This is fine.
Los Angeles outfit Letting Up Despite Great Faults released their Paper Crush EP last year on Old Flame Records, and we jumped all over it. It had this really warm feeling lurking beneath the dream-like pop that the band crafted. As they prepare to head down for SXSW, band member Kent took some time out of their schedule to fill out a brief interview…check out their responses. Read more
It’s just a week away folks, and we’re here to share some responses from one of our favorite acts of 2011, Twerps. Their self-titled debut blew us away, making our top albums of the year. We’re also really excited that the band has found some time in their busy schedule to join us at our party. Read more
It’s crazy that Sub Pop just released this track by their newest signee, King Tuff, because I just bought the 3 7″ singles collection from Suicide Squeeze yesterday afternoon. KT used to jam with Happy Birthday, and he’s been banging around on his own for a long time as well. The label will be releasing his self-titled debut on May 29th of this year, and I’m pretty sure you’re going to have a lot of fun jamming out to this. Garage rock with hooks galore, just like the track we’ve got featured for you below!
Download: King Tuff – Bad Thing [MP3]
You know, Frenchkiss Records quietly goes about releasing some awesome acts: they’ve got Cut Off Your Hands, Suckers and now they have the wonderful Emma Louise. The Australian singer has signed on with the label to release Full Hearts and Empty Rooms, her new EP, on March 13th. Her first song from the album, “Jungle,” is centered around this nice little groove, but Emma’s voice is what will definitely win you over. In a world full of Lana del Rey’s, it’s nice to have someone of that ilk doing something you can believe in. She’s also just put out a really nice video to go with the jam, and you can check that out HERE. Don’t forget to look up her tour schedule, as she’ll be zooming in for SXSW.
Download: Emma Louise – Jungle [MP3]
Our SXSW interviews continue today with Canada’s Shimmering Stars. Last year they released Violent Hearts on Hardly Art Records, and while it had a little bit of the modern jangle, it harkened back to a purer era in rock n’ roll…the sort you’re mom or dad probably played around the house when you were growing up (I know mine did). Check out what singer/guitarist Rory has to say on the upcoming festival and life in general. Read more
Katy Goodman’s definitely an in-demand lady at the moment with her work split between Vivian Girls and La Sera. She’ll be releasing her latest La Sera effort, Sees the Light, on March 27 via Hardly Art. From what we’ve heard so far, sounds like a hit. Luckily we caught up with her via the Internet to get her thoughts on the upcoming SXSW Festival… Read more
You’ve probably listened to Kelly Pratt thousands of times and not even know it. He’s the multi-instrumentalist who has worked with Beirut, Arcade Fire and even LCD Soundsystem, but now is his time to shine as Bright Moments. His album Natives has just been released, and you’re going to enjoy listening to this track–I guarantee it. It’s definitely a pop song, but it’s got all the careful brush strokes you would expect from a talented musician such as Kelly. It’s filled with horns, unique percussion and an overwhelming sensation of joyousness. Try this one on for size.
Download: Bright Moments – Travelers [MP3]
There wasn’t a lot of music out there this weekend, so I figured I would scour Bandcamp to see what gems I could find floating about. Stalking Horse is an UK outfit, and I’ve really been digging listening to their album Specters on this sunny afternoon. For some reason, I want to lump these guys in with the traditional Brit-pop moments, as they definitely have the feel of the brighter side of Supergrass. It might not be for everyone, but I know that I’ve definitely got my eye on these guys. Try it out: it might just be up your alley.
Download:Stalking Horse – Heathen Head, Howling Heart [MP3]
You all know that the ATL has a really solid rock n’ roll scene, and they’ve been sending out bands left and right to help take over the world. Turf War is another one of those acts, kicking out some really awesome hits. We caught up with John Robinson before the group head our way.
Man, this song really blew me away today. As we’ve all (hopefully) been taking in the sunshine, I’ve been jamming to this number from Aloha Tigers. The band is a duo from Bloomington, Illinois, and I hope they get a chance to branch out. Their self-titled debut is remarkable, offering touches of dream-pop, but crafted so well that you won’t even care what they sound like; they’re just flat out great. Carefully sung vocals, emotionally appealing harmonies, and a quality of craftsmanship that allows you to float away in your own head. This is probably the best way to start out your Monday!
Download:Aloha Tigers – Young Ghosts [MP3]
