Author: nathan.lankford

More from Tee Templeton

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I’m increasingly fascinated by the story of Tee Templeton, who just turned 67 this week, and yet is prepping to release his debut this Summer. Listening through his latest single, there are some moments where his song craft is a marvel, like the subtle move into pure pop bliss right around the 2 minute mark. Throughout this number, the song moves into careful pop steps, buoyed by these perfect arrangements that draw obvious similarities to Robyn Hitchcock, while there are other more modern touchstones in the overall songwriting. It’s really a great story of an artist coming to terms with his craft…better late than never…or so they say.

Conflict at Serenity Pools Drop Bermuda Grass

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While I’ll be toiling away administering the brilliantly designed STAAR Test today, I wanted to leave you with a set of brilliant tunes designed to make your world a little better than mine. What better way that to dip your toes into the quieted beauty of this new track from Conflict at Serenity Pools; it has this beach-y breeze to it, though inside there, it also brings this Springtime bounce to it. I really love the way the guitar line trickles over itself, almost tripping in its own joy, particularly when the synthetic ambiance washes over the tune. I’m of the belief your day will be better if you play this one at least a half-dozen times before moving on to your day.

 

Matt Kivel Introduces Us to Wine Country

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When you’re a studied songwriter like Matt Kivel, sometimes a plot twist in the story of your career is necessary; it’s here where we meet Matt’s new project, Wine Country. Friends Andy Aylward and John Zakoor round out the trio, creating this magical concoction that feels like it was mastered in some musical chemistry lab from the heavens. This may sound like a strange comparison, but I can’t escape the feeling of a Pavement meets Good Looks meets Smog; it’s a little bit Americana and a lot of indie guitar exploration, with the whole tune taking you on this glorious jaunt that digs into your soul. A very limited amount of 12″ EPs will be available on May 27th; you can grab one HERE.

Monnone Alone Share River of Sighs

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I thought good old Mark Monnone was playing a trick on me when I first press play; I mean, I didn’t expect a vocal sample in a different language! But, as the guitar lines begin to sound familiar and friendly, that’s when I notice that Monnone Alone is still an on-going project, and thus entitled to grow and try out new tricks. The trick here is perfect execution, with one of the best vocal performances I can remember from Mark; it’s aided by the perfect little detailed backing vocal too. There is something light and good-natured here, however, like a bug setting sail on a loose leaf and sailing down a stream, nothing but promise of a new horizon on its mind. Here Comes the Afternoon will be out on May 2nd via Lost and Lonesome/Meritorio/Safe Suburban Home.

Soot Sprite Share Vicious Cycles

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We’ve obviously been keeping an eye on Soot Sprite this year, as they’ll drop their new LP in early May, and yet, I feel like I haven’t been quite able to put their power into words. Early singles remind me of Weakened Friends, whom we adore, but this new one seems to embrace being a huge modern rock band, and I say that with whole-hearted belief that that’s a good thing. Immediacy gets traded in and out for these carefully crawling vocals and guitar lines, suspended in air, only to smash into the listener at the 1 minute mark. Still, where they could easily force bombast and braggadocio on audiences, their initial chorus is subtle and reflective, perhaps tied to the conversation on the lyrical side of things. Wield Your Hope Like a Weapon is out on May 16th via Specialist Subject Records.

Adrian Quesada and Angelica Garcia Share No Juego

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Boleros Psicodelicos was chock-full of bangers, and so expectations for BP II is already high, especially with the debut single that featured Cuco. This round, Adrian Quesada has employed Angelica Garcia as his accompaniment, and in doing so, knocked another one out of the park. This track feels entirely cinematic, something ripped straight from a Tarantino film, and that matches perfectly with the video version accompanying the track. In some way, it also feels like a Latin gangster film, with our singer giving out warning to those in attendance that our singer “no juego” (doesn’t play games), only adding to the theatrical element the tune encompasses. It’s another smoking hot track that has me doubling down on Boleros Psicodelicos II, which drops on June 27th via ATO Records.

The Setting Son Share I Still Cant Decide What I Want

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Danish outfit The Setting Son are on their way to releasing Cul-de-sac this June, and a little listen to this ditty might have your ears perked up, ready to try on something new going into next year. The group have been around for some time, and they do make some nods to psychedelia throughout their catalogue, but the way the two guitar lines work in unison on this album really makes me think upon the Go-Betweens. It’s pop music, but it feels elevated and yet so simple that you can’t help but treat is as a little piece of tasty ear candy you can come back to again and again. Light jangle, little haze and a hell of a melody…check it!

Dayflower Readies New LP + Shares Young Sun

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Leicester’s Dayflower have had no qualms sharing their adoration for all things dream pop and shoegaze, but what I like in their new single is its ability to adhere to a stylistic signpost, whilst still feel refreshing in the way it’s presented. When it kicks in, the electronic influence almost takes you on an adventure from the get go, immersing you in this wash of pop electronics; the wash of heavier guitars hang in the back, kind of lurking, and only making their presence felt when necessary. The brooding element of the genre is still necessary, but it seems like the band and the song are reaching for that one ray of pop sunshine coming through the clouds. Look for their new LP this Summer via Sunday Records.

Man on TV Share Out of the Loop

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When something new comes out from San Francisco, odds are, at least in the current climate, I’m going to like it. Man on TV is as per expected…a sonic exploration into pop that has me cozied up inside my headphones, trying to get in touch with every last emotion. There’s something in the vocals that reminds me of early Galaxie 500; it’s stretching, trying to reach for the furthest musical distance possible, only to find itself a cool whisper in the ear. All of that’s attached to carefully meandering guitar notes and these understated drum pieces that roll the song along perfectly. Hear for yourself.

Last Week’s Jams (4.14 – 4.18)

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A fairly busy week as we got a little more back on routine writing last week, and we were especially excited for all the pop fans out there. New stuff from Jeanines, the Perfect English Weather, Lightheaded, and Lost Film had what cures the ills, and man, were there some special tracks mentioned above. Circled around to hear some Austin, and Austin adjacent stuff with Little Marzarn, BS and former ATX resident Lauren Green and Tan Cologne. Plus, M. Maly gave us a peek at what’s in store for Pscyh Fest, throwing in some coverage with King Hannah being highlighted on the playlist. Plus, great new albums from the Convenience and Mythical Motors rounded the week out properly. What was your fave?

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