Steam Kari from Puunhalaaja

A few tunes from Finland’s Puunhalaaja have appeared on our pages previously, but now we’re bringing you the stream of the group’s new LP, Kari. Now, for listeners in the States, the foreign tongue might be a barrier, but please give yourself a few minutes, even just the first tune. That first track starts off subtley, careful guitar strums and a nice soft vocal. Then there’s a sudden bright burst of guitar pop, albeit for a short instant before returning. It’s the classic quietloudquiet formula that many indie rock fans find vital, and it’s employed consistently throughout the whole of Kari. The band even give in to their rocking desires with the album’s title track a quick jaunt through noisy pop. Go on, adventure off with this wondrous record, and if you’re inclined, pick it up from the band’s label, Soliti…available today!

Stream Poised to Flourish from Tres Oui

You know we’re going to back up our friends in Tres Oui, especially since I’m completely in love with the album. We’ve already shared tracks “Seance” and “Red Wine and Dry Ice,” which have gone over well with the masses, but there’s even more to be served up on Poised to Flourish. A few months ago, I was talking to Nate from the band about my favorite track; I told him it was “Song 4 U,” but have since changed to “Shy.” You see, that’s the great thing about this LP; there really isn’t a single bad song on it. Grab it from Shrimper on Friday.

Stream Salad Boys This Is Glue

Ever since Metalmania dropped a few years back, I’ve been anxiously awaiting the return of New Zealand’s Salad Boys. What I didn’t expect was a record that was good in every single way, and hopefully establishing the group as one of the stronger bands in the guitar pop realm. Take a song like “Psych Slasher;” it hits hard from the get go, rushing distorted jangling guitars, but just as you think the band are here brandishing a bursting tune, they pull it back, ever so slightly to reveal a soft blanket of pop. Overall, this is a balanced effort, from the spoken word stylings of “Scenic Route to Nowhere” to the bright jangling pop of “Under the Bed,” all indicating a band hitting peak form in songwriting. Press play below, and you won’t hear a bad tune; This Is Glue is available this Friday via Trouble In Mind.

A New Release from Freshcard and Stanley Brinks

Both Freshcard and Stanley Brinks feature here on the site many a time, and they’re back with a brand new collection of songs titled Midnight Tequila. While the two tend to wear their folk influences, this batch of tracks really seems to stretch the genre, especially on tracks like “Africa” or “I’m the Boss.” Every song has redeeming qualities, though admittedly I’m partial to “Limestone” and “Olives and Wine.” You can stream the whole ten songs just below, and if you’re so inclined, you can order the CD version directly from Freshcard.

Stream Fitting In Well from Girlatones

Not too long ago I brought you a tune from Australia’s Girlatones, an act I had penned as an up-and-coming powerhouse…but today I’m here with the stream of their album, Fitting In Well. Across 9 songs, the band takes you all over the pop spectrum. You, of course, get to start off with the infectious “Share the Love,” bringing a bouncing bit of casual pop. But, my favorite highlight in the album’s opening moments was “You’re My Friend;” it reminds me of listening to Richie Valens in the kitchen as a kid. Then you’ll find the dark brood of “Misunderstood,” which stretches out into a minor jam before settling back into the groove. My two cents would also be well spent on “Put Me Back Together,” a track that definitely seems rooted in the well-discussed regional vibe (especially as of late). Saying that Fitting In Well is a gem from start to finish seems like a bit of an understatement, as each track could easily stand on its own. But, lucky for us all, it’s a complete collection; you can buy it directly from the band HERE.

Stream the New Indo Dhans LP

Friday’s just around the bend, and for many of us, we’re wondering what records need to be purchased in order to make it though until next Friday. For my two cents, give Indo DahnsDreams From Another Coast a whirl. The project is the work of Brama Sukarma, detailing his life and travels, both musically and geographically. Some of the songs seem to have a constructionist perspective, building textured layers atop one another. Then there’s numbers like “Still Dreaming,” fading through your speakers as the daylight dims. Of course, an album like this is always hiding some exuberance that sneaks up on you, but I’ll give you a hint: be sure to listen to “Out That Door.” Created as a reflection on life within the confines of music, you can truly journey along with Brama as you listen along; the album drops tomorrow!

Stream Time Catches Up with Milk Teddy

Every once in a while you stumble into an album you were looking forward to, and you’re proven right…every note hits, every track wins you over. Time Catches Up with Milk Teddy, the new album from the Aussie outfit is one such LP. I’ve already posted gems like “Rock n’ Roll Cretin” and “Sweet Bells Jangled,” but there’s not a misplaced tune on this record; it’s honestly some of the best guitar pop I’ve heard come out this year. If you’re searching for a record that’s going to impress your friends with your great taste, then introduce them to Milk Teddy. The LP is available now from Lost and Lonesome!

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Stream the Ocean Party LP

I think anyone that was fortunate enough to catch the Ocean Party on tour this past Spring would agree that the band is a full-on tour de pop. Every member is a gifted songwriter, which allows for a great bit of diversity…both live and in the studio. They’ve just released Beauty Point, and I can only revel in the joy that you’ll get by spinning this LP on repeat all day. It’s filled with bouncing rhythms, synth stabs and vocal accompaniment in all the right places. Honestly, while I’ve loved the band forever, this might be their most complete record to date…not a single song misses its mark. It’s available now from Emotional Response (US) and Spunk Records (AUS).

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You’re Going to Love Joy Cleaner

As always, Jigsaw Records quietly releases another gem into the world: Joy Cleaner‘s Total Hell. This brand new album is filled with fuzzy guitar riffs a la Teenage Fanclub or GVB, but there’s an innate playfulness that gives a lifting spirit to listeners. When you boil it down, it’s really just a great collection of guitar pop songs that slip into your subconscious as you attempt to sing along hours later. My favorite track at the moment is “Disposable Outcome,” but I haven’t skipped a single track, so that’s saying something! You’re free to grab the new album over at Jigsaw.

Stream I Did the Best I Could from Office Culture

You look around the Internet these days and the landscape looks very similar; it all feels the same. But, enter Office Culture and their album, I Did the Best I Could; it opens the door to a blend of pop music that’s as refreshing as it is nostalgic. “Molly” is a jam reminiscent of early Jens Lekman, focusing on the vocals, while letting the music fill in the space behind. Other tracks like “Fool” pull in barroom crooner vibes, though they layer backing vocals and guitar stabs to build the pop sensibility. I’m looking around, browsing my musical library, and there’s nothing quite like the listen I lay before you. This is where pop music succeeds. This is where you’ll find your happy place. The LP hits this Friday.

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