Category: News

The Young Mothers Announce New LP

Leave a comment

Every day I’m surrounded by 13 year olds claiming Post Malone as the best “rapper” around; I always throw some old school reference to my favorite lyricists from when I was a kid (Rakim, Jeru). But, when referencing modern hip-hop, aside from a few releases, I’ve been bored, but that doesn’t look to be the case with this new Young Mothers LP. It opens with this classic vibe, like layered samples, yet from the get-go, that distant xylophone shows something extra in the sound; the rhymes steps in, hitting quick and to the point. Honestly, I’d be keen on all that; it’s like a hyper-active old school vibe, but what really caught me was how they just turn around and blow it all out. Pulling in frantic jazz squawks and off-beat drumming, illustrating that even your hip-hop could use some spicing up. The new LP, titled Morose, will drop on June 22nd via Self Sabotage.

New 7″ from Soccer Cousins

Leave a comment

Our friends at Gentle Reminder Records are working hard this year; they’ve got another release added to the calendar this weekend, from Soccer Cousins. It’s spirited pop rock, and in fact, it kind of reminds me of a more casual version of the Thermals. Hooks are abundant, and the voice is definitely distinct. I go back and forth between loving “Holy Smokes” and “Small,” so maybe you can help me out and pick your favorite of the two. This 7″ will pop up on Friday, May 25th, on some super fancy green vinyl; better hurry, as there’s a limited number out there.

Jamming Electropop from SAMT

Leave a comment

There was a time when the electronica was meant to maximize beats per minute and push you out onto the dance floor. When I listen to this new track from SAMT, I definitely recall those hours dancing away to the likes of Bonde do Role, though this time we’re traversing the Germanic languages. The electronic pulses give off a kind of stuttering fuzz, while the drums employ this precision technique that gives the track body. All of it comes together to leave you with this little dance treat that’s going to blow the socks off all your friends at the next dance party. The group release their latest 7″ through one of my favorite labels, Kleine Untergrund Schallplatten.

New Music from Waves of Dread

Leave a comment

Somewhere out in Newcastle, Waves of Dread is building these magnificent pieces of pop music that I’ve found quite inescapable…particularly this latest single. It’s structured like a classic piece of collage-pop, with the guitars seemingly building tension, then other guitars cascade into the distance while the faintly audible vocals nonchalantly enter the picture. That building sensation doesn’t fade, however, and actually seems to build ominously…though the group never completely give in to your need for an emotional release, instead ambling in a different direction as the song fades into the distance. Truly want some music discovery, then come this way.

Lie Ready Hounds

Leave a comment

Feel like today had me going into a casual place of joy, so I had to make sure I introduced you to something slightly darker, like Vancouver’s Lie(note, there’s an accent over the e, wordpress sucks). The group just announced their newest album, Hounds, by offering up this smashing number. Guitars immediately push you in one direction, rushing you with their discordant chugs as the drums shatter through your speakers. Those cavernous folks help the song’s natural ambiance, darkening your soul while your body tries to catch up with the rhythm. Plus, the new effort is guaranteed good times, as it’s being released by Mint Recs in Canada and Monofonus Press in the US; it drops July 6th.

Lola Tried Release New LP Tonight at Hotel Vegas

Leave a comment

First off, you can also catch Lola Tried over at Waterloo Records at 5; there will be free Lagunitas. Second, the band’s new album celebrates its release over at Hotel Vegas, and we highly suggest your attendance. For starters, the band works super hard, not only for themselves, but to see others within the Austin “scene” become successful; it’s high time they got their day in the limelight. This is their debut LP, and you’ll be impressed by how accomplished they sound…probably from all that damned hard work! Plus, the show included perennial powerhouse, Ringo Deathstarr, Duncan Fellows and ATH Records’ own Blushing. And if you do listen, please go buy the record, so they can make another one. Here’s one of the jams off their new LP!

Mutual Benefit Returns

Leave a comment

There was a time when Mutual Benefit was fawned over by a unanimous bunch of writers, but it’s been a minute since we’ve mentioned the band. Today, Jordan Lee returns, and with such a delicate couple of tracks that you’re immediately placed back in the saddle supporting his work. I loved the first two of these tunes; it was gentle and almost fragile, while still building behind Lee. Then, I moved on to track two, and lo and behold, an even better gem. There’s something about the faint backing vocals that really hits home for me, not to mention the shallow strums and arranged accompaniment. Both tunes will appear on Thunder Follows the Light, which drops in September via Transgressive Records.

Pizzagirl Kicks Off EP Video Series

Leave a comment

Pizzagirl is bedroom pop project out of Liverpool by Liam Brown. There is no girl (or pizza) in the band. Having recently signed with our friends in Heist or Hit, Pizzagirl puts down dreamy synth lines while delivering the at times frivolous lyrics with an earnest tone; I’d say it is Magical Cloudz in happier days. We have featured a few songs here already, the EP An Extended Play was out about a month ago. Recommended. Videos will be released for each song on the EP so tune into the Pg YouTube channel.

Enjoy Glass Famine

Leave a comment

Glass Famine is a brand new act out of Chicago, and as Monday’s are great for introductions, why not introduce you all to their new tune. They have a slew of reference points, but they’d probably fit right in with some of the more pop centric outfits on Drag City. I love the subtle backing vocals, and the way the song charms take a casual stroll of cool just around the 2.5 minute mark. Oh, and you’d be wise to check out the wordplay in the lyrics; you’re likely to find a peerless maturity. We’ll give you more from the group as it comes out way!

Pleased to Meet You Teen Pope

Leave a comment

Occasionally really great music escapes me, even from the confines of our own fair city, but I won’t let this Teen Pope slide on by. From the minute I pressed play, there was this old school vibe a la the Feelies, all jangling and sweet. But, going forward, they weren’t a one-trick pony, offering up a DIY ethos backed by an intangible tenacity. Their four song EP is filled with these little nuggets of fun, including hooks and bubbling cool; I definitely think I found a new local band to fawn over for the next little while. Join me in jamming their Going to Vegas EP.

1 2 3 … 839