Author: nathan.lankford

Oscilla Shares Repeat Rerun

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I’m guessing it’s because I’ve been hanging with 13 year olds all day (don’t be weird, I’m a teacher), but I’ve got an extra bit of pep in my step. This Oscilla tune is absolutely perfect for that mood, it only enhances today’s cheer. The whole tune is set to this steady roll of the snare layered atop a jumpy little piano line; atmospherics wash in and out, mostly wrapping the melody tighter around the track. Frances England, meanwhile, just has this voice that makes you feel like grabbing your best friends hand and bounding down the lane as sun sets; it’s joyous and thoughtful, and all the while familiar. Bet this track just made your day!

Upbeat Pop from Husbands

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Oklahoma City has a special spot in my heart (90% of my friends live there), so when I find a band coming out of that town I can adore, I tend to swoon. So here I am with Husbands (who also spend some time in Seattle); they craft this bouncing sort of pop that seems perfect for the last days of Summer here. In fact, it kind of reminds me of early Drums or Generationals, driving these infectious hooks into your brain where you can’t escape…and suddenly you’re bouncing around the house having the time of your life. I don’t know about you, but Tuesday feels like a great day to sort of turn up some tunes, put on a grin and have a hell of a time.

Kaputt Share Carnage Hall

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Glaswegian act Kaputt seem to have answered a call of sorts put forth to them by many a no-wave act, most recently with Bodega coming to mind. For starters, the band’s spinning their political sensibilities in this tightly manufactured no-punk. The title-track from their forthcoming release is filled with these saxophone skronks and feverish bounce that’s sure to get an audience up and about; this all leads to a riotous tension that seems to put the band and listener on edge, shooting off-kilter chords to a calamitous close. Just imagine a less-formulaic Parquet Courts and you’re in the ballpark here. Carnage Hall drops on September 27th via Upset the Rhythm.

Thoughtful Post-Punk from Shiny Darkly

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Danish outfit Shiny Darkly most recently dropped their Bronze LP, but as of today, they’ve got something that seems most fitting of their band name. They’ve employed Sharin Foo of the Raveonettes to join in on the main vocal role in their new track; they craft this mesmerizing post-punk soundscape that draws in the listener rather than frighten them with squalls of beautiful guitars. The guitars are clean, working over what sounds like a digital drum loop; the vocals weave themselves around the negative space, creeping in with a slight curled pop billow during the chorus. A nice way to join in on your Monday, don’t ya think? This track will appear on the Crunchy Frog 25th Anniversary Compilation.

Michael Bain Shares Dad Rock Video + Austin Show

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Earlier this Summer, Sun June member Michael Bain released Tidal Ways; it had some slight sonic nods to SJ, but clearly he’s found a sound entirely his own. You’ll find that guitar lines are sharp and crisp, while his vocals have a little studio growl to them; the percussion seems almost entirely played on the rim of the drum. It almost seem to have this nice haze upon it, which at times, seems matched by the imagery of the accompanying video. If you fancy the sound, you can find the whole album available HERE. But, if you’re super lucky and live in Austin, you can catch Michael playing at the Mohawk tomorrow night; he’ll be joined by our dear friend David Israel, as well as Thank Light; more info HERE.

Our Ithaca Creek Release It’s 09 and the Future Looks Good

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I’m a little weary of buying into the story of Our Ithaca Creek, as there seem to be various accounts of the creation of both band and this album, It’s 09 and the Future Looks Good; I can live with just a hint of mystery. All I know is that I’ve really been enjoying the album’s lead single all weekend long, which really has its own sound, and while sounding great, doesn’t wholly fit into my own preconceived notions of current Aussie music. There’s this softness in the chorus that sort of gets stomped out, like they’re kicking down the door to save the world. The rest of the song seems to have this similar wistful feeling, like we’re out here searching for great answers to life’s questions; there’s a lot of promise in the future, if you care to look.

Pleased to Meet You: Chad

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Okay, so I know a lot of Chad’s but this is Chad, the band! It’s the new project from Sarah Lane and her partner Trevor; Sarah appeared on these pages quite a bit not too long ago. The band have only recently formed, and already there’s an EP on the way; it features the slow dance jam below. For me, this song is all about the sonic landscape the band have set up; it relies upon this precision rhythm moments that steady the entire tune, allowing for the guitar to move in and out and provide accents where needed. The important in all of that is that it rights the ship, so to speak, leaving this playground for Lane to put down her smoky vocals as the song bobs and weaves its way through. Their EP will drop later this Fall.

Spinning Coin Share B-Side

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I wish more people wrote tracks like Spinning Coin; they have this knack of tying their songs into things I adore about music. There’s this stream-of-consciousness vocal delivery, offering commentary on one’s desire for a momentary drop out of the world that never quite comes to fruition. Musically, they’ve got it all. The opening 20 seconds or so of guitar sound just feel like home; it’s not quite jangle but definitely in my wheelhouse. They go on to combine vocals, not quite harmonizing but supporting one another…all dreamily drawing out the song’s chorus. Plus, they even step on the pedal to offer some fuzzy riffs later on in the tune, always returning to their poppier craft. So damn good. This is the B-side to their new 7″ for Domino, out August 30th.

Suggested Friends Share Turtle Taxi

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It would be super easy to lump Suggested Friends with the rest of the great pop-punk coming out of the UK, and while there are 100% definite similarities, the title track from the band’s new LP seems to offer glimpses at a larger sound. They adhere to an affinity for anthemic licks and vocal hooks, but things seem spun around a more pop-centric vibe rather than the punk side of things; the mood after the 1 minute mark has me reminiscing about Allo Darlin. Ultimately, the band have just crafted these gems that are singalong worthy and infectious as ever, so you’re likely to have these tunes stuck in your head all day long. Turtle Taxi drops in October via Fika Recordings and HHBTM!

Sugar Shield Announce Beautiful at All Times

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Sugar Shield is the new project of Dana Telsrow, who came to my attention via his participation in Karen Meat. While the two share a quirky sensibility to songwriting, the sounds crafted for this project are a touch different. Vocals rise and fall melodically over these electronic bursts, carrying you into the core of the song. It’s here where you find bass and drums accenting the electronics, giving Dana plenty of room to let his voice bounce in step with all the sounds he’s created for you. The whole tunes this intoxicating swirl of pop touchstones that I’m hoping will have you looking towards the release of Beautiful at All Times, out October 18th.

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