Author: nathan.lankford

Motorists Announce Touched by the Stuff

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I don’t know a single person in my circle that wasn’t in love with Motorists‘ 2021 LP, Surrounded, so expectations are high today as the group announce their brand new LP. While the last LP delved into a mixture between power-pop and proto-punk madness, it seems like this go round, things are a bit brighter, a bit sharper in sound. There adherence to big hooks and melody is still working within the first single, but that being said, I certainly feel like there’s more of a Oceanic influence on the guitar work…and obviously we’re all here for that. Soft vocals working within an environment of huge guitar sounds? Yep. Going to head off and grab Touched by the Stuff today. It drops on May 24th via We Are Time/Bobo Integral.

New Amy O Single

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Yesterday, Amy O. dropped this ridiculously tasty little track, and while it was all over the place, I couldn’t resist throwing my support behind it. Opening up in a bedroom-pop fashion, working with a snappy beat and a driving guitar line, you get that intimate listening experience that like-minded souls will find endearing. Then, at 1:31, the guitars drop into this fuzzy distorted wall, upping the level of the charm, perfectly embracing the promise and hope that Amy talks about in relation to her new record, Mirror, Reflect. Playful and bright, this single has me looking towards that LP; it’s out on May 10th via Winspear.

Blushing Share Seafoam Video

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We’re really excited for Blushing and their new album, Sugarcoat, as we’ve long been in the band’s corner cheering their successes. They’ve got a brand new video out today, and it’s one that shows the group flirting with a little bit of the band’s range, sonically speaking. Sure, you can hear the guitars encircling overhead, building on their classic dreamy textural repertoire, yet as that washes through, I was drawn to the vocal work on this chorus; it even encourages the guitars to stretch a hint too, taking on almost more of a darkened pop goth feel. That vibe gets furthered around the 2 minute mark with an almost spoken monologue whispering through. Sugarcoat is going to rule, and it’s out on May 3rd via Kanine.

Squirrel Shares Crayons EP

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I’ve been checking in on New Jersey’s Squirrel since the project landed on my radar last year, and I’m definitely enjoying the Crayons EP that just dropped this week. The opener has a whole lot of spirit, sort of bouncing and jangling along, which according to the accompanying PR was written during a great moment of hope. “Teas” also teases some of the ways Squirrel takes risks within the confines of indie sounds, and that willingness is part of the songwriting charms I implore you sample here. Kind of feels like the songs are being written by the lost son of Wayne Coyne, so give it a go.

Spencer Hoffman Announces Roses Fly

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I really enjoyed Spencer Hoffman‘s 2002 LP, Apple Core, so it’s exciting to hear that there’s a new EP on the way this May. Our first listen has a bit of a ghostly western vibe to it, offering up a slight twist on modern cosmic country. In a sense, it’s almost as if the tune’s struggling on the turntable, warped through the years of being played; you can hear that sparkling twang, but as it fills the air, it seems to sort of hang eternally. Ultimately, it allows for Hoffman’s voice to hang in there and almost whisper its melody into your ear, which worked to great effect. Looking forward to the release of the Roses Fly EP; it’s out on May 10th via Anxiety Blanket Records.

Rural France Share Tag Along Single

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Having fallen in love with the first track from Exactamondo, it only makes sense that we reinforce our love for Rural France by covering their new single today. While “Packhorse” felt clean and brimming with pop sensibility, “Tag Along” seems to be a little bit of a sonic shift, playing with noise in the background, layered to juxtapose the sugary center. Don’t get me wrong, the vocals are still offering up their usual sweetness, so you can still be enchanted, but the edges feel rougher and maybe, dare I say, “lo-fi.” I like that we’re getting a peek at the variation we can expect when the LP finally hits; it’s scheduled for an April 26th release courtesy of Meritorio Records.

Eastside Suicides Reissue Debut LP on 20th Anniversary

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There’ve been a lot of punk acts in the Austin area over the years, but one that I always had a particular fondness for was Eastside Suicides; they only had one proper release, but owned nights over at Beerland for sometime. Today, word comes our way that Desolate Sounds Records will be reissuing their debut on its 20th anniversary, adding in some remastering and a few bonus tracks. While a lot of the punk scene here is written with “weirdness,” I liked how the the group just encompassed a classic rock n’ roll sound; the tunes have the same bravado as the Dolls as the Stooges, with their performances matching that enthusiasm too. So, if you’ve got an itch for old school, let’s celebrate! The newly retitled Streets Got Yo Baby will drop on May 10th.

The Reds Pinks and Purples Share Fresh Track

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As avowed fans of The Reds, Pinks and Purples, it’s our joy to encourage you to listen to the opening track from the new LP, Unwishing Well. When I first listened to this one, I was really impressed with Glenn’s vocal work; it still has that softness that makes his craft so charming, but there’s a bit of rawness here too. In a sense, the vocals almost feel pained, like he’s struggling as he narrates a story of humanity’s decline. Don’t get me wrong, you still get those sharp guitar lines throughout, with a bit of oceanic fuzz built into the back half. Offers a different glimpse into what we can expect when Unwishing Well drops on April 12th via Slumberland/Tough Love.

Docks and My Imaginary Loves Announce Split

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Hidden Bay Records is one of my favorite French labels, turning me onto some great stuff, so when the owner, Manon reached out to me about a new split featuring his own band, I, of course, rushed to jam it out. He’s playing in Docks, who’ve announced a split EP with My Imaginary Loves, which will come out at the end of March (not on Hidden Bay btw). Both available singles are instrumental pieces, with the Docks taking a lighter approach, at least in the overall emotional appeal of the craft; there’s more natural movement, and brighter guitar sounds. My Imaginary Loves start their tune off with a bit of an ominous atmosphere, so it builds this wall of tension that eventually gets released. Both CD and Cassette versions will be available next week!

R.E. Seraphin Shares Expendable Man

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Our old pal R.E. Seraphin released this great track from his latest LP, but, as I was fairly busy, I had to be sure I celebrated its release one week later…so here we are. For me, this song’s all about the sort of rolling pop, be it the drums or the whispering fashion of Ray’s vocals this go round, there’s something in it that just seems like a roller coaster of gliding pop. You’ll also find some quick little spurts of snappy rhythm and emphatic vocals in the chorus, giving off just a wee bit of attitude to keep it in the realms of rock n’ roll. If you’re digging it, Fool’s Mate is out this Friday via Safe Suburban Home and Take a Turn Records!

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