Jangly Indiepop from Pale Spectres

paleIs it possible to get overexcited about a CD single? Well, I might have just gone overboard, but I love this brand new track form Pale Spectres, and in fact, wish they had more to offer. It’s got that angular churning guitar that us indiepop nerds fawn over; it’s got love as the subject matter (another of our favorites); it’s executed perfectly. I think people are just going to spend the rest of the day sitting around listening to this tune, at least I know I will. There’s another track that will come on April 8th, but for now, enjoy the hell out of this one.

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Dark Pop from Stina Tester and Cinta Masters

stcmI’m always looking for something out of my normal listening habits, which is how I landed on this subtle bit of pop from Stina Tester and Cinta Masters. There’s something to the vocal delivery that reminds me an awful lot of Hether from Wax Idols, although the duo combine to harmonize in very specific moments of the song. I think they’ve done a great job allowing the song to be filled in with varying elements like the harmonium to flesh out the track as a whole. Their new effort, Mystery, will be released on April 1st via Listen Records, so listen below.

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Sludgy Rocker from Ghost King

bonesOur friends over at Fleeting Youth Records, who we’re working with on the upcoming Basketball Shorts LP, will soon be releasing a new album from Ghost King. There’s a heavy hand on this track, but the central force still maintains some melody, fitting perfectly when it’s juxtaposed to the darker bass groove that works through the track. They recorded their new album, Bones, live, which definitely can be felt through this song; you can feel the live emotion coming through the speakers as the song slowly fades out. You can grab their album on March 25th.

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Another Attic Abasement Track

atticJust a bit ago we tossed up a relatively new track from Attic Abasement, and I’m going out to say that I’m even more attached to this new tune. There’s some old school indifference to polished vocals, capturing every inflection as the music works its way behind. In a weird way, it sort of sounds like Cult of Youth, minus that whole shanty thing; it holds onto a punk ethos, yet still enchants your everyman. Their new LP, Dream News, will be out on May 27th via Father/Daughter Records.

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Been Playing This Ashley Shadow Track a Ton

ashDon’t know what it is about this brand new song from Ashley Shadow, but I’ve really taken to her latest single. There’s something special in her voice, something that really drew me in; I love the slight changes in pitch and tone that come when switching between chorus and verse. Musical accompaniment is fairly simple, but it does its job to really supply her voice with the perfect base from which she excel in her own performance. She’ll be releasing her self-titled debut album on April 15th via Felte.

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New Split Tape from Baby Bleu/Rose Selavy!!

babybleurosecoverRemember that one time we put out that rad 7″ from Rose Selavy and Templo X? It’s HERE just in case. But, more importantly, Rose Selavy is teaming up with Baby Bleu for a split tape release via Merdurhaus Records. I’m pretty sure it’s something you’re going to want to add to your tape collection (or MP3 if that’s your bag). It’s going to be released on a super limited basis, which means you’re going to have to hurry, especially after you hear the two tracks they’re previewing below. Give it all a listen, then go grab it from MR over HERE.

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Light Folk from Amaroun

amarounWhen names like Eels and Sharon Van Etten get thrown into a presser, I’m going to pay attention. Amaroun does definitely have some similarities, particularly in the slight gruff quality that spreads from her voice, but the music here seems far more intimate. There’s power in this song from the get-go, but it spreads and blossoms once the backing accompaniment fills in some of the sparse moments, swelling with these intoxicating moments that make it hard to pull yourself away. This single is her debut, so look for more from her in the future.

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Check Out the SXSW Preview Guide

SXSWMusicBloggerGuide-IGThere’s only a few times in the year when I bite off more than I can chew, and this whole SXSW time is one of them…but I’m always happy. Not only have I been helping SXSWfm with a radio podcast, but I also have been working behind the scenes on their preview guide for the festival…along with other notables like OVRLD, Sterogum and Pigeons and Planes. Short version…it’s live. Check it out below.

SXSW Preview Guide

Delightful Indiepop from Marlovers

marloversI’ve been waiting for some news on the Jigsaw-Records front, one of my favorite labels. They just tossed up a few songs this weekend, one being this great tune from Spain’s Marlovers. Fronting the band, and particularly the vocals, is Palma de Mallorca, who has this stunning power that’s hard to pull yourself away from; it’s like a magical pop tractor-beam. The label will be releasing the band’s second album, Waves, which is destined to win over indiepop lovers across the globe. This is one of those songs that makes it feel good to be alive, so live it up.

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Bright Pop from Boyfriends

boyfriendsBare with this track; I know the opening 30 seconds are a bit strange, but this new Boyfriends tune is definitely a fun bit of pop music to kick off the week. There’s angular guitar stabs accented by synth stabs. Vocals are delivered in an off-kilter manner, leaving listeners with distinct memories; hold on for the chorus too, and the voice gets some warm harmonizing by the best of the band. Pop music, and this brand of pop in particular, is meant to be fun, so sit back and enjoy yourself. Why so serious?

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