The Smittens Prep New LP

Having just written about Mikey Collins yesterday, it seems only fitting that I turn my attention to another act on Fika Recordings, The Smittens. Having been fairly quiet for a couple of years, they return with a new single (and a new album). Immediately noticeable are the Stephin Merritt-esque vocals through each of the various verses, but be forewarned, there’s a little something special beneath the surface. For instance, take the change in the chorus, accompanied by several backing vocal tracks and a slight change in the tempo. It’s clear after several repeat listens that the group are intent upon layering their brand of pop music, and we’re all going to be better for it. Look for their new City Rock Dove LP to drop in August.

Mikey from Allo Darlin Readies Hoick

I’ve made no apologies in my undying love for the now defunct Allo’ Darlin. Recently we were alerted to a new project that’s spun out of the ashes of said band; it’s the project of drummer Mikey Collins. As one’s likely to suspect, this is definitely a pop song from start to finish; there are some added flourishes you might not have found on an AD track though. Personally, I really like the vocal delivery of Collins here; it lives somewhere in the realm between Norman Blake and Matthew Caws…both voices I adore. Plus, it never hurts to have a natural bounce provided by the rhythm section. His debut solo LP is titled Hoick and it drops on August 17th via Fika Recordings.

BOYO Is Back

Feel like we gave a lot of time to BOYO‘s Me, Again during that album’s cycle a few months back, and I’m pretty sure I plan to give the same exposure here…especially as his new single features Dent May. The two had a chance meeting at a festival were both playing, with Robert Tilden (BOYO) reaching out to have Dent fill in with his voice on a new single. I love that the track still feels as if it’s a bedroom recording; this isn’t to mean that it sounds poorly recorded but rather that personal feel you get when a certain track just billows around you. Every prolific, we’ll see what BOYO has up his sleeve real soon.

Another Single from Simon Love

About a month ago we brought you a gem of a tune from Simon Love, formerly of the Loves. Well, under the radar he went and slipped a new infectious number right on by us, but I’m here to make amends. There’s a rousing stomp from the percussion, with pounding organ/keys bounding throughout the song to match. Love offers a melodic indiepop performance, standing juxtaposed to the gallows humor of the accompanying video. Still, from start to finish, Simon’s songs always just seem so well-crafted, suited for any time of year. Sincerely, S. Love X will be released on July 6th via Tapete Records.

The Beths Drop New Single

How can one resists the charms of the Beths and their new single? You can’t; it’s not possible. It’s the perfect summertime hit, featuring just enough of a punch to give you that added energy in the sweltering heat, but with an added bit of charm that keeps you coming back for more. Elizabeth Stokes is definitely winning us over here; her voice almost has an indiepop vibe to it, though with just a bit slight hint of Oceanic indifference…those “oh oh ohs” don’t hurt the hook factor. Their debut album Future Me Hates Me will be out on August 10th via Carpark Records.

Fuzzy Gazy Pop from An Ocean of Embers

A wash of fuzz immediately emanates from your speakers when you press play on this brand new single from French outfit An Ocean of Embers. Elsa Muller enters the pictures, almost as if her voice has been recorded as a soundbite. But, the song begins to unfurl, and in doing so, the fuzzy riffs begin to craft a dense melody of beautiful noise, giving Muller the perfect space to quietly let her voice slink beneath. It’s only the band’s second tune, and already we’re awaiting to see what comes our way next. This single is available now from Ovvk Recordings.

Wild Nothing Has a Brand New LP

Who thought summer wasn’t going to be filled with hits? We’re stoked to share with you this new Wild Nothing track, the first bit of new music since 2016’s Life of Pause. I’m immediately hooked here, with the drum work coming in behind sharp cascading guitar lines. There’s a synth wash over the mix, allowing Jack’s voice to sort of ride a wave of cresting atmospheric beauty. The chorus is the perfect dose of pop, warm and memorable, akin to the recent work of PoBaH; it might also be my favorite tune from the band since Gemini. This new track will feature on the band’s new LP, Indigo, which is being released by Captured Tracks on August 31st.

Nadine Release Video for Pews

Earlier this year Nadine released Oh My via Father Daughter Records, and because music never stops, there’s now an accompanying video for single “Pews.” I love how the track opens up with this low-key electronic loop and groove, whilst frontwoman Nadia does some stretches, dance moves and mild-mannered calisthenics. She then enters the picture with a feathery voice; it’s soothing in a fashion that entrances the listener. It’s a perfect late night number (which is alluded to in the song), with Nadia’s voice riding up and down the song’s instrumental groove. The band will be hitting the road in late June/early July, mostly with labelmates Remember Sports, so keep an eye out!

Have You Checked Out Karen Meat

We know you get bombarded with hot new bands every day, but sometimes you overlook really great acts that swim under the radar, such as Karen Meat. The Iowa-based group has everything to make them your favorite act, if you’d only give it a little time. This single has this groovy funk to it, something you’d definitely find on an 80s dance floor, however, the group spins it in a far more playful manner, particularly with the biting lyrical content. You’re an Ugly Person is the album that everyone needs in their life; it’s an amalgam of influences, from electropop to doo-wop to surf pop…with just a hint of kitsch; you can grab the LP right HEREfrom Emotional Response.

 

 

 

Entranced by Harlan T Bobo

I’ve been listening to this Harlan T. Bobo track on repeat for the last several days; it’s not of the usual indie rock ilk that usually graces these pages. The opening moments come off as a hardened croon, as if you’re in some downtrodden pub while a lounge act performs before you. But, while I’m definitely attracted to that, I wasn’t sold entirely until the sweeping arrangements of the chorus; Bobo’s voice moves from deep tones to polished pop balladeer. If you dare to step outside the norm and fall in love with a song, then perhaps spend a few listens below. This song features on A History of Violence, which will drop on June 22nd via Goner Records.

1 717 718 719 720 721 1,522
Social Media Auto Publish Powered By : XYZScripts.com