This is fine.
A new song called “Promises” from Berkley band Morning Benders is showing up all over the internet today. The new single will appear on the foursomes upcoming LP Big Echo which hits stores March 9th via Rough Trade. This new jam comes off sounding a tad like Grizzly Bear minus the incredible vocal harmonies. Of course that’s not too surprising since since Chris Taylor is co-producing the album.
Download: The Morning Benders – Promises [MP3]
Sorry I didn’t throw in a picture, but you know what Spoon looks like by now, right? Anyways, their new album Transferrence, which hits stores next week is now being streamed over at NPR. I suggest getting a good listen there because word on the streets is that those leaks you’re stealing from the net are poor quality, and who wants to listen to that? So check it here.
The Cold Beat are a fairly new band hailing from the Boston area who have been getting some spins in the ATH offices recently. Sine the band is currently unsigned and releasing material on their own, we know that most of you probably aren’t familiar with the band. The trio have been living around the Boston area for years and just started The Cold Beat after stints in a slew of other bands. Now coming off the release of their debut EP Dumbwaiter, the guys bring more new self-released material with a split 7″ with fellow Boston boys Movers and Shakers. The tune you’ll find below,”Absolute Zero”, appears on said 7″ along with one more from The Cold Beat and two from Movers and Shakers. Upon first listen you’ll hear a bit of an old school pop/punk aesthetic similar to early Juliana Theory. Lead singer Chris Amaral also sounds a hell of a lot like Tim Kasher from Cursive and that spells goodness to me. So have a listen, check out more songs on the band’s myspace and let us know what ya think.
Download: The Cold Beat – Absolute Zero [MP3]
Fyfe Dangerfield is usually known for his role in Guillemots, but he’s decided to step aside from the group, just for a bit. His album, Fly Yellow Moon, hits American stores on March 16th. It’s a supremely British sounding track, encouraging you to stomp your feet along with Fyfe, as his somewhat throaty vocals soar atop the rest of the song. It might just be an acquired taste, but it’s something I think most of you will enjoy.
Download: Fyfe Dangerfield – When You Walk in The Room [MP3]
Local label Western Vinyl stays hot on the trail of release for 2010 with a second album from Brooklyn band Slow Six. Their new joint, Tomorrow Becomes You will hit stores next week on Jan. 12th. Those unfamiliar with the band should know that they rock as an instrumental outfit somewhat similar to our very own Balmorhea or Calm Blue Sea. Have a listen to new single “The Night You Left New York” below to make your own comparisons.
Download: Slow Six – The Night You Left New York [mp3]
The wonderful thing about being brand loyal, especially when it refers to record labels, is that you are usually guaranteed to like one thing, if you like the rest of the label’s output. Such is the case with Matinee Records, the label that put out Cats on Fire (one of my 09 must haves). Now, through their web site, I discovered another gem, by the name of Northern Portrait. The group is from Denmark, and they write jangle pop, some might even call it twee. Whatever it is, it’s good. You’ll like it.
Download: Northern Portrait – New Favourite Moment [MP3]
Brooklyn band The Loom have it all if you ask me. They sound like a good old fashioned folk collective, a la Rock Plaza Central; they have multiple ladies in the band; they feature a lot of work with banjos. Recently, the band raised enough money to go into the studio and record their debut album, and I’m pleased to bring the group to your attention, as I’ve been listening to the band’s 2008 EP since I first got my hands on it a year or so ago via a friend in New York. They’ve received stellar reviews, played solid CMJ shows, and for those of you who haven’t heard them, now is your chance. Unfortunately, this is an old track (though it’s probably new to you), but it shows nothing but promise of great things to come from the quintet.
Download: The Loom – Song for the Winter Sun [MP3]
My mind is seriously about to explode at the thought of all the albums I’m going to have to buy between now and March. The upcoming release list just keeps getting sicker and sicker. Canadians Besnard Lakes are getting in on the action as well with their 3rd studio album The Besnard Lakes Are the Roaring Night due out March 9th on JagJauwar. Prior to that release, check out this new single “Albatross” which will actually be available as a vinyl 12″ single next month. Suhweet.
Download: Besnard Lakes – Albatross [MP3]
Polyvinyl Records band Aloha are yet another band returning in 2010 after a lengthy break in new material. The band’s new LP is set to be called Home Acres and hits stores March 9th. Head down below and you’ll find brand new single “Moonless March” from the upcoming LP. Anyone ready to offer up some first impressions?
Download: Aloha – Moonless March [MP3]
It really hasn’t been too long since we last heard from Love Is All, the band having put out a 12″ last year with covers and some new tunes. Now, they’ve switched up labels completely, landing on Polyvinyl for their new release. Said album hits stores on March 23rd, and is yet another number filled title, Two Thousand and Ten Injuries. Give this new tune a whirl.
Download: Love Is All – Kungen [MP3]
