Pleather Sounds Cool to Me

pleather-week-in-pop-1I got turned onto this little Seattle act last week, and have been returning to the two tracks that are being offered by Pleather. I’m familiar with the members, as the vocals are done by Claire Nelson of FF (love ’em) and Andrew McKibben of Couple Skate Records seems to be handling the production. It’s definitely interesting, even if it’s just a little one-off project for the duo. I appreciate the soft touch of Nelson’s vocals, and I think the accessibility of these tracks is super apparent, despite the odd cat sounds filtered in here and their. Should have a tape on its way to you soon via Couple Skate this month.

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Michael Vidal Steps Out from Abe Vigoda

michaelThe years have been relatively good for Michael Vidal, as the singer and guitarist for Abe Vigoda.  But, now he’s moving on to a new project, using his own name.  He’s signed on with Couple Skate Records to reissue Dream Center, which was released on a limited run of cassettes a few years back.  The first single demonstrates what many already know, Vidal has complete control of well-crafted pop songs.  He’s got a calm vocal delivery coming in to meet the airy groove that’s been crafted behind the voice; he’s also showing quite a range in pitch and tone here, which I find rather impressive. You’ll be able to get your hands on the release on June 9th.

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Maturity in Sound from FF

fffWhen I first posted about “Caught in a Dream” the first tune from FF that I heard, I was really taken aback. It had this youthful rock approach, something one might consider a fuck it all approach.  But, this time around, the band is showing some diversity, choosing to hold back on the pace, allowing for a bit more delicacy in their playing.  This approach is quite different, though I can see how it would sit right alongside their earlier tune in an album setting.  Luckily for us, we’ll get to hear just that on their album, Lord; it’s being released by Couple Skate Records on October 21st.

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Another Tune from Mega Bog

megaJust a short bit ago I posted the early single from Mega Bog, enjoying the albums pop direction flooded by sporadic horn usage.  This latest single comes in much the same direction, althoughI feel as if it works differently.  Various parts follow great bits of musical space, though there’s a building tension sitting beneath it all.  I don’t know; I’m stuck on how much I’m really enjoying the horns here…not to mention the song’s ability of fade in and out of beautiful obscurity. You can grab this album, Gone Banana, on Spetember 23rd via Couple Skate.

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FF Announce Debut Album for Couple Skate

ffWe’re nearing the end of the day, and I’m nearing the end of my first run of energy.  But, thanks to this great track from FF, I think I’m revving up and rearing to rock through the rest of the day.  There’s an emotional yearning that seems to run through the track; it’s something about the vocal tones; I dig it, regardless.  It’s a pretty noise track otherwise, though not pumping noise for the sake…more for the energetic punch that likely impacts the Seattle trio’s live shows.  They’ve just announced they’re going to release their debut, Lord, on Couple Skate Records near the end of October (10.21).

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New Music from Mega Bog

megaWhen I first played this new single from Mega Bog, I was taken aback momentarily.  It seemed like this casual piece of dreamy pop music with an 80s glint via the horns introduction.  But, a few spins later and I’m having trouble turning this song off.  There’s this hidden pace behind the ambling guitar and rolling drums, which balances out the softened delivery of the vocals from Erin Birgy.  It’s one of those songs I could listen to all day long, and I have a feeling you might feel the same.  The new record from the group, Gone Banana, will be released on September 23rd via Couple Skate.

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