Chain. Move On is out on August 18 via Dandy Boy Records. 

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"Make It Right" by The 1981

 

We have been impressed by the expanding catalog from Bay Area label Dandy Boy Records. Of course, the label is helped by the fact that their region is bursting with talent these days, but they still get credit for tasteful choices. One of the projects on the Dandy Boy roster is The 1981 -- a duo comprised of Adam Widener and Bobby Martinez (assisted by Colin McDonald on bass). Their work to date has made a mark locally and farther afield, with clear influences of forebears such as Comet Gain, Mike Krol, and The Jesus and Mary Chain. They will be releasing an album titled Move On on August 18 via Dandy Boy. Check out the first single, "Make It Right", and you'll know why we are looking forward to the album.

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System Exclusive - Party All The Time EP

 

Are human beings wired to party all the time? We don't know the answer to that question. But we do know that if we want to try to party all the time, we need a suitable soundtrack. And if we are constructing such a soundtrack, we certainly can't leave out an EP titled Party All the Time. The creators are Pasadena, California duo System Exclusive, whose arsenal of synths and top of the charts female vocals provide a big and commanding sound that will keep us primed for action. To be honest, we are embarrassed that we hadn't heard of this duo before.

System Exclusive are Ari Blaisdell and Matt Jones. Party All the Time is out now via Mt.St.Mtn.

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"Ride" by Nothing Natural

 

Welcome to the wonderfully dense and melodic sound of Nothing Natural. Seeming to be at the crossroads of '90s college rock and shoegaze, we find it captivating, soothing and thrilling. Check out "Ride", the single from their upcoming album NN.

Nothing Natural are Austin Montanari (guitar/vocals), Kristen Addison (bass/vocals), Dylan Lockey (drums), and Marc Leyda (guitar/sampling). NN will be out in early March in digital and cassette formats via DandyBoy Records.

Dandy Boy Records · Ride

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John McCabe - Somehow Or Another (2017​-​2022 EPs and singles compilation)

 

With 26 songs and a range that encompasses Americana, alt country, indie rock and jangle, Somehow Or Another (2017​-​2022 EPs and singles compilation) has songs that are certain to please any indie fan. The artist is California singer, songwriter, and guitarist John McCabe. John has released five EPs and some singles since 2017, and this record collects all of them. The country/American-oriented material has heft and and authenticity. As for the songs in the pop and rock channel -- which, to our ears, is most of the album -- useful touchstones are R.E.M. and Miracle Legion (John's vocals even sound like Michael Stipe's). John's lyrical perspective seems to be the loner, looking in at the world. But the material isn't soft and mournful. His vocals adorn full-blooded electric guitar arrangements in overdrive. Quite simply, it sounds wonderful.

The album is out now via Janglepophub in digital and CD formats. By the way, John also plays in a band called Good At Rockets.

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"High School" and "Silver One" by Julian Never

 

Although we haven't even completed our Christmas shopping, our priorities are in order: We have already begun our shopping lists for music to be released in 2023. And one of the first on that list is Pious Fiction. The album is by Julian Never and will be available on January 13 via excellent Sacramento label Mt.St.Mtn. Julian Never is the project of Julian Elorduy, who formerly was the drummer for MAYYORS. He released well regarded 7" previously, the two tracks of which are also on the upcoming album. Check our the jangling goodness on "High School" and "Silver One".

We give you permission to copy our work -- put Pious Fiction on your list too.

Mt.St.Mtn. · 2. High School

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Near Beer - Near Beer

 

There is something about the combination of hard rocking riffs and anthemic punk choruses that never fails to ramp up our heartrates, prompt us to stay up late, and, quite often, drink too much beer. Fortunately, the name of the band that is the subject of this feature also is a public service announcement. This is because Near Beer reminds us to have the aforementioned essential supplies at hand. And it is entirely necessary because the Los Angeles trio's self-titled debut is a perfect encapsulation of hard rocking riffs and anthemic punk choruses. One could have wondered whether songwriter/guitarist and frontman Joey Siara could still deliver the goods ten years following his last album for The Henry Clay People. But previous singles from Near Beer -- "Yelling At A Dog", "Dead Drummers", and "Mixtape Generation" -- promised big things and the album more than fulfills the promise. Lyrically, the songs explore various aspects of growing older and dealing with what life throws at you, delivered with acceptance, defiance and some grins. But sonically the album is all about not giving up on rocking. So in the end Near Beer is a terrific piece of music and a life affirming statement. What more could we want?

Near Beer are Joey Siara (vocals/guitar), Brent Stranathan (drums), and Jeremy Levy (bass/backing vocals). The album is out now via Double Helix Records.

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"Malice Palace" by Cones

 

"Malice Palace" isn't just an early summer tune, it is a tune that is summer. It shimmers and shines so brightly that eye protection is advised (perhaps a bit of sunscreen as well, just to be sure). And it bubbles and surges like the revelers on the dance floor at a beachside concert. This little gem is the work of Los Angeles based Cones, which is comprised of brothers Jonathan and Michael Rosen. The song alone could be the lads' triumph of the season, but it just is a single from their upcoming August 5 album Almanac. Mark your calendars.

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R.E. Seraphin - Swingshift EP

 

We now bring you one of the better records we have heard lately, and it happens to be a bargain. Give your ears the gift of Swingshift EP by Bay Area songwriter and musician R.E. Seraphin. A deft songwriter, Ray Seraphin expands his repertoire to let in a bit more light and color to his arrangements. While he is known for the crunch and jangle of his psychedelic pop creations, the seven tracks on Swingshift  straddle the line into power pop and even add a few arena rock moments. The result is a set of extremely appealing and energetic songs with memorable hooks and flourishes. A few of the songs are covers, but there are no complaints when the borrower has the good taste to cover Wipers and Television Personalities.

For this album Ray was joined by Matt Bullimore (Mantles) Yea-Ming Chen (Yea-Ming and the Rumours / Dreamdate), Joel Cusumano (Sob Stories), Jasper Leach (Burner Herzog /Tony Molina) and Owen Kelley (Owen Adair Kelley / Sleepy Sun). Swingshift EP is released in digital and vinyl formats via Mt St Mtn, Tear Jerk, Dandy Boy, and Safe Suburban Home.

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Yea-Ming & The Rumours - So, Bird ...

So, what is it about So, Bird..., the new album by Yea-Ming & The Rumors? Although I covered their prior album I wasn't aware that this one was released until last week, yet I now think it is going to be in my rotation for months to come. I can't easily point to a classification that encompasses the whole, but I have no trouble pointing to elements that make this an endearing album. There is a lot of '60s folk rock, with jangle, reverb, a bit of country-rock twang, and catchy sing-along melodies. But there also are songs that seem more akin to modern dreampop or just timeless folk. 

Thematically, So, Bird... is remarkable as well. The lyrics are introspective, personal and direct, but not uncomfortably so due to the upbeat arrangements and the lovely vocals by Yea-Ming Chen. This is the sort of songwriting that, if life in the music world was fair, would make legends. After all, it worked for Lee Hazlewood, and we detect some positive similarities with Yea-Ming's songs. As it is, we can only assure you that this album demands your ears, and you won't regret giving in.

The players on So, Bird ... are Yea-Ming Chen (vocals/guitar/slide guitar/piano/bass/drums/percussion/synths), Eoin Galvin (lap steel/guitar), Sonia Hayden (drums/percussion), Anna Hillburg (bass/vocals), and Matt Bullimore (guitar/slide guitar/organ). Yea-Ming Chen wrote all the songs except for "Takeda Lullaby", which is a traditional Japanese folk song.

The album is out now via Dandy Boy Records in the US and Lilystars Records in the Philippines. 

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Papercuts - Past Life Regression

Papercuts can hurt, but in the capable hands of Jason Quever, there is no reason for fear. Jason is an excellent producer, songwriter, performer, and instrumentalist. But he is best known to us as Papercuts, crafting remarkable soundscapes with melodies that stick to our hearts like our children's art work - precious, memorable, unique, fragile and treasured. His latest album is the recently released Past Life Regression. The ten tracks reflect a wide range of the pop landscape, in some instances reminding the listener of the '60s, in others the '80s or later, with a palette spanning dreampop, shoegaze and psychedelia. But the songs uniformly reflect careful songcraft and impeccable performances, while packing a palpable punch.

Past Life Regression is out now in vinyl, CD and digital formats via Slumberland Records.

Slumberland Records · Papercuts - The Strange Boys

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Announcing: Upcoming album by Kids On A Crime Spree

Oakland's Kids On A Crime Spree is one of the best power pop/noise pop bands making music these days. Unfortunately, getting noticed in the biz is a bit difficult. And that is where we come in. We want all our readers -- yes, both of you, pay attention -- to know that the trio will release an LP titled Fall In Love Not In Line on January 21 via Slumberland Records. You don't have to just take our word for the band's quality as we have provided the three tracks from the album released to date below. "Goods Get Got", "All Things Fade", and "When Can I See You Again" are melodic, punchy, concise and warm, and they suggest good things for the album.

Kids On A Crime Spree are Mario Hernandez, Becky Barron, and Bill Evans.

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