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Here’s a new slow rockin’ style jam from Kansas City band Minden called that’s been a soundtrack to my mellow Monday. The song is called “Swift Way On” and is the title track of a new 7″ from the band due out June 21st. Right now this is the only song available from the band, but stay tuned here and to there bandcamp page if you dig their sound.
Download: Minden – Swift Way On [MP3]
One of the great things about SXSW is that it introduces you to bands you’ve never heard of, and often don’t remember days afterward, but then when you come across a new tune you get really excited, remembering all the promise the band showed in their brief set. Such is the case of Grooms, having come across them last year at SXSW. Having been quiet since the release of their last album, Rejoicer, the group has now lined up the release of Prom, set to come out July 12th via Kanine Records. This first track comes off with this real muddy feel to it, filled with noise throughout, seemingly about to crash down up the listener. All the while the vocals have this thoughtful quality, as if the lyrics are an observation of the music. It all makes for a listen that will have you pushing repeat until the button breaks.
Download: Grooms – Tiger Trees [MP3]
Kanye West’s favorite folk rocker is about to make his triumphant return, which surely has the Internet abuzz today with the first single from the upcoming self-titled album, out on June 21st via our friends over at JagJaguwar. At first listen, this sounds much like his work from his previous Bon Iver releases, then it gradually begins to build. Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t going to be an all out rocker of a tune, but it’s definitely got a more upbeat feeling towards the end, crafted with some beautiful soaring melodies, much as Vernon is want to create. With songs like these, we can only assume that this record’s going to be something special.
Download: Bon Iver – Calgary [MP3]
After SXSW we raved and raved about Sharon Van Etten; the combination of beauty in appearance and voice just floored us. Looking around the net yesterday I came across this amazing gem over at Westerny Vinyl, which is a reworking of Glass Ghost‘s “Like a Diamond” with Sharon singing the vocals. Originally the song came out in 09’ on Idol Omen, but this reworking is incredible (not that the original wasn’t). Sharon’s vocal delivery here is exactly the reason we came to fall for her, contrasted perfectly with stark instrumentation from Glass Ghost. What a perfect track .
Download: Glass Ghost (ft. Sharon Van Etten) – Like a Diamond [MP3]
While JJ continues to change their sound, albeit slightly (see the R&B influence below), I always find myself drawn to the music. There’s something about the way the music evolves in the track, fusing with the vocal melodies in a light-hearted fashion that just tugs at my musical heartstrings. Luckily, I came across a few new tracks from the group (via GvsB ) which you can grab over at Sincerely Yours. There’s still an element of electronica that bleeds through, but the arrangements with the strings create something altogether special. Perhaps these new singles hint at the possible upcoming of JJ No. 4. Who knows, but I’m sure we can just enjoy listening to this track for the rest of the week.
Download: JJ – No One Can Touch Us Tonight [MP3]
Brad Laner probably has his name thrown around with Medicine far too often. While the old shoegase troupe had a decent following, Brad’s been busy working on other project ever since. He’s readying a new 12″ where he’s accompanied by the Norwegian group Joensuu 1685, and the first listen we have is remarkable. There’s a slight fuzz on the vocals, knifing guitar harmonies, and an element of darkness that he’s added to the cover of this classic Chicago track. For those of us with a nostalgic pop leaning, this looks to be an effort that will cure all your ills. You can grab the 12″ now via Hometapes.
Download: Brad Laner – Feelin Stronger Every Day [MP3]
I’m already feeling the summertime mood here in the ATH offices, and a new breezy song from from indie pop hit makers The Rosebuds. We’ve already shared with you guys new song “Second Bird of Paradise” off their upcoming LP Loud Planes Fly Low which hits streets on June 7th on Merge Records. The second taste of goodness we get to enjoy from the new record is called “Woods” and can of course be found for streaming and download below. It’s leading me to believe that this just might be the first great record for summer 2011.
Download: The Rosebuds – Woods [MP3]
It’s hard to get a good grip on what’s going on overseas, but our friends over at Bad Panda sent us this sweet new single today from Spanish group Berlinist. While the band works on their debut, I thought I’d give you a little taste of what we all have in store. Musically, this is a sparse track, with just a bit of sampled percussive sounds used merely as soft accompaniment from the vocals. Yet, the song eventually begins to add more depth, and the echoes have that recorded quality as if they were taken in an empty warehouse. It all has an incredible effect when given the right chance, which has us really excited to see what the group comes up with next.
Download: Berlinist – My Darling Grace [MP3]
Incredible indie songwriter Eric D. Johnson and his project known as Fruit Bats just announced plans for a new album entitled Tripper to be released on August 2nd via Sub Pop Records. Now this new song “WACS” won’t be appearing on the upcoming LP, but we just had to share the tasty new number with you guys. It’s a nice little jangly number with sweet reverb oohs and ahs in the background. The track also features a guest appearance by the legeneder J. Mascis.
Download: Fruit Bats – WACS [MP3]
Last summer Nate dog posted about a free EP from lo-fi pop band Guards, and now we have more new music from the band. This sweet new jam is called “Hear You call” and is featured on a new EP from the band entitled Resolution of One. Word is you can get the new EP in limited 7″ format or digitally from Kitsune Records. Is it summer yet?
Download: Guards – Hear You Call [MP3]
