Tag: ato records

Friko Share Get Numb to It

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I continue to be impressed with the clever indie rock stylings of Chicago’s Friko; they seem like shapeshifters, as there hasn’t been a single song that’s sounded quite like the one before. So, here we are again, with the band bringing a sound that certainly begins to feel like the best track Arcade Fire never wrote, albeit done with more earnestness and sincerity this go round. Plus, as you hit the 2 minute mark, the song begins to stomp on your soul, punching through with sheer exuberance; it’s insanely swoon-worthy, continuing the group’s consistent push towards Where We’ve Been, Where We Go From Here…out this Friday!

Friko Share Where We’ve Been

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I don’t know what to think about Friko, in terms of the classic genre pigeonholing we do on these here blog pages. If you ask me, that sets the band up for something exceptional, especially when you hear their latest track from the forthcoming Where We’ve Been We Go From Here. Initially, you’re greeted by this fragility, this openness that works ornate guitar lines over a rolling hill of drum work; it’s careful in its presentation, allowing you to sink into your chair as the track unfolds. You can hear the song’s tension build beneath Bailey’s drumming, erupting around the 1:40 mark, for just a split second. Having built you up, they settle back into the groove, waiting to hit you with joyous eruption of noise that carries you on its shoulders into the tune’s ending. ATO Records releases the new LP on February 16th.

Friko Share For Ella Video

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As a “writer” I probably throw comparisons around more often than I should, but when I listened to this new Friko track, I was immediately transported back to the first time I heard Elliott Smith. Musically, it’s a bit different, though I think Smith would have appreciated the sweeping string arrangements that factor into the song’s emotional appeal. For me, it was Niko Kapetan’s voice, calling me with this light whisper that transports melodies on the faint breeze; it’s gentle qualities offer this supreme intimacy that I hope I share when I sing my kids to sleep. This is a special one my friends; the band release Where We’ve Been, Where We Go From Here in February via ATO Records.

Friko Announce Debut Album + Share Single

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Chicago outfit Friko have just signed on to work with ATO Records for their debut LP, and what better way to drop that information than by rocking out with a fresh single? For me, this song succeeds because of the juxtaposed storytelling, one from the musical element and one from the vocals. You press play and a wailing guitar hits you right in the face, something akin to that shoegaze stuff the kids are super into on TikTok. But, as the vocals walk into the frame, they mold the track into something more gentle, careful to step around the cracks of noise so as not to let the song erupt. You can feel the tension working behind the song, even the vocals start to falter. And finally, they can hold back no more, letting go as the visuals match the explosive climax. If you dig, the band will release Where We’ve Been, Where We Go From Here via ATO Records in February!

Pachyman Share Sale el Sol Video

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I’ll finally get to catch Pachyman when he comes through at the end of October for Levitation; I love the way he’s working Latin sounds into a modern take on dub, sort of branching out between the two styles. For me, this song is a sunny meditation on the grooves of Pachyman, with the rhythm working beneath the sharp little bits of jangling guitar notes, while we get our musical narrator sashaying through this brightly colored video. It’s all about settling in, embracing the chill cool vibes coming through your speaker with the sun up over your head. Switched-On is out Friday via ATO Records, with a huge tour to follow, so keep any eye out friends!

That New Pachyman Track

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There are so many artists coming to Levitation next month, but aside from Ted Leo and Chisel, the next act on my mind is Pachyman. This new single feels like a beachfront, cocktail-sipping good time, as it employs bits of Latin vibes with sprinkles of dub and modern production to really just hit this groove you can’t get pass on…nor do you want to! The video is humorous, with Pachyman himself playing all the instruments in various outfits, claiming all the musical fame on his own. Switched-On is out on September 29th via ATO Records.

Pachyman Announces Switched-On

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Honestly, I’m a super-avid Pachyman fan. I was super stoked to hear that he’d be making his way to Austin for Levitation, and now I’m equally stoked to hear that he’s got a new record coming out this year. The LA instrumentalist definitely lets his Latin roots shine in his work, and yet there’s something in his style that makes it feel more than an homage…its an intangible something that makes it feel like part of the lifeblood of the modern Latin music. Plus, he’s still flirting with his love of Jamaican dub, but making it entirely his own sound, and I’m going to keep jamming this tune all day long. Switched On is out via ATO on September 29th.

Enjoy Pachyman’s El Benson Video

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At this point in your day, you’re probably finishing up a cup of coffee or two, or maybe you’re just rousing yourself out of bed, either way, its time to kind of settle into Wednesday, and what better way than by venturing into the world of Pachyman. The last month or so has had some jams coming from Pachy Garcia’s solo project, promotion the forthcoming The Return Of…, specializing in this intoxicating brand of dub/reggae. It’s the settled sort for true heads of the genre, instrumental to the core, all which is done by Garcia himself, as you can see in the accompanying video shot by Jaime Villa Ruiz. You can grab the new LP on August 13th via ATO.

Have Another From Other Lives

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Nathan and I are obviously very much looking forward to the new album For Their Love from our Oklahoma friends in Other Lives. Already we’ve shared new singles “Lost Day” and “Hey Hey I” from the upcoming full length, and now today we have this final single called “We Wait”. Of the 3 singles, this one is easily the most haunting, dark and somewhat ominous at times. The ATH team guarantees you will thank us after checking out the new album For Their Love dropping on April 24th via ATO Records. It will likely be one of our favorites this year.

Other Lives Shar Hey Hey Video

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Other Lives are one of those band’s that tried to build their songs layer by layer; I’ve always appreciated that about them; they bring everything they have to the table, be it instruments or textured vocals. They do the same here on their latest single (I might have voted for a touch of editing), but what I appreciate here is the exuberance that seems to evolve in the song. Typically, Jesse’s songs are more melancholy and slow, but there’s almost a joyousness here that’s not been omni-present in their music. This tune appears on their new album For Their Love, out April 24th via ATO Records.

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