The Brights Share New Single, Prep New LP

I have never been to Australia, but there’s something that seems linked to the American West in a lot of the songwriting, which definitely felt like the case with this new single from the Brights. Honestly, and I know there’s tons of debate about, but the light guitar strum that kicked the song into gear definitely feels like some Workingman’s Dead era rock songwriting. It’s sunny and sharp, but mellowed by the softened percussion and relaxed presentation. Plus, there are delightful vocal hooks in here, whether call-and-response or just regular old school backing vocals…it’s all charm. With this hit, the Sydney based group announced that they’ll be releasing a new LP, Oyster Rock, in December via Meritorio Records.

Sonny and the Sunsets Announce Self Awareness Through Macrame

Another bit of great news from one of my favorite songwriters, Sonny Smith. Sonny wrote a majority of the songs, like the one below during the pandemic, then went back and added in friends and touches to make it a proper Sonny and the Sunsets record. I love the light-hearted guitar jangle that bounces throughout this tune, giving off a ray of sunshine and bounce that’s immediately accessible to any old pop fan. Plus, you get some great organ work that adds an extra textural layer of depth to the song, building in extra bits of charm. Self Awareness Through Macrame will be out on September 1st via Rocks In Your Head Records.

Lou Rebecca Shares Video for Waiting

B Gray and I are both pretty high upon Lou Rebecca, and to be honest, the act has been quietly making waves in Austin for some time. This track is something special, giving us a little bit of the duality that’s presence in the project’s work; you get both the native French tongue of Lou Rebecca, but also the accessible English. I think the special thing on the musical side is how her vocals have this breath-y quality, like last pop gasps, punctuated by the electronic work of Missions. The track will appear on her debut LP, Restless, which is being released by the fine people of Holodeck Records.

Blasting Rock from Frail

12472803_1674740646109481_2095567835399816333_nTell your ears to hold on, the distortion level runs high with Frail. But, that being said you’re likely to fall in love with the band’s blend of melody and heavy riffs. There’s some resemblance to Teenage Fanclub (or Growl if you’re in Austin), though these guys play a bit louder, and perhaps a bit more youthful. Sounds like they just want to turn their guitars up as loud as possible and invite you have a bit of fun with them. This tune appears on the band’s forthcoming debut EP, which will be released on May 13th via Fleeting Youth Records.

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