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One of the hottest acts in the UK right now is the Vryll Society. They harness tidbits of psychedelia, as well an accessibility that finds them in similar territory to acts like Temples. You can hear their latest single below, and hear what they had to say on their way to SXSW!
The Darling Buds are here to bring you back to nostalgic pop music, offering up a brand new EP that’s filled with hook-laden guitar stabs and a sultry vocal that seemed to be on every soundtrack of the 90s. But, if you know the history of the band, and the likes of John Peel, you know that everyone was probably ripping this group off, whether they knew it or not. This is their big return, some of the first we’ve heard from them in 25 years. You know you want it, and you can have it, but only on tape, as the 10″ version from Oddbox Records is already sold out. Here you go folks, thank us later.
I think one of the greatest things about SXSW is finding new artists from other countries; it’s better than free beer and swag. Today we get to catch up with the Irish indie rockers, The Academic. Jump below to check out what they had to say when we passed them our questionnaire.
Just want to post all the songs, all the time. What I really want to post is this subtle dance pop from R. Missing, known in some circles as The Ropes. The electronic element of pop is pretty much in line with other like-minded acts, though there’s not a driving propulsion, letting the melody come across passively. One of the reasons the tune struck me was the darkened weariness of the vocals; they’re almost haunting, but ultimately intoxicating for listeners. Just a one-off single for now, but a damn fine one.
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I wasn’t kidding when I said multiple interviews would be coming soon highlighting some of the bands coming to SXSW in a couple weeks. This year I sent out questions to any band interested, even if the band was totally unfamiliar to me prior to the interview or their style wasnt necessarily my favorite. I figure this will allow for more exposure and interesting responses from a wider variety of artists. Today we continue our ongoing effort to provide you interesting SXSW interviews with indie folk band The National Parks. Hit the jump to see whats what.
I don’t think that Alex Giannascoli, or Alex G, ever stops writing. Before he blew up, he had tons of tracks on bandcamp, some of which later got wider releases. This new track and video definitely has a softer, songwriter approach, filled with great accompaniment to elevate the track. There’s a softness to his voice, matched by the band behind him in their playing style; it all feels so slow, purposefully slow, of course. He’s still bringing in some of his songwriter flare, but in this new music, it looks that he’s gone out to move entirely beyond the bedroom moniker that might have followed him for a bit. This is a gem, and it’ll appear on Rocket, released by Domino on May 19th.
While I’ve been a long time fan of Beach Fossils, I can say that this new track pleasantly surprised me– it’s a winner from start to finish. I know this song will be all over the internet, but it’s so important that you take a listen that it warranted a post. When you click on “This Year,” below, you’ll be greeted with tightly woven guitar riffs and those infamous barely-there vocals. Then you get about a minute in and you get these string sounds that provide a goosebumps inducing reprieve from those jangly guitars. The lyrics on this tune are also exceptionally moving and apt as New Year’s resolutions have probably faded now that we are in March; “This year I told myself it’d be a better one/try not to fall back onto the knife.” It’s not only a great indie rock gem, but it’s got an emotive side you shouldn’t skip out on. The band’s new album, Somersault, will be out June 2nd via Bayonet Records.
I’m a troller of labels, and Deaf Ambitions is one of those that I haunt, just waiting for them to toss me something delicious. They just upped this great hit from Hollow Everdaze. It’s an upbeat number, though it’s rooted in the leftover heaviness from modern psych. I love the little twists and turns in the tones on the vocals, with an almost tropical guitar jab cutting through. This song is constantly swelling, building an energy that demands you turn it up louder with each spin. Such a cool vibe, both psychedelic and summery. Look for the band’s new album Cartoons late this year from the label.
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As I continue pumping out these interviews, I’m beginning to feel a bit more prepared for SXSW week. We will have some fun and burn it down as we do every year. For those interested, I’ve got a great interview today with ATH approved band Dead Leaf Echo. We’ve been hyping this band for years so this was an interview I was excited to read. Follow the jump for the bands thoughts.
I’ve been reinvigorated by the pop music bug (I owe this to catching the Ocean Party last night), so it’s great that this new Delay Trees tune came into the old inbox. For me, this song is all about execution; you’ve got to take a simple formula and make it meaningful, which the band clearly does. It opens with vocals and a light guitar behind, then there’s a movement of elevation as the drums and keys join in to uplift the song, and listener. The chorus has this brilliant melody that’s intoxicating; it reminds me of early Travis (and that’s a compliment). This tune opens the band’s new album Let Go, which hits worldwide via Soliti on April 23rd.
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