Swim Team Share Are You Into Me

There’s something really special in the songwriting of Swim Team; there’s this ability to adhere to all the flourishes of indiepop, yet at the same time, sound wholly Australian. There’s a sweetness in the first half of “Are You Into Me,” that eventually subsides as the track pushes further forward, taking a turn just around 1.5 minute mark. The lyrical content here ties right into the title, but it feels even more personal for some reason. This is just a light-hearted way to start your day I reckon, so keep an eye out for Home Time on July 12th via Hysterical Records.

RVG Share Alexandra

A few years ago I claimed RVG the best band at SXSW; it was a year that acts like Shame, RBCF and Stella Donnelly really broke big…but for me, it was RVG. Romy Vager’s performances were nothing short of mesmerizing, fulfilling all my expectations having spent hours going through A Quality of Mercy. For me, that’s what I hear when I hear “Alexandra;” I hear the live performance, the passion in Vager’s voice. There’s this swelling in the song, a slight bit subdued, but I can picture the band unleashing that sonic blast in my face…and as my mind drifts I fall in love with this tune. This track is slated to appear on the group’s next album, and they’ve got a few N. American tour dates planned for June too (no Austin date, sadly).

Seablite Share House of Papercuts

Seablite aren’t strangers to this site, but it had been a minute since we’d heard the name until our friend pointed out that their new album is now up for pre-order! And, it’s possible I’ve completely missed this, but there’s this bubbling pop number that comes with that announcement. Opening up with those ringing jangle guitars is a sure-fire way to catch my attention, especially when the rhythm section kicks in a toe-tapping bounce. Vocals are hitting just the right note, aided by these delighting backing notes, purifying the harmony. Some fuzz kicks in around the 2 minute mark, just in case you weren’t aware of the band’s ability to rock…which I’m pretty sure ties into the album title, Grass Stains and Novocaine…you can get down and dirty and still be really sweet; it’s out June 7th via Emotional Response.

Lofi Legs Share Dreaming

A few EPs under their belt, and it sounds like Lofi Legs are set to drop their debut LP, Lamb. Our first listen is this lovable ditty that combines the playful with swelling harmonies mixed between real-life partners Maria and Paris. Aside from this slowly sidewinding guitar and recording fuzz, there’s really nothing else, yet that’s the magic the group share; they’re able to captivate listeners such as myself just relying upon simplicity and purity of melody. There’s this natural sense of longing, or perhaps yearning, that pervades the tune; one can only hope to enjoy the love penned on this number.

New Music from David Ivan Neil

I owe a big thanks to Kingfisher Bluez for shining a little light on David Ivan Neil; I didn’t know much about the Canadian songwriter, but I’ve now gone down a wormhole of his various tracks/albums since 2014 (it’s a brief but deep catalog). Today, I’m sharing his new tune from the forthcoming What Is Love LP, which will be put out by KB on June 1st. I’m drawn to the distinctive voice of Neil, as well as the simplicity of his lyrics here. He gets a nice counterpoint when Kristin Witko joins him on the number, allowing the listener just the slightest plot twist. Those of you loving stripped down songwriters, this is definitely up your alley.

Normil Hawaiians Get Reissue Treatment

One of the great things about the wealth of information at our fingertips, to me, has to be the discovery of acts long ago forgotten. And Upset the Rhythm, having already reissued More Wealth Than Money have opted to follow up that album by re-issuing What’s Going On, the 1984 album from Normil Hawaiians. This track, like the album, is just this sonic exploration pulled off in post punk fashion. It begins with what almost sounds like looped tapes, something we’re all familiar with by now…just before the guitar begins to ring through your speakers in that angular stomp. Vocalist Guy Smith enters the frame, wailing on the high (and is that a whistle?); it’s working in complete contrast with the propulsive rhythm section, yet it’s all tied tightly together. Later bits of the song get these little stabbing riffs cutting through the vibe, and then bam, we’re done. This is an intoxicating introduction to a group I knew little about.

Nervous City Nervous Self

David Josephson set his Nervous City Nervous Self project a lofty goal; he wanted to be Sweden’s Leonard Cohen. But, other than the poetic leanings and the deep vocal tones, Josephson is clearly branding his own pop adventure. There’s this gentle electronic pulse that moves the song forward; it’s right in long with countless other pop songwriters from Sweden…hook laden and easily digestible. A nice little piano touch rounds the track up, fading quietly into your Monday. In the video you get a trio of travels throughout the world, with a character I think we can assume is Josephson itself…watch below to see where he goes!

Stream Gone for Good by Smiles

If I had one thing I could bestow upon you all it would be the gift of the SLR30 Single Series…especially after this week’s installment news of Wildhoney…but that’s not just it…now we’ve got Smiles. This track is that perfect Friday tune, heavy-handed pop riffs blasting behind you as you cruise towards that pop sunset; the warm melody recalls the band’s home state of California, as well as a nod to Teenage Fanclub. The last 30 seconds are interesting, fusing a bit of classic rock vibes with these vocal tones that aren’t too far off from Elliott Smith’s croon. 30 years of great music, and lets hope it carries on for 30 more with songs like this one.

No Museums Share The Mail Train

Canadian outfit No Museums generally gives us something new to listen to each year, and it looks like we’re on the cusp of a new LP as the band have just uploaded a new tune/video. It’s definitely a track built upon the tension of the guitar chords, pushing the train (mail train?) along with very minimal percussive elements; they’re hiding out there in the woods while the guitar is up front in the mix. The vocals sort of hang in the middle of the tune, like traditional slow-core…not overbearing, but just audible enough for you to be hooked on the lyrics. It looks like The Artifact is Nothing is going to be a great guitar album; and there are hints we’ll hear it before May is up!

London Outfit Sleep Eaters Announce Debut EP

I don’t know what it is about this Sleep Eaters song, but I just can’t quit it; I think I’ve played the opening 50 seconds over and over again. It’s got this real early post-punk feel, almost as if Television decided they wanted to get gritty again for an instant. Then, we’re flipped upside down as this jangling garage bounce rolls its way right into the tune; there’s still that cool indifference to the vocal delivery, made even cooler in the brief delivery of the chorus. Bits of swagger, nostalgically huge riffs and angular guitar lines are a sure fire way into this fella’s heart; look for their debut EP via PNKSLM on later in 2019.

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