Surf Curse Shares Hour of the Wolf

It’s really hard not to fall in love with Surf Curse; they haven’t really dropped a bad note since they’ve burst onto the larger scene this year (they haven’t really set a foot wrong, period). Their latest single, as the video would hint, has this natural brooding to it; it’s both ominous and dreamy, with notes occasionally cascading off through the tune that allow for the flare of artistry. What really gets me is the faint quiver in the vocals; it’s both fragile and intimate, giving us the briefest glimpse into the soul of the duo. Their debut album Heaven Surrounds You is out on September 13th via Danger Collective, and if there was a band I was wishing success upon, its this bunch.

Rose Dorn Share Collar

I’ve been careful with Rose Dorn up until now, not quite sure if I would buy into the hype surrounding the super-young LA act; you can’t fall for everything from a town of smoke and mirrors. That said, some songs are just great songs, like their latest single “Collar.” This is sort of a downtrodden number, mood wise, but I was first struck by the layering of the vocals at the very beginning of the song; there’s something about it that’s both youthful and sort of ghostly, like it will haunt you forever. That is especially true when the chorus drops in and the band let the chords take a little more power on and build in the male backing vocals. Ultimately, they’re crafting these beautiful pop nuggets that seem so effortless, which is perhaps even more impressive considering singer Scarlet just graduated high school. They’ll drop their debut Days You Were Leaving via Bar None Records on August 23rd.

Bodega Return with Shiny New Model

When Bodega dropped their debut LP last year, it seemed, to me at least, like a refreshed version of early Parquet Courts; Ben Hozie had a similar delivery to the aforementioned, with the band walking the line between art/postpunk. Now here we are with the announcement of a fresh new EP, and at times, a fresh new sound. Ben still has that matter-of-fact lyrical delivery, though he seems to have softened the notes on the ends, stretching them into song. Guitars still have this sharp fuzziness, but there’s textured layers built in, supporting the band with this underlying pop sensibility. The brief instrumental starting right before the 1:30 mark might be some of the best bits the band have crafted to date; it’s clear they’ve really grown their sound, and I can’t turn this song off. It’ll appear on a new 8 song Shiny New Model EP, out on October 11th via some label called What’s Your Rupture.

Behavior Drop the Thirsty Garden

It seems like now is the perfect time for acts like Behavior to drop back into our consciousness; their new single “The Thirsty Garden” seems to take cues from the present batch of post-punk, while still brandishing its own distinctive flare. The first minute seems intent upon inviting you into the song, fueled by tension-building guitar and the indifferent cool of the vocals. Then there’s 30 seconds of angsty rising action that recalls (to me anyway) touches of Shellac or Fugazi, all waiting to be unleashed just after the 1:30 minute mark. From there, you get this odd time contract that throws you off, with this little gruffness at the 2:07 mark kind of hinting at a Paul Westerberg nod. It’s fucking cool, that’s what. The new record, Spirits and Embellishments comes out on October 18th via Post Present Medium.

Poppongene is Eternally Alone

Man, it’s only going to take a you a few seconds before you’re totally hooked on this brand new track from Poppongene. It opens with this seductive bounce that has you tapping your toes and bobbing your head, at least if you’re like me sitting at a desk this morning. Then, as the vocals come in, you can see some nice comparisons to like-minded Aussie, Stella Donnelly; the lyrics also share a similar sense of wit. This track’s all about falling for someone, of course, only when time allows for it. Had a lot of solid Australian hits up this week already, but this might just be my favorite? Try it on, will you? She’ll have a new EP coming out later this year!

Seazoo Share Throw It Up

We were really fortunate to have Seazoo play for us this past year at our last-minute SXSW party; we were treated to an energetic pop set that was equal parts entertaining and catchy. The band just returned with this fresh single, an early hint at what’s to come from their sophomore LP (which should be out early next year). At first you’ll want to give the whole of this number to the guitars and the vocals; they offer the most obvious hook for a listener. But, what I loved about the band, which is apparent here, are the extra little layers; there’s some nice keyboard/synth marks within this number, backing vocals come in at just the right places and the rhythm section might just be the best part! What I’m meaning to say is that this group is a whole lot of fun, and they’ve got the songs to match! If you haven’t already, please go check out Trunks, while we wait for their next LP!

Another Tune from the Golden Dregs

We’re just over a month away from the release of the next album from the Golden Dregs, thus today warrants another single from the project. I think those of you who have found yourselves fans of Cohen or Waits might find some comfort in the baritone voice of Benjamin Woods, much as I do; it’s got this effortless croon, like only the hippest of lounge acts. For me, the success in this song revolves around the contrast in all the guitar bits; there’s this heavy groove that drives through the track, though its intermittently juxtaposed with this funky guitar line boogieing through the tune. Thus far, this might be my favorite off Hope is for the Hopeless; it drops on September 27th.

New Tune from Stone Jack Jones

Stone Jack Jones has only been in my musical orbit for a few years; I had no idea who he was until our friends at Western Vinyl shared Ancestor (and later Love & Torture) with the world. He’s back with the forthcoming Black Snake, and for some reason, this new single just feels like home. It has the artistry and nostalgia I was raised upon by my parents, though a careful ear will reveal these textural layers that are quite fascinating; I’m quite fond of the way the backing vocals were recorded here. I could probably write an essay about how this melody or that note struck a chord with me, but really, I just want you to partake in this track, maybe you’ll find a bit of yourself inside. If so, Black Snake is out on September 13th via YK Records.

Mimico Offer New Haze

I often steer clear of the six minute song, at least when it comes to posting things on the site; some folks just don’t have the patience these days to indulge in what’s around them. But, this Mimico tune caught my ear the moment I heard it. While they’re psychedelic tendencies definitely unfold as the song traverses the galaxies, the core musical elements offer up this bopping bounce of dream pop that I can’t help but to encourage you to indulge…just a bit. This exploratory pop tune features on the band’s new album, Hi Action, out in October via Hand Drawn Dracula.

Hearts and Rockets Share Drama Club

You thought I’d only throw two Aussie tracks at you today? Wrong! I’ve got this brand new single from Hearts and Rockets, which is the latest single from the band’s forthcoming Power LP! I think the band’s personal description of crafting ‘brat-wave’ is the most fitting genre, especially when you give this tune a spin; Kalindy has this sharp snarl that’s packed with attitude and energy…the sort Karen O brought to the table in the early YYYs EPs. It all feels like synth-y post-punk, with an execution that carries built in charm and hooks; I love the bass groove that operates as the track’s backbone. Anyways…kick off the end of your day with some great attitude; Power comes out on August 23rd!

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