Yea-Ming and the Rumours Announce I Can’t Have it All

I’ll be completely honest, as I was fully unaware of Yea-Ming and the Rumours before the release of their last album, So, Bird; I found it one of the most charming listens of 2022, and still find myself going back to some of those tracks. Today, the group, led by songwriter Yea-Ming Chen, announces a fresh take, and one that aims to walk a fine line between “total sadness and extreme happiness.” You can hear that in the messaging on the first single, narrating a character realizing that despite our best efforts, it’s nearly impossible to get everything you want…and sometimes its okay to accept that and find comfort where you can. Those lyrics tend to lean towards a bit of solitude in a way, but I think the musical message carries a different weight to it. There’s a bit of buoyancy lurking, almost a spring, as if our narrator has taken the lesson, and opted to bound down the road towards life’s next test. Ever endearing, Yea-Ming and the Rumours are charting new territory, so be on the lookout for I Can’t Have it All, out via Dandy Boy Records on May 24th.

The Wind-Ups Announce Live In Oakland LP

Two albums full of incredible rock n’ roll should have already made the Wind-Ups a staple in the community of those who worship rock, but in order to cement their legacy, the group had put it all on the line. So, what did they do? They recorded a riotous live set at the Golden Bull, putting down 17 songs in 28 minutes; a feat that would have made Jay Reatard super proud. Today, we bring you the news that the now infamous show is being released via Dandy Boy Records; you can grab it HERE. But, as in rock n’ roll realms, you need a bit of a visual, so the brand have a fresh video for the live version of “You’re Not That Cool.” Growling guitars, thumping rhythm and a quick blast to your ears, perhaps a reminder to also go check out the LP it draws from, Happy Like This.

Kelley Stoltz Returns with Reni’s Car + New LP

Sadly, it sometimes we take our greatest artists for granted, and such is the life I fear for Kelley Stoltz. The songwriter has definitely been lauded, and maybe the fault is mine, so every time I hear new stuff, I circle back and jam out to Stoltz for a few days; I mean, honestly, the dude’s never written a bad tune, that I’ve heard. Hopefully we’re all hope on that train as we await La Fleur, a brand new LP from Kelley, dropping this Summer. For my two cents, there’s something in the songwriting that feels like a mixture between Glenn Donaldson and Robert Pollard, though with a bit more of a psychedelic bend on the guitar vibes. Plus, the song got a cool backstory, as he recants a tale of spending the day in the car of Stone Roses drummer Reni. Sounds like another classic jam if you’re asking me…La Fleur is out on June 7th via Dandy Boy Records/Agitated Records.

Ryann Gonsalves Premieres Burrowing Video + Announces Ouch LP

Hopefully you come to this site often, and if you do, you should be familiar with Ryann Gonsalves, who is part of the very exciting new Slumberland signing Torrey…and Aluminum as well. But, no offense to her bandmates, but today is all about her and the new record she’s written for Dandy Boy Records. The set-up for this tune is fairly simple, which benefits the whole, as you really get to find the enchanting tones of Gonsalves as they course through the track; the drums have a toe-tapping bounce while the guitar line seems to hit in step, with some little twangy meandering ringing out sharply. Still, the star has to be Gonsalves voice, offering this peppy warmth, feathering it in some parts and pushing the syllables in others; it’s a masterful display of control that never shies away from the pop roots that run through. Video Bonus: There’s a really cute dog named Max; nice to meet you Max! You’re going to love listening to Ouch; its out on Valentines Day (2.14) via Dandy Boy!

Slumberland Records Sign Blue Ocean

I got turned onto Blue Ocean a few years ago when the group put a few of their EPs together for Paisley Shirt/Dandy Boy…and today they get a further stamp of ATH approavl with the announcement that the band have signed on with Slumberland for their first LP. It’s incredibly difficult to pigeonhole the project; they create these layered textures, all working in unison, yet seemingly fighting against one another. At times my ears get drawn towards the crashing wave of screaming distortion; the rhythm section seems to work against that angst, coming in more playfully, almost bouncing; it all swirls together like this Captain Planet of DIY indie rock! All of that’s accomplished before we get swept up in the indifferent cool of the vocals. Absolutely in love here. Fertile State will be out on October 13th.

The 1981 Share Notebox Single off Move On LP

Spoken word samples and a ringing guitar line pull you into your speakers when you press play on the newest single from the 1981. Soon enough, the drums kick on here and build this stomping brood that recalls some of the early Jesus and MC power hooks. But, then a cymbal crashes and the track turns more melodic momentarily, bridging the gothic structure with a bit of understated cool. I love the way the vocals really churn here, reminding me of all the loud guitar acts from the late 80s/90s that never turned away from bringing in melodic vocal hooks that kept you coming back again and again. The band will be releasing Move On via Dandy Boy Records on August 18th.

The 1981 Share Make It Right Video

We’ve covered lots of stuff from Dandy Boy Records the past few years, and the 1981 are definitely an act I think we’re going to get behind. Honestly, I loved the way the song started out, using this brooding darkness with light guitar jangles to turn in my ear; it set up the song perfectly for the vocals to have their first entry, almost like a ghostly whisper through your speaker. But, after the 1 minute mark, the song takes a turn into this more blissful pop structure; it’s like a sedated power pop moment, completely sealing this song as an absolute hit. Give me a hook, wash it in synths, then throw in an emphatic power piece at the end to add some emphasis? Yeah, I’m in. Move On is out August 18th.

Stream EP from the Goods

It seems like everywhere you go nowadays, things are hot and only getting hotter. But, you can always hop in (or on) your ride and roll those windows down to catch a breeze. If you need the soundtrack for that though, you’d better turn on EP from the Goods. It’s a four song collection of huge riffs and sunshine filled melodies that will certainly make flying through the summertime a little bit more enjoyable. Rob Good’s playing definitely brings about those bright bits, but Paul Wiseman’s drum work through the EP gives a strong punch of energy to go along with the anthemic nature of what’s at play. Feel good summer fun can be had if you press play below. EP available now courtesy of Dandy Boy Records.

Black Thumb Share Walk on By Video

While you might want to get into a little hump day action, listening to Black Thumb might actually allow you to reset your mind; the project’s newest single is them contemplative piece of slowed pop that completely lets you just soak in its musical waters. Light synths and maracas (or other shaker type) creates the song’s foundation, letting Colin Wilde’s casually play into the experience. At times, the song seems to kind of blossom and grow, though the meditative state keeps the somber mood even as the kaleidoscope of colors flash before your eyes. Love what Black Thumb brings to the table, so I’m excited to hear the entirety of The Flying Propeller Group, out on April 28th via Dandy Boy Records.

Black Thumb Share Low

It seems one cannot go through a single week around these parts without getting into something rad coming from San Francisco, like Black Thumb. While I can hear the sonic similarity, particularly in the way the song’s pace works out, I think one thing I really love is that there’s this natural clarity that comes through in the songwriting. The synth/organs hang behind the mix, while the guitar seems to operate in unison with the drums, both giving the tune a bit of foundation for the voice. I love the added textural layer of backing vocals near the song’s end, perfectly encapsulating all my pop dreams in one closing moment. The band release The Flying Propeller Group on April 7th via Dandy Boy Records.

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