Author: nathan.lankford

Fuzzy Dream Pop from Shadowgraphs

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While I’ve spent a lot of time jamming the latest Papercuts records, this new tune from Shadowgraphs is trying to align itself with a similar vibe. There are definitely still some light psychedelic references, particularly in some of the layered guitar parts. But, scrub that a little bit, and beneath the surface is this huge pop sensibility, bursting dreamily through your speakers. A slight bit of fuzz gives the sound this heaviness, which really allows for the vocals to sort of float off into the ether. The band are releasing Another Time on November 30th via Golden Brown.

Circling Back on the Whip Hand

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As the year’s end comes nearer, I’m revisiting notes and such things I’ve made to remind myself of what I really enjoyed. Somehow, I skipped over writing about the Whip Hand, even though it made it into my indiepop list, so I aim to remedy that now. The band walks the careful line between indiepop and shoegaze, utilizing these sharp jagged guitar chords to encourage toe tapping, whilst drawing out vocal notes in a dreamier fashion. Their album Sometimes, We Are, just dropped in October, so you can still go out there and be cool by discovering it and sharing with your friends…like me! Grab the album from Lady Sometimes Records.

Juan Wauters Returns with New LP

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It’s been a hot minute since we’ve heard from Juan Wauters; his last release was back in 2015 with Who Me. But, worry no more, as he’s finished up some traveling through Latin America and will return with La Onda de Juan Pablo. His travels began in Puerto Rico, where the following tune was begun; he was struck by a couple of characters playing boleros, thus crafting his own. It immediately has this almost traditional light-hearted vibe, particularly in the supporting vocals. You’ll also note that Wauters is singing entirely in Spanish, something that continues through the whole of the new album. I know I’m fond of the style, and if you find yourself in the same boat, look for the new album on January 25th via Captured Tracks.

Dig On This Lovely Sparrows Track

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You’ve got to trust the people you know, and it seems like almost every one of my favorite Austin artists (not to mention folks who we’ve worked with) have worked with Shawn Jones and his project, The Lovely Sparrows. But, he’s been relatively quiet since 2011, moving out of the city limits to refocus on his craft. It seems he’s returned with a pocked full of some of the best songs he’s written. On this number below, I was immediately struck by the driving bass work, and the subtle jangle of guitar dancing in step with the drumming of Matt Shepherd; it’s perfectly matched in production, adding these delicate layers that build the song up. He’s also always been a masterclass lyricist; I’m particularly keen on the line “if it’s artificial baby let it die.” You’ll definitely want to be sure spend a great deal of time with Shake the Shadow, out on November 16th via Abandoned Love Records.

For Austin fans, there’s a release show on 12/13 over at Barracuda.

Monteagle Wins Again with New Single

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It wasn’t hard to convince me to play this new Monteagle track; I was stuck right away with the guitars ambling across the stick/snare percussion. Then Justin Giles Wilcox sort of moseyed on over with his gentle croon; I think the hidden charm is the slight vocal change during the chorus, offering up a slightly higher tone whilst still holding onto the natural sense of longing in the tune. It seems like Wilcox is hitting that sweet spot in his songwriting abilities, and we all get the benefit of those gifts; look for Midnight Noon on November 30th via Fire Talk.

Way Dynamic Share Video for Losing Touch

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Not too long ago I raved about “Losing Touch,” the latest single from Way Dynamic, so today I’ll treat you to the video version, if only to reignite your interest in this great song. I don’t know how you can be a pop fan and not enjoy the feathery vocals draped over the strummed acoustic guitar and minimal rhythm section present here. And, don’t even get me started with how ridiculously good that chorus is. The band release their new EP, What’s It All for Now, this Friday. Shout out to our friend Lach whose playing drums in the video! Go listen to this song a lot, right now!

Upbeat Rocker from Rick Rude

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I feel like RayRay should be writing about Rick Rude (the band’s named after Ravishing Rick Rude, right?), as he’s our resident wrestling guru, but I just love this new single the group dropped before the release of Verb for Dreaming on Friday. It hits you write from the start, jumping in with this rolling drum beat before the guitars completely envelope the listener. The vocals seem almost as if they’re gang vocals, giving each note this added dose of emphasis; they’re begging to be screamed en masse, however, feel free to sing along on your own! If you dig it, the LP drops Friday via Exploding In Sound.

Another Twilight Sad Track

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B.Gray and I met at a Twilight Sad show, many many years ago when a land named Emos still existed. So, of course, we’re both still huge fans of the band. They’re currently in the release cycle for their new album It Won/t Be Like This All the Time, and now we got another listen. This number seems to take a slight emotional nod from their earliest days; it has that same softness that builds tension. It moves into a heavier pop zone, allowing for James to take control of the song and the listener, as he’s always done. Look for their new LP via Rock Action Records on January 18th.

 

Silent Forum Drop Dance Number

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Welsh outfit Silent Forum are kicking it with my favorite genre of post-punk; they offer this shuffling danceable guitar pop that’s built to lift your spirits. It’s weird, almost as if the band stole some riffs from U2 and made them cool, throwing in some jittery cymbal work to round out the rhythm section. In doing so, they bring to mind the early days of Bloc Party or maybe even Foals when they were cool; I know that regardless it’s a sound that’s a whole heap of fun on a Monday. We should expect a full length debut from this group in the new year via Libertino.

Chorusgirl Share Another Single

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I’ve already brought you one of the tracks from the forthcoming LP by Chorusgirl, so it only feel natural that I’d share the band’s latest single too. The opening minute of the track lulls you into pop submission; there’s a light pulse that works with the soft, R&B style vocals. Then the chorus hits, and it shimmers and shines like only the best of pop music can; it doesn’t go too far and too loud, staying right in that fuzzy wonder-zone of good times pop music! The band will release Shimmer and Spin on November 16th via Reckless Yes Records.

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