Spirited Single from Redspencer

redIt’s currently raining, or feigning thunderstorms, so I needed something to get me over the weather, and this Redspencer tune sounds like a pretty solid way to start it off. The guitars ring out brightly, and there’s a relaxed cool that comes in with the vocals.  These Aussie lads have been making ways overseas, and they look to have an impact here too with the release of their brand debut EP.  Deaf Ambitions will release it this coming June, brightening your listening habits just a little bit.

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Hard Left Hits Hard

hlIt’s refreshing that there’s a group of old school rockers and label owners throwing down some brutal politico-punk.  In a landscape bogged down by nostalgia and copy-cat artists, Hard Left hit fast and hard, stomping through their latest single without looking around for camaraderie.  “Imagination” is most notable for the rabble-rousing growl of Mike, while the trumpet blasts and backing vocals of Donna seem like a rioting call to arms.  I love the fact that the band seemingly fit into their own small space in the musical sphere, doing things on their own terms; it’s precisely the way we’re meant to enjoy our rock n’ roll.  Look for the band to release their debut, We Are Hard Left next week; you can order it HERE.

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Show Review: Stephin Merritt @ Central Presbyterian (5/8)

When you’re given the opportunity to catch Stephin Merritt, you better believe I’m going to jump at the chance.  I’ve been obsessed with Stephin’s work for close to two decades, marveling at his wit, and his output.  He brought along fellow Magnetic Fields member Sam Davol for accompaniment, packed folks into the Central Presbyterian Church and treated us to an evening of tunes from his catalog, spanning A to Z.

Read on for my thoughts, and for photos from Brian Gray.

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My Love For Sharon Van Etten Knows No Bounds

04_sve_ny_brown_081_R_FLLet’s get real for a second here: any time there’s a new track from Sharon Van Etten, I’m going to share it with you, as she can do no wrong. This fine master of folksy indie rock has a new EP coming out soon, which you can preorder here, and it features the song below. “Just Like Blood,” has all the qualities of a great Sharon Van Etten song, but then it goes a little further, with the chorus showing off the impeccable vocal power of this artist. Go on, get to listening.

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More From Oscar

10708717_846233935386740_5168277969355596404_oSo a little while ago I told you to watch out for this new London up-and-comer, Oscar, and shared with you his first stunning jam “Daffodil Days,” that had those of us around the ATH offices dancing for, well, days. Were you paying attention? No? It’s time to fix that problem. Oscar has another song for you, “Beautiful Words,” which is more of an electro pop track than the jangle of the first, but has still got me hooked with those deep and clear vocals that are straight from the 80s. Look out for his Beautiful Words EP, which is out June 23 over here in the US. Preorder here.

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Show Preview: Torres @ The Mohawk (05/09)

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Date May 9th
Location The Mohawk
Doors 9:00pm
Tickets 10$ Here


Look, I know there’s a lot going down on Saturday night. Between Levitation, and this other great local show that ATH is helping put on, you’ve probably already got your Saturday evening plans on lock, but if you’re in need of another choice, you should head on over to The Mohawk and get your fill of broodingly powerful indie rock with a front woman whose vocals will blow your mind. I’ve already been telling you about Mackenzie Scott of Torres for some time now, but if you still need persuading, check out the track below, which has some St. Vincent vibes going for it.

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Friday is for Finnmark!

finnyI’ve backed the boys in Finnmark! for quite some time, and I’m really excited to hear their brand new album, Things Always Change.  There’s a delightful jangle to the work of the band on their latest single, although I’ll admit there’s a great deal of maturity here, in both songwriting and the vocals.  It reminds me of the best of Cats on Fire, so you can’t really ignore something this special. This ditty is brief, spanning just beyond the 2 minute mark, thus allowing you to get your pop fix over and over again in quick succession.  The band’s debut will be released via Beko Disques on May 15th, and it looks to be something really really special…the sort of album indiepop fans will hold dear for years to come.

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Foreign/National Keep At It

11212165_667579430036440_8599865426910659846_oA little while ago, I shared with you  “Always Blue” from Australian rockers Foreign/National, which is a jam in its own right, but today I’ve got another new track from this band that will further secure your should-be love for them. “The Hedonist” is a tropicalia rock song that has a lot going for it: there are the echo-y vocals, the sharp cutting angular guitars, and some sweet percussive work during the bridge that will have you grooving right along. Enjoy this track from the group and keep your eyes peeled for more from the band.

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PINES Bring Us An Electro Jam

10404225_972772592737350_6882510982600130767_nI am rarely one to be posting a lot of music in the electro-pop genre, but sometimes you just get one of those jams that hits a nerve.  Today I’m stepping outside my comfort zone with musical tastes and proclaiming “All You Need” by up and coming Aussie act PINES as my hit of the day.  It’s simplicity makes it an elegant, beautiful and head nodding worthy song all at the same time.  I challenge you to hit play and not immediately play it again right afterward.  I’ve had it on loop all morning…

Just getting started up, I have very little information on the new group so stay tuned and say hi to them on facebook.

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