Celebrating Tough Love at 20

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It’s never easy to keep a label going, so when you hit 20 years, that should be celebrated, especially if you’re a label dear to our hearts, like Tough Love. While based in London, they’ve had some far reaching goals, particularly in the San Francisco scene, bringing us delicious tunes from acts like The Reds, Pinks and Purples and Cindy. Speaking of those two, they’ve both offered new tracks to for the compilation, Tough Love 20, which we’ve got streaming right below. As a person who owns a ton of LPs with the label stamped on it, I felt like we should celebrate along with the label! You can also grab the Tough Love 20 Compilation right HERE.

Daphne Tunes Returns

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Our good friend Santiago and his Daphne Tunes have mostly been quiet the last few years, but a few weeks ago, he popped back up; I meant to run it that week, but, well, I got caught up in life, and was reminded by our good buddy John at 101X Homegrown. So, here’s the newly penned tune, featuring one of our favorite voices, period; Santi was one of the main reasons we fell in love with Growl, but his solo work encompasses this new sincerity that instantly feels like I’m being comforted by everything right in the world. Always glad to throw support behind old friends!

Show Preview: Nation of Language @ Mohawk

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We know there are a lot of really incredible shows on the docket for this random Tuesday in Austin, but B. Gray and I hope to see you out at the Nation of Language show. They blow into town on the wings of Dance Called Memory, which just dropped a few weeks ago, and currently gets pretty heavy rotation around all of our houses. It’s like synthpop for refined tastes, with the pop accessibility lurking in the shadows of each song, careful not to overdo any one hook or be too overt. That said, Brian still vouches that its one of his favorite shows of the last few years! Oh, and Deeper is opening up! They’re phenomenal, so you better be there before 8 so you can get your feet wet with some stellar post punk. Doors are at 7, show starts at 8 PM. Tickets available HERE.

 

No Lonesome Share Am I What I’m Not EP

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Chicago’s always got a lot of solid acts that should be on your radar, and No Lonesome are just another in a long line of artists to adore; they released their Am I What I’m Not EP this past week, and here we are to revisit. I chose the tune to spotlight below as it has this broad approach, which is one you’ll find lurking in the release; it opens lightly, almost in a baroque pop fashion as horn arrangements swell in the background. You’ll find a marching pace that keeps the beat, though they don’t move in with the tension as one would expect, holding back just a bit so that the build feels absolutely huge. If that big swell doesn’t hit, then reach out to a neighbor as you might be in need of some help!

Pleased to Meet You: Norwegian Blue

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There’s nothing like opening up an email, knowing you’re going to love the contents, and such was my day when I found out that Erik from Electric Pop Group had a solo endeavor titled Norwegian Blue. You’re instantly greeted with the bright ringing of guitars, opening up to a softer jangle and a forceful thump beneath the surface. That rhythmic openness is perfect for Erik’s voice, embracing this brilliant warmth, not to mention the added emphasis from the supporting “ba ba ba” that creates this magical charm. No word on we’ll be getting a full-length, but fingers crossed it comes our way real soon. This single arrives courtesy of Matinee Recordings.

Another Great Jouska Tune

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Nowegian artist Jouska has been picking up a lot of steam heading towards the release of How Did I Wind Up Here, and another track never hurts to add to the anticipation. The driving pulse of the song is undoubtedly that guitar, hitting heavy notes that are reminiscent of some of that mid90s alternative; I think there’s even bits of Garbage in the way the vocals come in and out of focus (also kind of a trip-hop nod too). You’ll find yourself in a bit of a daze as sampled elements seemingly sweep in and out, kind of like little automated notes thickening the production; it’s a really solid move, allowing the vocals to kind of float in the vastness of the song. The new LP is out now if you’re ready to enjoy!

Last Week’s Jams (10.13 – 10.17)

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There was a lot of really great music, and in all likelihood, we’re nearing the end of the yearly cycle, where I expect to kind of see a flutter of singles then the lists will pop up! On our end, we covered a lot of the ATX this week, with new stuff from Jet Cemetery, Don’t Get Lemon, Gus Baldwin and Living Set. There were some new tunes that really rocked me, like Deathcat‘s pop punk masterpiece, not to mention the new Winged Wheel noise pop piece. Even managed to find some room for old favorites like Living Hour, Pia Fraus and Bubblegum Lemonade among the masses! Crank this playlist up, as it starts with a banger from Possible Humans.

Living Hour Release Internal Drone Infinity

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Happy Release Day to Living Hour! Their new child, Internal Drone Infinity is out in the world today, courtesy of Keeled Scales, Paper Bag and Beloved Records. What better way to celebrate a new record than by dropping a new video for one of the more gentle tunes on the LP. This song works in contrast to some of the earliest singles, operating in a pretty stark format, though the strained power can only be contained for a period of time, as it briefly shines around the 4 minute mark. But, for the most part, it’s a reserved bit of guitar pop, allowing the lyricism and the magnificence of Sam Sarty’s voice to soar through your speakers. Really a must have Friday listen, if you ask me!

New EP from Bubblegum Lemonade

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There’s been a pretty steady release of new Bubblegum Lemonade pop ditties this year, and I’m pretty embarrassed to say I haven’t given Laz and company enough proper love. And look, the title track of the French Letters in the Sand EP is pretty special, offering a really catchy bit of indiepop, as prescribed by your doctor. But, the second tune on here, “The Hottest Day of the Year” is an absolute gem, and might be one of my favorite tunes that the band has penned. After opening with a fiery riff, it settles into a snappy bounce, swinging your hips from side to side with the melody. There’s a warmth that perhaps comes with the title, but the mid tune diversion of “where does she go” cemented the ditty in my brain! If you love good pop, stop what you’re doing and slide into these tunes, courtesy of Matinee Recordings.

Winged Wheel Announce Desert So Green

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There’s been an absence of artful noise in the indie scene, replaced by neo-grunge and nu-gaze. All of this allows for a band like Winged Wheel to fly under the radar, despite the incredible resume of its band members. Today, they’ve announced their third LP, Desert So Green, which feels like a scientific exploration of where noise can go. On the first single, it opens with this jagged ringing guitar, operating in isolation for the first 30 seconds or so, waiting for a separate guitar and drums to enter; their entry, however, feels distant, allowing for the constant ring of that opening riff. Layers continue to build, adding in vocals and anxiety, waiting for the song to momentarily rupture as the discord just takes on too much. Despite those forays left and right, the song has this constant gravitational pull that will lock you into its meditative noise control. Look for Desert So Green via 12XU in January of next year.

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