Brand New Eureka California

We tried to hype you all to Eureka California for SXSW this year, and we’re right back on that glorious hype machine screaming for you to turn this track up real loud. Jake opens up this track, singing atop a steadied guitar line; you can feel the tension bend as Marie begins to build the force from the background. Then bang…distortion, smashing cymbals and a crunchy bit of guitar pop come ripping through your speakers; it’s the perfect execution of the quietLoudquiet concept. If you haven’t gotten into this band yet, well, I’m sorry, but you’ll get a chance when the group drop their new Roadrunners LP on May 4th via HHBTM.

Blistering Indiepop from A Certain Smile

Just as I was lamenting a shortage of great indiepop vibes in the 2018, it looks like the world was destined to prove me wrong. Today A Certain Smile announce the release of their debut album, bringing the sound of Portland’s indiepop to our ears. The track rushes forward from the get-go, employing little touches of shoegaze in the guitar to go along with more traditional jagged lines stabbing through the mix. Vocals from Thomas Andrew provide that fireside warmth that pop fans crave, sending out wave after wave of melodious lines through your speakers. The debut album Fits and Starts will be released by the band on March 9th, and it’s sure to be a gem.

The Return of Wooden Wand

It amazes me how adored some songwriters are, yet they often get overlooked in the greater scheme of things, such as James Toth. His Wooden Wand project is making a return, and the intricate stylings on display in the first single are exactly why I love his construction. Distant chords are bent and slid throughout, while Toth’s vocals carefully sit atop the strummed and picked notes. This is what ballads are supposed to be all about, at least in my opinion. The project will release Clipper Ship on May 5th via Three Lobed Records, signaling a welcome return from one of my favorites.

Another Denney and the Jets Jam

denneyIt makes perfect sense that Seth Murray of Natural Child would team up with Denney and the Jets for this tune.  The Nashville band seems to embody the same approach, at least as of late, to writing songs that bridge the gap between garage rock and classic rock n’ roll.  This tune will be featured on the band’s forthcoming record, Mexican Coke, which is being released by Burger Records on April 8th. The record explores themes of substances use, family, rodeo clowns and loads more, tying it all into the iconic history of Tennessee songwriting.  Take a little listen.

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