12XU Readies Box of Dark Roses, the Final Mope Grooves LP

I suppose that I could wait to toss Box of Dark Roses out with our casual Friday Album Streams, but seeing as 12XU got another track out before the release of the final Mope Grooves record, it feels as if I should shine a little more purposeful light in that direction. But, even as a fan of stevie and her work, it’s also hard to write about their efforts to fight for marginalized groups, particularly as a cis-white dude. All that to say, the new tune that’s been bopping around is a solid glimpse at the importance of the 27 songs coming our way Friday. There’s a propulsive beat that courses throughout, then layer upon layer get added, thickening the piece; you can get a glimpse of stevie’s process with the repeated line of “it is right to fight,” punching through the speakers. Personally, I love the piano notes that creep through the metallic backdrop, illustrating a sort of juxtaposition between the beauty and harshness the music is confronting. There’s a digital treatise of sorts from stevie, which you can read HERE. Otherwise, grab a copy of the LP on Friday!

 

Friday Album Streams: Merce Lemon, Feeling Figures, Being Dead and More

What an absolute banger of a Friday. There are several releases, on top of the super rad Best Bets record we shared with you yesterday. Plus, I missed a rad release last week that I’m including because, well, it rules. And I do what I want. Also, a great new Cleaners from Venus Tribute Compilation. No need for bullshitting, let’s just crank up the good tunes and have a blast.

Merce LemonWatch Me Drive Them Dogs Wild (Darling Records)

Feeling FiguresEverything Around You (K/Perennial Records)

Being DeadEELS – (Bayonet)

Kate BollingerSongs from A Thousand Frames of Mind (Ghostly)

Weak SignalFine (12XU)

Various ArtistsTales of a Kitchen Porter: A Tribute to Cleaners from Venus (Dandy Boy)

Weak Signal Share Rich Junkie

There’s always something to be said for simplicity and execution in songwriting, and the latest track from New York’s Weak Signal perfectly exemplifies that mentality. It opens with a driving bit of guitar, chugging along with the snapping hit of the drums; there’s not too much flare…no overlapping ambiance or walls of noise, just distortion driving you forward. Now, for all that heavy guitar sound, the band’s bread and butter is the distinctive interplay of Mike and Sasha on the vocal mix; they’ve got these contrasting tones that fit perfectly together, but also fill in the space so that while the song feels like a rocker, you’re not quite sure with all those delectable melodic morsels of pop hanging about. Just another banger from their forthcoming Fine LP, out on September 6th via 12XU.

Winged Wheel Announce Big Hotel

After Shellac came out of nowhere with an announcement this week, it only seems fitting that there’s more surprises in the 2024 release schedule, like a brand new LP from Detroit’s Winged Wheel. We’re just about two years removed from No Island, and it looks like they’ve added Steve Shelley to the mix too for a new album. There’s this swirling ominousness that opens the track, building this almost sterile world of darkness; it feels like the precursor to a murder in a parking garage (if it had a cooler soundtrack). Whitney’s voice comes in like an echo, hauntingly bouncing between the lines of the band’s craft. There are certainly moments where one could go explosive and just phone it in, but I appreciate how they’ve just locked into the groove here. Big Hotel is out May 3rd via 12XU.

More from the Love Child Compilation

Seeing as this is a compilation of old Love Child stuff, this post is mostly to convince you and our friend Norman Wanklord to pony up some cash and grab Never Meant to Be. There’s two fresh tracks from the collection, and I’ve got both below. “Asking For It” is this frantic bit of rock n’ roll with Rebecca Odes spitting out venomous vocals faster than the drummer can ride the cymbals; I love how there’s a melodic slow jam to the song’s middle, reminding us that they could’ve done anything, and it would have kicked ass. “Escalator” is this sharp burst of crashing art rhythms, rising and falling, stuttering and jabbing…kind of like if Built to Spill were an 80s punk band from NYC. You can get your hands on this collection this Friday via 12XU!

Lewsberg Announce Out and About

If you have not purchased your tickets for the Lewsberg train, might we invite you to grab one now, as they’re sure to be one of your favorite bands…plus it’ll make you feel cool for telling your friends you were into it first. Anyways, the Dutch band announce their new LP Out and About today, dropping mixes of two of the tracks that will appear on the record. “Without a Doubt” has this spritely nature to it, just shuffling in the mix as the vocals keep things joyously grounded; it’s the precise brand of no-rock pop that the group excels at crafting. Meanwhile “Communion” feels like a pastor’s sermon delivered by someone who grew up listening to all those early Flying Nun records. Can’t say enough wonderful words about this group; Out and About is out in September; self-released, but US folks can order through 12XU.

Borzoi Drop Passing Single

Just as I’m lamenting the scene in our hometown, Borzoi pop up with a new single to wake me from my Austin doldrums. Be warned, turning this up at high volume is likely to lead to momentary delirium. The rhythmic section alone has this incredible push and pull to it, like the heavy swaying of a crowd on the verge of cathartic eruption. Hitting heavy at the front, they turn that into this almost playful angular moment right after the one-minute mark, hanging high upon the rafters of that pulsing rhythm. Why this band isn’t the most notable in town I don’t know, but we look forward to hearing more…as we’re still awaiting news on the follow-up to A Prayer for War (12XU)…and this may or may not feature on that release.

Lewsberg Join Speedy Wunderground Single Series

Lewsberg have been on our radar pretty consistently since we were first introduced to the group by their work with 12XU. But, they just announced they’re joining on with Speedy Wunderground to be part of the label’s marvelous Single Series, which are always super limited. After last year’s sneakily strong In Your Hands, the group return with a bit more pace, pushing the rhythmic pulse that provides a backbone for everything in between. I love the way the vocals change between a sort of spoken call-and-response and overlapping commentary. Plus, the band are never afraid to ride that train and let the sonic exploration lead the way. The new single drops on Friday digitally, so hear the A-side now!

Lewsberg Drop In Your Hands LP

I had no idea we were getting a new Lewsberg LP until a little email popped up in ye old inbox, but man, this Friday just got infinitely better…for me anyways. If you’ve never listened to the Dutch group before, I suggest setting aside some time to spend with the band today…and might I add you can start off with 2020’s In This House. It’s early in the morning, and I’m just diving in here, so not sure which of the tracks will be my favorite, but I think those of you who are into bands like Smog or Low will surely find yourselves a comforting listen on this Friday. US fans can grab the In Your Hands from 12XU.

Florry Shares You Don’t Know

When I stumbled upon Florry, courtesy of their new LP announcement with 12XU, I was pretty floored; I felt like I had stumbled upon the most delightful lo-fi rock there was to find. Now, Francie Medosch is taking me for a different ride entirely, and I don’t mind one bit. Casual listeners will feel like they’ve landed in some sort of barnyard bash, such is the force of the twang and slide of those guitars. But, stay with it, as you’re in for a treat. Francie’s vocals are gentle, yet they have this distinctive peculiarity, not unlike something you’d associate with Daniel Johnston. Trust me, we’re in for a treat when Big Fall drops on August 27th.

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