Benedict Benjamin Shares Aint Easy

Benedict Benjamin, formerly of Peggy Sue, has a new album coming out in May of this year, and he’s letting us all have a nice little peak at what’s to come our way this Spring. It starts with this rolling stomp from the percussion, allowing the track to sort of gallop its way towards the listener. For his part, Benedict carries the high pitched tones with such warmth that it feels as if you’ve been covered in a heavy blanket. Plus, slight little elements uplift the track, moving it into this more progressive brand of indie rock; you’ll have to give it a close ear. Look for Truant to pop up in a few months.

Vital Idles Announce New EP

Last summer, Vital Idles quietly released Left Hand; I’m not sure it got the appreciation it deserved in my neck of the woods. But, perhaps the sharpness of their new EP will put folks in the US on notice that they’re an outfit to keep an eye upon in the future, if not today. The bass line bounces the listener into the song as muted guitar riffs await the full barrage of the rest of the group; here, the band walk that fine line between minimalist pop and post-punk. I love how the lyrics are stretched over several chords in their delivery, though they do grow more frantic; that all culminates in a closing moment of discord for the last 45 seconds, with the band acting out just a wee bit more. They release their new EP on March 8th via Upset the Rhythm.

FEELS Share Post Earth

I don’t know what it is as of late, but I’ve been really into these lengthier, expansive pop songs. Last week, and for the last few months, I was jamming Bones Garage, but today I’m turning my attention towards FEELS. Vocals aren’t even a thought in their latest single until the 45 second mark, then they enter, ever so playfully. There’s something about the tones and the backing vocals that create this vibrant note; that’s perfect, as the music, at times is heavier, almost abrasive in lieu of the vocal performance; I’m a fan of musical juxtaposition. The song plods and turns, bobs and weaves, yet never losing the listener, which bodes well for their full length. Post Earth will be released this Friday via Wichita Recordings.

 

Quivers Share You’re Not Always on My Mind Video

You think we’d sleep on another up-and-coming Melbourne act? Think not, especially when it comes to churning guitar pop like Quivers present to us here. There’s a classic alternative sound to this track, something that’s faintly reminiscent of early U2 or REM, though they’ve reworked the style to fit right into today’s musical landscape. I love the sharp guitar stabs that shine through your speakers, and you don’t have to get me started on the vocal harmonies that float throughout the entirety of the single. They fill this track with so much delicate musicianship that I keep going back and hearing little chords or melodies that I hadn’t heard the first time, so please, give this at least 12 listens. Oh, and did I mention they’ll be at SXSW?

Check Out the New Criminal Hygiene Video

Criminal Hygiene is an L.A. based band we have known for many years after meeting at SXSW one year and doing a show together afterwards. Well the guys went quiet for a few years after that, but have returned this year with a ton of new music and a new album on the way. Their latest single “Dangers of Convenience” can be found below and features the always enticing garage rock, in your face style which is what caused me to originally be turned on to the band. I’m happy for the boys to hop on to major label Dangerbird to release the new album Run it Again on March 1st.

The Zells Share Brand New Video

During the busy fall release schedule, we perhaps neglected to tell you about the great Failure to Slide LP from the Zells. A few months on, a tour and some shows behind them, the band have shared a new video for standout track, “Tracy.” This song reflects the band’s devotion to 90s slacker rock, but perhaps hitting home for me is the band’s natural exuberance recording/playing together; it comes out in so many moments on this track. And, as if they knew what I was thinking, they crafted a video built around their times on the road supporting the record; it’s always endearing to see the fun a group has together on tour. There’s a few copies of their album left over at Crafted Sounds, where you can stream the record as well!

No Fucks Share Devon

This brand new single from the forthcoming No Fucks LP is a spirited disaster of a tune, in the best way possible. From the minute I pressed play I was disoriented by the ramshackle riffs bouncing me along while the vocals overlapped; it kept me off balance, trying to catch my breath so to speak. It’s a quick hook, grabbing you, then it just discordantly jumps to a close before you know it, which, of course, leads to pressing play and starting it all over again. The self-titled debut No Fucks record is out today courtesy of Discos de Kirlian, so have it folks.

Mammoth Penguins Announce There’s No Fight We Can’t Both Win

The last time we heard from Mammoth Penguins was back in 2017 when they were bringing in their friends to help complete their concept album, John Doe. Today we have the band narrowed back down to a three piece, fronted by Emma Kupa, with a new LP on the way via Fika Recordings. It all kicks off with fuzzy guitar riffs opening the scene for Emma to jump in with her voice; her lyrical content is one of infatuation/love and a willingness to “fuck it all, fuck it all” in the name of love. But, what’s interesting to me, is the way the song winds down, ever so slightly for a musical interlude to flex musicianship, just before bouncing back into the swing of things emphatically. There’s No Fight We Can’t Both Win will be out April 26th.

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