Month: September 2021

Cool Friday Album Streams: Smoke Bellow, Hits, Sweet Nobody and TC Superstar

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I’ve been posting a whole lot of singles and stuff this week, mostly because I like to over-indulge and see who is listening. No one, apparently. But, why not wrap up this week of working harder than I ever have before by sharing some cool records I liked that drop today? Yeah? Ok.

Smoke Bellow – Open for Business (Trouble in Mind)

If you’re into that new Dry Cleaning album (and you should be), then see how far this Baltimore outfit can take that sound…pushing to a weirder, albeit synthesized, world. Like Kraftwerk covering Dry Cleaning at a Halloween party for art school kids.

Sweet Nobody – We’re Trying Our Best (Daydream Records)

I’ve written about every single on this album, and could easily make comparisons to the likes of the Beths or Alvvays…all good things. If you’ve got a sweet tooth and need something to snack on, press play.

Hits – Cielo Nublado (Paisley Shirt Records)

You ever wonder what Sarah Records would sound like if they got transported to the future about 20 years? Well, pretty sure that Hits have given you the answer to that question, so if you’re looking for ramshackle pop, you’ve come to the right place!

TC Superstar – As Seen on TV

Austin’s dance party drop their latest record today; it’s 9 songs of catchy hooks ready for you to invite your friends over for the night to celebrate the joys of life. Stomp about until the neighbors complain about the noise.

Low Life Announce From Squats to Lots: The Agony and XTC of Low Life

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Sorry to inform you that this week is indeed Goner Records week, as the label have announced yet another banger of a tune, along with the announcement of the new Low Life album. This is great news, as we were big fans of Downer Edn, so to know that From Squats to Lots: The Agony and XTC of Low Life is just around the corner makes this a wonderful Friday. When this opens up, the drums are thunderous, furiously rushing us into this tornado of guitar swirls, lifting us and dropping us, lifting us and dropping us. The vocals are rather direct, and almost without emotion, adding to the pseudo-industrial nature of the track. Personally, a few listens through, and I kind of imagine this as a dark-wave response to Les Savy Fav, particularly when you get to the chorus; it just feels very Tim Harrington. The new LP is out on November 5th.

Dreamy Number From Mata Kopa

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Mata Kopa is a Swedish based musical duo consisting of Miranda Raeder and Boris Grubesic. Since 2015, the duo has released a debut LP and spent tons of time touring all over Europe while building a name for the band. This year the Stockholm pair just dropped an EP entitled Go Buy the Sun, which features this standout track “Deep End”. On first listen, I was immediately drawn into the incredibly dreamy sounds and the impressive vocals of Raeder. Think Alvvays but with the occasional need to bust out some slick guitar spasms.

Go Buy the Sun EP is currently available to stream on Spotify.

 

Semi Trucks Announce Debut Album

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What’s in the California water these days? Semi Trucks are the latest from the Golden State to brandish this blend of lo-fi bedroom pop that feels like the waves rolling ashore on a windless day. It’s like you’ve walked into some den of sin, smoke billowing in your eyes, and as you wipe it away, you can make out this quiet band in the corner; they’ve got a soft tambourine and this distorted guitar conducting a seance with everyone in attendance. All the while, the vocals seem caught up like the smoke, swirling and twirling around you with every breath taken. Leave breadcrumbs as you listen, as you’re likely to get lost in the caverns of this tune. The band will release Vs. California via Meritorio on November 26th.

Dean Wareham Shares Cashing In Video

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I came across this Dean Wareham tune, and I knew that I’d like it, as just a general Dean fan. But, I listened, and fell too far in love with this song for my own good. This is one of those tracks that has all these fine little brush strokes that make the tune magical. Sure, you get Dean’s soothing voice, but you also get faint little string arrangements, uplifting backing vocals…and even amidst some of the more sedate moments you find a quick piano note or a lone guitar line that shimmer in this distance. It’s just magical, but also might be one of the most reflective song’s there ever was in indie rock…or is it? Dean will release I Have Nothing to Say to the Mayor of LA on October 15th via Double Feature Records.

The Acharis Share Jesus Thrill Single

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Oakland duo The Acharis are gearing up to release their latest album come November, and our first little teaser find the band dwelling in this territory that seems all their own, perhaps aided by legendary producer John Fryer. This polished beat opens up the song, seemingly almost losing itself in the pulse, at times almost slowing to a near stop. Drums enter the picture, carefully building a touch more pace, allowing Mila Puccini to deliver this wonderful harmonic voice; it feels like it belongs in a perfect indiepop tune somewhere. But, the song starts to get worked up, adding in all these industrial-natured textures, giving the song this violent aura that your ears can’t seem to escape. When it stops, the warped pop nature might leave you not knowing what to make of it. But, one thing’s for sure, you’re going to want to add Blue Sky/Grey Heaven to your listening queue come November 5th, courtesy of Zum Media/Cranes Records.

Semihelix Share Will It Take

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Not sure if you’ve got Semihelix on your radar, but this is one of the recent Austin bands I’m super stoked to jam. I love the way the song rushes in immediately, letting those jangling notes meet up with some fuzzy distortion creeping in from the distance. Geannie Friedman delivers two great performances; she toys with the song’s dreamy nature during the verses, but goes full pop when her voice soars in the chorus. Be sure to stick around too, as the fade into the ending is a real nice touch. It’s pop rock with a real edge, and just enough of that DIY spirit to be sure the band’s Recoil will be on your radar when they drop the full LP on October 1st via Mariel Recording Company.

Michael Beach Shares Societal Breakdown

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Is it Goner Records Week over here at ATH? We’ve covered Power Supply, Exbats and now our friend Michael Beach drops this great new single with Goner as the follow-up to his most excellent Dream Violence. This new single is this crunchy rocker, fuzzed around all the corners, with Michael struggling with the ways of the world, as alluded to in the song’s title; you can feel that strife in his vocal delivery…or so I think. For me, a fan of ten second snippets of joy, there’s this great moment at 1:42 (and 2:43) where the drums stutter, and Michael’s voice softens, delivering this beautiful melodic moment amidst the crashing guitars that really will stay as part of a collection in my bag of the “Best Ten Seconds.” Please enjoy!

Natalie Jane Hill Shares New Single, Solely

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There’s something really enchanting about Natalie Jane Hill‘s music. Her fingerpicking style creates this delicate intimacy, and for me, brings me back to the days listening to my dad’s old folk records as a kid. The guitar sliding through the background also is the perfect arrangement move, adding depth and forcing the song to overflow with emotion. Then we get Hill’s voice, which to me, feels like she’s lived a thousand years; it has this rich depth that’s pretty striking and unavoidable, particularly when she stretches it to reach higher notes. Plus, I’m just now realizing the amazing recording was done by Jason Chronis (Voxtrot/Tele Novella), so Natalie gets all the Austin love on our end. Her new album Solely is out October 29th via Dear Life Records.

Cold Beat Drop Year Without a Shadow

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When I first pressed play on this hot track from Cold Beat, I kind of thought the synth work reminded me of Robyn; I expected Hannah Lew to burst in with this exuberance. Luckily, the hook gets delayed, and even when present it feels obscured by the band’s own stylistic nuances. Right before the 2 minute mark, for instance, there’s this shining pulse that bursts through the mix, but in the distance, there’s a wash of atmosphere that kind of sedates everything in this heavy wash. Ultimately, what I love about this song, and the album that’s coming with it, is the ability to show this restraint, sort of offer up a steadied exploration of electronic leaning dream pop; it really lets you revel in the craft. War Garden is out tomorrow via Like Ltd.

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