Category: News

Exploding Flowers Stream Tumbling Blocks

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Good things come to those who wait, and we’ve been waiting almost a decade for Exploding Flowers to return with the follow-up to their self-titled debut. “A Daunting Thought” hits you immediately, dropping in this charm that’s part nostalgic California sunpop and part dreamy psychedelia. I love moving on to the ramshackle ditty “Far, But Never Gone,” which would fit along with some of my favorite power-pop hits of the year thus far…and that only gets us to the third track. Other stand outs on a personal note would be “Mirror Mirror, Face to Face” and “My Poor Heart,” but to be completely fair, this might be one of the most complete pop releases I’ve heard this year…every song’s a winner. Seriously, if you have any pop tendeines, be they dream, psych, jangle, power, what have you…you will instantly fall in love here. Stumbling Blocks is out via the Beautiful Music on August 11th, but stream it all below.

Will Courtney Returns with Cover of Cracking Up

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We haven’t heard too much from Will Courtney since he dropped Crazy Love back in 2018, but we’ve always been a fan of the former Brothers and Sisters songwriter. But, due to the troubles of writing songs with his band the Wild Bunch, the group decided to hone in on some cover of their favorite artists, like Randy Newman, JJ Cale…or the below tune from Nick Lowe. All the songs seem to speak to not only the band’s difficulties in jamming/songwriting, but also to the greater difficulties we all have been facing during this pandemic. If you want to hear the original, you can find it HERE, but I really love how Will and company turned the natural Americana aesthetic from the tune into the track’s real focus. If you dig on this, the whole collecting titled At Home with Will Courtney and the Wild Bunch will be out on August 14th.

Rock Out With Top Nachos

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If you’re looking for some truly great, straight up rock n roll music to take with you this weekend, might I suggest “Hang” by NYC rockers TOP Nachos. The track displays some excellent guitar work, furious drums, and a frequent chanting style of vocals which all come together to create something truly memorable. TOP Nachos will be releasing this track on a new EP entitled Two More Songs out sometime later this fall.

Cool Sounds Share New EP

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It hasn’t been too long since Cool Sounds dropped More to Enjoy, and already we have the Sleepers EP to enjoy. Aside from “Upside Down,” the tracks on this EP seem much more patient and reflective. When I started this post, I was really digging on “Dakota,” particularly in the way the vocals were delivered, almost like a playful hiccup amidst the forlorn cries of the guitar. But, “Carry On” is currently winning me over, and seems the most likely to be played on repeat throughout the day; I just love the weight of the vocals, seemingly matching the song’s title, just trying to push through. Always a good day to get a set of songs from this Aussie outfit; out on all the platforms today!

Moon Pics Share FLWR Video

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Ever wanted to know what it would be like if Radio Dept descended into that cloud of smoke on the cover of Clinging to a Scheme? Well, if they turned that way instead of bubbling into pop (not that I mind that), they’d likely sound like Moon Pics. The project of Brazilian Adriano Caiado, he’s crafting these ethereal pop pieces, these otherworldly musical entities that sweep you away as a listener. Of course, you could also sit back, let the mind be mesmerized by the visual effects working in the latest video too. This is that place where you let your mind go, that place we’re all looking for right now. Go ahead, go.

Gritty Number From Obscura Hail

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In my never ending quest to find some new tunes which offer a unique take on older genres, one need look no further than this new track “Doomer” from Melbourne based band Obscura Hail. The group, lead by Sean Conran, take elements of grunge rock and a sludge rock style and pair them effectively with some nice poppier elements and impressive vocal work. I especially love the unique fuzz sound coming through on the guitar throughout the song to give the track some real teeth. You gotta love this one.

Obscura Hail will be releasing a new EP entitled Siren on September 8th via Dot Dash/Remote Control.

Album Stream: Phantom Handshakes Be Estranged EP

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A few weeks back we introduced you, or so we hoped, to the new project of Matt Sklar and Federica Tassano named Phantom Handshakes. Tomorrow, they’ll drop their brand new Be Estranged EP, but you can sample it here first!

The opening tracks set the stage for a dream pop meets jangle world; the guitars twist and turn in that angular post-punk dance I dig, while Federica lets her heavenly voice weave in and out of those chords. Still, you get a touch of respite in “At Rest” coming in with more oa subdued pop performance by Tassano; it’s all about her voice, despite the twinkling behind her. Jump ahead to “You Are an Idea” and you’ll find my favorite number of the 7; there’s a purity to the presentation, its clear of all pretense, giving listeners this purely elegant pop song. “Drift Away” is the perfect closing send-off for this EP; both the title and the effect of the song have you sailing away on this pillowy cloud of escapism. Be Estranged will be available on all platforms tomorrow! All proceeds go to Color of Change.

Cherry Pickles Announce The Juice That’s Worth the Squeeze

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I’ve been a big fan of Cherry Pickles for a bit, particularly since catching their set at SXSW (RIP) a few years back. Today we get news that they’ll be dropping their next album, doing so with this catchy early morning ditty to make you tap your toes. I was hooked by the opening guitar line; it has just the hint of a jangle that I love, then it gets wrapped in a nice dueling line of surfy pop. One of the reasons I’m so into this track is the way they kind of bring it about casually; they’re not rushing things, they’re in no hurry, just letting you get cleansed by the sweet bounce of good old fashioned pop rock. The Juice That’s Worth the Squeeze is out this October via PNKSLM.

Haiku Hands Drop Fashion Model Art

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After being holed up in my house for the last several months, I won’t deny that I could definitely use something for those at-home dance parties I’ve been throwing with my wife and daughter. This new tune from Haiku Hands definitely is one such track, throwing it back to those catchy little beats from 80s pop tracks; I honestly feel like I’m being transported back to a time when pop music was purely about fun. It doesn’t hurt they get a nice little hook tossed in from Sofi Tukker, who happen to be no stranger to crafting delectable dance treats. Sample this one, and prepare for their self titled LP out on September 10th via Mad Decent.

Catching Up with Lost Sound Tapes

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Jon over at Lost Sound Tapes is always reliable for his tastes, and admittedly, I haven’t been checking in as frequently as I should, which is how these two new releases on the label slid under my radar.

First, you get Daisyworld by Neutral Shirt, which harkens to a sort of sparkling indie rock vibe, taking on these sunny moments, and maybe wearing them with a bit of a heavier sentiment, like “Permanent Blue.” There are some upbeat rockers too that I’ve been taken by, so might I suggest you give “Salton Sea” a listen.


Next, you can enjoy 5 Demos from Boosegumps, the project of Heeyoon Won (Free Cake for Every Creature). Here, they’re offering this super intimate glimpse into their life and writing. Personally, I’ve been really taken by “Perfect Autumn Day;” it reminds me of those blissful moments on the early Rilo Kiley LPs. Give a listen.

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