Adam Franklin Announces New Bolt of Melody LP + Swervedriver Reissue

Everything old is new again, so it seems Adam Franklin and Swervedriver are going to reissue their heralded 99th Dream this January. But, for all intents and purposes, reissues are a dime a dozen these days, so I’m more excited that Adam has announced a new Bolts of Melody LP. This go round, he’s teamed up with the usual suspects, aimed at scoring a film, so to speak, and letting the tracks come to life on their own. The first single from Film Noir is this beautiful dreamland, creating this cavernous sound where atmosphere rains down from the speakers, the lyrics almost coming across like softly hummed mantra. This is a beautiful place to begin your day. Outer Battery Records will release both the new Bolts LP and the Swervedriver reissue on January 24th.

Starman Jr. Shares Thin Thread Single

Definitely in some sort of mood today, and with that, throwing on this beautiful new Starman Jr tune. Adam Porter’s been recording at home for years, only recently using the Starman Jr moniker to get his music out there. He’s influenced by the outsider pop of the 1960s, which seems like a nod to an era that’s certainly had a few stones turned over the last few years. The production is striking, considering the work’s done primarily at home, but feeling like there are all these delicate elements like the tinkering keys and synth wash that buoys the melody. This is a pensive piece that really play’s well on its simplicity and construction, so I hope you enjoy!

Paul Cook & the Chronicles Share Hello Moon, Drop New LP

I’ve been a fan of Paul Cook’s voice for quite some time; he’s been featured on this site with his band Paul Cook & the Chronicles. I felt like the opening track from their new LP, Cheers Love, was the perfect way to get music coverage started this week; it’s light and airy, the way we all wish our Monday’s were, starting fresh. I really love the way the “hello moon” of the chorus just kind of hangs in the air, washing over you with emotion, as the moonbeams would do on a late night walk under the stars. Cheers Love, the new LP, is now available!

Lavender Blush Share Jealousy Track

You can label this Lavender Blush track as one of my favorite tunes of the week, perhaps even at the very top of my list, as its that special. Even better, it’s on the group’s new There’s Nothing Inside Your Heart EP, which you can grab since it’s Bandcamp Friday. Admittedly, I’m a sucker for the way the vocals seem to work in contrast with musical element; the guitars are shimmering noisily in the distance, punched up by a thunderous bit of percussion. But, the vocals seem almost stationary, like watching someone stand beneath an umbrella in a rain storm; they’re just standing there, smiling. It’s like this little pop ball of light shining through the darker edges of the galaxy, and I’m totally in love. The new 12″ officially comes out on December 1st via Shelflife Records.

Light Beams Drop Friendly Single

If you’re looking to invest in something fun and playful today, might I suggest you dive into the new Light Beams album? Seeing as the band are tied to Dischord/Mud Memory and DC, its definitely hard for someone living so far away to not hear similarities to some of the work of acts like Q and Not U, particularly as that band aged. There’s this revolving sound, primarily focused on the rhythmic nature; the song snakes its way across the stage, pulsing, bobbing and bouncing. Relying upon such rhythms allows the listener to really feel the movement in their soul, and it all gets punctuated by the rapid vocal delivery from Justin Moyer; even those vocals have a percussive nature to them. If you’re into this sound, get into Wild Life today!

Frog Share Maybelline, Prep Grog

For the last several years, Frog have been quiet, but it looks like the band have been toiling away working up some great new material, like “Maybelline.” To me, the band has this (probably unintentional) connection to the Glands. Both bands had this Southern gothic Americana bleeding through, both in sound and spirit, but they also have a penchant for flipping that over and making it come across with exuberance, just as it does here. The chorus is snappy and sharp, difficult to keep from crawling under your skin. I love the way the piano toils away underneath the song throughout; this song’s really something, so grab Grog before it drops via Audio Antihero on November 17th.

Blood Share Bone Dry Single

It’s really a bummer that Blood left Austin for Philadelphia, but at least they’re still dropping great tunes like they’ve always done. They’ve slimmed down to a four-piece, and whether that’s impacted the sound as a whole, it does feel like its tightened the ship a little bit, and even maybe subconsciously tying it back to their Austin days. For me, its like a discordant Spoon, maybe a Britt Daniels/Mineral mash-up. There’s definitely a push for a nice vocal grab, but the song revels in its ability to sound tight and ramshackle all at once. It’ll be interesting to see where they’re heading now that they’ve signed with Ramp Local, but you can be sure I’ll keep you posted.

Sharing That New Get Wrong Single

I know this track ran a few days ago, but I wanted to let it settle a bit, then pop up with a reminder. This new single is precisely why I’m so excited about Get Wrong, as it’s like the perfect tasty treat, waiting to be devoured on a Friday morning. Working with this dancefloor ready electronic pulse, Adam and Naomi trade lyrical lines back and forth with one another. They add in some texture with synth stabs and guitar licks, throwing it way back to some nostalgic pop sounds, albeit with their own brand of honesty. Seeing as the two were/are in some of the most joyous pop-punk acts, you can hear that joyousness in their new project, and its completely heartwarming; they drop Get Wrong on December 1st via Father Daughter Records.

Postal Blue Return with Chance Occurrence Single

After releasing Of Love and Other Affections around 8 years ago, Adriano do Couto and Postal Blue are back with a charming bit of classic indiepop. The track below is all about selling the pop hook; Adriano textures the song with a sentimental brooding to being, sucking you in emotionally, forcing you to digest the jangling guitars with glee. Suddenly, guitar notes feel a bit distorted, and its like you’re grabbing your best friend and swinging one another joyously about your room; there’s this natural frivolity you’ll feel if you’ve got the volume adjusted right. And back and forth, and back and forth, until you’ve been completely seduced all over again by craft. Do Couto promises this is just the first of many great singles to come in the next few months, so keep your ears out!

The Uptights Share The Unfinished Libretto, Drop I Was Dreaming

Having just been turned onto the Norwegian outfit The Uptights a few weeks back, I really had to push you to check their new I Was Dreaming release out; its this ripping brand of indie rock that’s continuously surprising from start to finish, even within a single song, like the one below. When it opens it has this sort of K Records ambiance, but with a bit more of a mess to it. Then, they spin this bouncing guitar line that’s insatiable, except just as you’re sinking into that hook, you’re met with a ripping growl that punctuates the band’s ability to spin sounds entirely at their own will. Hook-laden and dangerous, just like the whole of their new release! Stream it all HERE.

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