This is fine.
It’s wild to hear such a garage inspired, sludgy, surf rock number like “Heat” coming out of the Dortmund. Not that the city isn’t capable of producing such sounds, it’s simply refreshing to hear a European band like Drens with some edge and grit. Pairing this new one with their last single “Curacao” and the band really seem like they might be on the verge of breaking it big over here. Stay tuned for more information on these upstarts and a planned debut LP coming soon.
I’m a little late in the game sharing this track, but it’s an utterly haunting folk rock tune that brings me back to early Grizzly Bear days, so it’s a must listen. Derde Verde is a two piece based out of L.A., comprised of Dylan McKenzie and Jonathan Schwartz. “Your Ghost” is their latest single and it’s a perfect slice of introspective beauty for you to get lost in.The last minute of this track is where the band really shines–lead songwriter and vocalist Dylan McKenzie’s vocals soar above the winding guitars and steady percussion like a beam of sunlight finding its way through the branches of a tree. “Your Ghost” is at once delicate and lush, making it the perfect soundtrack to the cool breezes of fall that will hopefully be on their way to us soon. Take a listen below, and look out for the band’s upcoming LP, Slow Light, which will be out on October 11. Pre-order it here.
Cobey. is a project out of Chicago, who has been hiatus for four years. This track is his first foray back into the musical world post break, and it’s a rich number that will have you swooning.”California Dreams” is a nice blend of genres. Vocally you get a dream pop / lo-fi sound, but the percussion and synths scream glitch pop with their trippy beats, then you get a fuzzy squall of a distorted guitar and you’re reminded of more straightforward indie rock. Altogether, the track makes for a cohesive jam with many textures to embrace and enjoy. Take a listen below.
All year long, the Sour Notes have slowly been releasing 7″ after 7″, and we’re really excited to share with you the B-Side from the latest Shoulda/Enough 7″. This song gives a glimpse into the band’s process, and their desire to do multiple 7″s in a year. it came to be after the band switched gears and changed directions on another B-Side, ultimately sticking with this track as it touches on the concept of pursuing your art despite the uncontrollable factors that sit in your way. Musically, I feel like the band are in a great place, especially when lining things up with my tastes; Jared’s voice sounds really solid hanging in the midst of those huge guitar sounds. This is guitar pop at its finest!
The band celebrate the release of this new 7″ with Thelma & the Sleaze, Royal Forest, The Black Drumsetand Fanclub on Friday over at Cheer Up Charlies. Event info HERE.
We’ve always been avid supporters of The Shivas throughout the years, so when news comes our way about a new record, you better bet we’re going to be on board. Dark Thoughts is said to be an album of deep reflection, and the latest single was penned by drummer Kristin Leonard, sharing her story of coming to grips with the various aspects that make up her identity (including asshole TMs); she also happens to be the star of this here video. For me, I love how my world’s collide. I’ve been listening to a lot of doc-wop from the 50s/60s as of late, and there’s definitely a nostalgic bent in this song’s sound, though it’s funneled through the very modern production lens. The band have always had that, which is one of the reasons we’ve always found them endearing here at ATH. Dark Thoughts drops on October 25th via Tender Loving Empire.
Not too long ago, I was all over the first single from Beautiful Dudes new record, Radio. It just reminded me of simple no frills rock n’ roll; I mean that in the best sense. There’s no pretense in what the group offers on their second single either; the natural bravado and swagger seem to come from the internal melodies of the song itself; it’s a windows down, hair in the wind rock affair you’ll soon have stuck in your head. Plus, they flex some guitar solo muscle here too, giving a nice little layer of energy crashing on the listener’s head. Radio is out on November 8th from Mama Bird Recording Co.
I know that somewhere out there is a huge group of folks clamoring for someone to give them the gift of glorious guitar pop along the lines of the Teenage Fanclub…look no further friends because here’s brand new Joy Cleaner. This brand new ditty comes across with these huge crunching guitars, bordering on speaker-breaking. But, that quickly subsides, bringing in the melodic pop side of things that made acts like TFC so special; it gives the listener this great cocoon of warmth while still feeling like the track’s got something heavy going on throughout. Call it college radio, call it alternative, but you’re going to call it good because plain and simple, it very much is. Look for the new You’re So Jaded LP from Jigsaw Records very soon!
It’s great stumbling into your morning and realizing that you’ve got a new band to take you down a wormhole, as is the case with United Waters after the announcement of their 4th LP, Coma to Coma. For starters, I love this song, so where was I on LPs 1-3? Secondly, listen to this damn song! It has this woozy dream pop vibe going on, which I think ties it immediately to this modern period of darkly tinged bedroom pop stylings. But, the song has this slow burning post-punk vocal delivery; I keep imagining it as Jim Reid’s spirit finding a new host. Slight uptick just before the 2 minute mark is there, you just gotta give it a close ear. Coma to Coma will be out on Drawing Room Records on November 8th.
It seems at this point that Young Guv can sort of do what he wants, and deservedly so I’d say. Today, he dropped a tune that’s quite a digression from the first single off the forthcoming Guv II, his follow up to Guv I, which was released earlier this year. Sure, there’s some interesting guitar work, but it definitely takes a back seek to the sleek slow dance grooves of this new tune; I mean, there’s a sexy sax solo lurking right there in the middle of the song. I love that it gives a completely difference glimpse at what’s inside of the artist here; we can’t all rock day in and day out. Guv II is out on October 25th via Run for Cover.
I’ve spent a lot of time this year praising Marble Arch and their latest LP, Children of the Slump…so why stop there when they drop another video from the album. This tune was one of those really special ones for me when I first stumbled upon this LP; it reminded me a lot of Radio Dept., sort of offering up this spirited pop kaleidoscope that seemed digitally altered whilst also feeling wholly organic. I feel like the video does a great job matching up with that vibe, particularly because of the way the lighting; it feels like the lines of the world are blurred through the lens of pop aficionados, and I’m ever so in love with it. Children of the Slump is available now via Geographie.
