New Music from I Was a King

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While Frode was working with the No Ones, I Was a King was momentarily on hold. But, just this last week they’ve rekindled my love affair with this short little blast of power-pop. It comes with the promise of another glorious single (I’m betting), but just pressing play below will have you marveling at what a punch the band can pack in 1.5 minutes. They still know their way around the perfect melodic vocal turn; I couldn’t be more excited to hear more from them going forward. This tune comes out on the new single on November 10th, with promise of a full-length to come later next year!

Have You Heard of Papa Topo?

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Admittedly, I hadn’t either, though I’m currently trying to find out as much as I can after our friends over at Elefant graciously passed the collection of songs worked on by Papa Topo, and the band’s Adria Arbona for films by Marc Ferrer (La Maldita Primavera and Nos Parecia Importante). There aren’t a lot of cuts out there, other than the one featured below, so what a great way to introduce you to it all. I’ve got it on repeat, and hopefully you will too. It’s different, but rewarding.

Exciting Jam from Juan de Fuca

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Juan de Fuca isn’t one man; it’s an act from Athens (Georgia), brandishing a slightly noisy take on modern indie rock. The guitar chords within this single offer a slight nod towards the arena of gaze rock, though there’s a bit more swagger to them. The vocals have this echo-y coat washed atop, giving off the impression of live performance. It’s like some weird world where Fresh and Onlys meet up with early Walkmen…trying to make beauty rise through the noise. Look for the group’s new Solve/Resolve LP to drop on January 12th via Arrowhawk Records.

Brand New Ezra Furman

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I cannot wait for the release of the new Ezra Furman album, especially now that I’ve listened to the record’s first single. There’s this almost Springsteen like vocal delivery, spoken with a purpose, as opposed to sung. But, for me, it’s the backing production work that really elevates Furman’s work. From the little strings to the backing vocal bursts, you can tell just how much Ezra cares about what he’s creating. Don’t skip out on the euphoric ending that awaits! Look for Transangelic Exodus to drop via Bella Union on February 9th of next year.

Enjoy Line & Circle

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Once the new single from Line & Circle settles into itself, the guitars create this circular jangle that rings and reverberates in step with the percussion. It sets the scene for the vocals to come, entering like the ghost of Matt Berninger, though there’s a bit more urgency in the delivery. I’m particularly attracted to the chorus, letting the notes soar as the pace picks up ever so slightly. The LA-based group will be releasing their new collection of songs, Vicious Folly EP, on December 1st, just in time for you to add it to your various year end lists.

Stream Life from The Yellow Melodies

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Spain’s The Yellow Melodies have been on my radar for quite some time, thanks to our friend Wally at The Beautiful Music. I think I first fell in love with their tribute album to the Television Personalities back in 2012, but they’re back with a brand new album titled Life. I’ve been jamming it quite a bit the last few weeks, and today you get your chance to get your hands on the LP. If you press play below you’ll find an album filled to the brim with charming melodies and indiepop delights; it’s a complete gem from start to finish. I could go on and on, but who needs my words…you just need the songs below!

Smut Share Bones of Summer

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I’m fascinated by Smut. They’re probably lumped in with the mass of acts taking up the remnants of shoegaze/dream pop, but they claim that’s unjust. Sure, you can hear those touchstones, but they also have this tenacity that a lot of that genre fails to capture. There’s this sense of urgency, even in the vocals of Tay Roebuck as notes fall off that signal; there’s a need to unleash these songs on the masses. And at the center of it all lives just a faint hint of pop sensibility, enough to make them endearing. You’ll want to spend some quality time with the group’s End of Sam-soon, dropping October 27th via Broken Circles. They’ve also got a little South/Midwest tour in December, including an Austin date.

Banger From Oh Joy

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Man of us here at ATH have a soft spot in our hearts for Irish bands and the incredible music they’ve created in the indie world. Make a quick search for something like Ireland, Irish, or Dublin and you’ll see what I’m talking about. My latest Dublin, Ireland obsession comes by way of this song “So Swell” from Oh Joy. It’s like some of the best rising bits of WWPJP clashed with the brooding moments of early 90s alternative rock. Sounds wild, but you will definitely enjoy yourself.

Fresh Fits Music

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Fits is an act that seems to be on a lot of people’s go-to list as of late, and with the band’s latest single, they carry the hype along with a message. According to singer Nicholas Cummins, they wrote the song trying to capture the spirit of ‘losing your voice, getting caught in the throat, and missing an opportunity to stand up for yourself and who you are.’ This tune wraps up in just under a minute, hinting at frivolous college rock from long ago; I can just picture the band bouncing as they stomp on their pedals and up the noise…just before settling back in to their groove. The band will release its debut, A Belief is Paradise, via Father Daughter Records on November 17th.

Upbeat Ditty from Gaffa Tape Sandy

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I always enjoy interesting vocal inflections. The sort that almost sounds like a hiccup, but instead is a purposeful vocal delivery…like the vocals that open this new Gaffa Tape Sandy tune. The first 45 seconds are playful and energetic…and then we’re off. Pace is picked up, guitars are turned up and we’re in the midst of an infectious little rock n’ roll number. Even more interesting is that things seems to almost go off the rails as the track progresses, with vocals taking on more of that natural growl. It’s always great to keep an eye on the up-and-comers from the UK scene, so keep your eyes peeled for more from this act.

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