Unwed Sailor Share Blue Tangier Single

Having just caught Mogwai play the other night, it seems fitting that I’m settling into my midweek with a fresh track from Oklahoma’s Unwed Sailor. Both bands have always operated in like territory, creating narratives within the realms of instrumental rock, much like this single below. At its start, it’s harrowing in a sense, synth notes washing over a thunderous riff, until the the lead guitar begins its journey. That journey sees a glimmer of light work its way into the track, telling a story of reaching out of the darkness to find comfort, which is where you are just after the 1 minute mark. Thundering noise sneaks in too, but it’s a reminder that there’s a natural ebb and flow to the tale coming through your speakers. If you’re into instrumental storytelling, you need look no further than Underwater Over There, out May 10th!

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.

Meet the SXSW Band: Holiday Ghosts

If there was one band I could pick on my “SXSW” to see list, it had to be Holiday Ghosts. I’ve adored the work for years, but like most acts, its hard to always get across the blue pond to play in the States, so hopefully we’ll be able to catch them this week! They’ve got a slew of unofficial shows, as they’ve backed out of the official part of the festival. They’re prepping for the release of their new LP, Coat of Arms, which I reckon is going to be chocked full of rad tunes. Check the shows after the jump!

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Maria Chiara Argiro Shares Light Video

I’ve really been enjoying this brand new track from Maria Chiara Argiro; it’s a beat heavy pop track, but there’s some experimental work in the empty space of the tune, illustrating the broad range of Maria’s approach to the craft. Listening through, the song works in movements, at times clean and open, at other moments, layer upon layer get draped atop one another to really push the sound to the next level. You can easily label it as dance music, but then you can hear where Argiro is pushing things to the next level. Closer is out April 26th via Innovative Leisure.

Aluminum Announce Fully Beat

Aluminum popped up on my radar a few years back when they dropped their Windowpane EP. But, today they’ve announced their brand new LP for Felte Records, with a sound that seems to sort of draw from the spirit of the Happy Mondays in a sense. You can dance and twist to it, but there’s a buzzing guitar that knife’s its way through the song’s entirety. All the while, the vocals get delivered with a bit of bravado and a bit of throwback to an almost post-grunge alt rock. Definitely looking forward to hearing how the rest of Fully Beat unfolds; the LP drops on May 24th.

Hanemoon Shares Single + Releases Rain or Shine

Had a hectic wrap-up to last week, so didn’t get to dive into all the albums that dropped on Friday. But, one that was definitely in my musical wheelhouse, that might have slipped under folks radar, is Rain or Shine from Germany’s Hanemoon. The record is filled with these lightly jangled guitar lines, offering up subtle melodies that allow to let the day drift outside, melodically bouncing down the sunny road. If you’re missing the sort of bright pop styles popularized by the Lucksmiths and the like, then you’ve got to pick this one up immediately. It’s available today from Jigsaw Records!

Cong Josie Drop New Single + Split with Hearts and Rockets

It’s Monday, and I’m a wee bit groggy from a late evening, but this new hit from Cong Josie is starting to wake me up just a little bit here. It’s got this stuttering beat, which honestly reminds me of some of later Liars stuff (or Austin’s Font); that magical pulse gets your body in motion, while the vocals crawl out from the depths of the groove. Those vocals at times seem almost swirling, which creates this disorienting effect, letting you completely just get lost inside. If you’re digging this, there’s a new split 7″ with Hearts & Rockets via Psychic Hysteria available now!

Last Week’s Jams (3.4 – 3.8)

Last week was crazy on our end, running around trying to get all the cool songs out, not to mention trying to cover some of the SXSW stuff we’d promise to get out from artists like Bodega and Smut. Ran a few solid premieres too, so be sure to focus on Magana and House of Heaven. You’ll also find new Lunchbox, Mirrorball, Good Looks and many more. Plus, Fantastic Purple Spots dropped a video HERE, so it gave us another chance to remind you of their gifts! Stream al the hits from last week below!

Oort Clod Announce Cult Value

Both Repeating Cloud and Safe Suburban Home Records has been turning us onto some special hits the last couple of years, and now they’re adding Oort Clod to the mix. When I pressed play, there was something that felt nostalgic in the vocals, like a nod to the 50s rock n’ roll my mother played around the house as a kid. With that nostalgia, how does the band make it feel modern? They coat the tune in swirls of jangling guitar lines that twist and turn behind those doo-wop style vocals; the song gives off this sort of lo-fi gritty pop that should put the Manchester outfit on your radar. They drop Cult Value on April 5th!

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