Outerhope Prep Vacation for Shelflife

What better way to head into the weekend than to receive new music from Shelflife Records; this time they’ll be working with Filipino group Outerhope for their first ever US release. The project is comprised of siblings Michael and Micaela Benedicto, who’ve turned to dreamy electronica to capture hearts. The opening moments have this twinkling keyboard line working over atmospheric washes, then the percussive element picks joins in to up the speed just a bit. Already, you’re captivated by the energetic number before Micaela entered the picture to layer warmth atop the track with her voice; she’s got a soft approach to deliver, allowing notes to sort of drift off her tongue and into the ether. Shelflife never has a miss when they release albums, and it looks like they’ve got a spot-on winner with Vacation; it drops on August 10th (with several limited color editions!).

Brand New Pia Fraus Album Announced

It’s been just about ten years since we’ve gotten a proper full length from Estonia’s Pia Fraus, but by the sound of it, it was well worth the wait. They begin their journey back with this beautiful entry into their catalog, opening up with a bit of dreamy pop, bordering on elements of shoegaze. Soon, the song opens up, allowing for the perfect duet vocal performance, calm and delighting. Somehow the song feels brief, yet so enchanting that I can’t help but press play over and over and over. They’ll be releasing their new album Field Ceremony on October 13th via Shelflife Records.

Premiere: Indiepop Goodness from The Holiday Crowd

holidaycrowdYou probably want to deny it at this point, but you love the Smiths. In a way, that’s important to note here, as there are some vocal turns in this brand new track from The Holiday Crowd that look at the Moz. Still, the musical quality provides you with a peppier spirit…the staple of great indiepop. I think at the moment as I play this tune, I’m finding all these little secret bits to love, such as the hi-hat work hiding beneath the mix at the throughoutthe song. Or, the “ha ha ha” that breaks out just after the 3 minute mark; this song is filled with bits of nuance that make the song last in your mind, like all great tracks. Shelflife Records will release the Holiday Crowd LP on October 21st, and it will sell out!

Stream This New Album From Ice Choir

171161_195338183814418_5234201_oLooking for the freshest of New-Wave pop? Look no further. The folks at Shelflife Records nevercease to impress me with their impeccable lineup of bands, and so I’m in no way surprised that this latest from Brooklyn’s Ice Choir is a breath of fresh air. Lucky for you, the band is streaming Designs In Rhythm in its entirety via Soundcloud, and you can take a taste of its crisp pop coolness below. Personally, I’m digging the huge sound and heavy percussion that is audible from track one. Take a listen and then don’t forget to go get yourself a copy of this album right here.

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Did You Buy the New EP from The Fireworks?

No? You didn’t get the new stuff from The Fireworks? What are you waiting for? The more the word gets out on the Black and Blue EP, the more people are going to be climbing over each other to get their hands on a copy. Like all great releases on Shelflife Records, they go quick, so you should head there now to grab a copy. But, in case you need more convincing, check this great old school style horror flick the group’s using to promote their latest single…it includes some grotesque murders, of the fun sort. Watch the video, love the song, grab it!

Fresh Indiepop from The Holiday Crowd

holidaycrowdIt’s probably best that I start off our Friday tunes with this recent number from The Holiday Crowd, although I think a lot of us can probably put it on our nightly playlist. I mean, that guitar sound makes it hard for me not to pull a “it sounds a lot like Orange Juice” card, but come on, there couldn’t be anything better…in my opinion. It’s got a little stomp, a little shuffle, ultimately making you feel good to be alive. So happy Friday and look for the band’s next release on Shelflife sometime in the nearest future.

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More Music from The Fireworks

fireworksI’m astonished that the Fireworks haven’t caught hold in the United States yet; they’re perhaps one of the best female-fronted guitar pop bands. Perhaps that’s because they include a bit of jangle, a bit of shoegaze and a DIY aesthetic. Wait. Those things are all really cool, and the Brighton group continue to prove they’re a force in the studio, even if you haven’t gotten a chance to listen to the band yet. You should start by going back and listening to Switch Me On, then you can bounce around some other recordings, all whilst getting prepped for their Black and Blue EP; it’s going to be released on a limited 10″ via Shelife Recordson July 15th.

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The Fireworks Strike Again!

unnamed-46Back in 2015, and probably before that, we became enamored with London/Brighton based band, The Fireworks, and their debut album,Switch Me On,which was all parts unabashedly fuzzy energy, jam packed into an album. Today, I’m quite pleased to share a new track from the band which is taken from an upcoming EP, Black and Blue,which the band will be releasing shortly on July 15th. The track is called “All The Time” and from the moment you press play, you know you’re getting into something special. The drums sound off like a countdown before those vocals and guitars kick in, giving the whole thing a 90s alt feel, but then as the track takes off, this genre is met with dueling vocals and snarling guitars that turn things into an even darker modern punk track. Take a listen and then go preorder that beautiful blue vinyl EP from ATH faves Shelflife Records…or else you’ll be missing out big time.

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More Music from California Snow Story

1300_1104601302925014_3769517267500157304_nWe tossed out the first single from California Snow Story not too long ago, but the release date kind of slipped by under the radar, so we should revisit now that there’s a new single and the release date has come! This song’s success lives in the trade-off between male and female vocal performances, and the rest, well, that succeeds on the careful craftsmanship that David Skirving has always placed in his songs. You can grab the new album, Some Other Places, right now from the ultra-reliable Shelflife Records.

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