War Strings Share Shame Single

During the week that was SXSW, I caught this band Bedlocked with Team ATH; I remember talking to RayRay about how it was like a slowcore version of Appleseed Cast, which we both enjoyed. So, here I am combing through my email stuff and I hit this new War Strings single recalling a similar emotion. The fuzziness on the song’s edges is totally there in this single, albeit with a little more urgency so the track hits a little more quickly, giving off that instant emotional release. In the vocals you get a little more presence, adding to the whole vibe as it gives off another texture to appreciate here.

Meet The SXSW Band: Fishbone

We have finally arrived at the end of our SXSW interview previews and we saved maybe the biggest and most well known act for last. Los Angeles based Fishbone has been making music for longer than most of us on the ATH crew have been alive and we were elated when the legends agreed to take part in our silliness. Huge thanks to the band and to their team for allowing this to happen. That’s a wrap. Hit the jump for all the usual information.

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Monde UFO Share Government Employee

Being introduced to the new LP form Monde UFO has really allowed me to kind of let my brain venture out into the outer regions of the indie realm. If you peel away the layers, you’re likely to find a light-hearted bit of bedroom pop bouncing through your speakers. But, I don’t want to peel those layers as they offer up this careful bit of tropicalia; it also feels organic rather than mere mimicry of the style, which is one of the reasons I appreciate the band’s willingness to go beyond the standard. They’ll drop Vandalized Statue to be Replaced with Shrine on April 21st.

Object of Affection Share Run Back

Los Angeles based outfit Object of Affection is a bit of a supergroup with members from Death Bells, Fury, and La Bonte. One can really hear those influences pulled together to create something wholly their own, unique and refreshing. Buzz has certainly been building for the group recently, and though we may be hitting the hype train a little late, this new tune “Run Back” is simply too much of a banger to not post today. It’s an 80s pop influenced jam with those little hints of post-punk edge likely coming from the old days of Death Bells. Hit it.

Object of Affection will release new album Field of Appearances this Friday via Profound Lore Records. Pre-orders are live now.

Vanity Mirror Share Tuesday’s News

A lot of artists that throw their hat in the nostalgia ring, looking back at certain periods of music to make it their very own. Vanity Mirror are one of those acts, seemingly culling their influences to look at the pop sounds of the late 60s. But, in doing that, there’s some recording flare, and just a bit of outsider mentality that makes it feel earnest and present, more than a throwback. I honestly feel like the band’s vocals and melodies owe a great deal to Elliott Smith, while the music definitely takes on that Beatles-esque nod. If you’re digging on it, the band drop their debut Puff via We Are Busy Bodies on May 12th.

Meet the SXSW Band: Pendant

As we mentioned in our premiere post yesterday, that ‘lil festival called SXSW is going down in just a few short weeks and we at ATH are trying to support bands and artists as best we know how. Before we head to their shows and buy some merch, the best thing we can do is simply talk to the artists and get their varied perspective on what it means to play SXSW. Today I am thrilled to be sharing the next artist in our series, PENDANT, which is the musical moniker for Los Angeles based recording artist Christopher Adams. He offered some truly thoughtful and detailed insight into the festival. See his response along with tunes and current show dates after the jump.

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Conflict at Serenity Pools Shares Golden View

If you missed last year’s Type A/Type B album, might I suggest you go back there to introduce yourself to Conflict at Serenity Pools. Today we’ve got a fresh single from the LA artist, which maybe hints at a new release later this year. There’s something in the construction that reminds me of a mixture Radio Dept, albeit spun through a sort of heavier guitar sound; the construction and textural layering is really similar, but you’ll love how the guitars get ramped up here and drive right through your speakers with a solid punch. Give it a listen, and thank us later!

Say Hello To Smirk

Well we are sort of starting to wind down the season as we discuss year end lists to recap everything we’ve posted about and listened to in 2022. Though it tends to be a slower time for new music, this is when we often find some hidden gems we may have missed recently. This new track called “Souvenir” from Los Angeles based artist Smirk is a perfect example of something I slept on earlier but am loving now. Sometimes a song like this can be so simple in its construction yet still manage to leave a lasting impact with lyrical content, expertly arranged bass lines, and a slight bit of reverb from a guitar. Check check check it out below.

Smirk will be releasing a debut album entitled Material on November 18th. Pre-orders for physical copies are live now.

Stream New Album From Gold Star

If you’re looking for even more album streams for the weekend, might I suggest you check out Headlights U.S.A. (Pts. I & II) from Los Angeles based artist Gold Star. The man behind the name, Marlon Rabenreither, truly creates a cohesive and engaging albums worth of Americana inspired, driving indie rock tunes. One might pick up hints of War on Drugs at times mixed with something a bit more playful or twangy like Fruit Bats or Night Moves. It should be a great soundtrack to cooler temps and long road trips.

If you like what you hear, pick up an LP over on the Gold Star bandcamp page.

Taleen Kali Share Only Lovers Left Alive Video

Taleen Kali will be hitting the road in just over a week, with an Austin date at Chess Club, so I wanted to make sure the band was on everyone’s radar, at least a wee bit. With an ode to vampire movies, feels drenched in sonic atmosphere, like the musical echoes of a cave filled with bats. I love how the vocals seem to kind of weave this magical spell, occasionally getting into the sultry vibe, but mostly operating with these pipes that feel like they could shatter your windows. If you dig it, stayed tuned to your local rags, as the band are spending the majority of October bringing you this song and more!

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