Author: nathan.lankford

Monde UFO Share Visions of Fatima

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Mondays are all about easing into the mindset that you’re likely working your way through the rest of the week, good or bad. So, it’s nice to have a clean mental slate, which is where Monde UFO enters the show. The LA based band are exploring the intersection between DIY bedroom pop and the exploratory realms of jazz and bossa nova; it makes for a listen that ultimately feels both familiar and far far out of the norm. The opening moments trickle in carefully, almost like a meditative stance that’s just there to set the tone, building blocks that will be the foundation of the track. Vocals come in just after the 1 minute mark, a bit sedate and studied. There’s a bubbling up of pop structures just at the 2 minute mark, lifting the song’s spirit to your ears. My favorite moment comes at 3:36; the song opens up into this dreamy pop realm that immediately warms your ears, and just works in briefly before skittering off into the noisier compositional world. Their album Vandalized Statue to be Replaced with Shrine is out on April 21st.

Last Week’s Jams (2.6 – 2.10)

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Well, it seems like we finally worked out the kinks in our lives and were able to get a solid week’s worth of jams out your way. Was excited to get that new High Water Marks tune out there, as well as new Monnone Alone, if you like your pop mixed with a bit of punch. New Austin act Daiistar has their first single, plus our old ATX friends Letting Up Despite Great Faults dropped a new single too from their forthcoming EP! There’s tons of other hits from the likes of Deuce and the Golden Dregs too. Unfortunately, new stuff from Mythical Motors and Weird Numbers isn’t quite on the DSPs, so if you like what we’re covering, check those hits too on the site.

Mythical Motors Offer Up New Single

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There’s a massive catalog of music coming from Mythical Motors, though it feels like its super easy to indulge when the project releases a great new single, like “Replacement City.” When the guitars rode into the show here, there was this satisfying vibrancy, like I was playing in a ball pit as melody rained down. Then the vocals kick in, embracing this almost arena power rock vibe, though they hide in a bit of obscurity, always maintaining their earnestness. It all circles back, then the latter half rushes forward forcefully, almost hitting you in the face with those big old pop hooks. You definitely can’t go wrong with this jam today!

The Sprouts Release Debut Single

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You need look no further than the band members of The Sprouts to know I’m going to be on board; you’ve got folks from Dippers (Thigh Master), Permits and Chook Race, all rocking and rolling as a brand new animal. The lot all gathered in Melbourne to bang out a collection of songs set to hit at the end of March, so let’s check this sample. You get churning guitar notes, not quite rocking the jangle, but offering up this sort of Aussie swing that certainly excites. Multiple voices overlap throughout to remind us of the joint affair…and the power of singing with your best mates. Then we get the added bonus of a fiery little solo guitar riff to close out the track in fashion. Sign me up as a fan! Eat Your Greens is out on March 24th via Tenth Court.

Jonathan Bree Announces Pre-Code Hollywood

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I feel like I’ve been riding solo on the Jonathan Bree train for a long while now, but maybe now that the New Zealand artist has caught the ear of Nile Rodgers (who plays and produces on this track!), maybe the rest of the States will get in on the vibe. News came our way yesterday that there’s a new full-length coming our way, and the title track accompanied said announcement. Bree’s voice still comes off like the coolest crooner you ever did see, but there’s a nice bit of sheen to the song this go round. It feels as if this has gone full on into a sort of disco-club, albeit run though the orchestral divination of Jonathan and his work. I just can’t get enough, so I’m stoked to hear the whole of Pre-Code Hollywood, out in April via Lil Chief Records.

Brock Pytel Drops Brand New Single

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You might recognize Brock Pytel‘s name as the singing man behind the kit for the Doughboys, but now the songwriter’s out on his own dropping new jams. I’m jamming this new single, which feels like it almost takes on a classic Bob Pollard vocal approach, particularly when it gets to the chorus where Pytel seems to curl the faintest hint of melody into his matter-of-fact delivery. Musically, you get a bit of that power-pop sound, albeit one envisioned with a set of 90s glasses on your head; there’s also plenty of banging noise to, in case you were worried Brock might indulge in the underlying sweetness. Looking forward to hear more from the ex-Doughboys singer.

Weird Numbers Announce S/T LP + Share Soda

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For some reason, there’s something in the beat of this new Weird Numbers song that makes me feel like stalking about in my classroom right now (don’t worry…no students are present). There’s something dark and dangerous about it, until those buzzsaw guitars start to rip their way through the rhythm of it all. It’s like the song’s tossing and turning you like a dingy at sea amidst a storm, with the vocals serving as the rope that tethers you to the dock. All of it just feels dark and dangerous at once, with hints of hooks bubbling carefully beneath the current. The band release their new self-titled LP on March 3rd via Dandy Boy Records.

Mary Anne’s Polar Rig Share Latest Single

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Every time the folks at Rama Lama Records send us a new song from Mary Anne’s Polar Rig, I have certain expectations. Good ones, mind you, but expectations. Their latest single, however, threw me for a huge loop. The first minute or so sheds the abrasive nature they usually bring to the table, favoring a bit more of a clean shimmer, almost sparkling with Malin’s vocals carefully moving the song forward. Elements of noise begin to creep in, though done with restraint to elongate the emotional pull; even as the volume seems prominent that shine on the melodic center is clear, almost shielding the listener from the barrage in the distance. It’s a nice little mixture of everything the band excel at; Makes You Wonder is out on March 24th.

Letting Up Despite Great Faults Announce Crumble EP

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After releasing last year’s excellent IV, Austin’s Letting Up Despite Great Faults return today with the announcement of a brand new EP. That, of course, means we get a brand new single (with a Mobb Deep reference no less!). When you press play, you’re immediately greeted by this cacophony of melodic noise, matched with Annah’s vocals running through the middle. Suddenly, the noise drops off and you get the melody clear and open, sparkling with the immediacy of a great pop hook. Back and forth goes the song, balancing on the tightrope between an abyss of noise and pop. The band are set to release the Crumble EP on April 4th, with rumors of tour popping up online.

Constant Smiles Share Gold Like Water

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This new Constant Smiles stuff is sounding pretty spot on, in terms of where my listening brain is at currently. It’s just really subtle, well-executed pop songwriting, just a bit left of the dial. That light keyboard bounce that trickles in atop the bubbling beat is perfect; it creates this realm of relaxation, allowing me to sit back and let the song wash over “like water.” When the vocals cruise in, they’re lapping at your toes as you stand ashore, nipping at you with little twinkling melodies. A little percussive mix-up offers just enough differentiation to keep the song rolling interestingly along, particularly as more accompaniment pieces flutter in from the background. The band release Kenneth Anger on March 3rd via Sacred Bones, with some dates throughout March, including a stop at SXSW.

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