Author: nathan.lankford

Poppy Shoegaze from Wylderness

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This new Wylderness track has instant gratification for those fans of the intersection of shoegaze and dream pop; the guitars do a fuzzy dance in the distance while the rhythm section establishes pace. Then the vocals comes in, surfing atop the song’s structure, falling with the cresting waves of the track; they also have this drawn out syllabic approach, giving off a ghostly vibe amidst the pop sensationalism. If you like what you’re hearing from the group, then you’d be wise to keep track of them, as they’ll be releasing their self-titled debut LP on Succulent Recordings on March 23rd.

Give Espaniel a Listen

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Music discovery is pretty easy these days with all the Spotify and the cool blogs, but I’m still partial to the communal discovery…and luckily I have a few friends to turn me onto rad acts, like @psychotwee over on Twitter. Following on the regular led me to this sparkling pop number from E’spaniel. It’s clear that the band have an affection for huge guitar pop…moments in you’ll hear those guitars circling overhead in charming fashion. This song is wrapped around a central melody, touched up by the slightest dose of backing vocals to drive home the pop sensibility. Pretty charming outing from this group…we’ll keep you posted on more as we find it.

Fun Pop Tune from Oxen

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If you come here on the regular, you’re clearly aware of my affection for Swedish pop tunes, and Oxen gives me another chance to dote on the country’s pop scene. When this tune kicks off, it’s in a fairly lighthearted manner, twinkling guitar lines working over vocals and another layer of strummed guitar. But, soon the beat drops in and you’re tapping your toes along the ride as the guitars stutter to the infectious chorus. The young duo are still finishing up the work on their new album, with this being our first glimpse at the goods to come our way.

New Hit from Red Sleeping Beauty

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Red Sleeping Beauty have been around crafting pop tunes for nearly 30 years, and the last few years have seen them really kick back into gear. At current, they’re in the studio working on a new LP, so in the meantime they’ve dropped this delightful hit for all of us to devour. It’s a seemingly simple tune, with driving electronics that build in a natural hook. That catchy line allows for the entrance of the smooth vocal combination of Nikolas Angergard and Kristina Borg; their performance definitely makes the song a special one.

Here Comes That New Parquet Courts Album

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I think I needed a break from Parquet Courts after their first couple of albums; they were everywhere, putting on killer shows and releasing pretty solid tracks. So I took a break, but this great new single definitely has me ready to devote myself to being a Parquet Courts fan. As ever evolving, they still have their distinct sound, though it’s unfolding in different ways, perhaps hard-hitting at moments…this tune in particular seems to have definitive sections…so, diverse, brash and weighed down by hooks…yeah, I’m in. Wide Awake! will be released on May 18th via Rough Trade.

Why Not Listen to Anthony Rochester

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I’ve always admired the work that Jigsaw Records has done, and I’m really stoked on their latest release from Anthony Rochester. Honestly, it’s low-key pop with perfect execution; it’s as endearing as it is dreamy. Opener “Sing us a Seaside Song” works twinkling guitar lines over minimal percussion, or get into the light-hearted side of pop music with “Cat food etc.” Regardless of which song you land on, you’re going to be rewarded with tunes that delight time and time again; Anthony Rochester Sings for You is available now.

Another Tune from Maff

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Chile’s Maff have already given us one spectacular single, and they’re back with a new tune…this time in English. Once you listen, you’ll clearly hear the distinctive sound of shoegaze, though I’m particularly fond of the presentation here. The verses are soft, predominantly percussion and reverb vocals. It’s the space in between verses where the pedals jump in with walls of distorted guitars cascading down through your speakers. Perhaps the strength of the group is the restraint, as they craft their noise around a central melody, never jumping too far into the noisiness that accompanies the work of many a peer. The band will release their Melanina EP, and let’s hope that sets the tone for a future LP, as I can’t get enough of this.

Premiere: Ralph White and Steve Marsh Drop “Ledge”

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Collectively, Ralph White and Steve Marsh have a history deep-rooted in the Austin music scene. Together, they’ve written Two Distinguished Gentlemen, with one of the album’s standout tracks running down below. What I’ve come to appreciate about the two is how their musical friendship seems to shine through in their folk stylings, with guitars counteracting, then swinging back into balance. And while those leanings might hint at a purely folk vibe (and it is), there are these light little atmospheric brush strokes that exhilarate even as the song seems to subdue you. It’s the slightest hint of extra effort, elevating the sound beyond mere pastiche. Their LP drops this Friday via Self Sabotage Records.

Another Track from Josh T. Pearson

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I’m always on a Josh T. Pearson kick, though admittedly that’s mostly been from that other band he was in back in the day. That being said, there’s a lot of promise from what we’ve heard off his forthcoming The Straight Hits. Opening moments of the tune have Josh carrying his distinctive vocal drawl, but always one to push the envelope, it stretches near falsetto around the 1.30 mark. Something about the keyboard sound almost makes this track playful, and I love the way he swirls the vocals in and out of the front of the mix. This new LP will drop on April 13th via Mute.

The Ancients Are Back

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The Ancients first came to my attention when they released Night Bus via Chapter Music back in 2013. Today news has made it overseas that the band will release a brand new LP, this time on Tenth Court. There’s a slightly new line-up since the last record, though it still is centered around Jon Michell. In regards to the song, it’s precisely what I love about the band, casually plodding along with these airy guitar chords and delectable melodies floating in and out. They take the liberty to playfully jam out as they wrap up the song’s last minute, filling in every inch of space with layered instrumentation. Prepare to be charmed on February 23rd when they release Frozen Aisle.

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