Gulfer Return With Too Slow

After a stellar pandemic release with their self-titled LP in 2020, Montreal based Gulfer didn’t release a whole lot of music over the last few years. Other than a random single hear and there, the band was mostly quiet. Last November though showed a strong return for the band with one of my favorite songs of last year “Clean.” This year looks to be a strong return to form for Gulfer with a whole new album, which will feature this banging new single “Too Slow.” It serves as a heavier sound than what we might be used to from the Canadians and serve us all notice that they are back and stronger than ever.

Gulfer’s third album Third World is out on February 28th and is available for pre-order now via Topshelf Records.

 

Ballsy Share Be Your Baby

Give me some jangling guitars and coat them in dreamy notes, then you’ll find me smack dab in fawning zone, like I was with this fresh track from Canadian outfit Ballsy. Despite the joyous nature of the hooks coming through your speakers, close attention to the lyrical content delves into some difficult subject matter, such as facing abandonment from songwriter Isabelle Banos’ mother. This is what’s always make pop music timeless, bridging difficult moments in our life so that we can all sing through our sorrows. Be sure to stick around for the grungy solo about 2/3 of the way in, indicative of Banos abilities to walk the line between rock and pop in their songwriting.

Subtle Beauty From Mise En Scene

Winnipeg is home to the Jets, Neil Young, and my new favorite band from the city, Mise en Scene. Formed while studying art together in the city, BFFs Stef and Jodi formed the band over mutual musical tastes and have ignited a spark with unique sounds and vibes. For a taste of the duos sound, hit up this new song “Beautiful People” and left yourself fall into the dreamy tune as it flows and slowly builds throughout.

This is part of a new EP entitled Reality Bites which is available to purchase now via Light Organ Records.

 

POSTDATA Returns with New Single & Video

Back about 2 years ago, Nova Scotian musician Paul Murphy released his third stunning LP Twin Flames under his recording moniker POSTDATA. Much to my delight, Murphy just announced his fourth LP away from Wintersleep and has also brought with it this new single “Mine the Sea.” Not surprisingly, the track offers a breath of lightness with hints of joy and love within the driving pop sounds. GEM.

This song will appear on the new album Run Wild due out in September on Paper Bag Records.

Meet the SXSW Band: La Securite

Well we are sort of winding down our preview coverage of SXSW bands today and tomorrow as we ease into the weekend and shut down for next week. We’ve still got a couple more previews to sneak in before signing off and today I am pleased to share question responses from Montreal based outfit La Securite. As always, it’s a treat to get an international perspective from bands coming to town. Hit the jump for interview, music and show dates.

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Another Jam From Mother Sun

My new Canadian friends in Mother Sun have really been pumping out some nice psych pop jams this summer, having previously released one of my songs of summer in July. Today I’m happy to share this new single “Orange Colossus” which should put a nice book end to what is hopefully near the end of our Texas summer. Once again, the musicianship here is just spot on, incredibly tight and full of playfulness matched with a tight rhythm section. The addition of strings also add in just a touch of lightness amongst the psych rocking jam.

Mother Sun will release new album Train of Thought on October 28th via Earth Libraries.

Premiere: Mother Sun Share Webbed Feet

Man it seems like the Birmingham, AL based label Earth Libraries has been dropping so many great releases and discovering tons of new artists across the country over the last couple of years. Adding to their ever growing arsenal of up and coming artists is the Canadian based psych rockers Mother Sun and the news of an LP entitled Train of Thought coming on October 28th via the label. Prior to the release date, I am pumped to premiere with you the bands slick new single and accompanying visualizer for “Webbed Feet”. It’s a really fun and playful tune highlighting some of the best sounds in psych pop mixed with swinging melodies and downright dirty bass lines. A refreshing light in a muddy genre.

Dan Mangan Shares Fire Escape Video/Single

A quick search for the name Dan Mangan on our site will return a massive amount of posts from the Vancouver based songwriter over the years. Simply put, I am a huge fan. As a follower of Mangan’s work, I am excited to be sharing his latest single “Fire Escape” which features an incredibly well shot video featuring Steven Ogg (you may recognize him from The Walking Dead). If for some reason you have yet to check out the music of Dan Mangan, this should be a perfect entry point.

Mangan is also heading out on tour this fall. Check out dates here.

Life Stuff Share Finger Gun

There’s something really intriguing about Canadian outfit, Life Stuff, particularly when you spend some time with the new album King of the Drive Thru. There’s lots of lo-fidelity guitar pop nods in the album, and in the single we’ve got for you below. But, there’s also something that seems almost kind of nerdy, thinking sort of along the lines of Travis Morrison or Stephen Malkmus, operating with distinctive vocals and clever wordplay. Just catches your ear with a hint of pop inside these sort of oddball structures, and I figured its a fun way to rock the start of Tuesday. Get going folks!

SXSW Interviews: Gus Englehorn

We are sort of winding down our week here with lots of new music coming your way and a slew of interviews on my end. It’s cold again out there folks so what better time to stay indoors and plan for SXSW in a couple of weeks? As always, we are here to help you make sense of the madness with our previews, interviews, and band spotlights. Today I am pleased to share with you my latest SXSW interview with Montreal based artist Gus Englehorn. Hit the jump for his interview and some tunes.

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