Month: May 2020

Pleased to Meet You: Croquis

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When a new band rises amongst the quality of Sweden, you clearly have to keep an ear out, which is how I came to you today with news of Croquis. There’s several layers to infatuation with the band’s sound, and I’ll put Wallentin Richardsson’s voice up front here; is gentle and wistful at times, but when pushed he seems to emulate ATH fave Hamilton Leithauser. But, as I found myself pulled into that trap, I began to notice the selling arrangements of the tune, from the constant hop of the cymbals to the swelling strings in the chorus; it all just felt like pure musical magic. The band will release their debut No Longer, Not Yet later this year via Feverish.

Ryan Jantz Prepares New EP

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Ryan Jantz has been writing tunes left and right, but as his career progresses, he seems to have perfected elements of his craft, promising a bright future. Imagine taking the style of Alex G or Elvis Depressedly and mixing it with the brevity of Tony Molina. The beat pushes the song steadily, though Jantz’s voice remains the calming force amid the pulse. He texturizes the vocals too, so they almost seem to have this faint weird warble, like something you’d hear on an early Elf Power track. He’s been working really hard, so looking forward to what’s in store on the next EP.

Capitol Announce New 7″

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Late last year I was super into Capitol when the Canadian band dropped Dream Noise, and here comes the band around the corner with this striking new single. It opens with this sparkling dream pop, accented by these dancing sharp guitar jangles. Suddenly the space opens up and Josh Kemps solemn vocals enter the picture, blanketing the dreamy ambiance in this indifferent sense of cool; his voice gets a little help by the appearance of ELIO, who really does add an extra melodic charm that playfully trades lines with Kemp. If you’re a fan of the track, be sure to grab the 7″ from Meritorio or Kingfisher Bluez; it’s out on July 29th.

Secret Shame Share Pure

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When we shared “Dissolve” a few weeks back, it definitely brought to mind New Order feels in the guitar work, but the B-Side for the new Secret Shame 7″ is a much more thought provoking piece. Drums beat heavily, washed by a glittering synth note; there’s all sorts of space awaiting the entrance of the vocals near the 1 minute mark. They notes feel thick, yet delicate, almost burdened in a sense; the surrounding arrangements craft this elegant dream pop vibe. As much as the song seems like its building towards this rewarding climactic moment, the band are smart enough to leave you wanting more, only encouraging you to listen time and time again. The Dissolve/Pure 7″ drops next Friday!

Constant Smiles Share You’re On Your Own

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This new track from the forthcoming Constant Smiles LP seems like the best way to kind of wrap up my coverage today. There’s this natural haunting sensation that seems to emanate from my speakers when I press play; the band have crafted this ethereal song wavering between dream pop and folk tendencies, with Ben Jones voice drifting through the song like some familiar ghost from past. Short and sweet, the seductive nature of the tune beckons, begging you to immerse yourself in their musical world. You can do so if you grab a copy of Control when it drops on June 19th via Living Waters Records.

Tram Cops Share Hometown

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When I imagine the sound of Melbourne, there is definitely an energy that comes to mind; I think that threw me for a loop when I first heard this brilliant new Tram Cops tune. In truth, it seems more fit to a back porch jam written here in our home of Austin, Texas. It’s this wispy little pop tune, bouncing along ever so carefully, drawing you in with little nuanced notes and sounds; see if you can hear the crickets. It’s just one of those unassuming tracks that gets stuck in your play rotation; it’s charming in its simplicity and rewarding listen after listen.

Protomartyr Share Michigan Hammers

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Admittedly, I haven’t quite boarded the most recent Protomartyr train; I know it’ll grow on me, but this is the first single where I felt excited for the LP. Honestly, I’m absolutely in love with the guitar sound; I love the way they just ring out discordantly, like they’re just tearing the fabric on your high end speaker covers. Joe Casey’s indifferent delivery is the calm in the storm here, settling the track as best as he can; there’s a nice middling section to, giving listeners a little reprieve, a chance to contemplate and reflect on the track. Their new LP Ultimate Success Today will be out on July 10th via Domino.

Check This New Eades Tune

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I’m so stuck on this brand new track from Leeds outfit Eades that I just had to share it with you all. Imagine falling in love with a band like Omni, then taking those angular little guitar notes and turning them into a softened smoother pop jam? Sounds pretty good, right? But, just because they’ve kind of polished the edges, doesn’t mean there’s still not a great urgency in the rhythm section to drive the bop feel home for listeners. I felt like the chorus also gave a nice little reflective pause that made the song supremely endearing. They’ll release Microcosmic Things on July 10th via Bam Bam Records.

New Luna Share Prunus

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We’re closing down yet another week of mostly stay at home times and the fantastic music continues to pour in from musicians with a ton of time on their hands. Today I am pleased to offer you an impressive new song called “Prunus” from Manchester based group New Luna. What I tend to look for in new music is stuff like this with, what I consider to be, a fresh and unique take on genres which can otherwise get cluttered. These guys will at times remind you of a late 90s indie rock band, but then add in elements of fellow UK bands like The Twilight Sad to create something they can really call their own.

 

Time Stalkers Share Plastic Flowers

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How does one take a 9 piece ensemble and turn it into a rock band? Well, perhaps you should ask the members of Time Stalkers, as they seem to be doing a pretty good job as you can hear with their latest single. The song owns a distinctive place in my brain, like a cross between power-pop and Tilly & the Wall; they definitely are using everything at their disposal to craft their tunes; I can hear bells, strings, horns and multiple guitars. I think my favorite thing, however, is just how organic the whole tune feels due to the mixing; it just feels like the magic was all captured on tape just for us. The band’s self-titled album will be out on June 5th courtesy of Gentle Reminder Records.

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