Vetiver Brings Warmth Back to Forefront

vetsIt’s been a little bit since we’ve heard from Vetiver, but they’ve always been a personal favorite of mine, so I’m happy to hear new music coming from the Cali band.  Andy Cabic, the man behind the music has completed the work on Complete Strangers, the group’s new album (or his new record, really).  This single is the sort of infectious folk-influenced pop songwriting that I find rather endearing; there’s a nice bobbing bass line working beneath, with slide guitar working in and out of the song itself.  All the while, Cabic excels with his genial vocal delivery; it’s every bit an afternoon in Cali. Easy Sound releases the LP on March 24th.

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Keep Your Eyes on Expert Alterations

expatThere’s no doubt in my mind that I’m a huge indiepop fan; it’s what I clamor for on a daily basis, and the one thing I miss in Austin (give or take a few bands).  So, I went to hit up a show at Cheer Ups last week to catch one of those acts, Rose Selavy.  They were great, and I expected they would be; they’re still a fairly new band in town, working through the early stages, but I have no doubt they’ll make waves soon.  But, immediately following them was Expert Alterations from Baltimore.  One word to describe their sound: classic.  There was jangle, bubbling bass, steady percussion and a little bit of reverb on the vocals.  Honestly, it made my night, so here I am a week later imploring you to keep an eye on the band. Here’s their most recent cassette that should give you reason to love them.

Sara Bethe Nelson Brings Back Slowcore

saraOne of my favorite little genres of the past was the quieted pop music that got dubbed slowcore. I realize a lot of music has been created of that ilk for some time, but I’ve recently taken a liking to Sara Bethe Nelson.  There’s that slow moving emotional pull to this track, with Nelson’s sultry swoon bringing in more melancholy (at least in tone).  She’s readying her debut album, Fast-Moving Clouds, which is going to really wow a lot of folks out there, so it’s necessary for you slow music fans to add her to your list.  Look for the LP on March 10th via Burger Records.

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Summer Vibes From Turtle Giant

1525645_10152353028994482_7978244114243177931_nIt’s cold and wet and rainy and gross here in Austin today, which is fine for staying in and doing nothing, but makes it a little difficult to do anything else. However, this track I’ve got from Brazilian trio Turtle Giant will hopefully bring you some warmer Southern Hemisphere vibes for this dreary day. “Golden Summer” is drenched in a sleepy warmth of surf rock and laid back summer days, and makes it easy to pretend you’re laying somewhere on a beach, letting the waves crash around you and feeling the sun’s radiance. That’s where I’d rather be, so I’m going to put this song on repeat and fake it till I make it. Turtle Giant are working on a new album, Many Mansions (Part 1)  that’s due out in May, so keep an eye out for that.

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Celebrate the Life of Mikey Hodges with the Memories Latest

memorySadly, Mikey Hodges, the man behind Pop Zeus, as well as on-again off-again drummer for the Memories, was killed in a tragic accident in December.  But, the Memories are offering a glimpse at his work with a 7″ they recorded with Mikey back in 2013.  It’s a short 7″ being released by Wharf Cat Records, and both the songs are a great look at what the band accomplished during their time working with Mikey.  If you love the song, you should pick it up soon, as all proceeds will be going directly to his family during their time of need.

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Let’s Welcome Back Yonatan Gat

jonatanOkay, so Yonatan Gat hasn’t left us just yet, but it appears his old project Monotonix is dead and gone; they’ll be sorely missed, especially considering their riotous live shows, so we’ve got to look to Yonatan to pick up where the band left off.  This instrumental tune should give you a good view at what he’s been working on, providing listeners with strong guitar play and what seems like a perceived restraint; I know that Gat will unleash this song as entirely different beast live.  Those of you interested in his work will be excited to know he’s working on a pretty extensive tour of the States, including a date here in Austin at Hotel Vegas on January 31st…along with a return in March for SXSW. Look for his new album, Director, on March 3rd via Joyful Noise Recordings.

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Did You Buy the Jack Name LP?

jackieboyThere were tons of releases this week, whether you wanted orchestrally-aligned pop like Belle and Sebastian or something along the psych vein, like Amen Dunes.  But, I hope you looked into picking up the Jack Name album, as it’s one of the more diverse listens we’re likely to hear all year (I know that’s bold considering it’s January).  There are marks of various influences from glam to funk and beyond, so why not take another listen to the latest single from the album. Be sure to pick up Weird Moons from Castle Face today!

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Simon Joyner Offers Simple Solemnity

joynerSimon Joyner‘s unique career has seen him travel all over the singer-songwriter map, sonically, but I think this newest single is precisely what will bring hordes to his doorstep.  It’s a tune with little more than guitar, some accompaniment, and Joyner’s soulful croon.  There’s a Western flavor, which I’m glad to see is reinserting itself into the indie realm.  At first listen, this tune sort of exhibits an old Wilco vibe…when Tweedy was just working out the kinks.  Look for Grass, Branch & Bone to come out on Woodsist on March 17th.

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Country Spook from Chief Ghoul

ghoolUntil I get my face kicked in by some great rock n’ roll, I think I’m going to get stuck in this whole folk-inspired stomp on the soul of sad bastard genre.  Chief Ghoul is one such songwriter, creating this deep throated country tune.  I’m sort of obsessed with him right now; he’s got this great gift in storytelling, but there’s also a huge sound coming through your speakers.  That’s impressive seeing as there’s little more than an electric guitar and some distant percussive touches. Look for his album III this Spring in your local shops.

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Sun Voyager Full Steam Ahead

sunnyJust because they released an EP a few weeks ago doesn’t mean the boys in Sun Voyager can’t come right back with another single for your ears. The three-piece have again caught my ear with another slice of solid psych-influenced garage rock, the likes of Ty Segall.  This song slowly trudges along, capturing your ear whilst operating at a slow pace.  You’ll find yourself drifting in and out with this song, which is the perfect way to spend the midweek, if you’re asking me.  No words yet on a new album or EP, but I reckon at this pace, it’s just around the corner.

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