That New PACKS Track

So, the sad thing about my life (not really) is that I generally have to write about yesterday’s news if no one gives me a solid heads-up; the perks of being a teacher and blogger! Speaking of that news from yesterday, PACKS, a band I’ve been hyping since the early days dropped a new single, and it’s one of my favorite new pieces from the group. I love the fuzziness of the guitar here, giving off that gritty edge that balances Madeline’s vocals in the mix. Walking that thin line, the video also encompasses a bit of the fun the group give off, working between clever pop tracks and hook-laden rockers, which will no-doubt here on their next LP. Melt the Honey is out January 19th via Fire Talk.

PACKS Share Honey, Announce New LP

Seems like only a few months ago that PACKS had dropped their sophomore album, and in fact, it was just a mere six months. But, when creativity strikes, why not ride it out; the band have announced they’ll be dropping Melt the Honey in January of next year. With that, the news has to have an accompanying single, right? We’ve got that, here, as the band lock into their swaggering style, sort of like anti-grunge; it’s got the riffs but doesn’t necessarily push the rock. For me, the win on this tune comes from the switch to the chorus, playing into a bit more of breezy charm that lets Madeline Link pull you further into the tune. Melt the Honey is out on January 19th via Fire Talk.

Wombo Share Slab Single

Listening to last year’s Fairy Rust LP from Wombo reminded me that there’s still plenty of room to play with the constant structures of modern tropes. They took that sort of new reimagining and made it a bit more dreamy, a bit more space-age; they continue that here with the newest single from their forthcoming Slab EP. There’s still that pulse from the bass lines, but there’s a metallic nature to the way the guitar notes stab and push throughout. For me, the vocals always bring that even further into focus, taking a little of that indifferent cool and filling it with a bit of the ethereal and mystic. Just a slight move left, but one I love; look for the Slab EP to drop on June 9th via Fire Talk.

Dwell Release New Single on Open Tab

Open Tab, the singles project of Fire Talk Records, has given us some great stuff this past year, but today, be prepared to immerse yourself in the vast expanse that Dwell are offering. Their sound moves between this sort of grandiose indie folk and classic slowcore, casually moving forward one step at a time. Vocals here are dramatic and deep, pulling from our primal nature, with string arrangements helping to build this textural swell that completely overwhelms the listener. It’s weird, as you can sort of feel some lineage to post rock too, particularly in the way some of the guitar sounds cascade and cut through the vocals; I’m really loving this as a Friday soundtrack.

Enola Shares Metal Body

Earlier this year, Enola release “Strange Comfort,” which was a ridiculously good single…made it as one of my favorite tracks of the year. Today the Melbourne artist returns with another ripper, forcing me to marvel at the craft of Ruby Marshall. They keep writing these songs that feel like these clever pop tunes, something not too far off from other rad Aussie outfits like Courtney or Stella. But, that’s just the surface, as you’ll discover that below the tip of the iceberg is this dangerous brand of rock n’ roll; the guitars churn and drums thump, smashing the expectations of pop fans and turning them onto something far more hip and frightening. I can’t wait to hear Enola put it all together for a full LP!

Wombo Share Seven of Cups

With Fairy Rust a few weeks away, Wombo drop in a musical curveball that highlights their songwriting prowess. Up until now, the singles we’ve gotten have been sort of off-kilter post-punk, arty and fashionable…and I mean that in the best way. This, however, is a showcase for Sydney’s vocals, like slow, smoldering paper, just burning at the edges as pieces flake off while Chadwick’s voice coolly haunts about the darkened corners of the tune. It’s a nice little plot twist in our anticipation of Fairy Rust, which is dropping on July 29th via Fire Talk.

Packs Announce Stripped-Down EP

I just caught Packs a few weeks back when they were traveling around the country in support of Good Morning; we ended up all drinking the famed Armodelo’s from La Perla into the early morning hours. The band put on a solid set, centered around the songwriting prowess of Madeline Link, and that seems to be where we’ll dwell on the new Stripped-Down EP. It’s a collection of songs that are “stripped down” to the acoustic guitar and Link’s vocals, written in between periods of touring, allowing us to look into Madeline’s process. You can get the full EP on July 8th courtesy of Fire Talk, but in the meantime, the debut LP, Take the Cake is already out there for your enjoyment.

Wombo Announce Fairy Rust LP

Wombo were one of the top 5 bands on my list to catch during SXSW, and their songs live were pretty spectacular, so I’m stoked to finally hear the news of their new Fairy Rust LP. It’s not a far cry from what’s going on in the indie sphere, bringing a bit of that sort of indifferent vocal drawl into angular post-rock grooves. I think listening to the rhythm section, it’s clear that the band build up this natural anxiousness; they always feel on the cusp of breaking out into something chaotic, though as we see here, Sydney Chadwick tethers them to more atmospheric realms. Excited to hear what all Fairy Rust has to offer; it’s out July 29th via Fire Talk.

Erasers Share Easy to See

Seeing that Constant Connection is out next week, this is likely the last single we get before the new Erasers record drops in our laps. While earlier tunes had this sort of heartbeat, “Easy to See” appears to be more reflective, almost like the final drops in the sink after you’ve turned off the faucet. Rebecca’s voice, while melodic, feels very much like this intoxicating mantra, more spoken then sung. The tune is the perfect to close out their album, looking back on all they’ve created, while also looking back on all we’ve created. Constant Connection drops on April 22nd via Night School/Fire Talk.

Sub*T Share New Single, Asterisk

Fire Talk Records has been doing some great stuff with their Open Tab project, giving us new tunes and cool interviews with lesser known bands. Today they’re sharing a brand new track from Sub*T, a New York duo bringing up this fuzzy indie rock that’s high on hooks. There’s something about their work that just feels anthemic and intimate simultaneously, like you could singalong while jumping on your bed, or bang your head in the live setting. If you’re in the need for driving pop rock that’s filled with harmonies and catchy lines, then you need go no further than this outfit…and don’t forget to check out some of their other hits…it’s about discovery afterall!

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