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It’s wild to hear such a garage inspired, sludgy, surf rock number like “Heat” coming out of the Dortmund. Not that the city isn’t capable of producing such sounds, it’s simply refreshing to hear a European band like Drens with some edge and grit. Pairing this new one with their last single “Curacao” and the band really seem like they might be on the verge of breaking it big over here. Stay tuned for more information on these upstarts and a planned debut LP coming soon.
Admittedly, I don’t know a whole heaping lot about Germany’s Mofer, but that doesn’t mean I can’t throw my support behind this great track off their forthcoming Ghosts EP. At They’ve got this wonderful post-punk sound, the kind that sort of just soars and carries you with it, attached on the wings of glorious guitar sounds. In a way, it really reminds me of the Black Watch, offering up these sort of heavy vocal tones that reach for the higher notes as guitars buzz behind them. At the same time, there’s this effortless bounce beneath the surface, encouraging toe-tapping and light bits of pogoing in place. I promise, this is right up your alley.
I hope you’ll help me today in welcoming fresh on the scene German rock band Drens. The band has a great, garage pop rock sound best evidenced by their latest single “Curacao”. It features a blend of a guy like Ty Segall with more elements of pop rock music and beautifully constructed melodies. It’s likely we will be hearing more from this band very soon.
I love how a respected label ends up sending you down a delicious ear candy-filled wormhole; the next few hours of my listening I owe to Cloudberry Records and Den Baron. The German outfit had some late 90s/early 00s success with Apricot/Shelflife, but their comeback 7″ sounds absolutely delightful. It all begins with this teasing piano, opening into this guitar shuffle that ushers in the casual croon of the vocals; I love how they get draped with off-set backing vocals. And, the track doesn’t fall into the trap of wrapping things up; they step up the game with these stabbing vocal lines and “bops” after the 3 minute mark, riding the track throughout the rest of the number. This is the A-side track for the band’s new 7″, which drops later this Spring.
Germany’s Crabber are making me wish I’d held off on my Best of Indiepop, as I would surely find a place for them. The group brandish a slightly noisier style in their sound; the jangles are a touch heavier, though the hooks are some of the best you’ll hear. I think it gives the band a slight bit more energy in their craft, which isn’t always a mark of the genre…so it’s a nice touch for sure. I’m also a sucker for really great vocal melodies, especially if they’re teased out over several syllables, and this album is chock-full of them. Their debut Bluesbusters just dropped via Jigsaw Records, so have it.
I’ve obviously been talking a lot about SXSW recently as I think I’m finally ready to prepare for the crazy events in a short couple of weeks. Part of me prep work is making a list of bands I absolutely have to see, and one of those is German based group JAGUWAR. Their sound blends styles of 80s new wave bands with a more modern, European pop take. Think a little dark pop, a little bit of brooding, and mix in some brightness underneath the surface. I dig it. If it sounds like something you might be into, hit the jump for an interview with the band.
There are bits of pieces of this new single from Snoffeltoffs where I’m completely baffled; they juxtapose various genres and styles right next to each other, and all in such quick succession that I just keep going back to press play. Opening with a deep chord being plucked and spoken vocals; seems like a striking solemnity. Suddenly, guitars shuffle beneath your feet and the band’s kicking up their feet and rocking out. The core of this song’s stuck in my head, and I think you’ll be the only one that can get it out. Look for the group’s second LP to drop later this year.
As some of us continue to say that guitar driven rock is a dying thing, I dare you to check out this new one called “Willow Valley Blues” from German based duo Pretty Lightning. With a psych rock theme, one will immediately notice the heavy guitars, wailing organ, tight drums, and majorly distorted vocals. Guitars are alive and well my friends!
Pretty Lightning will release The Rhythms of Ooze on November 10th via Fuzz Club.
I’m looking to shake things up a bit today with this unique and creative new single from Berlin based Lea Porcelain. When I say shaking things up, I simply mean a song like “A Year From Here” is a little different when compared to things I normally post. Here me out though, as this song is truly beautiful and trance inducing. I also find the track mellowing me out as we speak with it’s droning effect and repetitive rhythms. Check out the new single with accompanying video below. You’ll be glad you did.
Debut album Hymns to the Night is coming on June 16th.
This warbly bit of pop music from Lokomoko is helping me get geared up for the week. It’s reminiscent of bits of MGMT, though there are some added elements that I can’t quite place (aside from obvious psych nods). What I like is that the band seem relaxed in their approach to songwriting, sitting back and letting the song come through via carefully played guitar notes. It’s got a light touch to it, which gives way to the song’s natural pop aesthetic. They’ve got a debut EP titled Harold Weir coming your way soon, but for now, just get yourself acquainted here.
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