Get On Board the Jacco Gardner Train

jackoI’m pretty sure I’ve implored you get behind the music of Jacco Gardner already, but in case you haven’t jumped aboard this train, take a listen to his newest tune below.  There’s hints of psychedelia, but I like the light-hearted soulfulness that comes from his vocal display.  The guitar continues in the track, taking on a fuzzier note as a high vocal jumps from the distance for accentuation.  This should be enough info to get you excited for his new album, Hypnophobia, which is slated for a May 5th release via Polyvinyl.

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Shoegaze Craze With Star Tropics

1554348_588335547943054_2733155565290083228_nStar Tropics, who hail from Chicago, have been somewhat quiet since they first emerged in 2013, but now now they’re back and you should be jumping for joy. Why, you may ask? Because this band is creating killer shoegaze music that is bound to be big. Below, you have the infectious duo of this band’s first studio tracks in two years, and they certainly do not disappoint. First up is “Summer Rain,” which has infectious dream pop hooks all throughout, accompanied with bombastic percussion and dueling male/female vocals that will crush you with sunshine. “Swept Away,” is pretty special as well, allowing for the addition of jingly-jangly percussion and those glossy guitars that don’t quit. I’m telling you, this band is special, and they should be at the top of your watch list of up-and-comers.

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Dreamy Pop from Beach Baby

beachbaby-SONG_ARTThis tune flew into my inbox yesterday and definitely added a dosage of chilling out that I greatly needed.  It’s the work of Beach Baby, a recently new arrival on the UK scene.  Their music lives somewhere in that spectrum between bedroom dream pop and indiepop goodness; there are soft vocals in a relaxed presentation.  That being said, I definitely see some room for the band to unleash a bit of live fury, should they choose to do so.  Look for their single to get more love as the band moves forward, with the single slated for a March release date.

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Gateway Drugs Are On My SXSW Radar

gatesI’ve been neglecting my SXSW homework as of late, but as the RSVPs roll in, I reckon it’s time to really dig into the goods, right? Lately I’ve been jamming to Gateway Drugs, the LA act who are set to tour with Swervedriver.  That alone would be enough to warrant my attention, but the group has grabbed my attention with their sludgy smooth style.  There’s a sultry element via the established mood; it lurks behind the darkness that’s embedded in the tune and enforced by Liv’s vocals.  This is their latest single, just released, which is prepping you for their visit, as well as their new album, Magick Spells via Cobraside on March 3rd.

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SXSW 2015 Hip-Hop: Snow Tha Product

Snow-Tha-Product-Press-Photo1Snow Tha Product is one of the most slept on rappers today and at the very least deserves a mention in the best active female rappers conversation. After her 2010 debut album Unorthodox put her on the map, Snow Tha Product has remained relevant ever since. 2014 was her biggest year yet, which included a verse on one of the 2014 BET Awards cyphers, a guest host spot on an episode of the Brilliant Idiots podcast, and her own “Fuck Your Plans” 34-city tour that kicked-off in Austin. Last year’s tour made her unable to be a part of SXSW 2014 but she is officially set to perform this year, though no dates or locations have been set. Snow Tha Product has a lengthy catalog of songs and videos that are worth listening to and watching on her YouTube channel and Soundcloud page. Her most recent mixtape Good Nights & Bad Mornings can be downloaded for free from DJ Booth.

Super Excited About Legs

psgBrian Gray is on a work field trip, so he’s asked me to look into his IT world.  And honestly, I thought that Legs was the Cali band who released Pass the Ringo.  But, this is a club hit waiting to happen, though it’s one of those where you can respect the smooth R&B approach because you can tell the band are pulling it all off with actual instruments. It’s got an inherent energy, and those of you who are willing to let go of your pretensions will find yourself sliding across the floor with an extra hop in your step. Look for their album, Altitud, to come your way soon.

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ATX Spotlight: Lowin Kick Out Another Jam

LowinWe gotta support the ATX this time of year, and what better way to do it than tossing out this new tune from Lowin.  On their latest tune, there’s really two sides to offer up, both equally engaging for audiences.  Sara Houser builds a driving rhythm with the rest of the band, her voice just below a powerful wail.  Carry on beyond the 2.5 minute mark and you’ll see the band switch things, offering up a more swollen version of indie rock, building with chords that wait to crash down on the listener. It’s just another reason to keep an eye out for their Royal Jelly EP, which hits on April 7th.

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Shimmering Psychedelic Pop From Attic Fowler

atticfowlerAttic Fowler is the solo effort of Milwaukee’s Chris Rutledge, who makes psych pop music. The track below, “Bradford Beach” is ruled by the cutting electric guitar riffs that abundantly weave in and out of the easy melody. Overall, the song is overwhelmingly delightful in its subtleties; if you listen, there’s quite a lot going on musically, but it never feels crowded or unbecoming. Instead, those guitar riffs wash over you like easy waves of Psychedelia. Look out for Attic Fowler‘s second LP coming in April on Fall Break Records.  

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ATX Spotlight/Show Preview: Chicon (02.19)

chiconI’m always down for more shoegazey/dream pop to love, but even more so down for shoegazey/dream pop that comes from our sweet sweet city. So I’m quite pleased to introduce you to some locals to love, Chicon, a four piece who’ve been putting out music since the summer of 2013, according to their Bandcamp page. Their sound is a mix of wistful noise pop and jangly rock, with dueling male and female vocals from Jeremy Diaz and Lila Paillon. The song I’ve got for you below is from their sophomore record, Sin Ti, which came out last summer digitally, but is being released physically this Thursday(02.19) at Hole In the Wall (doors @9:00pm). “Crush” gives you just a little taste of what this band has to offer you, so listen to the rest of Sin Ti here and head out this Thursday to throw some love towards these folks.

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