The Reds Pinks and Purples Share Fresh Track

As avowed fans of The Reds, Pinks and Purples, it’s our joy to encourage you to listen to the opening track from the new LP, Unwishing Well. When I first listened to this one, I was really impressed with Glenn’s vocal work; it still has that softness that makes his craft so charming, but there’s a bit of rawness here too. In a sense, the vocals almost feel pained, like he’s struggling as he narrates a story of humanity’s decline. Don’t get me wrong, you still get those sharp guitar lines throughout, with a bit of oceanic fuzz built into the back half. Offers a different glimpse into what we can expect when Unwishing Well drops on April 12th via Slumberland/Tough Love.

Lightheaded Announce Combustible Gems

We were floored when we first latched onto Lightheaded; they had this indiepop sensibility with a nostalgic girl-group charm. Today, that sentiment grows, as they seem to be furthering their sound, albeit with all the same charms as their early work. It’s quite difficult to really get into the norm-core descriptors; there’s a bit of paisely jangling going on, but sort of an art-pop croon that wouldn’t be out of reach from a Nico or Mary Weiss comparison. Still, even in that artistic realm, there’s an element of joyousness that seems to naturally seep through the craft, making it difficult to turn away from all their work has to offer. Prepare yourself for Combustible Gems, which is out on May 17th via Slumberland Records.

Lunchbox Announce Pop and Circumstance

Seems like just yesterday that Lunchbox dropped the most excellent After School Special, and today it seems like another batch of hits is on the way; they announced their new LP Pop and Circumstance today. Opening with a blast of horn work and thundering drums, the song has a jangling undercurrent that sets up the group’s pop drive. When the vocals come in, they’re delivered casually, using backing vocals to layer on a bit more melody; the horns continue to punctuate the song, blasting pop notes right through your speakers. It’s a short jaunt, but one that carries a dose of pop sharpness that might surprise. Pop and Circumstance drops May 10th via Slumberland.

Torrey Share Moving Video

If you follow the Oakland scene or Slumberland or just good pop music, then you’ve likely already penciled in the release of Torrey‘s new LP. Today we get another addition to their story, with “Moving” dropping a bit more dissonance into the picture. Just spending time with the guitar sounds might have you a bit uneasy; they seem to reverberate in the speakers, but almost as if they’re stuck, leaving you in a bit of a disoriented listening state. Still, there’s textured layers of atmospheric melody that allow you focus on the band’s pop sensibility once you’ve returned to your senses. The band drop their self-titled LP via Slumberland on March 8th.

The Reds, Pinks & Purples Share Learning to Love a Band

If you’re coming to this site to discover a new song or be reminded of a favorite act you’ve missed, then you’re likely going to find yourself in love with the new single from the Reds, Pinks & Purples. “Learning to Love a Band” can be seen as a track from both sides, as a fan fawning over their favorite act or as a person stepping into a new musical project. Either way, the subject matter is spot on for our site, and the musical element…the smooth softness of Glenn’s voice, the understated melody…you’ve been here before, and you loved the coziness, so feel free to learn to love this band all over. The new LP, Unwishing Well, will drop on April 12th via Slumberland/Tough Love.

Torrey Share Bounce Video

Have you pre-ordered your Torrey LP from Slumberland Records left? I can’t imagine they have too many left, particularly if you listen to their latest single. Their latest video plays right into their style, offering up images of water and waves, washing over a beautiful red ball, much like their music has this heavy wash of distortion and noise that cleanses you, leaving behind this beautiful beating heart of pop adoration. You could easily see them slide right into lineups featuring Alvvays and the like, then blowing everyone right off stage. It’s the perfect balance, and in that, they become the perfect band to weather any storm in your life. Sink into their sounds and go grab their self-titled LP, out on March 8th. And if you love the songwriting…there’s an added bonus as member Ryann Gonsalves also has an LP on the way of solo crafts–more info HERE.

The Reds Pinks & Purples Announce Unwishing Well

If I were to go full Kafka and build myself a chrysalis, I imagine that the fibers of said cocoon would be made up of the entirety of Glenn Donaldson’s musical catalog, particularly his Reds, Pinks & Purples project. Today, there’s the announcement of a new LP, Unwishing Well; I’m stuck here, drawn to this black hole that I know will crush me, grinning like a madman as it draws me into its depths. Let’s put aside the amazing vocals of Donaldson, because if you haven’t cozied up in that blanket, you’re listening to music wrong. Instead, I really focused on the way the song, whilst gentle, has great movement. It begins with an electronic wash working over a light strum, working with Glenn’s voice to sort of nip at your ears. His vocals get punctuated by the slightest thump in volume of the percussion, and as the tune moves, the gentle wash of atmospherics soaks up a more distorted sound; I love the way there’s a layered vocal on the refrain too as the track near’s its end. Honestly, there’s not a damn finer tune than this one. Unwishing Well is out April 12th via Slumberland/Tough Love Records

The Umbrellas Share One More Single

Fairweather Friend is out in a few weeks, so if you haven’t grabbed a copy of the latest LP from the Umbrellas, we suggest you get behind it, particularly for those adhering to the world of exuberant indiepop. Their last single before the new record rushes in with a furious roll of the drums before jangling guitar lines hit your eardrums. Success in this tune revolves around the band’s employment of juxtaposed harmonizing; vocalists trading back and forth then uniting creates a dizzying world of pop that’s begging you to get lost inside. Join us in getting lost in the new LP, which drops January 26th via Slumberland.

Torrey Share No Matter How + Announce Debut for Slumberland Records

It’s going to be a busy day on the Slumberland front, as there’s rumor of a fresh Umbrellas tune floating about today as well, but for now, let’s turn our attention to the label’s newest signee (that we know of), Torrey. With a handful of solid releases under their belt (check out Something Happy), the group present us with the first single from their self-titled LP. Hazy washes of guitar sweep you in immediately, letting the vocal melodies seep through the speakers; the tune would be a fine-enough track at this point. Yet, they’re not satisfied, jumping down on the pedals to hit you with a wall of noise, still centered around sweetened vocal delicacies. You’ll even find a nice little musical oasis in the middle, breezy and light, illustrating just how much work the band have put into these new songs. Torrey will be released on March 8th!

The Umbrellas Share Echoes Video

A few weeks back, when The Umbrellas dropped the spritely “Three Cheers,” I couldn’t be happier; it was the perfect taste of joyous indiepop to tease what was coming our way. Now, we’ve got the band turning a different note on “Echoes,” offering up a more solemn note, though tightening the band’s grip on pop sensibility. The hook on this one is all about the chorus where the guitars shuffle and the vocals try to play catch up, giving off this shimmering sparkle that overwhelms with emotion. And, just as you settle into the vibe, there’s a little guitar breakdown, opening into the male vocal role, serving as a little aside, but wholly fitting. It all leads to the exuberant bop that closes, with the vocals dancing on the notes and fulfilling all our wishes of joy. Fairweather Friend hits on January 26th via Slumberland/Tough Love.

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