Fine Release Love Death Dreams and the Sleep Between

Did you know there was a Boston in the UK? I reckon that makes sense since we stole most of the colonial establishments. But, it also happens to be the home of pop songwriting duo Fine, who’ve just dropped another 19 tracks of brilliant tunes, courtesy of the super fine folks over at Subjangle. There’s not a single track over 4 minutes so its easily consumed, so don’t be afraid of the daunting number of tunes; I kept going back to “Sleep,” as it has that gentle jangle and a rolling beat that kind of pushes the song’s pace a bit. It’s hard to really pigeonhole their sound, but I like to think of it as aged Death Cab/Belle and Sebastian fans opening up their Sarah Records collection for inspiration. Anyways, stream it below!

Stream Icarus Phoenix Self-Titled LP

Icarus Phoenix is the current project of Drew Danburry, and while I can’t guarantee that it will change your world, I’m honestly hoping that you give it that chance. The whole of this record requires time, requires you to let your body go, lose everything you have in the quiet notes trickling through your headphones. If you’re looking for musical comparisons, I’ve been sort of feeling that it’s this weird hybrid of Badly Drawn Boy and Elliott Smith; there are these quiet beautiful moments that reek of Smith homage, yet there’s this grand nature of composition that plays on the latter…so it’s like late-era Britpop draped in the coat of sad bastards, and it’s oh so beautiful. The LP is available digitally and on cassette from Telos Tapes.

Stream Stand by Your Bill from Big Bill

We’re really happy for our friends in Big Bill who have released their debut LP Stand By Your Bill into the world today. Long favored by Austinites in search of something different in their punk rock, the band step up their game with their best collection of songs to date; I’d buy this LP for the opener alone. But, they’re not a one-trick pony, as songs like “Baby Go Wah” illustrate, offering up a slow burning homecoming dance number. If you’ve got a minute, give it a spin or two or three!

Still Jamming This Mammoth Penguins LP

We’re at that point of the year when music slowly starts to fade as people scramble to tell you what you should have listened to in 2017. I’m guilty of it myself, but a release that’s still fairly fresh, and still getting constant play, is the new Mammoth Penguins (& Friends) LP, John Doe. It’s a concept album centered around the title character, told through various characters. But, don’t get lost on the idea of what is or isn’t a “concept” album; sit back and enjoy the dedication to the songwriting that’s prevalent throughout. Think of it as a great pop record for people who love to read books! If you haven’t gotten a copy, you can grab yours from WIAIWYA.

Stream Fight Fair from Dream Version

Monday’s are always the hardest days for many of us, so why not kick things off by listening to Fight Fair, the brand new LP from Dream Version. The Chicago outfit touches on all sorts of influences, and in doing so, they capture your musical hearts. Just look at the first three tunes for diversity; “I Wanna Be Angry” is clean garage fueled power-pop; “Fight Fair” is bouncy no-punk; “I’m Still as Spoiled as the Day I Was Born” is this weirdo synth-driven blend of Violent Femmes and Talking Heads. That’s just the first three songs, so imagine what lays in wait for you! Go ahead, listen.

Skytone Drop Jangling Pop Hits

Ottawa’s Skytone don’t really fit into a neat little package for consumers, but that’s precisely why I love the group. Sure, their brand new album Jangle Waves has the aforementioned jangling, but there are also moments that lean towards swinging croons like in “Second Hand Shops.” They almost adopt a beach vibe with “Missing You” only to move into dreamy pop territory with the following tune, “Lonely Holiday.” Throughout the listen, you’ll likely find yourself enveloped in warm harmonies reminiscent of the sun you’re trying to avoid outside your window; it’s the power of pure pop at its best, and it’s available now so go grab it!

Stream In Phrases from Zebra Hunt

I can’t really say enough nice things about the new record from Zebra Hunt that just came out on Friday. I’ve long been a fan of the band, but there’s an apparent maturity from the very first track that plays through your speakers. They still nod to some of the janglier moments that make their music perfect for pop fans, but they’ve also move into a territory where the Replacements meet Flying Nun Records. “What I Want” is the band’s big single; we’ve previously covered it, but I’m stuck on “2005.” It has a slight bounce and a yearning sensation that has become part of my daily listening rotation. It’s great to see a band with such promise rise to the occasion and blow you away. Not convinced? Stream for In Phrases yourself.

ATX Album Stream with The Reputations

There’s something brewing here in Austin. That something seems to be the evolution of soulful rock n’ roll rooted in a punk rock ethos. The latest act to get up in the game is The Reputations, who just released their debut Begging for More. But, while their might be some similarities to fellow locals, Sweet Spirit, I think there’s a whole lot more here that owes to the purity of classic rock and doo-wop. My favorite track of the moment is “My Baby’s Back,” which features a stomp to collide with the perfect unison of male/female vocals. The upbeat shimmy of “Up and Down” isn’t too shabby either! Give it a stream, and enjoy.

Stream Astrid Swan’s From the Bed and Beyond

It’s a shame that great art sometimes stems from personal pain, which seems to be the case with Finland’s Astrid Swan. After a battle with cancer, she got back to work, constructing a brilliant collection of the tunes that make up From the Bed and Beyond. It’s apparent in the lyrics that she’s had to confront and overcome some demons coming with such an ordeal. But, in seeing that, and delving deep into the record, you find that there’s an aura of positivity that arises from overcoming fears. I’m partial to the album’s closing number “Whos the Witch Now,” which seems to encompass the feelings mentioned above. The album will be available worldwide from Soliti Music.

Stream Paperhead’s Chew LP

Talked and hyped up Chew about as much as one man can, but now it’s time for you to take matters into your own hands. The Paperhead have expanded their sound, making some softer tunes that exhibit a strong dedication to the songwriting on this effort. I’m still stuck listening to “Over and Over” on repeat, but, as per usual, I’m happy with anything they’ve got out. You’ll be able to get that record from Trouble in Mind come this Friday.

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