Cong Josie Drop New Single + Split with Hearts and Rockets

It’s Monday, and I’m a wee bit groggy from a late evening, but this new hit from Cong Josie is starting to wake me up just a little bit here. It’s got this stuttering beat, which honestly reminds me of some of later Liars stuff (or Austin’s Font); that magical pulse gets your body in motion, while the vocals crawl out from the depths of the groove. Those vocals at times seem almost swirling, which creates this disorienting effect, letting you completely just get lost inside. If you’re digging this, there’s a new split 7″ with Hearts & Rockets via Psychic Hysteria available now!

Last Week’s Jams (3.4 – 3.8)

Last week was crazy on our end, running around trying to get all the cool songs out, not to mention trying to cover some of the SXSW stuff we’d promise to get out from artists like Bodega and Smut. Ran a few solid premieres too, so be sure to focus on Magana and House of Heaven. You’ll also find new Lunchbox, Mirrorball, Good Looks and many more. Plus, Fantastic Purple Spots dropped a video HERE, so it gave us another chance to remind you of their gifts! Stream al the hits from last week below!

SXSW Meet the Band: HMS Morris

People, it’s the last business day before SXSW kicks off this weekend and into next week. We will be shutting this ‘ol site down while we are out finding the next big thing so this will be some of our last coverage. Hopefully this has been fun for everyone to catch some differing perspectives of bands coming into town. Our Friday interview set comes by way of another Welsh band, HMS Morris. Hit the jump for all them usual deets.

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Oort Clod Announce Cult Value

Both Repeating Cloud and Safe Suburban Home Records has been turning us onto some special hits the last couple of years, and now they’re adding Oort Clod to the mix. When I pressed play, there was something that felt nostalgic in the vocals, like a nod to the 50s rock n’ roll my mother played around the house as a kid. With that nostalgia, how does the band make it feel modern? They coat the tune in swirls of jangling guitar lines that twist and turn behind those doo-wop style vocals; the song gives off this sort of lo-fi gritty pop that should put the Manchester outfit on your radar. They drop Cult Value on April 5th!

Mirrorball Share Take a Shot Single

If you’re looking for that dreamy realm of pop music this morning, you don’t need to go further than the Mirrorball single below. It will instantly recall some of the sweeping melodic work that Beach House pulled off early on, which makes sense considering Chris Coady was behind the production duties on their forthcoming EP. All those comparisons aside, I think one difference I’ve been drawn to here is the clarity in Alexandra’s vocal performance; she’s got these heavy tones that don’t need varying levels of effects, as they create their own powerful emotion. Stream the hit below.

From//October Shares Again + Releases As Time Went By

Dutch songwriter Dion Tiktak has won us over with his carefully crafted pieces for From//October; today you’ll finally get to hear the entirety of the As Time Went By EP. On the latest single, there’s a bit more of a sleepy feel to the craft, which makes sense as the song’s dealing with lost memories and grief. Tiktak still has this comforting curl on his vocal notes, which is something that continues to draw me towards his work. Admittedly, “Somewhere Quiet” is the standout gem on this EP, but be sure to indulge in the whole, as it feels like its truly meant to exist as a collective piece.

Lala Salama Drop Fresh Single

If you spend any time on this site, you surely know that I am super into the Finnish scene. I owe that to our good friends over at Soliti Music, but, of late, I’ve also gotten into Helsinki’s All That Plazz, who just released this energetic ditty from Lala Salama. While the Suomi language is used for the lyrics, the emotional appeal is so easy to slide into, whether you fully grasp the vocals or not. When that chorus hits and soars, its impossible not to get completely swept up in the pull…and I’m all here for it. Totally worth getting lost in this song for a few moments!

SXSW Meet the Band: Minas

We are nearly there people. SXSW starts next week and I think we MIGHT be ready for things to get wild. Hopefully our short interviews have made you feel somewhat more prepared as you enter into spring festival season. Our latest, and possibly most thoughtful interview to date, comes by way of Welsh based artist Minas. You can check out all the responses, music, and festival dates after the jump.

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Babehoven Release Lightness is Loud Video

Perhaps its because of my affection for the work of Michel Gondry, or perhaps its the all encompassing sense of wonderment this tune evokes, but I’m definitely charmed by this new Babehoven tune. Maya Bon’s voice naturally seems to carry this delicate bit of whimsy, which when invested in the folk arrangements of the band’s songs, just seems otherworldly; this is the sort of music that’s perfect for your goals of escapism. Find yourself sinking into the crafty world they’ve built for us; Water’s Here In You is out on April 26th via Double Double Whammy.

ATH Premiere: Magana Shares Break Free

If you’ve been going to shows the last few years, you’ve likely encountered Jeni Magana, who has been seen playing bass with both Lady Lamb and Mitski. But, for today, we bring you news of her new solo record under the Magana moniker, which I’m thinking will have her on your radar for the time being. Your ears are instantly met by a deep wash of synths, with Jeni entering the picture moments later, her voice falling like a soft rain atop the dream soundscape. Then you hit that 24 second mark and a thumping beat joins, intoxicatingly spinning you about as the track steadies itself on those falling vocal lines. When the guitar line shoots through with a solo, you’ll probably already be mesmerized, with the track’s pulse and vocals pulling you into the depths with their mantra-like feel. A powerful statement, so be on the lookout for Teeth, dropping March 25th via Audio Antihero/Colored Pencils.

Here’s an earlier single too!

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