Surfy Tune From Plastic Cactus

Chances are it’s probably warming up in your neck of the woods as summer is near approaching. That means time spent outside, more than likely, near a body of water as everyone collectively chills out a little bit. For these hot days, I’m always drawn to the lightness of surf rock music to soundtrack my summer, and so I’m pleased to share with you a new single from Portland four piece, Plastic Cactus, called “Mystery Boy.” It’s a stunner of a surf tune, with unending waves of twangy electric guitar, shimmery percussion and hazy vocals. Just when you think you’ve caught hold of the mellow vibe, the group turns things up a notch for the last minute or so of the track, making it the perfect tune for your beach/waterfront kick back playlists. Take a listen.

Guitar Heavy Rock From WIVES

Queens based rock band WIVES sent out this new track called “The 20 Teens” yesterday and I had to get it out to you people today. The song is a straight up rock n roll song with just a little bit of quirkiness to bring in a sort of Wolf Parade, Spencer Krug vibe. As you have a listen and enjoy, consider checking out more of the band’s music on bandcamp and mark your calendar for the release of their new album So Removed on October 4th via City Slang.

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Look Vibrant Share Cherish Everything

Montreal’s Look Vibrant have been bending and blurring the lines of pop music, and with their latest single “Cherish Everything” they aim to do it again. Twinkling electro-notes and soft percussion set the stage, crafting this mystifying pop realm that lets the vocals walk into the picture. If you listen closely, there’s these really light backing vocals just barely giving emphasis; it’s the exact sort of detail the band put into their work that keeps drawing me back to them. The whole thing is an otherworldly craft that allows you to escape, albeit for a brilliant four minutes; look for the tune on their forthcoming Cherish Everything, out June 21st.

Erasers Announce Pulse Point

Usually when I write about acts from Australia, they’re almost always from Melbourne or surrounding areas; it’s rare to find ourselves in Perth, but here we are with Erasers. The duo have just a announced their sophomore LP, leading with this entrancing new single. This number is a special one, illustrating the duo’s care in their song craft; the tune has this darkened electronic pulse that barely moves, steadying the entire song around its core. From time to time, added electronic notes give the song a slight rise, as do the carefully placed guitar lines that sort of hang in the air. And, when Rebecca’s voice comes in, it’s almost like a calming wash atop it all, layered as an instrument almost. Pulse Points is out on July 12th via Fire Talk/Pouring Dream.

Light Pop from Kythira

It’s Thursday and slightly rainy outside my window, so I’m looking for that pop song to take you into the day, kick things off right, which is why this Kythira track is so special. It’s an airy pop track, softly getting you to tap your toes and enjoy the melody; it reminds me a lot of Rosie Tucker, at least in this tune. There’s no rush to really push forward, the song can just sort of be, and in that, that says how special it is, charming in its simplicity. Her latest album Cut Through is out today through Healthy Tapes, so if you’re up to it, go and listen!

More From Minihorse

Back in the winter months of February, I discovered the Michigan based band called Minihorse. I was immediately drawn to the group’s style of slowed down, slackerish rock style with tons of rises and falls throughout each song. Today I’m pleased to share with you another single from the band entitled “Summer Itch”. This one has an even slower, mellow vibe when compared to the previous single, but it yet again well slap you in the face with some loud guitar breakdowns from time to time. It’s another beauty.

Minihorse will release their debut album Living Room Art on July 26th via Park the Van.

Red Telephone Share Another New Tune

Late last year I wrote about discovering Red Telephone and how I didn’t really think there was anyone writing pop music through this lens; I stand by that today as they share another new tune. It sort of begins with this ominous haunting from Declan’s voice and these dark drum rolls. Still, the group’s every bit a pop band, so the song sort of builds gradually, letting the vocals match the group’s emphatic stomp to the apex of the Mt. Pop before the guitar slinks in with a heavy solo. There’s nothing quite like this band, for me at least, and I can’t stop listening to them.

Michael Bain Readies Tidal Ways and Album Release

Michael Bain can usually be found playing guitar for local slow-pop outfit Sun June, but this year, he’s got some of his own fully-formed ideas to share with you under his own name. We’ve only got a handful of songs in our ears as of yet, but you’re in for something special indeed. On “Dad Rock” you get a to hear a sort of traditional indie rock vibe filled with more patience and open space; it allows for a sparkling beauty within the song you’ll only find with close ears. “So Far” sounds huge in it’s approach to pop music offering up a huge seductive swell right in the front of the mix, pulling back to tinker in the dreamier side of the pop genre (think Papercuts). In “Earthbound” you get the exact opposite of what one would expect from the title; it’s more of an ethereal track, almost like a lounge act in outer space. That’s just what you’ll get with Tidal Ways, an album filled with varying sounds loosely tied around the pop color-wheel. If you’re in Austin, Michael will bring these songs to the live setting Friday at Hole in the Wall; if you’re not and you love the songs, click on one and they’ll take you to Mr. Bain’s site to grab the LP!



New Track / Album Announce From Cross Record!

We’ve got a great scene here in Austin, that’s no secret, but it never fails to warm my heart when a local can kill it both in the local and national scene, which is precisely what Emily Cross has done not only with her act, Cross Record, but also with her work in Loma. I’m pleased to share a new track from Cross Record off her forthcoming LP. “PYSOL My Castle” does what every great song from Cross Record has done in the past, which is put the spotlight on Cross’ incredible vocals. What’s different on this track is the instrumentation seems more keen on electronic elements–you get layers of soft synths from the get-go, and the whole tune feels subtler than before. I’m excited to hear more from this upcoming record, which will be out on 8/2 via Ba Da Bing! Pre-order it here.

Stream R&D from TC Superstar

It seems like Austin always sort of recycles its music scene, with a fresh bevy of young acts coming up every few years to fit in alongside the veteran acts. The last two years, two huge bands come to mind: Being Dead (we released their EP in April!) and TC Superstar. Today, let’s focus on the dance party that is TC Superstar; it’s a shame that the live show (packed, sweaty, choreographed) can’t be shared. Their new album, R&D combines all the elements of the band’s personality, nostalgic 80s club vibes with modern twists and current trends. Honestly, if you’re looking for a light electronic pop record, this might be the best thing you’ve heard; there’s not a bad song in this bunch. Stream it, and then look to catch the band on the road this Summer.

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