Tag: new orleans

The Electric Arch Share You’re Impossible to Get Close To

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When I first heard this track from The Electric Arch, I kept expecting something to land somewhere in the land between Massive Attack and Air; it has this sort of natural snappy beat that opens up seductively to allow the vocals to enter the picture. Once those vocals do drop into the frame, there’s something that reminded me of Edwyn Collins solo stuff, toying with the listener with this clever bit of coyness. When the chorus arrives, it all collides together, taking in this sort of space lounge mentality that I have really been enjoying this morning; I’ll keep you posted as we hear more from the New Orleans outfit.

Max Bien Khan Announces When I Cross It Off

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If you are in search of a little bit of an introspective singer-songwriter, with just a hint of humor and self-deprecation, then try on New Orleans artist Max Bien Khan. You can easily here where Khan might slide into bed next to Silver Jews or the like, but there’s a touch more twang in the songwriting. I like that, as its definitely something that’s close to home for us, plus it sort of brings about that campfire/group party vibe, which makes sense as Max’s bandcamp describes his music as “partying to someone’s diary,” so the intimacy checks here. Good tune, mellow summer vibes; When I Cross It Off is out on July 7th.

New Single & Interview From Julie Odell

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When we pump out all this new music, it’s also often fun to get a little perspective from the individuals who actually make this music to hopefully give you some insight into your favorite artists. Today I am straight amped to share with you the new single “Envelope” from New Orleans based artist Julie Odell along with some short interview questions. This new single is from Odell’s upcoming album Autumn Eve due out on September 30th via Frenchkiss Records. Hit the jump for the single and interview from Julie Odell.

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Slow Rosary Prepare Free Wifi in the Vatican

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I fell in love with Slow Rosary last year when they dropped their album Refinery, and they’re already back with a brand new collection of songs for Free Wifi in the Vatican. You can tell on the first of these two tracks that things feel different; the tune almost has this sort of cacophonous, early Arcade Fire vibe to it, albeit one spun through the band’s unique discussion on the underbelly of Catholicism. It’s exciting to hear the band return to the fold so quickly, and this one’s shaping up to really stretch their sound into something spectacular. Free Wifi in the Vaticandrops on June 24th.

The Painted Hands Share Drawn & Quartered

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As of late, I’ve been delving into a big old pile of pop, and honestly, I’m totally cool with that, but digging the fact that The Painted Hands are here to blow my hair back a bit. They’ve got a pretty straight-forward approach here, sort of taking on that heavier brand of garage rock you’d get at a riotous punk show. It’s all about energy and push, though we hope you’re pushing with kindness if you’re running that circle pit around your local hood (and masked too!). This jam goes out to all the old folks like me who missed the 666th Oh Sees show at Hotel Vegas this past weekend. You can turn it up real loud, then be sure you sample the rest of the fun that the New Orleans have up their sleeve on their recent LP, Gloss!

Slow Rosary Share Evangeline

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As I listen to the latest single from Slow Rosary, I’m struck by the textural layers the band put into this track, letting it build and swell before you, blossoming like this striking pop flower. It opens with a heavy strum mixed with solemn vocals, beginning with a dark vibe, though the tones begin to lift as backing vocals swell, quickly joined by an oppositional guitar line and a jangling tambourine. But, that’s barely even scratching the surface, with horns furthering the textural vibe of this tune. And all this before you even get to the song’s latter half where a surprise lays in wait for you. Trust me, this is your jam of the day, though you might not know it. Look for the band to release Refinery on August 27th.

Slow Rosary Shares Montserrat

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Please. Put aside six minutes of your time today. Sit somewhere quiet and listen to this new single from Slow Rosary. At first, you get this slow strum and dramatic vocals, stark in their presentation, with powerful lyrics from Rene Duplantier; the lyrical storytelling recalls the works of other literary songwriters like Meloy, Darnielle or Oberst. Progressing, the song seems to carry this undercurrent, this loneliness that swells with emotion as we all fine common ground with the tune, falling deep into the song as little flourishes begin to seep through the speakers. Just before the song hits the 4 minute mark, the tune erupts, drums roll over you and cymbals crash as the twang of the guitar wanders about your room; it feels like an album’s worth of music accomplished in just under 7 minutes. Refinery, the debut album from the project, will be out August 27th.

Pony Hunt Share Stardust Video

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I love a great video, particularly when its paired with equally great song, like the latest from Pony Hunt. For me, the song was a rolling journey, begun by the drum beat; they set you up with a soft roll, laying out the world before your feet. It’s then that Jessie Antonick’s voice enters the fray, serenading you with this heavenly voice, filled with guttural emotion, yet sparkling in the dark shades of the song. I appreciate the little breakdown just after the 2 minute mark, offering a slight soul performance in the midst of the tune’s dense sound, which eventually creeps back in and carries the song to a close. This song appears on the new record, VAR!, which is out on July 23rd via Wing and Wing.

Kelly Duplex Shares Hoverround

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I woke up this morning wanting something that was heavy, but still clung tightly to the simple pop structures that make me tick, so I was lucky to have this Kelly Duplex tune waiting for me. Honestly, the New Orleans trio reminds me a lot of our friends Growl (RIP), intertwining emo tendencies and power pop riffs to sublime effect. You can see yourself in this song, bouncing on your bed and playing those heavy air guitar riffs, only to collapse as the song fades out and a huge grin creeps across your face. Sometimes a simple rock song is all you need to turn the day around. Look for the band to release their self-titled LP via Strange Daisy on February 12th.

New Tune from Night Water

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Admittedly, I’m a sucker for a touch of a jazzy/Latin vibe working its way into pop music; it has the feel of a real classy lounge act, and I have no shame in saying I enjoy that. This track from Night Water is definitely of that ilk; it has the intimacy of a crooner working his way through a crowd. But, there are a few moments when the band get to flex their muscles appropriately, giving the song the right amount of punch to keep the track more than interesting. This tune appears on the band’s new effort, Leave No Trace, which drops on January 7th of next year.

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