Month: April 2023

James Leonard Hewitson Drops Fresh Single

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If you come to these pages from time to time, you’ve likely hit upon a tune or two from one of our favorites, James Leonard Hewitson; he just dropped a brand new single we wanted to share with you. For me, the songwriting on this track feels like it has two sides. One on hand, you get some quirky guitar pop with playful lyrics, not far off from what you’d get from say a Mo Troper sort. But, when the chorus drops, things kind of stretch into more of a beautiful yearning of shimmering hooks. It sets up the tune well, leaving you with this tasty morsel of great pop, so go ahead and pop it in your ears and thank us later!

Beach Fossils Share Run to the Moon Video

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When listening through the latest single from Beach Fossils you can feel the sense of freedom and joy that Dustin Payseur has alluded to in the press bits for this album cycle. You can still easily slide into the sort of dreamy moments, but there’s this seeming weight lifted from the music, maybe just in the strumming of the guitars. There’s even a sentiment that feels omnipresent in the world the last few years, albeit spun through the perspective of a New Yorker: “living in New York it can grind you down.” Sure, that’s New York, but just the world in general can leave that weight atop your shoulders, so finding a bit of pop like this to kind of let the spirits free is vital to our existence. You’ll find this emotional reprieve on Bunny, which drops June 2nd via Bayonet.

Mox Share Melanie; Drop Heart LP

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If you woke up today looking for a little mellow slide into the musical world, something along the lines of the early Alex G stuff, then might I suggest you try on California’s Mox. A simple bass line with accompanying piano opens the tune before a quick little drum snap and heavy riff really kick the song forward. There’s a constant twist and turn here, with softened vocal bits battling it out against this chopping riff that rings out to break up verse lines. I loved the breakdown, a lyrical promise to support “Melanie,” that came across offering a different sonic feel, which eventually turned into just a slight step into the weird…all things I love. Mox just dropped Heart, courtesy of Cherub Dream Records.

Soft Walls Share Waking Single

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One of the perks about running this here little ol’ blog is that listening to a new track will often send you spiraling into your own past. For instance, I got this new track from Soft Walls, which ultimately reminded me that ten years ago I was raving about No Time! Alas, now we can focus on True Love, the forthcoming record from Dan Reeves project. When you press play, you’ll still rub against the lighter realms of psychedelia, but, I implore you try and block those elements out to reveal the secrets to Reeves’ work. There’s this almost kraut-ian drum groove that works, with this sort of synthetic texture woven into the song’s tapestry…and of course, all of it with just a hint of the psychedelic vibes. Maybe I’d brand it post-psych, where the song evolves beyond its own trappings. Guess we’ll see when he drops True Love on May 5th.

Los Esplifs Drop Chemistry LP

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Surely you were not expecting that we would be covering some rad cumbia vibes this morning, but after realizing Los Esplifs dropped a surprise LP last week, I had to run and get it up. The Tuscon outfit popped up on my radar back in 2021 with their LP Estraik Back, which has a vibe that feels like it encapsulates all that I love about cumbia, particularly the rhythmic pulse. You get the same on their new LP, Chemistry, though they continue to work in some touches of funk and psychedelia throughout. This is a record that can hopefully get your blood pumping, as it did mine, so sit back and just take a listen to Los Esplifs.

The Clientele Announce I Am Not There Anymore

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If I were to be honest here, I admittedly haven’t thought about the Clientele in quite some time. That’s not to say I don’t listen to their record, only that time, and my continuously rapid consumption seem to have passed them by these last few years. But, that being said, there announcement of I Am Not There Anymore, their first LP since 2017, is a welcome bit of news. Interestingly, the band still sounds very much the same as they always have; you can hear it in the ornate guitar lines and vocals. That said, the density in their work seems to be lighter this go round; their inclusion of jazz and bossanova elements seem to give some feathered pop flurries to what’s in store. Looking forward to hear what this all sounds like when it comes together; the new LP is out on July 28th via Merge Records.

Last Week’s Jams (4.17 – 4.20)

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If there is one song I want you to listen to it has to be the absolute smash hit from Maine’s Big Blood; I think I’ve listened to that track 1000 times since I’ve heard it, if not more. Of course, there’s other great tunes to enjoy as well, like that pop ditty from Tough Age, or Rama Lama’s new signing, Echo Ladies. Plus, Austin held its own again with new stuff from Dress Warm and RF Shannon. And, if you’re looking for something with some legs, there’s at least a handful of tunes stretching beyond the 4 minute mark, so indulge as you must.

The Ballet Announce Daddy Issues; Share At the Bathhouse

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I definitely can see where the comparisons with Stephin Merritt pop in when you listen to the Ballet, though I think that mostly revolves around some of the sexual themes and literary writing. For me, I think Greg Goldberg pulls on a slightly different hat though, with a much more electronic focus on the latest single. In listening here, there’s a definite bounce, perhaps a nod to acts like New Order, albeit spun through the lens of Goldberg and his writing partner Willse. They’ll be dropping their Daddy Issues on May 26th, courtesy of Fika Recordings.

Dialup Ghost Release Transphobes and Fascists Hate Our Guts (So What)

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I really just want to post this Dialup Ghost song so folks can soak in the message; it’s a vital piece of pop rock coming from the heart of the current fight on trans rights. I figure if you’re one of the folks that visit our site, you’re likely running right along side the band here, as we are. Musically, it’s a little garage-meets-psych folk-pop tune, focusing on the message and camaraderie of the band (and humanity). Don’t really need to say much else, now do I? Just listen. Please.

Tugboat Captain Share Like Caroline

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Tugboat Captain have been hard at work in 2023, already bringing us their third single of the year, continuing a run of solid form the last few years. This tune opens up with a spirited bounce, before sliding into the great literary pop they send our way; there’s definitely some percussive snap here that reminds me of the punctuated moments in my favorite B&S tunes. When that chorus sails real high, you’re going to be rewarded, as you surely knew, built on this soaring vocal that illustrates the band’s range. Good to see them hard at work, and hopefully the UK outfit will have a new LP for us soon!

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