Did You Hear the New Soda Fountain Rag?

sodafountainragDid you? Did you hear it? We Were Never Being Boring just released the new album from Norway’s Soda Fountain Rag, and it’s a delightful listen, if you’re into great indiepop tunes. I think one of the reasons I immediately found myself attracted to the tunes was the clever and playful opener “Love Song for the Geek,” but I like the fact that things get turned into a softer tone later on, especially with tracks like “Oh, Oh.” It hits all the right indiepop notes, and that carries a lot of weight on this computer.The label is releasing Extra Lifeon a super-limited run, so fall in love, and grab it, if you’re inclined.

Love Listening to Leapling

leaplingAlliteration aside, I’ve completely committed myself to listening to Leapling. It reminds me of the great music that was being made by Voxtrot before you all turned your back on them, even though you know you loved that LP. It’s the best sort of pop music; it’s got lyrics you’ll remember and sing, great melodies and a bouncing spirit. Just listening to this track once isn’t the way to go, you’ll have to give it 4-5 spins, only because that’s what’s good for your soul. Look for Suspended Animation on June 10th via Exploding in Sound.

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I’m Ready for This Ciggie Witch Record

ciggieIf you haven’t heard of Ciggie Witch, you just need to know that their statement on the world is best summed up in their Facebook page, “classic Melbourne bullshit, never climaxes.” That might turn some off, but for those like me, just gives me more reason to indulge my Aussie obsession (that and a connection to the Ocean Party never hurts). Yep, it’s that classic sound, bright guitars, vocal hooks and a coolness that never seems to fade away. Their album is titled Classic Connection, and it should be on its way June 3rdvia Osborne Again Music.

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Grado Gives You Quiet Folksy Bliss

grado-musicIt sounds like there is quite the interesting story behind Grado, the project of Michael Bloss, who currently lives in East Anglia and is making beautiful indie folk. According to his website, Bloss has spent the last six yearsliving in cities around Europe, and the name Grado comes from two cities in Italy and Spain that share the same title and influenced him greatly in his travels. This track, “Graveyard Shift” is an example of the kind of delicate blend of acoustic guitar and wispy vocals that Bloss channels into his craft. More than that, this song alludes to the excellent storytelling that you can expect on his self titled debut,Grado, which looks like comes out today. Take a listen and then go pick up that album.

 

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J Robbins Releases New Single

anodyneJ. Robbins has been a familiar voice in my listening life, be it via Jawbox or Burning Airlines, so it’s a voice that I’ll never tire of, which is why I have to toss up this short two-song promo for his current tour. Just listening to them takes me back, and I can honestly say the second track “Abandoned Mansions” is way better than most of the re-hash emo throwbacks coming out right now. It looks like J. is working on some new music for an as yet to be completed album, and if it’s coming across like this, then I’m actually really excited. Then again, maybe I just love nostalgia when it’s done right. Regardless, here’s those two new tracks.

ATX Spotlight: Good Talk Readies Debut Album

good talk wall helloThose hanging around Austin have hopefully caught on to the burgeoning pop rock scene, but those of you who aren’t living here should also take note of what we’re letting into the world, like Good Talk, for example. The group’s ready to release their debut this weekend, and the big single is ridiculously good. Guitars seemingly discordantly crash against each other, emphasized by the smashing cymbals. Something in the vocal delivery sounds really familiar, like a friend telling you the story of his life; the tones hit are slightly imperfect, which in the end, fits perfectly into the group’s sound. I’ve been listening to this record all weekend, and I hope you’ll join the band to celebrate their release this Saturday at Cheer Up Charlies!

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Look Out for Oslo House

osloOslo House! Where have you been all my life!? I just want this song to play around in my brain all day; I want it to be the soundtrack of everything I do for the rest of this week. You’ll probably find it classified as dreamy bedroom pop, but I think it fits more into that cas-pop (casual pop), kicking out this supremely relaxed vibe. There’s something about it, some sense of longing, keeping me from pulling away. I’m going to play it again, and I reckon you will too. Look for this song to appear on the new 7″ via Trendy Feelings; it’s being released on May 13th.

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Can’t Not Share New Local Natives!

13063015_10154004937181278_640210931557770896_oThis song broke out a few days ago, but to hell with it! Local Natives, your favorite band that blends raucous percussion and lush harmonies have victoriously returned, and while they haven’t officially announced a new album, they have shared with us “Past Lives,” which is a song that I’ve had on repeat for the past three days. You’re greeted with the familiarly soaring vocals of Taylor Rice, accompanied by some swelling synths that their sophomore record, Hummingbird employed so well. The track gives you Local Natives as you’ve known them before, but some changes are also traceable in the mix as well; the guitars are more angular, sharper as they cut through the song. Of course you still have that staccato drum rhythm, but the vocals, while still beautiful, have some bite of raw emotion to them when the song builds to its end. Take a listen and look out for news about their third album, which should hopefully be gracing our ears within the year.

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Slow Ballad from Young Moon

youngmoonIt seems that Trevor Montgomery, the man fronting Young Moon, has something special. His voice and musical approach puts him somewhere in the middle between Tom Waits and Bill Callahan (I also hear a bit of Arab Strap), which will endear him to hordes of underground fans who will clamor and fight to say they were the first to hear him. Something special is coming through your speakers here, so please don’t ignore these promotional words of encouragement. His new album, Colt, will be out on June 3rd via one of our favorites, Western Vinyl.

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New Music from Her’s

hersI love a good baritone. While I’ve never actually used it musically, I’ve got a frighteningly deep voice, so it’s good to see that like-voiced individuals can make great pop. This track from Her’s is really great in that fashion, though I like the casually infectious groove that rolls throughout the rest of the track. The tones create this sense of longing, this sense of dreaming, which provides the emotional escapism that many of us look for in our tunes. This track is released on a limited 7″ today, so get it while its hot.

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