Author: nathan.lankford

Marika Christine Releases Apricot

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What the hell are they funneling into the water in San Francisco?! Marika Christine is another artist from the Bay Area whose craft is totally fascinating. On the surface, Christine’s vocal is the star, as that’s utilized to lift the song up and down, providing movement as it goes. But, that being said, I’m captivated by the various styles that are being brought in and out of the tune; you get little hints of bossanova, little hints of jazz and dabs of electronica, all of which gets spun around a pop centric little circle to enjoy. This tune will be on Marika’s new album, a reminder to push your pop music!

War Strings Share Shame Single

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During the week that was SXSW, I caught this band Bedlocked with Team ATH; I remember talking to RayRay about how it was like a slowcore version of Appleseed Cast, which we both enjoyed. So, here I am combing through my email stuff and I hit this new War Strings single recalling a similar emotion. The fuzziness on the song’s edges is totally there in this single, albeit with a little more urgency so the track hits a little more quickly, giving off that instant emotional release. In the vocals you get a little more presence, adding to the whole vibe as it gives off another texture to appreciate here.

Holiday Ghosts Share Favourite Freak Single

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As a fan of good old fashioned indiepop, I will admit that every time I get a new single from Holiday Ghosts, I get a a little overexcited. Listening here, you can hear exactly why as they’re executing the tried-and-true pop sound; the guitars jangle in the right spots, though with this circular rotation that matches up with the thumping drums. But, you couldn’t have a great pop song if the melodies and vocal harmonies didn’t intertwine as they do in this single below here; it sort of just gets stuck inside your head and begs you to, begging for you to throw down a few dollars and pick up the band’s new album Absolute Reality, out on April 21st via FatCat Records.

Black Thumb Share Low

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It seems one cannot go through a single week around these parts without getting into something rad coming from San Francisco, like Black Thumb. While I can hear the sonic similarity, particularly in the way the song’s pace works out, I think one thing I really love is that there’s this natural clarity that comes through in the songwriting. The synth/organs hang behind the mix, while the guitar seems to operate in unison with the drums, both giving the tune a bit of foundation for the voice. I love the added textural layer of backing vocals near the song’s end, perfectly encapsulating all my pop dreams in one closing moment. The band release The Flying Propeller Group on April 7th via Dandy Boy Records.

RVG Share Squid Single

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During SXSW I was fortunate enough to catch several bands more than one time; in some instances it was accidental, but in the case of RVG it was very much purposeful. They’re phenomenal live, with Romy’s passion on full display. Today, the band share their latest single, “Squid,” which offers a glimpse at the brooding darkness that courses through their new album. This song seems to beg listeners to avoid looking in the rearview mirror, albeit from the perspective of Vager as a squid. The band played this during their sets here in Austin, and it was definitely, like the recorded version, a powerful display that delivers a wallop to the listener’s ears. I still say the band is making indispensable pop music people will discover and discover again, years down the road, so don’t miss out and be sure you’re ready to grab Brain Worms when it releases on June 2nd via Fire Records.

87 and the Toys Share Shopping Mall Video

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I love a good upbeat number, particularly when the band is drawing inspiration from the art-punk scene of the 80s, like what’s at play in the vibe from 87 and the Toys. On this single, the band squirm right into this writhing punk pogo, jittering around the room as they belt out distinctive syllables. The playfulness of the band comes right through that screen too, with a really great performance from drummer Hana bringing in that huge set of pipes to really sell the band’s sound. They’ll be releasing their latest effort The Smile Room on March 31st, and with that release, rumor has it that they might be moving to Austin too, so hope you local readers keep an eye out.

American Levitation Co Shares Shine

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I sit here hopefully thinking that this new Swedish band of rockers are giving Austin’s Levitation a nice little nod with their band name, American Levitation Co. But, my digression aside, the group are pulling on their JaMC shirts and dropping a stomping bit of fuzzed out rock n’ roll. One listen through and you’ll be greeted by that thumping beat and squall of guitars, all of it tied together by this gooey melodic vocal work that drives home the pop sentiment. I love its familiarity, and am interested in hearing if they can move into making the sound fully their own as they go forward.

The Toads Announce In the Wilderness

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Currently digging through a lot of my emails from the last week, and lo and behold, there’s one in here mentioning new band the Toads, compiled of various folks from Shifters, Parsnip and Ausmuteants (among others). Sound wise, it’s this edge-driven riff work that rings through your speakers, cutting down across the strings to create this anxiousness that’s balanced by the rhythm section. Listening in, the bass line walks you through the track, bobbing atop the stomp of the drums, ultimately leaving plenty of room in between for the vocals to come off like a highly caffeinated spoken-word impersonator. Great opening track to the group’s new In the Wilderness LP, out June 9th via Upset the Rhythm/Anti Fade Records.

Brunch Shares Big Bird + Drop Parasocial

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If you are living in the same head space as me, you likely hit the ground running today, only to crash a few hours later. I’ve been sitting back and relishing the latest track from Vermont’s Brunch, which is this slow churning bit of indie rock, perfect for trying to wrap your head around a Monday. There’s a mixture of guitar tones, some with fiery sharpness and others with a bit of a growl, all of it leaving plenty of space for the vocals to maneuver in and out of the foreground. All of it blossoms into a huge crash of noise, rustling the feathers of your neighbor if you turn it up just loud enough. If you’re digging on this, we suggest you check out Parasocial, the band’s latest release.

Telehealth Share No Time Lost Video

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I will admit that I have definitely been fascinated by the work of Seattle’s Telehealth. Their first few singles from their LP hinted at this almost Devo-esque synth brand, but as I listened to their latest release, I can’t help but to hope that there’s more of this in store. This song’s got patience and beauty, pushing the song out delicately atop this warm beat work; it ends up being more contemplative, allowing you to connect on that level where your mind meets up with the music and carries you away. It’s just this huge thoughtful electronic piece that’s meant for reflection, and as we’re all here on a Monday, I reckoned we needed that. They release Content Oscillator on March 31st.

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