Wet Dip Release Rollercoaster Single, Announce Smell of Money

Please don’t let the soulful twenty seconds that greets you upon pressing play sway you on Austin’s Wet Dip. Because, as soon as you think you’ve pinned down pop, the start gun fires off and the group rushes out the door, spurred on by a frantic bassline and snapping bit of drum work; the rapidity creates this emotional anxiety as you’re barely able to keep up with the band. But, for a moment, they offer you respite, giving you a final warning of their tenacity, reminding you that the rollercoaster is about to speed off, so it’s best to follow safety precautions. As they push you towards the close, things begin to get erratic, guitars skittering here and there, cymbals crashing, hurtling us all towards an abrupt halt, fading back into a pop snuggle at the end. Smell of Money, their new LP is out on November 10th via Feel It Records.

The Laughing Chimes Share New Music

We were out and about on Friday when these fresh tracks from the Laughing Chimes dropped, and as always, the young band have an intoxicating sound that continues to blossom and wear varying shades. You get one fresh tune, and one that’s a cover of The Ocean Blue‘s “Ballerina Out of Control.” On their new tune, press notes jangling sounds with gothic undertones; I can hear bits and pieces of Felt in the guitar sound, and any number of darkened goth voices to spin in the vocal presentation. In terms of the cover, I love the way the vocal turns lighter, reflective and light, working to fit perfectly in between the sharp notes that ring from the guitar. It feels like trio is onto something really really special, so hopefully their label Slumberland keeps us in the loop!

Summer Sleep Share I Don’t Think I’m Meant to Be Saved

Austin band Summer Sleep typically bring you a darkened blend of lo-fi pop, blended with washes of atmosphere to kind of set you in the mood. But, on the latest single, they almost peel everything back aside from the voice and the strum of the guitar. Attaching that sort of intimacy to the track allows the listener to get swallowed up by the emotional appeal; it also gives us a glimpse at the band’s songwriting process, giving us a peek before the band build in the layers. Just a light way to enter into Monday’s listening.

Snailosaur Release L Train Single

It makes sense that this new Snailosaur single came my way this week, as I was able to catch other guitar oriented acts like Karate and Codeine, and while not exactly in line, there’s some similarity in the construction of the band’s latest track. For starters, you’re going to get far more musicianship than vocals, as the group flexes their playing, putting more emphasis there than perhaps in the way the vocals come across. In speaking of the vocals, they’re mostly delivered indifferently, little pieces of poetry to fill your ear as the snappiness of the drums kick the pace on, spurring the song’s spirit. If you’re into the groovier side of acts like Pinback and Built to Spill, be sure to stick around until the end!

Steven Van Betten Shares Ideal Day, Drops Friends & Family LP

We’ve been covering Steven van Betten‘s latest release pretty nonstop as singles roll our way, and today you’ll get to hear the record in its entirety, but wanted to spin one more focus track your way. This is one of the briefest tunes on the album, but the way van Betten comes out of the gate with this really light vocal over carefully picked strings really stuck with me; it’s got this great joy that’s really indescribable. Then, as if that wasn’t enough, the song slowly adds in a sprinkle here and a sprinkle there, adding texture that grows the song before your eyes, like some magical video of a flower going from seedling to full bloom. Be sure to check out all of Friends and Family today, courtesy of Future Gods.

Fleur Bleu E Share Waterfall Springs Video

One of the surprises of my year has been the debut LP from Paris outfit Fleur Bleu-e; they just dropped Unrequited Love last week, with this new video popping up for the album’s lead track. Of course, I’m always a sucker for a twinkling guitar chord, such as opens this song, kind of letting the melody sparkle and fade in the distance; it sets the perfect scene for the vocal to walk right on in with this smoky suavity. Whereas other acts might rush the guns here, I love the pensive nature that lurks in this tune, keeping a certain amount of space so that you can feel the track twirling all around you. Be sure to check out the rest of the LP HERE.

New Single From Hoorsees

Parisian quartet Hoorsees have continued to impress over the last few years with their evolution into a truly French, indie pop/rock beast. New single “Ikea Boy” expertly displays this growth with hints of Strokes style guitar riffs playing over delicate touches of baroque pop. Of course the new single comes with the announcement of an anticipated new record entitled Big, which is due out on January 12th via Kanine Records. Ya dig.

The Umbrellas Announce Fairweather Friend, Share Single

If you missed the Umbrellas after their stellar debut, you can rejoice today, as the band announce their brand new LP, Fairweather Friend. It’s slated for release next January, but for now, they’ve offered to tease us with this delightful bit of classic indiepop sounds, albeit with a slightly heavier weight to it. The rhythm section feels heavier, perhaps matching the vocal tones, but if you listen to the guitar jangling in there, it almost reminds you of the chorus of a number of Heavenly tracks…not a bad thing. They do take a bit of a momentary respite in the song’s middle to spin some classic pop songs so as to give you a rush from the sugar high, but then just as quickly spin it right back your way. Slumberland Records/Tough Love will drop Fairweather Friend in January

Glimmer Release Fresh Single, Place in the Sun

After putting the past with his old band behind him, it’s great to see that Jeff Moore’s songwriting hasn’t changed all that much. I’ve always been a fan of the way he’s balanced rocking guitar sounds with a need for a bit of calm to run through a track’s center. With his new project, Glimmer, he’s not straying too far from that formula, although they’re brandishing an even heavier sound, echoing with atmosphere in the background. You can hear it here, but again, you get a nice little dose of melody that keeps the track tethered to your ears. Turn it up and your ears will ring, but as the song comes into focus, you’ll find yourself locked into that Jeff Moore charm. Hoping we get more from the group real soon.

Flat Party Shares Glances in the Dark

We’re getting ready for that lil’ festival this weekend, but that certainly doesn’t mean that we will stop dropping the random banger here and there. My jam of the day comes from the London based group Flat Party and their brand new tune “Glances in the Dark.” I love how the track melds this sort of post new wave style with a more twee pop vibe. Brings to mind an image of melding Mystery Jets pop influence with something more sinister like Death Bells. It’s a jam.

Flat Party will release this track as part of their debut, self-titled EP due out on January 19th via Submarine Cat Records. Pre-orders are live now.

1 26 27 28 29 30 169