Itasca Returns with Imitation of War

The last time I remember hearing anything from Kayla Cohen’s Itasca project was pre-pandemic, so it’s been a few years since we’ve gotten anything fresh. That all changes today with the announcement of Imitation of War, along with the title track from the LP. Cohen’s voice is a marvel, somewhere between a modern day chanteuse and a classic sixties folk troubadour (Baez keeps popping up in my brain!). Still, the song wouldn’t have as much impact without the delicate guitar sounds that twist and turn through your speakers; there’s almost an ethereal nature to it, allowing the song to drift in your subconscious. The video incorporates that hint of mystery, while also including all the players on the latest LP. Imitation of War is out February 9th via Paradise of Bachelors.

Mega Bog Share New Weirdo Pop / Jazzy Single

Nathan’s been a fan of Seattle’s Mega Bog for a long long time, but with this new track/video for “For The Old World,” they’ve definitely earned a new fan over here. This video is medieval inspired, and the grainy, strange happenings that go on in the duration match the jazzy, eclectic pop of Mega Bog. The vocals are both breathy and soft and then soaring and full– I love the smoothness of the percussion that remains throughout the whole track, even when it’s coming to its epic climax towards the end. If you were somehow like me and slept on Mega Bog till now, remedy the error of your ways with this rad video below and get ready for the upcoming LP,Dolphine, which will be out on June 28 via Paradise of Bachelors.

New Ballad from Jennifer Castle

I feel almost obligated to write about Jennifer Castle‘s new single, at the very least due to its title, “Texas.” Musically, its quite entrancing as well, with hints of classic soul vibes peaking through the folkish sentiment. The playfulness of the video is accentuated by the careful percussive qualities of the tune, as do the “ooh ooh” backing vocals. I always appreciate a musician who can so seamlessly straddle genres, as Castle does here…only furthering the musical charm. Her new album, Angels of Death, will be released on May 18th courtesy of Paradise of Bachelors.

 

Have a New Nap Eyes Video

Just about a week or so away from the release of the new Nap Eyes album, and they drop another great tune/video. Listening through this track, the structural elements are quite similar to the earlier singles we’ve heard, but I’m stuck on Nigel Chapman’s vocal performance; he stretches in charming fashion to reach high notes, then swings em’ back with a deeper crone. There’s even a nice little guitar jam near the end, but for some reason even that can’t distract me from Nigel’s voice; I keep wanting to call him the male Hope Sandoval…there, I said it. Whatever, I’m Bad Now is out March 9th on Paradise of Bachelors, and it’ll be great.

Another Nap Eyes Single

Don’t know what else I could say about Nap Eyes that I haven’t talked about in the last several years, or even the last several posts about the group. There’s something in the casual aspirations of the group that make them so endearing; they’re not out to breakdown musical barriers, they’re here to give you the best songs possible. On this new tune I love the sparkling little guitar, and the little guitar solos, charming as ever. They’ll be releasing I’m Bad Now on March 9th via Paradise of Bachelors.

Nap Eyes Return with New Album

Last October, Nap Eyes blew into Austin on the backs of Alvvays; I hoped, and prayed, that people would show up early, remembering the perfect morning when I caught their set in a small room during SXSW the year they dropped Thought Rock Fish Scale. Today they return with news of a brand new record, and our first taste leaves off exactly where we left the band. The vocals are given in almost haphazardly spoken manner, and I love how strong they are in the front of the mix. What I didn’t expect, and am appreciative of at this moment, is how crisp the guitar licks sound on this track…even when ramped up to jangling speed. The band are set to release I’m Bad Now via Paradise of Bachelors on March 9th.

 

Enjoy the Latest from Gun Outfit

Something about this song feels like home. Gun Outfit have undoubtedly played a role in my at home listening, but this one has this general feeling of safety and welcome. Perhaps being a Texas has something to do with it, but the lyrical trading between male and female vocals almost has a familial storytelling vibe, while the guitar paces about your speakers. Some songs just have that ability to wrap you up in that security blanket, allowing you to immerse your soul in song…and that’s where this song carried me. The group will be releasing Out of Range on November 10th via Paradise of Bachelors.

Enjoy New Music from Gun Outfit

It always seems weird to me that Gun Outfit isn’t living in Texas…though the same could be said for parts of New Mexico, Utah or Arizona. They craft this intelligent Americana, seemingly rooted in the vastly barren expanse of Western America. Sure, there’s country/folk leanings, but on this latest single, the musical unfolding seems to create a broad horizon…a lonely road heading deep into the orange mesas with a car packed full of the band members. I want to be in that car, I want to listen as the wind whispers…but most of all, I want to hear the group’s entire new record, Out of Range; it drops on November 10th via Paradise of Bachelors.

Stunning New Tune from Jake Xerxes Fussell

The history of the furniture man runs deep through the heart of the South, appearing in various blues traditions, but Jake Xerxes Fussell gives it his own spin on this new single. You’ll hear slide guitar and careful picking throughout the tune, but in a ballad such as this, the power of the voice is what really shines. Fussell has this deep tone, but there’s a few notes where you can hear him pushing himself, straining to get every drop of emotion from within onto this recording. Hopefully you’ll find some comfort in such a strong outing, and if so, look for Jake’s new album, What in the Natural World, via Paradise of Bachelors on March 31st.

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Start Thursday with Folk from Itasca

itascaThursday’s always seem like the worst days for me; you’re over the hump, but not quite to the weekend…it’s always been my slowest day. So, this new song from Itasca seems the perfect way to begin the day. Slide guitar is draped over careful guitar strumming, well-placed bells and the voice of Kayla Cohen. It’s a calming piece, and in being such, it allows you to ease into your day, start off things on an even keel. Plus, it comes with news that the project will release a new album, Open to Chance, on September 30th via Paradise of Bachelors.

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