Last Week’s Jams, Today (1.3 – 1.7)

Well, we’re back at it folks, scrambling back into the new year, which feels an awful lot like the last year, except, well, there are new tunes. I didn’t go too overboard, as I was trying to get my feet underneath me for another semester, so we only had about 10 news jams, but unfortunately, only 9 are available via everyone’s least favorite streaming service. Most of these are brand new singles, with a heavy focus on the forthcoming Slumberland catalog, courtesy of Artsick and Kids on a Crime Spree, plus some of our favorites like Modern Nature, Nah… and Husbands reminded us what they’re all about. So, have it. Stream on!

Louise Weseth Shares Woodlands

It’s a chilly day down here in Texas, and with that, this Louise Weseth song feels perfectly fitting. The Norwegian songwriter is about to release her debut EP, and this particular tune, to me, feels a bit like trudging through the snows of the nearest “Woodlands.” Her work benefits from the production and arrangements, with various elements rising to the front of the mix, then falling away to let different moments shine. At times the light strum of her guitar rises, then fades away to join her voice in the distance as strings sweep through the tune, twinkling on the horizon. It’s the perfect place where wintry longing and dreamy folk meld together, so we’ll be looking forward to her debut next week!

Elison Release Hopes & Horoscopes Single

Last year everyone was raving about the Sharon/Angle single, and it definitely was a good jam; that same vibe of nostalgic radio pop comes into play when listening to Des Moines’ Elison…but with a twist. Elison, led by Marissa Kephart turn away from the expansive chorus and go for immediacy, dropping in a pure burst of pop rock, that takes the band closer towards a sound akin to Alvvays. So you get the best of both worlds by turning this one up; you can hold onto the broader brush strokes of indie rock and turn over to flirt with the indie pop side…and no matter what, you’ll be rewarded with this killer new single.

Kids on a Crime Spree Share Goods Get Got Video

The latest single from Kids on a Crime Spree popped up yesterday, but the owners of ATH requested only one Slumberland post a day, so we had to give into their wishes. Lucky for us, and now for you, as that gave us time to digest what might be the very best the band have to offer. I’m a sucker for a fun sing-a-long note, so this opening up with an emphatic “hey hey hey” already sold me, before the song really even jumps full throttle. From there, the trip moves into a steadied stomp, driving riffs through the speakers. But, the beat shifts and the song seems to race off, driving forth with ferocity until the track hits the 1:07 mark, opening into a catchy moment you can’t (and don’t!) want to avoid. There’s so much packed into this 2 minute ditty that it feels like the song is 5 minutes, but even better, you can turn back and blast it on repeat! Fall In Love Not In Line is out on January 21st via Slumberland Records.

Artsick Share Look Again Video

Artsick‘s forthcoming debut record, Fingers Crossed, is high upon our suggested listening for this year, but while we wait for its official release on January 21st, the band have offered one more single to grab your ears. I think “Look Again” is an excellent choice, as it shows the more patient side of the band; the previous singles have played the more frantic endearing noise pop perfectly, so here’s a little switch. This tune has the guitars a little more steady, almost feeling like they’re lower in the mix, allowing for Christina Riley’s voice to take the spotlight here. I knew it, but now you can be assured you’re going to get an array of pop delights if you grab the LP from Slumberland Records.

Modern Nature Shares Performance Video

Modern Nature‘s latest album, Island of Noise, received a ton of accolades, though it still seems like folks passed it over on its release back in November. Perhaps their new video for “Performance” will entice you to visit the island, if you’ve yet to make it their for your first visit. The song revolves around the percussive elements, with Jack Cooper (Ultimate Painting) making sure the nooks and crannies are filled out on the edges, though still allowing plenty of space for thoughtful meditation on the your state of being. This whole LP feels timeless, almost avoiding genres and pigeonholing altogether in favor of crafting a listen that rewards with each spin of the record. It’s available now via Bella Union, and out digitally on January 28th.

Husbands Drop New Single, Wishbone

I’ve written about Husbands previously, a band hailing from my old stomping grounds of OKC, and with that, we’re here to offer you one final single before the band drop their new album. This tune’s all about the psychedelic underbelly, pushing this sort of buzzed electronica beneath this catchy pop brand. There’s definitely something seductive, particularly in the way the vocals are layered against one another, giving the voices their own sort of instrument to propel the song forward. That dark throb and pulse continues that push and pull feel, mimicking the way the vocals play against each other, letting the song sort of ebb and flow through your ears, twisting and turning as it enters the ear canal on its own terms. If you dig, the band drop their debut LP on January 18th…with a slew of shows you can catch up on HERE.

Screen Prints Drop Look Forward EP

As we step into the year, I’m just a little trepidatious, so wherever I go, things are a little reserved, a little slowed down and smoothed, which is why this Screen Prints EP hits all the right notes. You can hear little elements of quieted bedroom pop, the sort that makes you feel like it was meant for only your ears; I can also hear some similarities to our friends in Letting Up Despite Great Faults. If you’re into that sort of middle ground where Stereolab and proto-prog kind of melt into glorious pop that feels like a sugary seance, then might I suggest trying on the second track from the Look Forward EP, “Forecourt.” These are two absolute gems I feel like would fly by if I didn’t point them out, so I’m here to do just that!

Don’t Get Lemon Announce Hyper Hollow Heaven

I know we’re all downtrodden, at least if I’m to believe everyone’s personal feeds, so thumping beats with masterful hooks are just what the doctor ordered going into 2022 full speed, and thus, I give you Don’t Get Lemon. The Austin three-piece are crafting this danceable brand of pop that’s built on layered textures that build and build throughout their new single. You can easily hear the pulsing beat here, rushing the song through your speakers; little electronic flourishes also make their way out, but it’s the atmospheric wash mixed with the heavy vocals that has me intoxicated. If you can hear the promise in this tune, then perhaps we can convince you that your money will be well spent by grabbing Hyper Hollow Heaven this coming March!

Nah Offer The Useless Model

I’ve long enjoyed the bouncing pop bravado from Estalla Rosa and Sebastian Voss, aka Nah, so we wanted to be sure we gave their newest single a shout out as we got our feet back under us. Jangling from the get-go, it’s hard not to fall for the stuttering pop, particularly when Rosa’s vocals come in with this feeling like collapsing into a bed of down feathers; it’s the perfect foil for Voss, who has a hint of David Gedge going on in this rendition, particularly when he takes the lead. I love how all the vocals seem to work against the rushed jangles, creating this drastic spin for the listener that certainly will have you reaching to press play one more time!

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