Author: nathan.lankford

Mt Fog’s Eyes in Buildings

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I owe a huge apology to the kind folks in Mt. Fog, as I was completely meant to cover their latest single last week, but alas, time and life caught up with me. The Seattle trio specialize in a brand of pop music that seems far removed from modern signposts and whatnots; it’s filled with whimsy and artistic expression, as if we’re journeying into some mystical world. This go round, that’s all owed to Carolyn B’s performance, as her operatic tones are all over the place, but controlled, mind you. At times, her range and pitch are reminiscent of Bjork, playful and yet skirting around the edges of pop magnificence. Put that together with the jazzy musical flex and you have yet another reason to grab Every Stone is Green; it drops on March 13th.

Van Chamberlain Share Running Through the World

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When I first fell for this new Van Chamberlain tune, it was the hushed style of the vocals that really drew me into the picture; they offered this softness that completely tugs on you. As I went back on repeat, the bright notes of the guitar really began to resonate, taking on some crystalline notes that fit into my daily pop listening. All of these special parts combine in the chorus, twisting into this brightness that wouldn’t be too out of place on an early record from the Bats. This is just another peek at their new LP, As Far as the Eye Can See.

Living Set Release The Party’s Over Video

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One of our favorite local bands to emerge last year was Living Set, a band of seasoned Austin vets who delivered their debut LP, Last Wave. But, their creative juices are flowing, as they’ve quickly returned with what might be their best tune yet! The track opens up with a bounding piano line accented by some twisting guitar notes; the feathered vocal entrance almost feels like you’re finding the band on the edge of Stereolab territory. That vibe persists, but they stretch it into their own territory as they arrive at the chorus; the heavy riffs ringing behind Annecy’s voice are perfect, walking the band between pop and rock. Each time they hit that chorus, more magic is revealed, and Lidell’s performance is cemented as nothing short of spectacular. Plus, the band’s Quin Galavis filmed the video footage, which features many of our friends (including ATH Records artist David Israel!). Hoping these creative juices keep flowing as this tune finds the band in peak form!

Bloodworm Share Bloodlust Video

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Looking for a disaffected bit of post-punk? I definitely am, which is why I’m loving this track by Nottingham outfit Bloodworm. You’re greeted by a driving bass line and a swirl of stretching guitar noise; it’s a brief burst of explosiveness, setting up the band to recoil into their own cavernous sound. They hang there, lurking in the shadows, offering disinterested howls that get emphatically highlighted by the sharp smash of snare hits. The dark and brooding notes are balanced by the band’s penchant for pop music, which makes sense considering they’ve got a slew of dates lined up to support Suede.

Human Potential Share The Sightseer

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When you work with a historic label such as Dischord, people are going to have expectations, and I’m equally guilty of that, which is why I love Andrew Becker (Medications/Screens) latest Human Potential single. It opens fairly passively, working some deep grooves and bright vocal notes that hang in the air, but just before the 1 minute mark there’s this explosive burst of jagged guitars to match the hanging vocals; it’s something where you can hear Becker’s history, however brief that moment is. The song retreats, settling into the rhythm once again, patiently awaiting the return of rolling drums and sharp riffs…then it rinses and repeats until the close. Definitely a jam I can get behind; Eel Sparkles will be out March 6th via What Delicate Recordings.

Department Shares 2024-1964 Single

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As much as I’ve pigeon-holed the guitar pop scene of Melbourne, let us not forget that a vibrant music scene makes room for great artistry across the spectrum, thus where we meet producer Department. The project of Adam Kyriakou, Department’s new LP aims to take nods from an eclectic group of influences, with the latest single an aim to give a “modern take on some of the more experimental beats on Dilla’s Donuts.” The sampling and rolling bass hits are spot on, but the wildness of the track highlights Adam’s ability to take his influences and push the sound into his own creative territory. Audacity Files will be released on February 13th.

 

East Sister Share Mixtape Single

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Woke up feeling a little groggy this morning, so listening to the newest single from Swiss outfit East Sister takes pop music and scratches at the cobwebs in my brain, in the best way. The synthetic notes are carefully orchestrated, as if the group is sort of tip-toeing around you, trying to find the best way to get into your head. Softened vocal touches do a great job of building in a melodic note that lets your mind drift far away whilst still being tethered to your body. Thematically, its a love story, to both a companion and the world of music, hopefully putting the group on the map as we await their new LP!

Winston Hightower Announces 100 Acre Wood

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K Records/Perennial has consistently put out great records for decades, but they’ve really found their way into my constant rotation with releases from acts like Sharp Pins and Feeling Figures; today the powerhouse label announces a fresh LP from Winston Hightower. Much like the title, “Lay Low,” the song feels like a strong vocal experiment; the poetry is weaved through various musical textures, subtle in its presence, allowing Winston’s voice to bob and bounce between the lines. I love the video, particularly when you can see Hightower soaking in the joy of his own work in the studio. 100 Acre Wood is out on April 13th.

Tinariwen Announce Hoggar

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There’s never a bad day when a new track from Tinariwen arrives in your inbox, particularly if it arrives with news of a record on the horizon. This go round, they’ve taken their sound and added a vocalist, Sulafa Elyas, who is living in exile in France; I love the approach as it feels like it broadens the appeal of the group as it stretches faintly into pop…its also an important aspect of the Tuareg musical history. Their vibes feel familial, always feeling like you’re journeying with the group, actively participating in their work. Hoggar is out March 13th via Wedge.

Season 2 Announce Debut LP

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I love when you wake up and get to hear about something entirely new and refreshing, like Season 2. The Melbourne outfit are delivering a bit of modern post-punk, though even with the revisionist approach, they still feel like they’re sharing heritage with acts like Delta 5 or the Raincoats; the guitars waver between jangling and punk, with a snappy snare keeping the rhythmic pulse of the tune. Thematically, the group are touching upon issues of boredom and the future with the refrain of “life’s passing me by/I’ve been wasting all my time.” It’s a pretty rad sound, and one that has me looking forward to Power of Now, out via Spoilsport/Upset the Rhythm.

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