This is fine.
One of the great things about SXSW for music fans is that you get a chance to sample what’s coming your way in the next few months. Today, we catch up with Barrie, a highly rated act (by me) who will come to the festival with their forthcoming LP, Happy to Be Here in their pocket. For some of us, it will be our first chance to hear some of the new tracks…so read on below for what’s in store.
I feel like I’m always in search of the next great pop song to whet my appetite, to hold me over until the next pop hit. Today, I’ve stumbled upon Grecian act Film Jacket 35, offering up this shimmering guitar pop number built for club floors and late night dance parties. Those guitars are jagged and cut just the right groove into the track, while the vocals come off in a “too cool for school” fashion; they throw in some insatiable backing vocals too just add an extra dose of catchiness. Kick those heels up friend and have a little fun.
Moar SXSW interviews! Yes we are crazy people and are planning to share more SXSW interviews than you could possibly imagine. Today I am pumped to share with you an interview with some old friends of ours Criminal Hygiene. These guys are on a high right now with the upcoming release of their new album Run it Again just prior to their Austin visit. We are excited for them. Hit the jump for answers.
As a big supporter of Mint Records, I’m giving my public, and meaningless, endorsement of their latest signing, Kiwi Jr. There’s something so exuberant in their execution that’s naturally infectious. When I try to pigeonhole them, I keep thinking of the frantic excitement of Shame, compounded with the cerebral wordplay of Ought, then spun through the more playful kaleidoscope of indiepop. You can’t not have fun listening to this song, but there’s an underlying substance that you’re going to appreciate while you smile along through the rest of your day. Football Money drops on March 29th across the globe!
In my music catalog, I’m always searching for distinctive voices; the sort with imperfections that might lead others astray. That’s much the case with Bunny Boy, who today announces his new album Did the Angels Come to Kiss you. Put aside the voice, though I think you’ll understand those beautiful imperfections, those slight voice cracks that provide that intimacy/connection we all seek in our art. For my two cents, the delicate song construction and the message is quite special; the pop sensibility is uplifting, which seems to match the thematic element of the tune. Something special this way comes…and it comes on March 1st…Pre-Order HERE.
Cincinnati’s four piece act, The Ophelias, have obliged us by taking some time out to fill out our SXSW questionnaire. If you’re not on the up and up, the band released their well-regarded album, Almost, last summer, and it’s probably something you should have in your record collection (it’s in mine). Thanks to Spencer for taking the time out to answer our questions. Read more
You can’t say I didn’t warn you, as I’ve had Melby on my radar for some time, but today might be the day that they appear on everyone else’s! The announcement of None of This Makes Me Worry brings a bright new single that, for me, clearly shows the band as this sublime pop force that don’t look to be slowing down. The song is this broad sweeping number, filled with this sense of restrained bombast…and some night nods of musicianship splashed throughout. This might be the best thing to come out of Stockholm this year, which we all know is great praise. Look for the band’s debut on April 12th via Rama Lama Records.
I always try to keep up with what’s hip over in Scandinavia, as witnessed by my undying love for Finland’s Soliti Records. Today, however, I’m turning my head over to Norway and the band Kongle. They came with a reference to Dungen, which I suppose I can hear, though it feels like there’s a heavier lean towards expansive pop maneuvers; it’s less prog/psych, so it’s all about melodies. That, of course, doesn’t mean the musicianship isn’t spot on, with the recording coming off like a super-tight live band. Their new LP, Skogen, will be released on April 5th.
Jackie Mendoza is here today with her responses to our SXSW questionnaire. She’s signed with Luminelle Recordings, the label run by GvsB, so you know that she’s going to have a huge year, as Chris has long been one of the premiere taste-makers. Check out what she had to say! Read more
Just a week or two ago, The Boys with the Perpetual Nervousness teased their debut LP with “Close the Doors;” I wrote about the churning pop magnificence. Now, Dead Calm isn’t officially out until March 1st, but Pretty Olivia Records is already streaming the record in its entirety. If you missed the crystalline guitars of the Lucksmiths, with the occasional power-pop pep, then this is where you belong today. I’ve been playing “Southern Words” on repeat for some time today, and also happy to see that “Nervous Man” found a home on the LP. Dammit, I’m going to go down into the worm hole that is this entire album; join me, won’t you!
