Put On This New Flemmings Tune

Really been searching high and low lately for some tunes that get let behind by the big boys. For me, this Flemmings jam is perfect, and precisely why I still make time to write about tunes. It’s fuzzy pop with hints of punk rock and pop sensibility. It blasts through your speakers, gives you a little added bounce to your step and then its over. They’ll be dropping their new Heads and Tails EP next week via Odd Box Records, so look for more spirited rock n’ roll from this Cardiff outfit.

Upbeat Number from Rory McVicar

In the past, Rory McVicar has definitely hit upon some of the cornerstones of indiepop, but its never been more apparent than the spritely guitar he employs on his latest singer. It takes that light jangle shuffle, mixes it with his breezy melodies and makes you swoon. There’s nice little touches too, like the tinkering piano or the distant sound of birds at work. Rory’s hard at work finishing up his third album, but if you have a quick minute or two to enjoy your life, then I suggest you start right here.

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Enjoy New Tune from Tempest le Mans

Sun’s out, so pop tunes are required. My favorite that I’ve come across this morning is the latest single from Cali’s Tempest le Mans. It seems to have a slight nod to guitar pop acts like Teenage Fanclub, though the distortion is stripped in favor of promoting pure melody. I guess in doing that, they walk that path into casual indiepop territory; it’s a subtle gem that can easily play anywhere in your day…never intrusive but always rewarding. The band are set to release their new Apology EP on June 28th, so keep your ears pulled back for what is to come.

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Literary Indie Rock from John Elderkin

It’d be easy to put John Elderkin in the realm of John Darnielle…there’s a slight similarity in vocal tones and they both take on the literary approach to songwriting. But, once that’s removed, I think I find Elderkin much more endearing; he’s much more playful. For instance, check into the back and forth interplay that happens just after the 1.5 minute mark…a chance meeting of love at the record shop. These are the sorts of songs that encourage you to keep them to yourself, so that the joy is always yours, always personal. Let’s hope we all find friends to quietly share John’s work when he releases The Fall and Rise of John Elderkin and Moonbeams No Mas on August 4th.

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Fun Rocker from Johnny Kills

Johnny Kills hit my radar awhile ago, and they reached out over the weekend to point me towards a brand new single they release today. The band have a knack for kicking out scuzzy guitar pop, filled with equal parts distortion and hooks. I mean, just listen to the “la la la la la” of the chorus and tell me these guys don’t know how to grab your ears! They’re hard at work trying to get a full length wrapped up, but be sure to check their progress and have a little fun while you’re at it.

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Big Bill Residency and Brand New Single

Our long time favorites, and ATH Records alumni, Big Bill are here to make sure that the month of June is as exciting as ever; they’re kicking off a residency at The Electric Church this very night! They’ll bring along their friends every Friday and provide you with an evening of great Austin music and, likely, sweaty fun.

In celebration of their residency, the band has just uploaded a brand new single (rumored to be on a forthcoming LP). I love the playful exuberance in the song, especially once they get things going with the shuffling guitar chords and rolling drums. This could be the hit dance crazeof the summer (I think most showgoers in Austin already have it down!). Come on out to the Electric Church tonight and be sure to buy the song from the band so they can go make you more hits!

New Jam from Nots

If you think you’re used to the sound of Nots, then perhaps you should check again. These rad ladies are upping the pulsating synths this go round, rather than jump straight at you with their barrage of guitars. Vocals have this hollow echo and brash tone, while the rest of the band builds a brooding soundscape of apocalyptic proportions. If the end of the world is indeed just around the corner, I’m hoping that it sounds a whole lot like this. Look for the Cruel Friend/Violence 7″ via Goner Records on June 30th.

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This Tall Friend Single Is a Winner

There are some bands that don’t have to do too much to win you over, and I’ll admit that I don’t think Tall Friend are really crafting anything brand new. That being said, the execution of their style makes this new tune simply irresistible. At first, the bubbly bass grabs you, then drums and guitar slowly trickle into the show. Something about the vocal work of Charlie Pfaff has my head spinning; how can no one love this song as much as I love it right now! And, just wait, as the guitars build and build against each other, ending in an abrasive closing moment. I can’t wait for Safely Nobody’s to hit onAugust 11th.

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Another Slotface Hit

This year has seen the return of Paramore, but I’m going to place my bets on Slotface to be the new face of pop rock n’ roll. Even in talking about the latest single, the band said they focused on building the hook first, then worked out the rest of the track accordingly. There’s a stuttering from the bass work that’s cut through the middle by distorted riffs, all the while Haley Shea hits every note possible. The young Norwegians are already making a huge name for themselves, but you can expect them to continue to impress when they drop Try Not to Freak Out on September 15th via Propeller Recordings.

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Sleek Groove From Warhaus

Nathan and I were on the fence on this track from Warhaus, but the more that I listen, the more that I can’t get enough. Warhaus, if you weren’t already familiar, is the solo project ofMaarten Devoldere of Balthazarout of Brussels and if this track is any inclination of how great the rest of their tracks are, then you should probably explore their whole discography ASAP as I’m going to do. “Love’s A Stranger” is three and a half minutes of ultimate coolness. Devoldere’s vocals are confident and deep–you may imagine him donning a leather jacket and smoking as he delivers the lyrics to you. These deep set vocals are livened by some crisp female pipeswhile the instrumentation is a steady slow groove of guitar and jazzy percussion with synth motifs that will surely stay in your brain for days. Keep your ear to the ground for more from Warhaus.

 

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