More New Music from Hayman Kupa Band

haymankupaI recently wrote about how prolific Darren Hayman has been, having just released a new single for Fortuna Pop. Now he’s back with the Hayman Kupa Band, comprised primarily of he and Emma Kupa of Mammoth Penguins/Standard Fare. Emma opens up this new track claiming “I’m an asshole,” which is the self-deprecating humor that pervades the song, though it’s truly a song about longing for a partner. It’s hard to turn away from this sprite-ly tune…in part because it’s so great, and also because these two have been such a huge part of my listening as of the last few years. I particularly love Emma’s vocals just around the 2 minute mark. Enjoy this track, and keep your ears peeled for more from the band.

Bedroom Pop from Reptaliens

reptaliensWhile initially thought this track would have fit perfectly in a John Hughes film, it’s still perfectly aligned with where a lot of music is coming from these days. There’s a natural softness to this new song from Reptaliens, subtly touching the song up with light keyboard touches and saxophone washes. I love that it just sort of hangs out there in the world, floating carefully through my ears, leaving me enchanted. I definitely dig this sound, and look forward to the band’s new EP, which is slated for release later on in July.

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Low Key Pop from Few Bits

fewbitsMusically I’m all over the place today, but I think this Few Bits would fit in any day in my listening rotation. There’s a dreamy quality that I don’t ever deny myself, with a sultry vocal and that lightly sparkling guitar note. For me, I think the song really takes off during the chorus, as the vocal comes across at it’s strongest and most emphatic. I appreciate that there’s no pressure in this song, no huge wall of tension I’m waiting to hear crash, just consistently pleasant vibes that I can’t escape. This song appears on the group’s new album, Big Sparks.

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New Music from Popincourt

popincourtSome bands play by their own set of rules, pulling in a slew of influences that don’t necessarily resonate with the modern trends. But, in the case of Popincourt, brandishing such an approach sets one apart from their peers, allowing them to rise to the top of the game. For my two cents, there seems to be a part mod, part pub-rock nod on this new single, with a hint of traditional pop sensibility. The brevity of the song allows for maximized enjoyment from the get-go, and giving mixing credits to Ken Stringfellow never hurt anyone around these parts. The new album from the project is called A New Dimension to Modern Love, and it’s being released on May 27th via Jigsaw Records, so you know it has the ATH seal of approval.

Smoky Pop from Cerise

ceriseI already fell in love with the first Cerise single, and I think this one might be even better. There’s a smoky tone to the vocal delivery, but I hear a slightly psychedelic influence, from the guitar approach to the tambourine jangling in the background. I suppose you can say there’s a sultry note, almost sexual, but I think that diminishes the construction of the song itself. Hearing this single has me more amped for the final release of Smoke Screen Dreams, as it sounds like there will be enough movement within the sounds of the album to keep it wholly interesting throughout. Check it on June 24th.

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New Music from Her’s

hersI love a good baritone. While I’ve never actually used it musically, I’ve got a frighteningly deep voice, so it’s good to see that like-voiced individuals can make great pop. This track from Her’s is really great in that fashion, though I like the casually infectious groove that rolls throughout the rest of the track. The tones create this sense of longing, this sense of dreaming, which provides the emotional escapism that many of us look for in our tunes. This track is released on a limited 7″ today, so get it while its hot.

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We’ve Got Retail Space!

retailspaceRetail Space is a pair from Brooklyn brandishing catchy pop music that you won’t want to turn off. While the band play upon the trading melodies of male and female vocals, they aren’t one to sound like too many of their contemporaries; I, for one, really like the energy that they’re kicking out. Like the best hits, the chorus is perfect for singing along, and the propulsive nature of the synth work builds you towards that emotional release. They’ll be releasing In the Lotia this June, and this our first listen…and what a listen it is.

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Brooding Pop From Stillwave

StillwavePrior to right this minute I knew not one thing about Netherlands based pop group Stillwave, but I’m looking to change that starting now. Our introduction to the band is this awesome and unique new single “What Have You”. What we have here is a brooding sort of pop song full of darkness and some extremely heavy vocals unlike any other you’ve likely heard before. I think you’d be hard pressed to find this interesting and delightful take on pop music anywhere else. Stay tuned as a new EP is apparently coming soon.

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Nice Bit of Pop From Still Parade

stillAs I hit play on this new Still Parade song for the third time today, I’m finding more and more to like with each new listen. We’ve posted about the band in the past and I’ve find some things to like here and there, but I feel as though this is the most complete tune I’ve heard so far. It flawlessly melds things like synths, hushed vocals, and one hell of a beat to create a truly memorable pop sound. Check out “Chamber” below and let us know what you think.

Concrete Visionis coming on June 3rd via Lefse Records.

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Prep Yourself for Blue Jeans

bluejeanscover-320x320When a band lists Comet Gain, The Rentals and Go Betweens (among others) as influences or approved acts you should like, I’m going to get behind them, which is where I started with Blue Jeans (who formerly went by Santa Monica Swim and Dive Club). The group is prepping the release of their debut for Jigsaw Records (also personally approved); it’s titled Songs Are Easy. On the group’s fist singe from it begins with an indiepop stomp, but I can hear some of the singer Tim Sendra’s folkier influences dangling out there until accompanying vocals via Heather Phares carry you into a more blissful arena. This thing’s all warm-fuzzes all the time; look for the debut on May 6th.

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