Give Tom Greenwood a Listen

tomThis track from Tom Greenwood came in a bit ago, and I’ve really taken a liking to the tune. There’s layers of synth working quietly to give the track a backbone, but the core of the song reminds me a lot of something I’d expect Albert Hammond Jr to pull off in his mellower moments. Tom’s been working through demos to collect the songs he loves the most, compiling and fleshing them out via his iPhone as he works on batches of songs at a time. Sometimes you just connect with a song, and I was feeling this one, so felt it best to share with you.

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Even More Music from Pema

pemaThe more I hear from this new Pema release, the more I think it’s really going to surprise longtime followers of Alex Napping and their frontwoman (Alex Cohen). On this latest track, the synth/sample work is pretty minimal, with several of the beats being dragged and repeated, then looped back in for the mix. But, as one expects, the star is definitely Cohen, whose voice soars playfully throughout; she hits some notes that I didn’t expect from her, but am grateful she gets up there. Look for her debut, Doublethink, via Wishy Washy on June 3rd.

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Savoy Motel Should Be Your New Favorite Thing

savoyWe knew this was coming (insider trader info), but we’re glad the whole world gets to finally be part of what’s sure to be the next big thing, Savoy Motel. The Nashville group should please the fans of old school R&B/boogie, whilst still showing the new school hipsters that there’s enough noise and creativity (and swagger) to make the music important to them. It’s a sound that seems timeless and refreshing; there’s nothing like it on the current landscape, and there might not have been anything like it in the past, yet you’ll feel like you’re in the know. The group are working with What’s Your Rupture now, so expect news on an album soon. Oh, and it stars Jeffrey Novak, who we’ve covered in varying ways here on the site…ya dig?

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Premiere: Losers Way Home Ready New Album

losersHaving worked hard in theMemphis scene (and now out in Arizona), the fellas in Losers Way Home are ready to bring their new album, Love Songs for the Rest of Us. While there are some attributes that play upon the sound of modern indie folk, I think the string arrangements that resonate throughout elevate the track beyond the random fare; it creates musical peaks and valleys, enchanting listeners from the moment the song takes flight. An innocence also exists here, which comes in the youthful tones of the vocals. Definitely think a lot of folks will be interested to hear what these guys have to offer; look for this new album on July 22nd!

Hey! New Evans the Death

evansYou thought you knew Evans the Death? Well, you guessed wrong, as the group are clearing changing things up for their new album, Vanilla. The core of this song is a squawking groover, although the band maintain a bit of tenacity in their punishing delivery of the chorus…leading to a complete change of direction in the latter half of the track. It’s like they’re completely re-imagining where they’re going, and it sounds brilliant. Those good people over at Fortuna Pop will be releasing the new effort on June 10th, so be sure to get at it.

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Holy Balm Score House Hit

holybalmNot sure this one has completely broken the shores of the US yet, but Sydney’s Holy Balm definitely have a dance floor house hit on their hands. I love how the vocals seem really disinterested in their own delivery; it’s an intoxicating approach that almost seems like some club singer from the 80s got thrown into the mix. Of course, that’s not the case, as you can tell that the construction of the track is far to clever, and careful; dig the sax sample grooving in around the 4 minute mark. Their newest album is titled Activity, and it’s being released in August via Chapter Music (continuously impressing us with their good tastes).

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ATX Spotlight: Listen to Roofs

roofsSometimes great music slips under the radar, especially in Austin where it seems like everyone is in one or two bands, at least until they all move to the thriving metropolis of Lockhart. But, lately I’ve been jamming to the recently released album from Roofs, which was recorded by Michael Landon (Estuary). It’s really hard to pigeonhole Oh Look at Us Go, which is a good thing, as each track runs in a similar vein, though with enough variance to keep the entirety of the listen moving forward. Voice Academy is supposed to have a cassette release of this, but for now, listen to this track, and be sure to take a listen to the rest of the LP.

Classic Alternative Sound from The Valery Trails

valeryPart Australia, part Texas…that’s the story of The Valery Trails. Their sound, well, it’s going to take you back to classic 90s radio sounds, filled with a solid melody and distorted guitars. The chorus of “you are ok, we are ok,” is catchy too, so you’ll have something to sink your teeth into while you jam this one. Think of bands like REM or maybe a happier Dinosaur Jr and you’ll no right where this group stands. They’ll release their new LP, Chameleon Bones, on August 5th, so look to the end of your summer for this rad release.

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New Album Coming from Ryley Walker

ryleyWhile Ryley Walker is only becoming a household name for many, he’s been quite busy since his stardom burst through with Primrose Green. Today comes new that he’ll be issuing a new record with Dead Oceans, Golden Sings That Have Been Sung, on August 19th. Musically, he’s still an exploratory artist, taking on the space his guitar has crafted, adding in varying textures of percussion and further guitar accompaniment. His vocal delivery seems steadying, but almost inserted as an afterthought, wordplay inserted to keep your attention as the song’s changing patterns unfold. There’s always more than meets the ear in his work, so bring your careful listens to this 6 minute jam.

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More Music from California Snow Story

1300_1104601302925014_3769517267500157304_nWe tossed out the first single from California Snow Story not too long ago, but the release date kind of slipped by under the radar, so we should revisit now that there’s a new single and the release date has come! This song’s success lives in the trade-off between male and female vocal performances, and the rest, well, that succeeds on the careful craftsmanship that David Skirving has always placed in his songs. You can grab the new album, Some Other Places, right now from the ultra-reliable Shelflife Records.

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