Author: nathan.lankford

Automatic Share Lazy Single

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I assure you I am fully aware of how the title of this post may look, but Automatic needn’t worry, as one quick listen to this single will have you in the right spot. They begin with a typical nod at post-punk, using sharp drum snaps and synth dances to flesh out the sound in that sort of nostalgic pop fashion. But, they built in an interesting twist, changing the vocal approach and the entire groove of the tune around the 1:10 mark; it creates this bit of coy banter between the audience and the listener, and definitely illustrates the group flexing their craft as they move forward in their career. Is It Now will be out September 26th via Stones Throw.

Massage Share Fading Out Single

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When Massage announced their forthcoming Coaster LP, they did so with this sort of clean version of Jesus and the Mary Chain, at least in some of the initial press from folks like us. But, while that vibe certainly hangs in the background of their newest tune, there’s definitely something else that’s aching to shine through that weighted backdrop. Like a ray of sunshine, there’s this rolling vibe of euphoria bursting through, akin to some of the mid90s work that was coming overseas during the heyday of Brit pop…and I mean that as an honest compliment. They’re kind of playing off a sort of Sarah Records meets My So Called Life, and I don’t mind that one bit, and in fact, am quite eager to hear how far they push their confidence on Coaster. It drops via Mt. St. Mtn. and Bobo Integral on October 10th.

Another Great Track from Maura Weaver

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When we first encountered the new work of Maura Weaver for her forthcoming Strange Devotion LP, I marveled at her balance between folk elements and modern pop sounds. On her latest single, there’s a bit more of a retreat into the folk realm, but in doing so, her natural calm quiets the song’s waters, creating this rich, caramel dreaminess. The opening reminded me of early Cate le Bon, but as the track unfolded it was like stepping out of the cool AC into the Texas heat, blanketing me in this warmth that’s simply unavoidable. Strange Devotion is out on September 19th via Feel It Records.

Piggietails Drop CDs

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Up and coming Melbourne outfit Piggietails were only recently introduced to us over here at ATH, but with another solid number coming our way, it’s hard to ignore the new act as they push towards the release of their self-titled debut. If you’re a fan of the Aussie scene, you’ll hear some faint similarities, as the band can’t have avoided the sweet jangles of their homeland. But, with that in mind, they seem to take a broader brushstroke on this one, sort of embracing a Velvet Underground approach to letting the music make its own path, discarding all adherence to style in favor of just letting it rip. Stoked to hear the group making this sound all their own, putting Piggietails on my own personal anticipatory list; it drops via Spoilsport Records on September 19th.

Pop Tune from Star Moles

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I will admit that this time of year is rough on me, for various reasons, so I can’t always keep on top of the tunes. But, when this Star Moles track popped in, I knew instantly that I’d be sharing it. There’s something enchanting and pure about songwriter Emily Moales voice; there’s this bewilderment brimming beneath a solid confidence that continues to charm, offering listeners a true voice to sprinkle in your weekly playlists. The steady beat allows for little riff strums to hum in unison with the melody, whilst little nuanced brushstrokes add texture behind. If you’re looking for your favorite listen, might we suggest going to listen to all of the new LP, Snack Monster?

A Couple of New Ditties from Tullycraft

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Seattle outfit Tullycraft are about to release their delightful new LP, brimming with joy and clever wordplay you might find on a Dan Treacy penned track. They’ve just dropped a couple of new tracks to support Shoot the Point, and “Love on the Left Bank” displays the band’s ability to switch back and forth between vocalists, though never shying away from nuanced hooks in the background…just think of a purely pop version of the Comet gain. “Tarrytown” turns these great guitar lines into masterful pop seduction, and those vocal tones pull from the coolest corners of indiepop, particularly with their little rise within syllable switches. Shoot the Point is shaping up quite nicely; it’ll be out this Friday via HHBTM.

Did You Check Out Dragnet

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I’m kicking off a brand new school year today, and what better way to do so than by having my students walk into a room with jittering punk courtesy of Melbourne’s Dragnet. They’ve just released Dragnet Reigns, and you’ll get to hear various approaches that fit right into the current indie rock milieu. I’m loving “Red Square,” which has some similarities to acts like Snooper, albeit with a whole lot more attitude. But, while the punk-ness is on full display, they’ve also built in some rad grooves throughout the LP, like on “Grandstand,” bringing in a subtler melody that moves behind their raw energy. The whole listen is fast and caffeinated, guaranteeing you’ll be feeding off their energy. If you dig it, be sure to order Dragnet Reigns from Spoilsport Records.

Joyce Manor Return with All My Friends Are Depressed

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I have to cop to being only a part-time Joyce Manor fan; they have some bangers for sure, but occasionally they go over my head. This new single, however, had me instantly, with a guitar line that I thought was going to take them to a Go-Betweens-esque pop punk jam…and to be fair…that is what it is. That said, the easier nod would be to pull in some Johnny Marr comparisons, and the vocals also have that swaying croon that creeps right into that same arena. It’s nice to see some of the blends between the two-genres, as that sort of soft indiepop and punk all share history. Hoping we hear more like this from the group!

Circling Back to Love Burns Latest 7″

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Sometimes life can run full-circle, as is the case for Phil Sutton and his project Love Burns. He was part of the original Comet Gain lineup, then moved on to work in various projects like Pale Lights, but now serendipity strikes as his latest 7″ features Rachel Evans, who plays part in the current Comet Gain lineup. All that history aside, these are some of the best songs Sutton has written (even considering the ATH Records supported It Should Have Been Tomorrow). “Dear Carol” is a wonderful duet with Rachel, but that soaring chorus just crushes you under its power; I would live and breathe for that moment alone. Flip it over and you get another swooning pop tune, with Phil embracing dulcet tones atop an encircling jangle, before Evans adds a nice little backing vocal to layer an extra blanket of melody into the track. Both glorious tunes are available from Spinout Nuggets.

Rad Gnar Share Never Felt Like This Single

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If you need an energetic push to kickstart your Monday morning, you’ll want to have your fingers on the volume dial as you turn on this new Rad Gnar single. The Austin band have deep roots in the scene, featuring members of Breaklights and Basketball Shorts (who dropped a great LP on our label years ago!). But, with all that history, it’s nice to hear Ben and company stretching their sound beyond some of their pop punk roots into an all encompassing pop rock sound that just rips. I love the eagerness of the vocals on this, which feel more akin to a Superchunk B-side, while guitar shredding is on full display. And just because they’re banging out these feuding guitar sounds doesn’t mean they can’t bring the proper hooks…just you listen to some of the vocal melodies alone! Loving this and looking forward to the release These Past Few Years, dropping on August 29th.

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