Last Week’s Jams (2.26 – 3.1)

As we ramp up towards SXSW, things have been in full swing over at the ATH camp. We ran a bunch of our “getting-to-know-you” interviews with the Ophelias, Jess Cornelius, Tigercub and Native Harrow. But, we also covered a shit-ton of new music that’s worth revisiting, if you’re up for it. Our old friends Blushing dropped a new tune from their next LP, plus we got to hear more from Dancer and Torrey in relation to their new releases. Long time ATH faves like Mo Troper and Rosie Tucker made an appearance too, with each having their own new records on the horizon. Plus, a bunch of other greats like Red Sleeping Beauty, Klaus Johann Grobe, Non La and more…so dive on in.

Non La Shares Take Care Video

When DJ On put out the first Non La LP, it was filled with poppy guitar hooks and constant energy. But, as they prepare for the release of Like Before, it’s becoming clearer that DJ has really changed up the approach to songwriting. Upon pressing play, there’s nearly a minute of building, courtesy of DJ’s voice softly walking through your speakers. Then, drums tap and the song takes a march into a slow swing of light guitar pop; there’s something more pensive in the craft, perhaps owed to On’s reflective mood through the new LP. It’s changed my own perspective in the way I hear the music, but I’m looking forward to digesting the personal narrative and experiences the LP will offer; it drops via Mint Records on March 29th.

Last Week’s Jams (1.22 – 1.26)

Another busy week, and 2024 is just chock-full of really incredible tunes. Some of my favorite acts like Rosie Tucker and Red Pinks and Purples popped up with fresh tunes to warm us over, so that was a bonus. Plus, the site got to hose a bunch of premieres from Jay Alan Kay, Ryann Gonsalves and Al Harper, hopefully turning you on to what we think is cool. Bubbling under are rad tunes from from Non La, True Green and Corridor…actually every tune we ran was kick ass! Plus, ATH Records dropped Vibrations Now from Fantastic Purple Spots, so you win by streaming below to catch the title track.

Non-La Announces Like Before LP + Shares Hurtful Single

My daughter and I loved Non-La‘s last LP, Not In Love (she loves the pink cover). As much as I adored that LP, it sounds like DJ On has completely upped the ante, as cliches go. If you give this bran new single a listen, you’ll have a hard time turning the other cheek to these tasty little pop morsels. Something in the songwriting reminds me of early Weezer, or perhaps more recently, Tony Molina, toying with the soft/loud dynamic as riffs and melody mosh together in the pit of the tune. Just listen to that cascading guitar riff in the chorus and tell me you didn’t just swoon a bit! Like Before is the title of the new record, and it looks to win you over on March 29th, courtesy of Mint Records.

Last Week’s Jams (11.27 – 12.1)

I know Spotify is the devil, so please pass judgment knowing that I know it’s the devil, but I can’t turn my back on the beast…not to mention, the ease of access for everyone, which is where Spotify dominates the market. Alas, yes, I’m using Spotify for my playlist…until Bancamp offers me something better, but even they can’t be trusted anymore! So, I’ll just wrap up last week on my one! ATH Wrapped! We covered a lot of music, with some heavy-hitters like Real Estate, JAMC and Ducks Ltd. popping off with new stuff. There was a ton of tuneage from Australia: Pop Filter, Sachet, The Brights, Alluvial Nuggets and Good Morning. Plus, I’m flipping a coin between the Umbrellas and Bolis Pupul for my fave track of the week. What’s yours? Find out below!

Non La Signs to Mint Records, Shares New Single

A few years have passed since Non La release Not In Love, which is one of my daughter’s favorite records to grab off the shelf (she’s really into pink!), so I was really pleased to hear that DJ On has signed his project on to work with Mint Records. Listening through this single, you can definitely hear the slight change in direction DJ, mostly as it feels a little more minimal upon the first minute or so. Still, the track certainly explodes, giving you that hook-laden punch that drives home all lyrical content from On. Visually, the video pays homage to the moments of “queer joy, love and tenderness,” hopefully shining a ray of light through the darkness of our times. There’s a new record in the works, but for now, you’ll have to just enjoy the hell out of this track.

Non La Hosts at Home Concert Footage

One of my favorite releases this year was the Not in Love LP by Non La, which was released by trusted labels Lost Sound Tapes and Kingfisher Bluez. We’ve covered various singles, but as we’re all clamoring for live music at now, DJ has opted to reward his fans with a home concert you can watch again and again! All five tracks performed live can be found on the supremely rewarding Not in Love LP; I like that DJ even leaves in just a touch of the on-stage banter; it’s like we’re all right there living the show with him. I think my favorite jam of this bunch is “YR Man,” though I’m also partial to “Come On.” Just needed another excuse to hype Non La, and here it is!

Non La Shares Wait 4 You Video

If you haven’t gotten to listen to Non La‘s debut Not in Love LP, then this is your chance to correct your mistakes. It’s a refreshing pop rock record that reminds me, to a degree of the early Diet Cig stuff. It has that same infectious quality, and a simplicity that allows for the earnestness of the songwriting to sparkle in the forefront. There’s just something about no frills good old fashioned rock n’ roll, and its on full display in this video, only furthering my belief that you’re life will be infinitely better the moment you take a chance to grab the LP from Lost Sound Tapes and Kingfisher Bluez.

Another Hit from Non La

Near the end of last year we heard the first tune from the Not in Love EP from Vancouver’s Non La; I was struck by the earnestness of the tune, but also how brazenly catchy the track was. Here’s another tune off said EP, equally hook-laden as the first tunes we heard. There’s just something freeing about everything DJ On is writing at the moment; I can just envision going to a show and bouncing up and down around the club, screaming at the top of my lungs along with everyone else in the room. These are sing-a-long hits that make you feel good about the world, so go ahead, make the world yours today. The whole EP is out on February 14th via KingfisherBluez/Lost Sound Tapes.

Pop Rock from Non La

Two things I love are when your favorite labels team up to work on something; you generally know something great is in the water. In this case, Kingfisher Bluez and Lost Sound Tapes have united to bring this great pop rock LP from Non La your way, and what a single to kick things off. It starts off with this sort of Sandy Alex G solo work, just a solid voice and a guitar line; even at its simplest, you’re intrigued. Then, gang vocals join in the fray, teasing for a second before the song jumps off to pure infectiousness; I don’t know if it’s the stuttering of “r-i-ght” or the the gang singing along, but there’s nothing that can make this track any more fun. Not In Love will be dropped on February 14th, and you can pick between vinyl and tape!