Rubblebucket Drop Earth Worship Video

Sure, I’m writing every day on this here site, but the real gig kicked off yesterday, so I’m gearing up to coach some 7th grade volleyball and teach some reading skills. For me, that means I obviously need a little pep in the step, which is where this Rubblebucket track comes into play. Honestly, once the vocal sample ends and the song slides into its groove, I was hooked. It begins with a soft spoken word over a thick beat, then spins itself off into a more euphoric pop burst; it reminds me a lot of that Methyl Ethel track from earlier this year, riding on the coattails of commercial pop, but unique enough to catch old indie curmudgeons like myself. But, if you’re still holding onto the snobbery, just listen to the finer details, filling the crevices with jazzy inflection and effortless cool…so back off, enjoy yourself. The band will released Earth Worship on October 12th via Grand Jury.

A Slice Of Something Divine With This Video From Tōth

I don’t care if you’ve already seen this video, I’m pretty much obsessed with it, so I needed to share. Tōth is the project of Rubblebucket’s Alex Toth, who is making some lovely tunes under this moniker. The latest of these tunes is “No Reason,” which is accompanied by this incredible illustrated video from artistAmanda Bonaiuto that I could honestly, and have, watch all day. Bathed in pastel colors and sychronized animals, the video is utterly captivating, as is the song that Tōth has crafted. It begins as a slow march, with twinkling subtle piano, light strumming, and these silky falsetto vocals that bathe the whole track in this easy calm. Calm, yes, but also utterly engaging lyrically, as we’re serenaded about a longing for bliss and sincerely this track gives that very sensation. About halfway through this lone trumpet chimes in and its solitary, muddy sound is so striking in the mix before it’s joined by the rest of the elements, including choppy hand-clap-esque percussion, for its orchestral climax. Take a peek and fall in love.

 

Sweeping Pop from Kalbells

I hadn’t even heard of Kalbells until today, though I was aware of Kalmia Traver’s other project Rubblebucket. Despite having battled cancer, and the remaining fear that accompanies that fight, there’s an uplifting spirit to her new work. Traver’s vocal performance alone has this sweeping polish to it, sailing above light string stabs and whistles. The song’s construction really adds these dense layers that aren’t apparent on first listen, but the more you listen it only makes the track all the more endearing…is it the bells, the synths, the whistles? Who cares, it’s simply great. Look for Ten Flowers on July 14th via NNA Tapes.

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Infectiously Funky Pop From Rubblebucket

rubblebucketThere’s a chance you’ve already seen this track somewhere around in internetland, but if you missed it, it’s time you take a listen. Rubblebucket are an ‘indie-sweat-pop’ group out of Brooklyn that have got a real gem of a track for you to jam to.”If U C My Enemies,” embodies the idiom of ‘being the bigger person,’ or perhaps, more topically, ‘when they go low, we go high.’ The horn riffs that jump straight out at the top of the song and cap things off at the close provide the perfect bookends of funkiness to the heavily percussive track. It’s pure pop, sure, but damn it if those handclaps and scream-along chorus hasn’t gotten me singing with them.

This track is taken from the band’s upcoming EP with the same title, which will be out January 20th.

 

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