Tag: hhbtm

The Melody Chamber Release New Single

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When I think upon new music, it’s easy to see where a lot of artists are coming from, pulling from this genre and that, but in a modern fashion. That said, you can usually place those tracks in certain eras or time frames, but listening to The Melody Chamber (sans the Echo), you get a timelessness, a sound that blends pop form the ages up until now. You’ll definitely notice some of the softened jangles, encircling your ears with this bright melody, then visiting you with this blanketed vocal warmth that has given the group some Psychedelic Furs comparisons. It’s the sort of music you can turn on any time, and any day, always relishing the charm. Their self-titled debut album will be out on November 7th via HHBTM and Too Good to Be True.

The Melody Chamber Announce Debut LP

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Those of you that continue to find yourself charmed by crystalline guitar lines that seem to cascade through your speakers are going to love The Melody Chamber (not to be confused with that other like-minded act). This Richmond outfit have built a sound that holds tight to this huge cinematic presence of great guitar music, while the steadiness allows the group to illustrate their patience in the songwriting. They’ve no need to use gimmicks, instead choosing to rely upon wispy vocals melting into your heart while the rhythm section pushes the focus forward. Little details of twisting guitars and synths coat the backdrop, but you’ll come to find joy in the way they’ve mastered the simplicity of sound; look for their self-titled debut via HHBTM on November 7th.

Great Lakes Announces Don’t Swim Too Close LP

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It’s been a minute since we’ve heard from Ben Crum and his Great Lakes project, but the announcement of Don’t Swim Too Close is the perfect reason to celebrate today. The record comes after Ben recovered from a severe concussion that left him depressed and questioning life. You can certainly hear that in the lyrical content that lurks here, albeit hanging on a teasing line, but not unlike a Silver Jews record, the messaging seems sort of wrapped up in this near perfect mix of Americana and indie rock. At times, the line of “don’t swim too close to this drowning man” almost seems like a reminder to Crum to steer clear of the dark corners of his thoughts and focus on the good time jams like the one below. Don’t Swim Too Close will be out November 7th via HHBTM.

A Couple of New Ditties from Tullycraft

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Seattle outfit Tullycraft are about to release their delightful new LP, brimming with joy and clever wordplay you might find on a Dan Treacy penned track. They’ve just dropped a couple of new tracks to support Shoot the Point, and “Love on the Left Bank” displays the band’s ability to switch back and forth between vocalists, though never shying away from nuanced hooks in the background…just think of a purely pop version of the Comet gain. “Tarrytown” turns these great guitar lines into masterful pop seduction, and those vocal tones pull from the coolest corners of indiepop, particularly with their little rise within syllable switches. Shoot the Point is shaping up quite nicely; it’ll be out this Friday via HHBTM.

HHBTM Announces Two New Releases: Tullycraft and Bunnygrunt

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Our friends at the great HHBTM label have been busy setting up their own proper record shop, but like all great things, their finishing this year with focus back on the label side of things. They sent us a note about two great new releases, one that’s brand spanking new, Tullycraft; the other, Bunnygrunt, getting the 30 year Reissue treatment for Action Pants. Below, you’ll be treated to the joyous pop sounds of Tullycraft‘s new single; they take on this infectious sound that feels like it’s somewhere between Heavenly and Beulah, catchy and bundles of fun (I particularly love the horn blasts that kick on here). Shoot the Point will be out on August 22nd. You can also hear a new to everyone Bunnygrunt track that was never on the Action Pants LP back in 1995, due to some lineup and contract issues. But, they’ve redone it, and dammit if you’re not going to wish you this had been included in the OG version. This reissue is super-limited and is being split with Silly Moo Records.

Wut Drop Guts Brains Single

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This Wut record is shaping up to just be an eleven track collection of pop hits, with another sample of that bounding joy presented below. The Vancouver act definitely feels like they’ve put on their Pacific NorthWest sweaters this morning, as you’ll surely hear early K Records nods to the drumming and recording style on this gem. Their whimsical overlapping vocal work textures the song with varying layers of melody, so much so that you’re likely to find yourself ensnared in the dense pit of pop layers. You’d also be near the bullseye if you threw your darts at a bit of an Oceanic nod, and you know that’ll keep silly folks like me coming back to this one. Wut will release Mingling with the Thorns via HHBTM on August 23rd.

WUT Share Title Track from Mingling with the Thorns

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It’s been a great week for the Pacific Northwest indiepop scene, with the Softies announcing their return. But, you can look to another great pop act, WUT, if you’re willing to double-down on candy earworms; I mean, there’s some pop cross-pollination if you’re reading your line notes. Alas, the song itself definitely wears the style of the PNW (in my mind anyways); it almost feels like the spirit of Calvin Johnson just bled into the songwriting process for this one, long ago during some Indian Summer. While the rhythmic rumbled works its cathartic magic, the sharpness of the vocals during the verses shines like the sun through the windows, illuminating your listening room…the chorus group vocal and bobbing bass is perfect. Look for Mingling with the Thorns to drop on August 18th via HHBTM.

Rock n’ Recipes: Outer World

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Hopefully you took our suggestion last week when we encouraged you to give a listen to Who Does the Music Love, the debut LP from Outer World. Members of the group have been playing in other acts we’ve enjoyed (Dahlia Seed/Positive No!), so we reached out to Kenneth and Tracy to see if they could give us some insight into their LP. Plus, as an avid coffee enthusiast, with a slight sweet tooth, I was excited to get the recipe for their “Coffee Surprise,” which can easily be replicated at your home! Check out the band’s and stream the LP HERE. It’s out now via HHBTM.

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Outer World Announce Who Does the Music Love

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If you were going to put out a record that sounded equal parts late 90s DC scene and the entirety of the Stereolab catalogue, then you’re going to get what Outer World‘s new single is all about. There’s a rolling wave of psychedelic keys that run in and out of the tune, twirling and swirling about as Tracy Wilson’s vocals do their best to stab their way through the speakers. Vocal notes have this sharpness, matched by this knife-like guitar line, both cutting through the murky melody running underground. Wilson and her partner Kenneth Close have created this amalgam of sounds from their own record collection, and if this is our first taste, you know this will rip! Who Does the Music Love is out on March via HHBTM!

Jam The Starfish Song from The Garment District

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Of all the songs on the Garment District‘s newest LP, this is the one that’s really been hitting me hard; I just love the vocal performance as it sounds absolutely huge here. The track itself has this sort of all-mod swagger to it, somewhere between the hooks of pre-punk and Nick Lowe. Production value here works wonders, with those backing vocals hitting in the exact right spot, with the musical elements filling in the negative space perfectly, allowing the natural hook to really soar in your ears. But, then they slow it all down to flex the psychedelic jam sesh in the middle; it gives you a moment to breathe before the group rush you back into the grand swinging golden age of pop. You’ll find this track on Flowers Telegraphed to All Parts of the World, dropping on September 22nd via HHBTM.

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