Slacker Rock From Gap Dream

unnamed (1)Wasn’t I just saying something this morning about how impressive Burger Records has become with picking up new talent and sharing their music with the world? Well they are at it again in a short span of a few hours with this new single and album from previously ATH approved band Gap Dream. The tune is a meandering bit of slacker style indie rock music with an entrancing little guitar diddy carried on throughout the song. Carry on dude.

New album This is Gap Dream will be out on July 22nd via Burger Records.

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Hear Part Time’s Track off Their Split with Gap Dream

jameyThere were hints of a softer side to Davida Loca on his last Part Time release, PDA, but you get a full glimpse with his shimmering synth pop tune that plays his part of the 7″ split with Gap Dream. It’s a relaxed tune, not moving quickly, but you get a delightful bounce through the electronic work he’s done on this tune.  It should whet your appetite enough to order the release from Burger Records, but you can also grab it from them live when both bands go on tour together throughout August/September, including a date at Hotel Vegas on August 28th.

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New Single from Gap Dream

strongbadLast year Gap Dream released Shine Your Light, and it was one of those albums I told everyone they need to listen to…though I doubt many listened.  Regardless, it’s nice to see Gabriel Fulvimar back again with a split-release with his touring friends, Part Time.  His side of the release offers up this really dreamy pop composition.  It’s the perfect sort of tune to comfort you this weekend, letting your mind drift away as you feel the bubbling pulse that warbles beneath the mix here.  You can buy this split 7″ from Burger Records on August 26th, or, catch the two bands traveling around the country, inclluding an Austin date on August 28th at Hotel Vegas.

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Top 50 Albums of 2013

albums banner 2013 procMaking our year-end list of Top Albums is never something we take lightly.  We realize that it’s rather arbitrary in the grand scheme of things, but we realize that our role is to at least toss out our opinion, however meaningless it may be. In the long run, we had to take the tastes of several people, and whittle it into a list of 50 great albums that we think are vital to your listening experience.  We know it’s a matter of personal tastes, but the records below are reflective of our tastes and our site, so don’t get mad, they’re just opinions. But, feel free to tell us where we went wrong, or what we might have missed.  If you click on the album titles, you can also read our full reviews of each album, save the ones that we didn’t get to in time. Sorry we don’t like Kanye.

50 – WampireCuriosity
49 – Dot DashHalf Remembered Dream
48 – Mantles  – Long Enough to Leave
47 – The Appleseed CastIllumination Ritual
46 – Bad SportsBras
45 – Part TimePDA
44 – Dick DiverCalendar Days
43 – Math and Physics ClubOur Hearts Beat Loud
42 – Veronica FallsWaiting for Something to Happen
41 – Eat Skull – III
40 – The Lonely WildThe Sun as It Comes
39 – The Love LanguageRuby Red
38 – Gun OutfitHard Coming Down
37 – Cate Le BonMug Museum
36 – Daughn GibsonMe Moan
35 – Andre ObinThe Arsonist
34 – ArpMore
33 – Gap DreamShine Your Light
32 – The Black WatchThe End of When
31 – Ty SegallSleeper
30 – The StevensA History of Hygeine
29 – Of MontrealLousy with Sylvianbriar
28 – Mirror TravelMexico
27 – Local NativesHummingbird
26 – Girls NamesThe New Life
25 – GRMLNEmpire
24 – Small BlackLimits of Desire
23 – AudacityButter Knife
22 – Mikal CroninMCII
21 – Chelsea WolfePain is Beauty
20 – FoalsHoly Fire
19 – Radical FaceFamily Tree: The Branches
18 – Youth LagoonWondrous Bughouse
17 – Terry MaltsNobody Realizes This is Nowhere
16 – Shout Out LoudsOptica
15 – Kurt VileWaking on a Pretty Daze
14 –  BraidsFlourish//Perish
13 – Crystal AntlersNothing is Real
12 – TyphoonWhite Lighter
11 – Ski LodgeBig Heart

10 – GamblesTrust

Admittedly, this album makes nods to folk troubadours of Christmas’ past, but what grabbed me from the moment I heard this record was the sincerity in what’s being created.  In leaving us with a stripped down listen of folk tunes and incredible poetry, we’re asked to look into the history of American songwriting tradition; it’s been awhile since it was executed so well.

9 – The GrowlersHung at Heart

I’d put this album on any list for one song alone, “Someday.”  But, it just so happens that the rest of the album maintains the sensation that’s established on the opening track.  I’ve heard it referenced as a surf-psych opus, but what’s been assured in my mine is what an incredible listen we’re all be treating to when we put Hung at Heart on our record players.

8 – Wax IdolsDiscipline & Desire

Hether Fortune seems to scare people.  Her work is in your face, never making an excuse for who she is or what she believes.  That attitude carries on into her music, allowing listeners to experience a musical world void of any pretense.  The songs on this album are angular, dark and abrasive; the vocals have Hether dominating the scene of modern lady rock warriors.  If you don’t dig it, she doesn’t care, but I do because this record rules.

7 – Parenthetical GirlsPrivilege

While many of the songs on this effort leaked out before under various EPs, the whole masterpiece exists in the way it was tied together as a complete work.  It’s operatic and grand at every corner, but it’s also undeniably a pop record.  The emphasis might revolve around the more artful spectrum of pop music, but this is an album you can play for everyone in your family, and they’ll all find themselves swept up in the wonderment of Privilege.

6 – The NationalTrouble Will Find Me

What else really needs to be said about The National.  They consistently make great albums that are lauded then often overlooked, but we didn’t want to do that to one of our favorite acts.  I mean, if they played 8 shows in 8 days, we’d be at every one, and the DJ set after party.  Their accolades and recognition are warranted, and it’s especially clear on this, their latest release.

5 – LegsPass the Ringo

When listening to Pass the Ringo, I thought of one thing: this is the sort of record that makes a small label, like Loglady Records, a household name. It’s spun around garage rock and psych rock structures, whilst still maintaining an accessibility that few people working in that genre achieve.  Some albums can play in the background of your house, and might be happy to do so, but Legs created something that made me stop and listen at every turn; I’m thankful for that.

4 – Warm SodaSomeone for You

Someone For You came our way in January.  On my record player, it hasn’t left since.  This is one of the most rewarding power-pop records I’ve gotten my hands on, and trust me, I’ve gotten my hands on a lot of great records. Each song is filled with innate hooks and garage rock grit, encouraging you to tap your toes for the entirety of the record.  You’d think after a full year our interest would have waned, but with time we’ve only grown to appreciate the record even more.

3 – Coma CinemaPosthumous Release

At the moment, there’s not too many people releasing music that’s the quality of Mathew Cothran and Coma Cinema. There are elements of the bizarre, similar to the work of early Elf Power, yet there’s this intimacy that artists like Eliott Smith were able to create with their listeners.  You wrap that up and put it in a package of pop sensibility, and you have an album that can’t be ignored.

2 – Bubblegum LemonadeSome Like it Pop

In today’s musical climate, we buy into the fact that artists have to be doing something strange, or something that’s vastly different from their peers.  But, in the grand scheme of things, we often forget what it’s like to take enjoyment out of the music.  This album was one of the many reminders that music, when it’s good, can be quite special.  Every song here is a single, and worth your time; it’s the best thing Laz has done, and I feel like he’s just really getting started.

1 – Magical CloudzImpersonator

This album is about Devon Welsh.  From the first instant I heard his voice, it took hold of me. Throughout the year, Impersonator, consistently played on my radio. His voice was mesmerizing, captivating audiences on several occasions in Austin, convincing us to be as quiet as a mouse, so as to hear every note.  The unique quality of the album will reward listeners for years to follow.  It made us believe in great music again.

 

Great New Tune from Gap Dream

gapdreamIt’s great to see artists change and grow, much like the project of Gap Dream.  Just because something is associated with Burger Records, it doesn’t mean that you’re going to get a sound like much of the label (which we like, btw). This song has this sprawling electronic influenced tune, washed over with careful elements of atmospheric noise.  I particularly like the fact that you can really attach yourself to the lyrics here, as they’re offered up slow and careful.  The new album is titled Shine Your Light, and it will be released by Burger on November 26th.  Sure sounds good to me.

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New Music from Gap Dream

gapdreamBurger Records has been on a role this year, putting out hits by various bands, namely The Memories.  But, news broke today that they’ll also be releasing the brand new album from Gap Dream, which has me particularly excited.  On the first single you can tell that there’s a definite chilled out approach on this effort, with strong synth work and the vocals of Gabriel Fulvimar taking the main focus. Listening closely, you can hear a rad little guitar line coursing through in the background too! This new record is titled Shine the Light, and it’ll be out on the streets on November 12…and I’ll be picking it up.

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New B-Side from Gap Dream

Not too long ago I brought you the A-Side from the recently released Ali Baba 7″ by Gap Dream, but now I’m here to toss up the B-Side too!  I really like the way this is recorded, even if it does come across as a touch unpolished; that’s what makes it so rewarding.  The vocals come from the other room, in a haunting manner, while the guitar work seems to amble slowly, with an interesting wash seem to be placed atop it all.  If you’re interested in what you hear, then grab the 7″ from Suicide Squeeze before they sell out!

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Download:Gap Dream – A Little Past Midnight [MP3]

New Single from Gap Dream

I’ve been really pleased with the output from Suicide Squeeze Records this year, already releasing hits from King Tuff and Iron and Wine.  They’re gearing up for another 7″ from Gap Dream titled Ali Baba.  I love the casual way this songs opens up, not really forcing the issue.  For the most part, the song trickles in the same manner throughout, with Gabe Fulvimar sitting around kicking out his vocals in a calm and cool manner.  I have a feeling that a lot of people are really going to enjoy this tune…it’s like a garage rocker for the laid back type.

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