Author: nathan.lankford

Lightheaded Share Moments Notice

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If I had to encourage you to grab one single record in the month of May, might I fully put my weight behind Lightheaded. They offered up the Good Good Great EP late last year, blending it bits of indiepop and 60s doo-wop, but this go round, they sound like they’re working to take an indiepop nod towards the Grateful Dead…though maybe that’s just me that hears a springier version of “Uncle John’s Band” in here. While they clearly have nostalgic tastes, their recipe of bridging those influences into something refreshing and exuberant make their sound all the more welcoming. They’re offering up a modern bridge to the past, and Combustible Gems is surely going to be high upon the list of records we’re clamoring to get our hands on here; it’s out May 17th via Slumberland.

Neutrals Announce New Town Dream

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The announcement of a brand new Neutrals record is the sort of news I welcome with wide-open arms and a huge grin. You see, the Oakland outfit fronted by Allan MacNaughton have crafted a brand of jangling old school power pop that very few, if any, are capable of pulling off…as you’ll see listening below. The guitar style has that sharpness that seemingly mutes the jangular approach, giving it a bit more bounce and edge, a la the Television Personalities. They’ll get that nod more than one though, as I’m sure Allan’s voice/delivery will pull in some Dan Treacy comparisons; he has this matter-of-fact delivery that almost seems like he’s toying with you. This particular tune also gets some nice soft undertones from Lauren Matsui (also of Seablite), adding in a layer of cool that only makes my need to hear this whole LP even greater! New Town Dream is out on May 31st via Slumberland Records/Static Shock Records.

Gift Sign to Captured Tracks + Share Single

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There’s been a lot of hype about these parts concerning GIFT, and it looks to have grabbed the attention of Captured Tracks who’ve announced the signing of the band by releasing this brand new single. They’re following up their excellent Momentary Presence debut with this track, and it seems them pushing into territory you might consider dream-pop adjacent. All the guitar work seems built upon a driving bit of speed, though there’s a lot of effects making the sound swirl around your head. Soft vocals dominate the front of the mix, which is one the band’s specialities, as they continue to toy with contrast in their sound.

Mammoth Penguins Share Flyers Single

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It should go without saying that the new LP from Mammoth Penguins is definitely high upon my list of things I’m most excited to get my hands on, and today they’ve dropped another bop right into your ears. On my two cents, I love how the group manages to bang out these heavily distorted riffs, yet wrapped them this buoyant rhythm section, creating this infectious edginess. Emma Kupa, of course, sells the hook with her typical powerful vocal performance; the track’s detailing of the challenges of that rock n’ roll lifestyle are likely relatable to anyone who’s managed to get a record recorded and hit the road; it’s not an easy life…but I’m guessing folks like Mammoth Penguins wouldn’t trade that for the world. Here is out May 3rd via Fika Recordings.

The Ar-Kaics Share Stone Love

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While the latter half of this fresh Ar-Kaics tune takes off in a fiery ball of psychedelic stomp, you’ve got to lock into the classic rock grooves of the first minute or so of the tune. There’s a bit of an assured swagger to the riff work, but there’s this openness that seems faintly celebratory, like one’s gathered up in a van full of friends and ready to hit the road. When they hit the road, tambourines and shakers are passed around and everyone’s on board to ignite the fire that lights up the song’s latter half. There’s definitely an interesting juxtaposition, as the front half totally owes a debt to the classic while the back half is more akin to early Oh Sees or Black Angels. They’ll release See the World On Fire via Feel It/Bachelor Records.

Cola Release Pallor Tricks + Announce The Gloss

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One had to know that Cola was just around the corner from a new release, as they’ve had several singles pop up as of late. And indeed, yesterday we found out that The Gloss is coming our way very soon; the announcement came with a brand new single, and one that certainly illustrates the fascinating structure of the band’s songwriting. Throughout the opening minutes and into its core, “Pallor Tricks” sees to work against itself sonically, with guitar lines jutting against one another like puzzle pieces you can’t force to fit. Tim Darcy settles it down in the verses, though that anxiety-inducing aura still hangs over your head. Mild melodies seep into the chorus via Darcy, perhaps one of his best parlor tricks as he’s able to turn his indifference into something very pop forward. The Gloss is out June 14th via Fire Talk Records.

Aluminum Share Beat Single

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This day old bread from Aluminum is certainly taking a nod from some of Britpop’s finest. They obscure the sound a bit by building in these guitar textures that recall recent acts like Dummy or Peel Dream Magazine, but it very much feels indebted to to mid90s Britain. Vocals hide in the middle of the mix, even with the backing vocals sinking within, encouraging the rhythm of the tune to be the driving force that captures your attention; you’ll feel the melodic pop bits as they soak into your skin, but you’ll still feel like turning it up nice and loud. A little bit of everything, making Fully Beat an album to keep an eye on; it drops via Felte Records on May 24th.

Amy O Shares Early Days Single

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If you’re looking for a repeat of “Dribble Dribble,” you might want to check your expectations at the door, as “Early Days” provides a different glimpse at Amy O‘s songwriting. Below, you’ll hear a track that opens up carefully, working with Amy’s vocals over a guitar picking that leaves plenty of space for the notes to resonate in the empty space that surrounds you. There’s certainly some textural notes behind the guitar and vocals, providing the necessary bulk that makes the track more than an average tune. Personally, I’m interested in sharing it with my wife, as the track details Oelsner’s mothering journey that began in the early stages of the pandemic, much like my family’s experience, so something we can all relish together…and share with our daughter. Mirror, Reflect is out via Winspear on May 10th.

Camera Obscura Shares Liberty Print Video

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Long ago, when a friend first suggested listening to Camera Obscura, I remember that it was all about Tracyanne Campbell’s voice; it felt steadfast in solitude, yet charming in its emotional power. When I listen to their latest single, “Liberty Print,” I can still feel the majesty in Campbell’s vocal performance, though sonically, you can hear the band moving in new directions; even Tracyanne comments that “it’s the song most unlike anything we’ve one before.” That charming openness of the song, leaving drifting guitar notes atop sampled synth notes is perfect, leaving the song with tons of space to be filled…and they do, adding in snappy drum work that gives the song a bit of gallop. Lyrically, the song manages to detail Campbell’s grief (after the passing of her brother) from within the context of a buoyant pop song; this the charming craft of a songwriter few can beat. Look to the East, Look to the West is out on May 3rd via Merge.

Faulty Cognitions Share Fresh Single

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As an avid Dirtnap Records fan, Chris Mason and his old band Low Culture were certainly an act I was familiar with, and even have an LP in the catalog. Now, however, Chris has moved to San Antonio where he’s fronting Faulty Cognitions, a brand new act. Mason has a pretty distinctive voice and style, so you’re getting a mixture of punk and classic rock n’ roll thrown at you with a DIY ethos. And maybe it’s just me, but there’s something in the guitars that feels like it bleeds Texas, though that could just be me. Love the gang vocals that get employed too, bulking up the sound into one riotous burst of rock. You can find this song on their new LP, Somehow, Here We Are, out this Friday. Plus, if you’re in the Austin area, the band play at the Parish on April 16th! A week from today!

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