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As you’ve likely seen, I raved and raved all year about the new Lower Plenty album, No Poets. So, we were fortunate enough to catch up with Al Montfort, toss him a few questions, plus get a most excellent Dahl recipe that you can try out on your own time. Take a read, get to know the band, and if you’re super-inclined, be sure to grab No Poets LP from Bedroom Suck Records.
It’s Friday, and while Austin is focused on ACL Weekend One, I’m here to turn your ears towards some great albums that you’ll benefit from if you’re into the whole streaming process. Several of these we’ve talked about quite a bit, so it’s good that now you can get your hands on them in their entirety. Going to start with what’s quickly becoming one of my favorite LPs of the year, then let you pick and choose what’s your flavor.
Lower Plenty – No Poets (Bedroom Suck Records)
Class – If You’ve Got Nothing (Feel It Records)
Open City – Hands in the Honey Jar (Get Better Records)
The Suncharms – Things Lost (Sunday Records)
Half Stack – Sitting Pretty (Forged Artifacts)
If there was an album I just wanted to curl up with on the couch, it definitely would be this new LP from Lower Plenty. There’s such a calmed relaxation to every track we’ve heard, and we’ve been fortunate to get at least four of the tracks from the LP. This new number has this wistful charm, there’s something to the curl of the syllables, wrapping underneath to kind of keep the weight of the world at bay…not too far off from Bill Callahan vocal depths. Some light nuanced backing vocals pop in from time to time to elevate the track, as if that was needed. Another reason you’re going to want to spend the cool Fall night under a blanket listening to No Poets; it drops this Friday via Bedroom Suck Records.
Another week and another Lower Plenty album to add to your collection. Every time I get a new single, I just can’t wait to immerse myself in No Poets as a whole; it feels like something meant to be shared by you and your headphones alone. A stomped drum beat and a playful strum set the scene, before dropping the tones into more of a sense of yearning; the vocals soon join in and match that sentiment, almost soaring beyond the horizon looking for whatever it is we all seek. When backing vocals unite with the lead, there’s this general sensation that everything in the world will be alright, if we just hold onto that special moment, for an instant. Plus, there’s this sort of tape hiss too that runs throughout, in case all you DIY nerds felt out of place. No Poets is out October 6th via Bedroom Suck Records.
Just as I thought the year couldn’t have spoken to me anymore, musically speaking, Bedroom Suck Records went in and snuck a new Lower Plenty LP into my listening schedule. It’s interesting that the timing of the release coincides with Spring down in Australia, as it almost feels like you can hear the rustling of the leaves as the breeze washed between Winter and budding trees. It’s dominated by a really strong and steadied strum, with layer upon layer upon layer of vocals building the song’s depth. There are these little “oohs” that lurk in there too, leaving you with this really special nuanced charm that has me grinning from ear to ear. Look for No Poets to drop on October 6th.
Free Time will be dropping Jangle Jargon next week, and before it hits, there’s one more little tasty morsel to get you on board. Like most of the tunes we’ve heard thus far, this single works in parts, though culled together seamlessly. Starting off with this sort of natural chug, it then opens into this childlike chorus, punctuated by the move towards a jangling crisp guitar that moves us into stage 3…all before returning to stasis. The second go round, Dion is joined with backing vocals, giving into this sense of hope and elation that brings us to the song’s close. Bedroom Suck Records release Jangle Jargon on September 30th.
Sometimes, and I know it’s completely on me, but I feel like my musical tastes can sometimes get one-note, especially on here. But, I love all sort of stuff, and probably have some sort of musical ADHD, which is why I’ve just been drinking my coffee and jamming this track from Don Glori, the recording project of Melbourne’s Gordon Li. The project has just announced a debut LP, Welcome, and this first single is a collage that moves from a soulful Latin groove into an almost classical-oriented lounge act, though in doing this seamlessly, you’re just sitting there with your head spinning, lost in the chilled vibes Li has built for us all. The debut LP will be out on October 14th courtesy of Bedroom Suck Records.
A few weeks back, we got the strikingly sparky “That’s Rare” from the forthcoming Free Time LP. Below, you’ll find the Jangle Jargon’s title track in video format, revealing a more pensive brand of guitar pop from Dion. We join Dion (and dog), canoeing alongside him in still waters while the gentle strum paddles us downstream; it’s a mellower turn than the opening single, allowing the listener more of an immersive experience. Just at the 2:22 mark or so the percussive element gives us a bit of a gallop, with Nania relishing the mantra of “jangle jargon” before the song erupts into a bit of pop exploration, guitars noodling as Dion accompanies in visual interpretive dance. A different journey down the river, but one that’s as equally rewarding as its predecessor; Jangle Jargon drops on September 30th via Bedroom Suck Records.
We haven’t heard from Free Time in quite some time, but Dion Nania’s band returns with one of my favorite tracks of recent weeks right here, along with the announcement of Jangle Jargon. Rushing in with those jangling guitars doesn’t ever do any harm, and I love how some of the notes jet off into their own little mini-solos, adding some bounce to the tune here and there. The vocals hold onto this cool indifference, and somehow Dion feels like he’s channeling an Australian Dan Treacy. One of the great things about this tune, however, is the musicianship is on full display, with plenty of moments where they band just let it rip, vocal free, yet still keeping the vibe going. If you dig, Jangle Jargon is out September 30th via Bedroom Suck.
When I heard that Dag were putting together a double LP, I was a little shocked, wondering how they’d get all those song together. But, as more leaks come out from the release, it seems you really get all these different vibes from the band, which has me rather excited. I love the sort of baroque pop attitude of this new single, sort of plodding along like a marching band down the streets, albeit one with a bit of an Aussie twist. Subtle backing vocals add a further texture that’s equally enchanting…I mean, who doesn’t like the “ba ba ba da da” moment in the song’s late end? Pedestrian Life sounds like its going to rip; it drops on June 25th via Bedroom Suck Records.
