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Ah Springtime…the time of year when there are so many records coming out that you don’t even know where to begin listening…or at least that’s how we see it here at the ATH. So, why not try and give you a little bit of guidance to find a record that’s perfect for you to enjoy…maybe even an idea of what it sounds like to go along with our guidance?
When I first heard Sasha Balazic’s voice on this Tractor Beam track, I immediately thought of ATH favorite Lachlan Denton; it’s got a slightly distinct tone to it, though still feels like you’re snuggling with a friend under a blanket. There’s a lightness to the song, aided by the accompanying vocals that come with it, all of it wrapped together to kind of lift you on the edges of the wind as your thoughts turn to positive vibes and sunny days. If you’re enjoying what you’re hearing from the group, keep an eye out, as they’re rumored to have an LP from Kingfisher Bluez later in the year.
Spring is here, well in Austin at least, so what better than a little dash of sunny pop vibes, courtesy of LA’s Janelane. You might recognize the band, as they released a nice 7″ via Kingfisher Bluez, and with a new single, perhaps there’s more on the way from Sophia Negrini and company. This new track hits all the perfect pop notes, pulling airy jangle notes into a galloping frolic as Negrini’s voice warmly serenades the listener. Personally, I love how this track never quite dives right into the formulaic manner of this genre; it’s got the same infectious nods as an Alvvays, per se, but the chorus just hangs out on the mellower side, hitting dreamier notes rather than bursting into current pop tropes. Keep your eyes peeled, as there’s more deliciousness to come your way.
I know it’s Monday, but I’m not sure you’re ready for this new Fawns of Love tune; the video from Kenneth Anger’s Inauguration of the Pleasure Dome alone is enough to captivate. The wife and husband duo of Jenny and Joseph Andreotti recent announced Innocence of Protection, and below you’ve not got the striking second single from the LP. For me, I was really drawn to the synth work, which is the band’s trademark, but here it sounds both propulsive and spacious, almost as if the stabbing looped beats punctuate the song’s negative space as it swirls about our ears. Even more intriguing for my ears was the way the band put some guitar notes too in the little interlude moments, almost faint, but just enough in the mix to really deliver this subtle emotion. If you like what you hear, the new LP is out at the end of the week via Sunday Records and Kingfisher Bluez.
If you’re into the Aussie scene and you follow bands like Ciggie Witch or Pregnancy, well, this new tune from Skydeck sounds nothing like that. But, it does features members of the band, though they’re offering up more of a darkened dance pop for your ears. The tune has this heavy punch on the synth lines, giving you this head-bobbing beat as the vocal delivery operates in between the notes. There’s this slight little set-up for the chorus that offers glimmers of jangling guitar pop, albeit super brief. It all sets things up for this infectious dancefloor-ready hit, waiting for you to punch-dance your way onto the floor. The group drop their new Coupon LP on August 27th via Dinosaur City/Osborne Again/KingfisherBluez.
Let’s forget that our old pal Joey Oaxaca mixed and mastered this new 7″ from LA’s Janelane, instead focusing on the ripper you’re going to want to get your hands on! “Celebrity Crush” rushes into capture the joy of being alive with this bounding pop rocker you can’t get out of your head; I loved the lead-in tease before the Sophie jumps in with her intoxicating performance, simultaneously sharp and subtle. But, the great thing about the 7″ is you can flip it over and get a nice little dose of dreamy pop that will put you on a magic carpet ride through your own dreams. You get the best of both worlds, on pink vinyl no less! Available now through Kingfisher Bluez.
Late last year I was super into Capitol when the Canadian band dropped Dream Noise, and here comes the band around the corner with this striking new single. It opens with this sparkling dream pop, accented by these dancing sharp guitar jangles. Suddenly the space opens up and Josh Kemps solemn vocals enter the picture, blanketing the dreamy ambiance in this indifferent sense of cool; his voice gets a little help by the appearance of ELIO, who really does add an extra melodic charm that playfully trades lines with Kemp. If you’re a fan of the track, be sure to grab the 7″ from Meritorio or Kingfisher Bluez; it’s out on July 29th.
Honestly, I was just checking in on Gum Country this morning, wondering if another single had slipped by me. But, I was lucky, as I hadn’t missed a thing, though I had no idea this gem was coming my way. I love the pulsing energy from the guitars, pushing the pace with that steady rhythm in the background. The perfect blanket of fuzzy distortion wraps itself around the core of the song, not to mention the hazy bubble on the vocals; this is exactly what guitar pop music should sound like if you ask me. Don’t be afraid to listen for that slight little pop sensibility gurgling beneath the surface; put your head closer to the speaker if you need to! Somewhere will be out on June 19th!
One of my favorite releases this year was the Not in Love LP by Non La, which was released by trusted labels Lost Sound Tapes and Kingfisher Bluez. We’ve covered various singles, but as we’re all clamoring for live music at now, DJ has opted to reward his fans with a home concert you can watch again and again! All five tracks performed live can be found on the supremely rewarding Not in Love LP; I like that DJ even leaves in just a touch of the on-stage banter; it’s like we’re all right there living the show with him. I think my favorite jam of this bunch is “YR Man,” though I’m also partial to “Come On.” Just needed another excuse to hype Non La, and here it is!
Why on Earth can’t more bands sound like this? I mean, I reckon I’d get bored after a long time, but I’ll be damned if this Gum Country tune isn’t the right jam for me. It’s got the fuzzy bits that make my ears perk up near the stereo, but still carries on that pop sensibility that makes a song worthy of repeated listens. The band set out to make ‘harsh twee,’ and while I can hear that applying, I do think they take this beyond twee pastiche; it almost seems to have a little psychedelic noodle coursing through the core of the song. Their debut LP Somewhere will be out via Kingfisher Bluez and Burger Records.
