Author: nathan.lankford

Jad Fair and Samuel Locke Ward Prep Happy Hearts

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Every time I feel a bit detached from the Austin music scene and the hype, I realize that somewhere out there, Jad Fair (of Half Japanese) is working on something brilliantly charming, just penning song after song because there’s no point after that. This go round, he’s continuing his prolific last few years with a new project with Iowan Samuel Locke Ward. Personally, this is the sort of rock I gravitate towards, and sort of always have. Songwriting is perfect, simple and just the right moments for melody, though the song seems to capture little imperfections, or so it seems, giving off just the slightest sense of being an oddball in a pop world. I’ll always root for stuff like this, which is why I’m looking forward to hearing the whole of the duo’s Happy Hearts LP, out February 10th via Kill Rock Stars.

Ibex Clone Announce All Channels Clear

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Gathering members from across Ex-Cult, Nots and Hash Redactor, it seems like Ibex Clone already had a nice formula, at least to appeal to my tastes. Now, with their new album and a brand new single, it’s time to give the band’s work a nice listen. Drawing inspiration from GBV, Meat Puppets and XTC, the band’s aim are to take those pop structures and stretch those sounds into something fresh. You can certainly hear the guitar work playing into the jangling pop scene, though the fleshing out brings in a little bit more heaviness and weight; it all sort of feels like collage work, adding layers and textures from the musical touchstones and building a new piece that stands on its own. Excited to hear where All Channels Clear takes us; it’s out via Goner Records on February 3rd.

Spiral XP Share Deja Vu Video

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When I first turned on this new track from Seattle’s Spiral XP, I was feeling pretty targeted. The track comes in immediately with these soaring guitars, crashing, hinting at angular notes, though also with a penchant for 90s college rock vibes; the rollicking drums give the music just enough edge to hit hard. Suddenly, the curtain opens on the vocals and there’s this gooey sweetness pouring through my speakers, softened tones curling around inner ear. It’s like playful noise rock, toying with you by presenting as loud and boisterous, but secretly melodious and covered in hooks. The group will release their new It’s Been a While EP on February 17th via Danger Collective.

Jackie Mendoza Drops New Video

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I’m always going to give Jackie Mendoza some love on this site, particularly when I can kickstart your day with a fun bit of solid gold pop. This song’s narrative circles around a love story from a youthful perspective, albeit one going on during a pandemic; the young couple is just excited to go off on a dream vacation, and there, they get “Maui’d.” Sure, the lyrics are silly at times, but who gives a shit; there’s a rad hook throughout, which kicks a nice bounce through your speakers…clearly I’m a sucker for it. Jackie’s new album Galaxia de Emociones drops on March 4rd via ZZK Records.

Blues Lawyer Drop Video for Nowhere to Go

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The Bay Area, for me, is one of the hottest musical commodities in the States at the moment; it seems like every band is just dropping hit after hit. Blues Lawyer are no different, with this quick burst of fuzzy pop to rock you right out of your seats. Pounding drums melt with these angular riffs, both rushing through the gates from the instant you press play. The chorus hits with this powerful little emphatic stomp, briefly, then running right back out the door with that driving rhythm; we’re all in a hurry out there. It’s an infectious vocal delivery that certainly makes the song’s darker subject matter seem sunny and bright…like only the best pop can do. If you’re digging it, grab All in Good Time from Dark Entries on February 17th.

Joyeria Shares Brand New Single

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I was super impressed by Joyeria‘s FIM EP, which came out last week. But, the artist is already back with a brand new track, and one that is even more striking than what’s already been accomplished. Opening up, the song’s just this driving guitar line working over light drum work; then the production ramps up the volume, letting the rising action of the track hit. That’s when the vocals come into play, with Joy’s voice embracing the little imperfections and offering up this brilliant viewpoint on the life of artistry. Bubbling beneath are some noisier elements, adding texture to the tune that’s really enchanting. So, if you haven’t already, please listen to Joyeria.

Mary Anne’s Polar Rig Announce Makes You Wonder

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It’s hard breaking through the US/UK press to offer refreshing music, and to be honest, if folks aren’t given stuff directly, they’re not always likely to seek out the good stuff outside of the geo-musical landscape. Good thing we’ve got some connections in places like Sweden bringing us the goods from Mary Anne’s Polar Rig, who just announced their new LP, Makes You Wonder. This Malmo duo isn’t really playing by any rules or expectations; they rip through their songs with sharp riffs and explosive moments. It’s all delivered in an off-kilter manner, keeping the listener on their toes, turning unexpectedly one second then tossing melody right in your face. Malin’s vocal performance is so primal at times, it’s hard not to be captivated by what’s coming through your speakers; it reminds me of that 2002 EP from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs in a lot of ways, so I’m completely on board here. Makes You Wonder is out in March via Rama Lama Records.

Doom Flower Release Sweep Video

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Going back through all the incredible tunes from early in 2023, I’m reminded that Doom Flower still feels like this hidden gem folks haven’t latched onto quite yet. Having just released Limestone Ritual, this video is a reminder of the darkened haunts that pop music will creep around. Immediately, the video and the sound immerse you in a heavy wash, creating this almost industrial vibe, awaiting Jess Price’s entrance. When Price comes in, her voice lifts the ambiance, albeit just a wee bit; her voice rises, but then almost seems to fade as syllables and lines end, being washed over by the waves of music (and visuals). Be sure to delve into this whole LP, out now via Record Label Records.

En Attendant Ana Drop Same Old Story Video

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I apologize for not having this up when it dropped a few days ago, but we were hitting some technical difficulties, on top of returning to work for the first time in a few weeks. So, clearly we love En Attendant Ana, and Principia is in my Top 5 of most anticipated releases for this year. The song definitely flirts with hints of what Broadcast was bringing to the table, continuing to sort of flesh out the edges of the tune with a little bit more dissonance and noise to kind of guarantee there’s some lineage between their first record and the new one. Personally, I love the rise and fall of the song’s title in the vocal work. You can grab the new LP from Trouble in Mind Records on February 24th.

Buildings and Food Shares New Single

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Sometimes you pen a song and just let it sit for awhile, planning to come back to it at a later date. Such is the case with the latest single from Buildings and Food, which Jen Wilson says had its origins way back in 2001. But, this go round, she’s opted to take the acoustic strums and vocals and layer them with various beats and electronic textures, aligned with her current songwriting habits. I love how there’s this natural vibrance to the musical element, now even more poppy with the careful beat work added beneath. It works in perfect contrast with the mellower vibes of the vocals, hanging just beneath the surface now. Always stoked to see what Jen is up to, so consider this another solid addition!

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