Supermoon and Soft Pop

supermoonSupermoon are going to be the next big thing, at least in my listening rotation. In fact, knowing that the members were part of Pups (which featured Rose Melberg) makes this all the more enticing. The Vancouver group has signed on to work with Mint Records, fresh off the back of their Comet Lovejoy EP. Our first listen to one of the track off their forthcoming double 7″ is as playful and carefully crafted as the best pop music can be. There’s a sincerity that’s often overlooked, with guitar chords seemingly picked with the greatest care. Look for their new Playland 7″ on May 20th.

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Pop Weirdness from Gregor

gregorThe sad truth of my life is that sometimes I take everything to seriously. And I mean everything. I forget to give in to emotion and silliness and let go…and then I hear something like Gregor. Oddly, I hear hints of Orange Juice, but mostly I just hear a pop musician willing to forgo modern cliches in order to make music that’s as weird as it is infectious. It’s just a reminder to let go and enjoy what’s coming through the speakers, and I definitely am digging the deep tones of Gregor’s voice. This track will appear on Thoughts and Faults, a collection of home recordings he’s releasing via Chapter Music on April 8th.

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Classic Pop from Red Sleeping Beauty

redsleepingAfter a long hiatus, Red Sleeping Beauty has picked things up over the last few years, culminating in the latest 7″ for Shelflife/Labrador. It’s just a careful wash of electronic joy, the sort that one millions of hearts on late 80s radio. Male and female vocals trade places over synthesized grooves, erupting in a soaring Spanish chorus laden with guitar working low in the mix. I suggest you go get your hands on this release before it’s too late to feel like you’ve fallen in love all over again; it’s available now!

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Night Games Score Pop Hit

nightThis songfrom Night Games hasbeen around for a few days, and I’ve played it consistently since then. The electro backing to the track doesn’t even tell the story; I was captured by the way the vocals are delivered in the opening verse. The first few lines are repeated joyously, hitting some notes I couldn’t dream to pull off (mostly because I have a gruff man-voice). Sometimes songs just sink in, and this one definitely has me feeling good today. How are you going to tell me you don’t like this track?

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SXSW Interviews: Carroll

CARROLL_011_PG (1)We hope with our interviews you guys are getting some exposure to a few acts you may not have known about coming in for SXSW. That’s the goal with these things anyway… It’s hard to believe that we are now under a week to go, but I’m finally feeling ready. Today let’s look at another band’s perspective on the festival from Minneapolis based group Carroll. Follow the jump for more.

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Plants and Animals Return!

img-plants-and-animals_113615648555Man I used to really be into Canadian group Plants and Animals several years ago and I honestly wasn’t sure if the band was still making music or not. You can likely now imagine my excitement when I just got word today that the band is making a return after a long 4 year absence. A brand new album is planned for release in the Spring featuring this awesome new single “No Worries Gonna Find Us”. It’s a stunning, driving pop song with a catchy hook and a nice beat keeping your head nodding throughout. Dig.

Waltzed in From the Rumblingis due out on April 28th via Secret City Records.

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Bright Pop from Boyfriends

boyfriendsBare with this track; I know the opening 30 seconds are a bit strange, but this new Boyfriends tune is definitely a fun bit of pop music to kick off the week. There’s angular guitar stabs accented by synth stabs. Vocals are delivered in an off-kilter manner, leaving listeners with distinct memories; hold on for the chorus too, and the voice gets some warm harmonizing by the best of the band. Pop music, and this brand of pop in particular, is meant to be fun, so sit back and enjoy yourself. Why so serious?

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Lo-Fi Pop from Reptaliens

reptalienIn my mind, lo-fi music is meant to sound intimate and personal, but the sounds coming from Portland’s Reptaliens is quite a bit more. Musically, you get the feeling it was recorded on the floor of the bedroom, filled in perhaps with some studio help, but the central theme of the song runs behind the calming delivery of singer Bambi. It’s the perfect blend of dream-pop aesthetics with an other-worldly recording, elevating the song to a certified hit; this song’s perfect for any time of day. Look for more from the band as they solidify the project in 2016.

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Some Psych Pop From Flaurals

unnamed (17)I could pretend I knew something about Denver based pop band Flaural prior to today, but I’d be lying through my teeth. I will however be giving the band my attention after hearing this bright new single entitled “Nonnie”. I’m reminded of bands like Yeasayer or even our old friends Suckers with a bit more of that psych vibe as the driving force. Consider me a fan starting right now.

Flaural will release their new EPOver Imaginary Cigaretteson March 12th.

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New Grace Vonderkuhn Tune

graceThe last time we heard from Grace Vonderkuhn she was blasting the distorted guitars through our ears on her self-titled EP. But, this new track sees Grace exploring some new ground, which definitely is holding tightly on to my ears. There’s a really simple beat that repeats throughout the track, holding the song in place; her voice has clearly been strengthened, bringing about pop notes that might not have been as evident on her earlier work. This song has me looking forward to what she brings to the table in the near future, so keep your ears peeled for more work from this 24 year old.

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