Author: nathan.lankford

Half Dream Share Will I Still Bloom, Announce LP

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I’ve been championing Paige Berry and her Half Dream project since they released the excellent Monster of Needing EP back in 2020. Now, news comes across that we’ll finally be getting the band’s debut Will I Still Bloom LP this October, and we’ve got the title track from Will I Still Bloom. This song’s filled with tons of little details that illustrate just how much the band’s grown; I love the little guitar tickles atop Berry’s voice and the thumping drums for the first 45 seconds or so. Then, at 53 seconds, the track shoots off, layering in a dreamier vibe from the guitars as Paige delivers a striking vocal performance. The band take a moment to flex their musicianship, then jump right back to the affair at hand, brooding in mood while we await the next huge chorus! Everything in this track just feels like a huge step for the band, and if Paige ever doubted herself, this song is evidence that she’s clearly blossomed into one of Austin’s finest songwriters. And, if you’re in the ATX tonight…the band celebrate the new single at Captain Quackenbush’s Soundspace, so come pregame with me as I DJ at Tweedys, then head to the show!

The Radio Field Share She Needs Therapy Single

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I’ve been covering Lars Schmidt’s project the Radio Field the last few years or so, and with Don’ts and Dos hanging on the end of August horizon, we get a chance to hear one more track before the record officially hits. When this track dropped in, it had this huge kick to it that immediately took me aback; it felt like a really punch bit of pop rock, and for some reason reminded me of the Rentals. Lars gets some harmony help by friend Mimi Welldirty here, building in some vocal textures that allow for maximum hook potential. A bit of snappiness with a huge wallop of volume have this single sitting as one of the LPs standouts. Don’ts and Dos drops via Subjangle on August 25th.

Semihelix Shares Downstream Single

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In a city filled with solid artists, Semihelix have been on my radar the last few years for their distinctive sound; they fall more in line with a sort of traditional indiepop sound, albeit one that gets a touch fuzzy around the edges. I love the forlorn nature of Geannie’s guitar at the beginning, allowing the drums to sort of stomp their way into the bedroom as they set up to share their warmth. While the track rocks a bit of dreaminess, the bass grooves bring in this understated bop that makes me think of my favorite records from the 80s Australian scene. It’s really great to see the band take a huge leap from Recoil and continue to grow their sound. One of my fave ATX outfits at the moment, and this track will feature on a 7″, dropping later this year.

Bunny Slope Share Water Slide Single

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I like to keep an eye out on what’s cool all over, and there’s been a little Swedish buzz on Bunny Slope. When I first pressed play, it reminded me of Aussie outfit Dippers, sort of delivering this deadpan vocal over a really spritely bit of post-garage pop. But, where they make the sound their own here is when the chorus hits; you get a refreshing blast of boisterous antics, like the gang’s all together and just screaming joyously at the top of their lungs. It’s a nice little switch, and one that kept me coming back to this new tune!

The Small Intestines Share Old Town

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If you’re of a certain listening habit, and you know who you are, you’re definitely seeing the Small Intestines as one of the year’s most anticipated records. The Aussie outfit features members of Chook Race and Peach Happening working together between projects to create something new and exciting. Employing sharp angular chops is always going to be an easy way to grab my attention, but it’s hard not to fall in love with the dual vocal approach from Matt and Tristan as it breeds a sense of natural camaraderie that makes being in a band so much fun. Personally, I love the recording a lot too, the cymbal work gets captures perfectly, so its not all smashing drums and bass grooves; it rules. Hide in Time might be your favorite LP of the year; it drops on September 29th via Lost and Lonesome/Meritorio.

The Exbats Share Like It Like I Do Video

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It looks like 2023 is the year of really kick ass family bands; we had Big Blood‘s stellar record and now the Exbats have announced their newest LP for Goner Records. Inez Mclain and her father Kenny definitely have a penchant for looking back to the past for their sound, but I think Inez’s performance is so strong that it’s really hard to imagine her rocking out anywhere other than where we find her. That soulful voice is accompanied by some oohs and ahhs, but with the stomping beat and snapping guitar lines you can certainly feel a modern rock ethos. A fun tune to kick off your Friday! Song Machine is out on October 13th.

Listen to Monde UFO’s Drive Up Drive Thru Solitude

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It’s a shame that we’re all so vinyl focused, as I feel like CDs and Cassettes allow for really great compilations, like this El Teatro Esta Cerrado Comp from Dead Currencies. They’ve got a bunch of releases coming in the next year, so they’re perhaps teasing us with what’s in store. PostTrash (our Internet brethren) ran this tune the other day, and usually I shy away from it, but as I love Monde UFO‘s earlier LP from this past April, I felt like I had to get it up. Embarrassingly, the song’s already got the Velvet Underground nods in its mentions, but its hard to get away from that; it does feel like the coolest demo ever made in some hollowed our warehouse full of your favorite degenerates.

Lorelle Meets the Obsolete Share Ave en Reversa Video

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We’ve got to keep our International readers happy, and with that, we turn towards Mexico’s Lorelle Meets the Obsolete. Earlier this summer, the group released Datura, but today I’m stoked to share a new video from standout “Ave en Reversa.” I was hooked from the opening, dropping in this angular line that kicks in enough pop to it that you can’t help but bob your head as the hi-hat shimmies in the background. Singer Lorena moves inside those notes, playfully maneuvering with this relaxed cool that carefully drifts atop the tune. As things progress, those angular notes get a bit sharper as the band start to flex their post-punk tendencies and creativity; see the pulsating midtrack breakdown for a prime example. But, just as easily as they slide into that, they creep right back into the melodic vibe, closing out the song in style. Datura is available now via Sonic Cathedral.

Mesh Key Records to Release Inu’s Don’t Eat Food

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I’m really glad that streaming and Bandcamp have enabled folks to unearth gems and build a brand new audience, such as Mesh Key Records. The label, based in NYC, specializes in bringing to light underground Japanese artists, like late 70s/early 80s act Inu. The label will be releasing Don’t Eat Food, which originally appeared in 1981; it’s crazy to hear how locked in the band were to what was going on in American college scenes, despite the lack of Internet and other sharing services. I love the frantic vocals of the opening track here; it reminds me in an odd way of a caffeinated Jello Biafra, though musically there’s a stronger lineage to more angular sounds. Crazy how strong this recording sounds nearly 40 years on…just goes to show you the longevity of great songs. LP versions of Don’t Eat Food drop on October 6th! Don’t forget to check out the rest of the Mesh Key roster while you’re at it!

Echo Ladies Share Coming Home Video

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Malmo trio Echo Ladies have been heavily featured on our site as of late, but there’s something a little different on their latest single. Previously, with other singles from Lilies, they’ve toyed with a dark nature, but on this one, they’ve completely crossed over towards the dark side. Every layer of the track seems weighed down by reverb and distortion, building this huge wall of noise that surrounds Matilda’s voice. And, try as she might, the vocals can’t escape the dark grasp of the tune, with the vocals almost pleading to escape this noisy, musical cage; it’s the perfect little pop contrast to make sure you fall in love. Lilies is out on September 8th via Rama Lama Records.

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