This is fine.
Having just been named to our very prestigious Top Songs of the year list, Swedes Vola Tila are back at it again today with this new single “All Alone”. When compared to their last hit, this one is much more of a ballad style which evolves into some truly beautiful moments. It could be labeled as early MGMT stuff or maybe even a more Tame Impala style slower jam, but it is of course their own style and sound. I think it’s a rather fantastic way to start your Monday.
Pelvis Wrestley have two things going for them: 1) an incredible band name 2) the music to back up said band name. They’ve got this great new single, “Susanna,” which they’ll be celebrating here in Austin over at Cheer Up Charlies (w/ Fanclub and Lord Friday the 13th). This new track revolves around a really heavy synth beat, propelling the song forward while Benjamin Violet hangs his pop sensibility along the vocals; I really love the rise and fall factor that coincides with the chorus on this one, particularly as it takes the song toward a soaring close. Come join the band tomorrow night at Cheer Ups if you’re in town, and keep an eye out, as rumor has it, there’s an EP on the way in 2020.
With a handful of releases under their belt, Lebanese outfit Postcards are readying a fresh new LP for 2020, offering us with this great single to tease the aforementioned album. The pacing is nice and drawn out, allowing the feathery vocals to sort of work their way into your ear with a nice emotive tug on the heartstrings. I love how the guitar seems to dance and move about behind the vocals, particularly when no vocals are present; you can even hear some more discordant notes cascading in the far far distance of the tune. If you like what you hear, the Good Solider will be out on January 3rd via T3 Records.
Phew, the end of the year really snuck up on me this time and it’s crazy to think we are moving on from the 2010s. Before we do so, Nathan and I of course want to share some of our favorite things from the year for those of you who care to hear our opinions. I am typically the songs guy and Nathan usually takes on the albums, so here it is, my favorites from this year. Hit the jump for my list and a Spotify playlist to take with you.
If you were looking at our Year in Indiepop post, I hope you scrolled down to catch the mention of Tennis Club and their album Pink. That’s at play here as Wilson Hernandez has an EP coming out next Friday via BirthDIY, and we’ve got the lead track here for you to consume. If you light those light jangling guitars, then this one’s a dead winner for you; you’ll find extra guitars dancing atop the mix too, playfully weaving in and out of focus while the steadying beat maximizes the emotional appeal. Short and sweet, like the best ear candy; Last Sunday EP is out next Friday, so grab it HERE.
I hope that the name Dropkick isn’t entirely new to you, particularly if you’ve been hanging out on these pages here. If it is, then that’s fine, as you’ve now got a chance to check in on the band before they release their new LP, The Scenic Route. I suggest falling in love here, then checking out Longwave (2018). This track has that big ringing sound that made fellow Scots Teenage Fanclub a huge hit, though I’ve always felt like there was more of a gentle underbelly to the Dropkick songs; they almost feel like they’re firepit jams amped up for our pleasure…more Lucksmiths than Teenies. They’ve signed on to work with Bobo Integral next year and release the new LP on February 7th.
Today completes the wonderful trilogy of singles from Spain’s Linda Guilala (band/not person); they drop a fresh 7″ on heralded label Test Pattern Records. The A-side here, it’s a stunner. Guitars and texture swirl in the air like snow flurries falling to the ground, leaving plenty of space for the warm vocals to move into the picture, as well as some buzzsaw guitars; it’s probably the most complete dream pop meets shoegaze tune I’ve heard this year. B-Side will definitely display nods to Stereolab, particularly in the movement of the rhythm section whilst being coated in organ stabs, feedback and layered vocal notes. Two brilliant songs to better your Friday. Absolutely brilliant. Grab the 7″ from Test Pattern Records, or stream it all day long!
Will Wolfe, out of Portland, is a recent signee of Manimal Records, home to the likes of other great names like Warpaint and Bat For Lashes. His newest track, “Saying Goodbye,” is a lo-fi, guitar and synth driven steady groove with catchy lyrics that roll quickly off Wolfe’s tongue. I’m quite fond of the way this track rollicks along, with the playful backing vocals that ooh and ahh and the synths that bounce about. At the very end of the tune, you get a sick sax solo to round things out nicely before you go to press play again. Take a listen and acquaint yourself with Will Wolfe before he drops another solid single.
This is the list you’ve all been waiting for, well, sort of. This is my Top 20 LPs of the year. Admittedly, there’s none of the high profile hitmakers on here, but that’s not to say that I didn’t enjoy those albums. I loved Purple Mountains just as much as the next person, same with Weyes Blood, but in a pickle, would I choose it over that Martha LP? Uh, absolutely not. Plus, I ran a lot this year because I got tired of being fat, so the majority of this stuff is pretty upbeat and “runnable.” There’s no order because all are equal under my ears.
What?! The Lucksmiths are sharing a new video? Didn’t that band call it quits in 2009!? Well, yes, but they’re putting out their very incredible Naturaliste on vinyl for the very first time since its 2003 release. The video takes a bunch of old video footage and compiles it into one giant story of nostalgic warmth; the band seem carefree and frivolous throughout, which is probably the way we’d all love to be remembered. I feel like the song speaks for itself, as the gentle shuffle of the guitar sound is something that’s filled my own record collection; they were one of the most consistent joys in music for so long. If you’re a fan or just getting turned onto it, the band will release Naturaliste this Friday.
