Brand New Spook School

You know The Spook Schoolis one of my favorite bands of the moment. I quietly (or not so) tracked the band all around town during SXSW, even throwing a couple of shows together, just so they’d have a happy home. Well, news breaks today that the band have a brand new couple of songs appearing on the Continental Drift Compilation via Slumberland and Fortuna Pop. They’re debuting it via video, which is perfect, as you can clearly sense the band’s enjoyment/humor coming through in the clips; it’s one of the things that also makes them such a special live band. Look for the compilation in August…but for now, just relish in the fact that great pop bands still exist. Also, sorry for the over-abundance of FPop stuff today, but when you got it, you got it.

[youtube]https://youtu.be/5Tl0EWOagI0[/youtube]

New Music from Darren Hayman

darrenOne of my favorite tracks of the last few years is “Boy, Look at What You Can’t Have Now,” which features Darren Hayman (as well as Emma Kupa), so I’ve kept a close eye on the hard-working music vet. Just yesterday, the esteemed Fortuna Pop upped a cover version of “I”ve Been a Bad Bad Boy” by Paul Jones; it’s a new track from Darren Hayman that he recorded with Papernut Cambridge (a band he drums for) as his backing band. It’s a delightful cover, focused around Hayman’s distinctive voice, providing just a hint of swing to it. The label will be releasing the 7″ on May 20th as part of their Jukebox 45 Single Series…and it’ll be very limited on purple vinyl, so rush on over there.

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Jam This Martha Tune! Jam It Loud!

marthaDo you wanna feel young? You wanna feel like you’re alive again? Then run to your stereo, get this Martha song on it, and turn it up really loud. It’s a blasting bit of pop-punk that’s as infectious as it is memorable. The riffs are huge, the drums catch and there’s gang harmonies blasting in and out of the song. I get the feeling that these guys are all substance and none of the bullshit posturing. Sounds like they’re all just having fun, and if you listen closely, then you just might do the same. Look for their album, Blisters in the Pit of My Heart to come out on July 8th via Dirtnap/Fortuna Pop.

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New Music from Evans the Death

12971008_10153792903639213_2035876018708318021_oIt’s been a little over a year since we last heard from Evans the Death with Expect Delays, but I’m excited by the new noise the band’s brandishing with their latest single. The song takes a moment to build before blasting with that angular dance of noise and pummeling drums. Soon the vocals crash in, holding the song ransom, as if the band’s about to spin aimlessly out of control. Somehow they pull it all in, tightening the sound just enough to keep it altogether. We end up with the perfect blend pop and noise, making me all the more excited to hear their new album, Vanilla; it’s slated for release in June via Fortuna Pop.

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Pete Astor – Spilt Milk

milkRating: ★★★★½

People rarely rave about records anymore. No matter what, people inevitably find themselves listening to single and hits, but don’t you dare do that with Pete Astor‘s new album, Spilt Milk. If you do, you’re likely to miss one of the purest pop albums likely to surface this year.

You can possibly separate Spilt Milk into two styles, bouncing jangle pop and pure pop balladry. Opener “Really Something” falls into the first category, while a song like “Good Enough” ends up in the latter grouping. But, what one should focus on is the central theme of pop music. To me, it means accessible and catchy, and I feel like if we were all given such options more often, then Pete Astor might be our favorite artist. But, that’s not where we live, nor where we seem to be heading, making this effort all the more outstanding.

Some bands rush songwriting, trying to push out the next hit, trying to stay relevant in a culture adhering to consumption, but within the confines of this album, you have the purest dedication to great songwriting. In doing so, Pete’s managed to craft an album that endears itself to fans of all styles, leaving you with a lesson incraftsmanship; it’s one that I can see enduring in my playing rotation for time to come (and probably yours too).

In the end, Spilt Milk isn’t a musical exercise that will hit you over the head immediately. You have to digest it slowly, which is best with tracks like “There It Goes” that will pull at your heartstrings. Still, you’ll find an inner joy (and maybe a hop in the step) when you put on “My Right Hand,” among others. It’s a listening journeyyou must dedicate yourself to, and in doing so, you’ll reap the greatest reward…a listen that won’t easily be turned off…or forgotten.

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Fresh Flowers Track

flowThe indie world swoons when Flowers come into play; they’ve been crafting the dreamier side of indiepop for some time, and we here at ATH eagerly await their brand new release. This song is probably one of the finer pieces they’ve done. I think the recording is done perfectly, in every facet. Their new record is titled Everybody’s Dying to Meet You, and it’s being released by Kanine in the US (Fortuna Pop in UK). While you’re listening to this song, try to think of something else that sounds this damn good; I bet you cant!

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Steady Dose of Pop from Steven James Adams

sjaThe older I get the more I just want to delve into great pop songwriting; I don’t need the frills, just great tunes. I’m pretty sure that this new single from Steven James Adams will fall in line with that attitude. Opening as a piano ballad, allowing Adams’ voice to shine brightly before the song bounces off into a spritely bit of pop music. Drums steady the melodies, and while the sound is filled with extra instrumentation, no instrument overdoes it…everyone plays their part perfectly. It’s our first glimpse at what’s to come with Old Magick, his second album coming via Fortuna Pop in early 2016.

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New Video Featuring The Sunny Pop Of Chorusgirl

chorusgirlLondon’s Chorusgirl released their album not too long ago at the beginning of November, and from that album, today they’ve shared a rad little music video for the track, “Dream On, Baby Blue.” This track is a bright and airy dreamy pop song that’s got enough sunshine in it to bring you back to warmer days (even though it’s not that cold here in the ATX). You can watch the quirky music video below, and be sure to pick up a copy of their debut album here, as they are clearly cranking out some good tunes.

 

[youtube]https://youtu.be/Lf64BnO0gR0[/youtube]

Fresh Music from Pete Astor

petePete Astor is most well-known for his work in The Loft, though I’ll admit I came at him sideways via The Weather Prophets, then went back to find the Loft. That being said, he’s been crafting his own solo work since the early 90s (his last release was in 2011). This week Fortuna Pop announced added up another track from his new album, Split Milk, which is filled with spritely pop songs. It’s funny too, as I just saw another great UK act, The Charlatans, and while I’m not sure how well known either they or Pete are in the States, good songs always rise to the top. This sample is another sign that Mr. Astor still has it.

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Fortuna Pop Brings You Chorusgirl

Chorusgirl_Close_up_Blue_webToday’s the day when I get to count on reliable labels I adore to bring us great new tunes, such as this brand new single from Chorusgirl. There’s a definitive nostalgic nod, as mentioned in the band’s bio (Lush/The Cure), but I see the group fitting right alongside acts like Eternal Summers. You’ve got guitar work swirling around the vocals, all the while the rhythm section propels the song forward, giving the track a juxtaposition between brooding and shimmering joy. You’ll be able to grab their debut album from Fortuna Pop on November 13th.

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