Office Dog Drop Gleam Single

I’ll be completely honest here…I almost skipped over Office Dog‘s new single, entirely based on my judgment of the band’s name. But, a quick glance at the bio mentioned New Zealand, and then Kane Strang, who was all the rage on this site and others a few years back; this is his new, more collaborative effort. There are still some incredible hooks in the tune, as I gravitated towards the latter half’s stomping close, however, there’s a darkness to this album, written during a period of turmoil in Strang’s life; you can get some of that imagery from the video version below, if you put all those pieces together. Spiel will be released in January via New West, with Flying Nun already releasing it in Australia.

The Bats Share Gone to Ground Video

You can’t really start a Friday of new music off if you don’t cover that new Bats tune can you? No. You just can’t. So here we are, enjoying the promise of a 10th LP on the horizon, and a wonderfully solemn pop tune from Robert Scott and company. While its easy to revel in the dark simplicity of this tune, I was really connected when the light vocal accompaniment comes in during the chorus; it gives you that melodic nod while also bringing in a sense of longing. For me, that’s where that joy is…that sense of seeking something out, knowing it exists and feeling like it holds the rewards of the world…and such is the promise of Bats tune. Foothills will be out via Flying Nun on November 13th.

Far Out Pop from Purple Pilgrims

I felt like the first 20 seconds of this song had me circling the track, watching it unfold from above as some sort of celestial being. Of course, that’s probably what Purple Pilgrims would want for any listener, as they craft this spaced pop that seems to expand beyond the realm of our own universe. There’s core lyrics, but they’re accented by this angelic haunt that sort of drifts in and out of the mix, as if that core vocal is this central force from which the whole of their musical galaxy expands. The group return to us mortals with their album Perfumed Earth on August 9th via Flying Nun Records.

Bright Indie Pop From Mermaidens

It’s a nice and sunny day here in Austin and I think a bright, poppy tune would suit the atmosphere just fine. My desires for such a tune comes today by way of New Zealand based artist Mermaidens and their new song “I Might Disappear”. It’s perfect for fans of Alvvays if they could bring a bit more of an edge with crunchy guitars coming in from time to time. I hope you dig it.

Mermaidens will release new album Look Me in the Eye on September 9th via Flying Nun Records.

DOG Power Release Latest Single

While Flying Nun Records might be best known for fostering a certain guitar sound, the label has always been on the forefront of what goes down in New Zealand. The label’s latest signing, DOG Power indicates that they’re more than what’s in the storied history. For starters, there’s an inherent darkness to this song; it has something to do with the deep vocal tones, as well as the electronic accents and guitar rings. That being said, Sam Perry comes across like a fresh Dave Gahan, giving off this perfectly seductive croon that creeps through your speakers. The group will release their self-titled album on November 26th.

Nathan’s Favorite Oceanic Albums of 2017

For the 8 or so people who read this blog on the regular, you’ll likely be aware of my affection for all things Oceanic, primarily New Zealand and Australia. So, with year end lists in mind, I thought I’d offer up my personal takes on the best tunes to come out of the area in 2017. There’s no particular order, just my sixteen favorites of the year.

There’s even a fun little playlist at the bottom for you to enjoy!

 

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Fazerdaze Signs with Flying Nun Records

Flying Nun Records continues their run of really great female-fronted guitar pop this year by signing Fazerdaze for the release of her debut Morningside. Honestly, this might be the best thing they’ve got on the books this year (that includes new music from The Bats and The Courtneys). This single coming with the announcement has a rather dreamy quality to it, especially in the way that there’s a coat on the vocals. But, in the music, you can hear the guitar being strummed way up in the mix, which adds a great balance to the track. This definitely sounds like something we’ll all agree is great…look for it on May 5th, just in time to help craft a great summer playlist.

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More New Music from The Courtneys

Looks like Flying Nun is going to be on a run this year, bringing new music from The Bats…and this much anticipated album from The Courtneys. From the sound of it, The Courtneys II is going to be filled with dreamy harmonies and classic guitar pop sounds; I haven’t heard a song on the album I don’t like yet. This one stays in one place for most of the track, using ringing guitars to create a bit of distorted melody, while the anthemic style of vocals gives hope to us all that we, too, can be huge rock stars! Look for the record on February 17th.

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Start Your Day Off with The Bats

batsFriday’s got some great tunes for you, including this new one from legendary Flying Nun act, The Bats. Apparently the band are prepping a brand new record for 2017, and your first listen should be one that puts the LP high on your anticipation list…it is for me. Their style has this playful guitar ring to it, with the slightest hint of a bounce in there. While the majority of this track has a deepened tone, but I love the turn at the 3 minute mark where they get drawn out with the phrase “don’t want to fall on the antlers.” This is lovely, and the perfect way to begin a Friday.

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