Author: nathan.lankford

Peak Twins Return with Beloved

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Not too long ago, Peak Twins were getting some adoration from the masses, but they’ve been relatively quiet since 2013. Today that changes with the announcement of the group’s new LP, Beloved. “Water” is our first listen, accompanied by a gorgeous video employing mirror images, but ultimately it’s the song I’m in love with right now. All the verses reside in that casual pop arena popularized by many an Aussie outfit; they’re not pushing the envelop, merely caressing the natural melody within their songs. For my two cents, the special moment, aside from the nice little added arrangements, is the nice little change that comes for the first time around the 2 minute mark (also at 3:30); it’s just a mild directional turn, but plays in perfectly to the song’s aesthetic. Call it what you will, but Peak Twins have dropped one hell of a new number. The new LP will be out on June 28th.

Stanley Brinks and the Wave Pictures Share Tequila Island

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Two artists I’ve been writing about since we up and started this old blog are Stanley Brinks and Wave Pictures. Stanley’s done his own thing, worked with Freshcard…and always circles back it seems to work with the Wave Pictures. Together they write these pop songs that are playful, yet illustrated the musicianship of everyone involved, such as the title track from their new album, Tequila Island. It draws inspiration from folk influences, and then transports them to island lifestyles…maybe they got this all written down in Cabo? If Jimmy Buffet had a fraction of cool, he’d probably sound like this batch. Tequila Island is out on June 21st via Fika Recordings.

Travel to the Moon and Back with WIAIWYA

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I’m not sure there’s a label quite like WIAIWYA; it’s a label that blends their love of pop with really creative releases (did you see that 7777777 series?). Today the label announces a 38 song compilation that celebrates the adventures of Apollo 11. They tease us with three delightful pop tracks from Darren Hayman (Hefner), Mikey Collins (Allo Darlin) and Whoa Melodic…all powerful songwriters who’ve graced these pages. Oh, and you loved that Jeanines track from earlier? They’re on here too! So, if you’re wanting to blast off into space and relive the Apollo adventures of 50 years ago, jump on this pop rocket ship and blast off…or just fall in love with all the effort put into another unique release.

Dream Pop from Mirrorball

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Mirrorball is a fairly new band to the LA scene, though its two members have long been working in the musical community. But, their new project has this shimmering fragility that you can identify with almost immediately. The guitar chords seemingly dance in the distance, while there’s an electronic noodling that wavers in the foreground. There’s this forlorn vibe, almost making you weep as the song moves along…and I’m not even sad. They’ll likely draw some comparisons to Beach House, which are apt, but as a new band, there’s plenty of ways they can grow. For now, this single appears as part of Dangerbird’s Microdose Series.

Rat Fancy Share Stay Cool Title Track

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Friday’s are supposed to be fun! And, I couldn’t think of a better way to have fun than to play this joyful new tune from the forthcoming Rat Fancy LP. We’ve talked previously about Stay Cool, and now we get the title track in all its bouncy glory. Diana sounds really great here, especially when she delivers the slight tonal change whilst saying “don’t be sad;” that might be my favorite musical moment of the week. Throughout the tune, there’s this guitar that’s sort of jigging in and out, jangling except when it’s pushing the full shred. Be advised, this song’s going to make you smile from ear to ear; it appears on the new LP, out June 6th via HHBTM Records.

Halfsour Share Paper Window Video

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Here’s the thing about Halfsour; the band can pretty much change and adopt to any style to fit their need. You want power-pop? They got it? Need a noisy rocker? They got it. This new single off Sticky is a slow-burning ballad…like I said, they got it all. It’s built up slowly, rolling drums and Zoe’s voice primarily pushing the song forward. You can hear the guitar lines pop up here and there in the first 2 minutes; it’s then that things start to get a little bit broader. The guitar goes for a solo, and the song spreads its wings, with Zoe’s voice again riding on the back of this beautiful bird. Like I said, this trio can do it all. Just wait and see when the LP drops on May 24th via Fire Talk/Disposable America.

Jeanines Share Second Single from New LP

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This debut from Jeanines is shaping up to be one of my favorite things this year, especially with this delicious new single from their self-titled debut. The opening few seconds have this steady pounding indiepop feel to it, and I’d already be convinced to fawn, but that’s not the twist that really hits for me. Just at the 33 second mark, there’s this vocal pitch change that seems both nostalgic and omni-present; it switches the mood from indiepop to classic doo-wop vibes (it also happens at 1:16). Brief and memorable, so it makes sense that their debut is being handed by the same label that brings you Tony Molina, the esteemed Slumberland Records…dropping on June 14th.

 

 

Stream the Powerful Swan/Koistinen EP

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Be forewarned…the brand new Swan/Koistinen EP is a sobering four track collection. In the time of the endless scroll, we often talk about hyperbole and boost hopeful hyped artists. But, here we have two established musicians, Astrid Swan and Stina Koistinen crafting four songs that document their experience as cancer survivors; it’s four songs of these two women putting that experience on the table for all to see. Musically, I’m drawn to the throbbing pulse of “Hospital,” while I’m also growing to love the arrangements that accompany “Symptoms.” Honestly, it’s a tough listen lyrically, but perhaps one that provides many a fan with solace…ultimately ending in the joy of “Singing.” Just wanted to share it with you all; it’s available from our friends at Soliti.

Feelings Meeting Share New Single

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There’s a really special release coming out on Friday, and I’m not sure how many folks will be listening, so I want those of you who lean to well-crafted pop to lend a careful ear to Feelings Meeting. The Montreal outfit will release Feelings Store on Friday, so they wanted to share one last teaser single. This song shows great restraint, choosing to build careful nuance into the tune rather than hit you with a swelling chorus or the like. Slight vocal pitches indicate the song’s movement, with little flourishes of texture shimmering just behind the front of the mix…all leading to the atmospheric close that wrap’s up the song’s brilliance. Enjoy.

Check New Terry vs Tori

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The last I heard from Terry vs Tori was back in 2018 when they dropped an EP via Bedroom Box Records…but a good Internet friend sent me their way again, and lucky for me…and you. This track is their second from their forthcoming debut LP, and it’s got just the right amount of gaze blended with the jangle; it gives a constant sensation of moving/falling throughout, depending on how you wanna look at it. Erica Pender’s voice is perfectly fit right smack dab between both genres, riding it out with this effortless cool warmth that makes pop nerds swoon. No exact date on the release, but I’ll keep you posted! Also…the band is from Sevilla, which is where my dad’s currently living, so you know, small world; they’re the best of friends.

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