This is fine.
Friday was Alvvays going to be Nathan’s favorite day, even if he was never a Beatles fan.
Saturday did give us a treat in the form of Durand Jones and the Indications. There were a few other lovely highlights for the fam.
Admittedly, sometimes pop music can get stale or blend in with like-minded artists. Spooky Cigarette is not that band! Their newest song hints at the current underbelly of indiepop, using twinkling guitars amidst a marching rhythm section. But, the vocals of Frank Mindingall have this dreamy yearning, that seems to work separate from the rest of the act. It ends up creating this frantic tornado of pop music that sweeps you out of your chair and into your go-to dance move. There’s just this undying carefree attitude being tossed about that definitely draws everyone into their musical galaxy. Keep an eye out for this San Diego bunch, as it looks like they’re having a hell of a time.
In a conversation with a friend the other day, he was lamenting about how dream pop sometimes seems so boring, like the notes just hang out there. While I don’t agree, I see what he’s getting at, which is perhaps why the work of Balms is so fascinating. The Cali group began as more of a forceful rock act, slowly evolving into the dreamy notes you hear in their latest single. That early history definitely informs their sound, building a heavy tension just beneath the surface, eventually escaping to the forefront in their work. The band will be self-releasing their Mirror LP this February, so keep your eyes peeled.
As I am always done for a strong female lead vocal, I’m sharing this new song called “Beat the Heart” from Toronto based outfit Tallies. It certainly sounds like something straight out of the 80s alternative era with vocals that are eerily reminding me of Neko Case. Not sure I could imagine two things which sound more like a perfect union. This is going to be on heavy rotation for me today.
Tallies will release their debut self-titled album on January 11th via Kanine Records.
We’ve already alerted you to the forthcoming LP from Chorusgirl, and the band have shared yet another reason to get swept up in their sound. The band had Ruth Barrett craft 2500 cardboard pieces for the stop-animation video, with the colors matching those of the band’s newest album. While I love the video, be sure to give attention to the song; it’s one of those tunes that is sure to turn heads no matter what you’re into. It’s poppy and anthemic, yet filled with artistry that shows the group at the top of their songwriting game. Shimmer and Spin is out on November 16th via Reckless Yes Records.
It might be hard for Jen K. Wilson to to escape those Stereolab comparisons with her Buildings and Food project. But, if you put that all aside, neglect your cool points and immerse yourself below, you will be rewarded. This tune has this plodding electronic from the get-go, shifting and moving before Wilson’s voice comes in over another layer of electronics. Personally, I like the delivery, almost as if the words were dropped into thin air emphatically. It’s all highlighted, too, by some exceptional cymbal work that builds in some extra artistry. People always reference tunes that entrance them, and this is precisely what I envision; look for Quick Beat Save on November 2nd via Number F Records.
Weekend Two, Friday, thoughts, photos.
Brian and I went and got sweaty for you, day four for B, but he had the cameras and pit access this time around.
Hollow Hand might not be on your radar yet, but tomorrow the band releases their debut album Star Chamber. Below you can sample one of the standout tracks, and it should definitely register that this is something to keep an eye on going forward. At times, you get this Grateful Dead meets Beatles vibe, but then the guitar stylings offer a glimpse of Riley Walker or the like, giving this perfect balance between what’s old and new. When they hit that “every summer time” line in the chorus, I swoon a little. So, if your into it, look for the new LP courtesy of Talkshow Records.
Tiny Ruins, the project of Hollie Fullbrook, is ready to share its third album, this time with Ba Da Bing as its home. The first single we get is, as we expected, pure excellence. Hollie’s voice rises up and down, changing registers, moving in and out, almost as if it was meant to haunt your ears. Perhaps that emotion stems from the details in the accompanying music, whether it be the work of the guitar, layered strings, or the percussive elements that bubble to the top of the mix. Fullbrook stars in the video, a lone figure walking through nature…a clip perfectly fit for this track. Olympic Girls will be out February 1st of 2019.
I’m fairly new to the Miss Rayon scene, though I’ve definitely listened to various members in other outfits. I’m digging this new single, part shimmering indie rock, part danceable rock number. I love the discordant guitars knifing in and out of the tune, while the trio throw their vocals together in unison to sort of craft some post-punk seance. The great thing, for my two cents, is that you can’t really pigeonhole the group; sure, there are various nods, but nothing pure, so who knows what we’ll get when the drop their new LP. Eclipse drops on November 16th via XRAY Records.
