Last Week’s Jams (1.19 – 1.23)

It was a short week, and we tried to cover as much as we could, getting up a fresh batch of 15 songs (technically 16, but Mt. Fog isn’t on the DSPs) to get you through this cold day. RayRay loved the new madfolk single, but I found some solace in some local jams, as the Living Set brought us another incredible gem. Van Chamberlain had another stunner too, and we were also introduced to Season 2 (the band!). Found my way back to some folkier moments too with new Bill Callahan and Natalie Jane Hill. There’s a lot to dig through, so tune in and crank it up!

RE Seraphin ReIssues Tiny Shapes/A Room Forever

We’ve always appreciated the work of RE Seraphin, ever since his earliest days in the Austin scene; he’s since moved out West and continued sharing his gifts with the Bay Area scene. But, today, he’s letting us travel back in time to revisit his Tiny Shapes LP and A Room Forever EP, putting them both back out as one vinyl LP, that way you can enjoy his songwriting anew, especially if you haven’t spent much time with his work. While the earlier releases were put out by Paisley Shirt/Mt St Mtn, this limited edition is brought to you by Take a Turn Records; better grab one though, as there’s only 100 available.

Sadboi Simon Delivers Holding You Back Single

It’s increasingly hard not to get swept away in the negative emotions of our global crisis (sorry for our behavior), so sometimes you need to settle into a bop that just grooves and delivers big hooks. Well, meet the new single from France’s Sadboi Simon. When the track kicks off, it slides into some light jangles, with a heavy wash of feedback lurking beneath the surface. Once it settles into play, the track kicks into a Strokes-adjacent vibe, though this number is a little bit more dreamy in its presentation, making the track slightly less angular. Nothing wrong, as the chorus will keep you coming back to bob your head and tap your toes as you watch the world burn outside your window.

Mt Fog’s Eyes in Buildings

I owe a huge apology to the kind folks in Mt. Fog, as I was completely meant to cover their latest single last week, but alas, time and life caught up with me. The Seattle trio specialize in a brand of pop music that seems far removed from modern signposts and whatnots; it’s filled with whimsy and artistic expression, as if we’re journeying into some mystical world. This go round, that’s all owed to Carolyn B’s performance, as her operatic tones are all over the place, but controlled, mind you. At times, her range and pitch are reminiscent of Bjork, playful and yet skirting around the edges of pop magnificence. Put that together with the jazzy musical flex and you have yet another reason to grab Every Stone is Green; it drops on March 13th.

Van Chamberlain Share Running Through the World

When I first fell for this new Van Chamberlain tune, it was the hushed style of the vocals that really drew me into the picture; they offered this softness that completely tugs on you. As I went back on repeat, the bright notes of the guitar really began to resonate, taking on some crystalline notes that fit into my daily pop listening. All of these special parts combine in the chorus, twisting into this brightness that wouldn’t be too out of place on an early record from the Bats. This is just another peek at their new LP, As Far as the Eye Can See.

Living Set Release The Party’s Over Video

One of our favorite local bands to emerge last year was Living Set, a band of seasoned Austin vets who delivered their debut LP, Last Wave. But, their creative juices are flowing, as they’ve quickly returned with what might be their best tune yet! The track opens up with a bounding piano line accented by some twisting guitar notes; the feathered vocal entrance almost feels like you’re finding the band on the edge of Stereolab territory. That vibe persists, but they stretch it into their own territory as they arrive at the chorus; the heavy riffs ringing behind Annecy’s voice are perfect, walking the band between pop and rock. Each time they hit that chorus, more magic is revealed, and Lidell’s performance is cemented as nothing short of spectacular. Plus, the band’s Quin Galavis filmed the video footage, which features many of our friends (including ATH Records artist David Israel!). Hoping these creative juices keep flowing as this tune finds the band in peak form!

Bloodworm Share Bloodlust Video

Looking for a disaffected bit of post-punk? I definitely am, which is why I’m loving this track by Nottingham outfit Bloodworm. You’re greeted by a driving bass line and a swirl of stretching guitar noise; it’s a brief burst of explosiveness, setting up the band to recoil into their own cavernous sound. They hang there, lurking in the shadows, offering disinterested howls that get emphatically highlighted by the sharp smash of snare hits. The dark and brooding notes are balanced by the band’s penchant for pop music, which makes sense considering they’ve got a slew of dates lined up to support Suede.

Human Potential Share The Sightseer

When you work with a historic label such as Dischord, people are going to have expectations, and I’m equally guilty of that, which is why I love Andrew Becker (Medications/Screens) latest Human Potential single. It opens fairly passively, working some deep grooves and bright vocal notes that hang in the air, but just before the 1 minute mark there’s this explosive burst of jagged guitars to match the hanging vocals; it’s something where you can hear Becker’s history, however brief that moment is. The song retreats, settling into the rhythm once again, patiently awaiting the return of rolling drums and sharp riffs…then it rinses and repeats until the close. Definitely a jam I can get behind; Eel Sparkles will be out March 6th via What Delicate Recordings.

Department Shares 2024-1964 Single

As much as I’ve pigeon-holed the guitar pop scene of Melbourne, let us not forget that a vibrant music scene makes room for great artistry across the spectrum, thus where we meet producer Department. The project of Adam Kyriakou, Department’s new LP aims to take nods from an eclectic group of influences, with the latest single an aim to give a “modern take on some of the more experimental beats on Dilla’s Donuts.” The sampling and rolling bass hits are spot on, but the wildness of the track highlights Adam’s ability to take his influences and push the sound into his own creative territory. Audacity Files will be released on February 13th.

 

East Sister Share Mixtape Single

Woke up feeling a little groggy this morning, so listening to the newest single from Swiss outfit East Sister takes pop music and scratches at the cobwebs in my brain, in the best way. The synthetic notes are carefully orchestrated, as if the group is sort of tip-toeing around you, trying to find the best way to get into your head. Softened vocal touches do a great job of building in a melodic note that lets your mind drift far away whilst still being tethered to your body. Thematically, its a love story, to both a companion and the world of music, hopefully putting the group on the map as we await their new LP!

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