Another Soccer Mommy Hit

Sophie Allison is out on the road in a well-attended tour with Phoebe Bridgers, but as we get more glimpse at her new album, we get to hear just how special Soccer Mommy is all on her own. This track begs you to bring your ear closer to the speaker, as it’s a quiet number, connecting intimately between listener and Allison. I love how gently she’s playing the guitar here, seemingly as an afterthought as she weaves her lyrics into the front of the mix. Her “debut” album, Clean, will be available on March 2nd via Fat Possum Records.

 

New Jam from Ty Richards

Seems like just yesterday that Ty Richards was releasing his debut Zillion, yet here he is this week with a brand new record on the way in April. This track is a synth driven pop number, with bleeps, bloops and electronic beats serving as the song’s background. What I really love is the way Ty switches up his vocal approach, at times its sharp and to the point, yet he’s able to draw it out to a round melody at other points. Even more impressive is the work on Welcome to Flat Earth was done all analog, sans computer invasion. Look for the new LP on Tremolo Records on April 20th.

New Music from Suss Cunts

The Aussie trio Suss Cunts first came to my attention with their debut EP, released over in the US by Emotional Response. They’re already back with a brand new EP for Hysterical Records, and we’ve got the title track here for you. It’s got an interesting punk rock edge, though more infectious than some might give that genre; I hear a few similarities on both guitar tone and vocals to Dead Kennedys. But, the trio brandishes their own style and flare, almost as if they’re falling off the tracks, whilst still sounding steady as ever. Look for the Temper EP on April 27th. Love these ladies, and here’s hoping you do too.

 

Love This New Walter Martin Song

Put my fandom of the Walkmen aside, this new Walter Martin track is really striking. It trickles in at first, careful notes of guitar and piano just hanging out there in the air. Then Walter enters the picture, offering up a story of friendship that’s as witty as it is personal. Sure, Martin’s telling the story to a friend, but knowing that we’ve all got stories to tell long lost friends who’ve fallen out of touch makes a lasting impression. Plus, the arrangements surrounding what would be an otherwise simple tune are really special. Walter Martin is no longer a Walkmen afterthought; he’s a powerful songwriter with Reminisce Bar & Grill on its way February 16th via Ile Flottante Music.

Album Stream: The Wild Kindness – Happy Now

The members of The Wild Kindness have deep roots in the Bay Area music scene, and with their new project, they took their time to really develop their sound for their debut Happy Now. It’s an LP that seems like an amalgam of everyone’s favorite bits of indie rock over the last 30 years, like the little vocal nod to Pavement in “Space Companion” or the sunny Cali pop stylings of “Long Haul.” You’ll also hear great guitar moments that are most visible in your favorite guitar pop acts, letting notes hang and ring in the distance of the mix. The album title ends up fitting rather well, as you’ll leave your listening with your spirit uplifted, and maybe a new band to adore for the foreseeable future.

Pleased to Meet You: Nihilist Cheerleader

We’ve got some good friends hanging out in the musical haven of Athens, Georgia, and they’ve recently turned me on to one of the city’s promising new young acts, Nihilist Cheerleader. On this song’s angular opening, you’re ready for a barrage of post-punk, but the band already do things differently, instead turning towards a rambunctious rock n’ roll vibe that’s polished by the blend of melody. Flynne Collins bares some vocal resemblance to Marissa from Screaming Females, giving you that feeling that she could unleash on you at any minute, though here she’s fairly restrained. The group’s new album Riot, Right? is slated for a release later this Spring via Perfect Attendance Records, setting the band up huge success in 2018.

Catchy Pop from Pizzagirl

A light wash of electronic pulsation opens the latest single from Pizzagirl; it’s got a bit of an unbalanced feel to it, as if it’s waiting for us all to catch up. Then comes the softened croon that fills the opening verse. The song takes a quick turn, rapidly delivering vocals in a rap-like fashion, though they still have the heart-warming tone…it’s just turning quickly over and over. It ends up being quite uplifting and playful, all making our latest slice of Pizzagirl quite endearing. Go on, indulge yourself below.

Why Bonnie Release Another Tune

Why Bonnie haven’t been around for too long in the Austin scene, but things are already looking promising as we near the release of the group’s In Water EP. They dropped this new tune today, and while not much longer than 3 minutes, there’s an impression left that seems to make your listening experience feel as if it’s sprawling across days. Guitar chords circulate in the background, washed synths atop…both meeting the slowly billowing vocals. There’s a nice little touch where the song seems to slow to a crawl near the 2:20 mark, then bursts back in with an emphatic punch. Look for the new EP on February 16th via Sports Day Records.

Playful Ditty from Totally Mild

Having written about Totally Mild quite a bit as of late, I think their latest single might be one of my favorite tracks from their new record, Her. It’s presented with this chilled guitar line reminiscent of many like-minded Aussie acts. But, rather than pigeonhole themselves by sounding like all the rest, Elizabeth Mitchell owns the hour with her striking vocal performance just after the 1 minute mark; I love the way her voice rises, drops off, then reaches even higher. It’s hard not to listen to this track and see the band as something quite special, something to hang your hat on in 2018; look for the new LP on February 23rd via Chapter Music.

Upbeat Number from Eels

Yep, you read that right. This new single from Eels, one of my favorite acts is definitely an upbeat number, though Mark’s voice still has that distinct churn. The guitar sound here seems to harken to a sunnier side of the songwriter’s catalog, and the added arrangements provide an extra bit of spirit. On the subject matter, it seems Everett is in a reflective mood, promising that “today is the day;” there’s no looking back anymore. Really looking forward to hearing the entirety of The Deconstruction; it drops on April 6th.

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