Last Week’s Jams (10.14 – 10.18)

There was so much new music dropping last week that it was hard to keep track of it all, but I think with 22 new songs out there, we managed to do our part. Greg Mendez was a big winner, with a brand new EP we loved; I also definitely didn’t turn away from the fresh Innocence Mission, which maybe one of my favorite they’ve ever concocted. We had a premiere of a new Sunnsetter tune, and also hit up the latest from The Great Divides, so we’re kind of all over the place musically, making this playlist a journey of sorts. You can’t go wrong by pressing play below!

Friday Album Streams: Spiral XP, Jim Nothing, Humdrum and More

Fridays are always great days to just settle into your chair, couch, bed, whathaveyou, then just escape the world for a few hours. What better way than to stream some brand new music that’s dropped into the world? There’s a bunch of stuff out today, but I sort of handpicked what I’ve been enjoying and listening to the most, hoping you can latch onto a bit of that as well.

 

Spiral XPI Wish I Was a Rat (Danger Collective Records)

Jim NothingGrey Eyes, Grey Lynn (Meritorio Records)

HumdrumEvery Heaven (Slumberland Records)

Daily WorkerBecause I Have To (Radio Gurl Records)

Greg MendezFirst Time/Alone (Dead Oceans)

Last Week’s Jams (9.3 – 9.6)

Just because it was a short week doesn’t mean we couldn’t cover a whole lot of brand new music, especially since there were some unexpected returns that we didn’t know were coming, like new jams from The Green Child and The Innocence Mission. More recent favorites dropped some solid tracks for us, so check in with the latest from Best Bets, Naked Roommate and Mo Dotti. But, don’t just think it was all bangers, with the softer side coming through via Adrian Marner and Tom Emlyn. And, be sure to check in with that new Forceghost, who I’d like to apologize to for misspelling the name of their Recycled Hearts release; sorry my friends! Just press play and enjoy!

Humdrum Share There and Back Again

After years as a member of Star Tropics, it made sense that there were traces of the group’s sound on early Humdrum tunes. But, if you take a listen to the latest single, you can clearly tell that Loren Vanderbilt has completely grown into a new songwriting style. This new single feels like its set against the back drop of feuding guitar lines; there’s one jangling and crips ringing out up front, with a grittier layer behind that to build in the perfect contrast. Vanderbilt does his part, offering up vocals that feel as if they’re ripped straight out of a John Hughes film, albeit in a fashion that feels completely current. Every Heaven will be out on October 18th via Slumberland Records.

Last Week’s Jams (8.12 – 8.16)

I reckon we have a few more months of solid hits before the world settles into Year End Lists or what not, and while I may be swamped, I’m really enjoying the great music that just keeps pumping out. This week we had all sort of old favorites and new, with our pals in Humdrum announcing a new LP, while other reliables like APTBS were doing their thing. Really got into the new stuff from Weak Signal and Mo Dotti, not to mention that lovely track from Little Oso. And then, we were able to close out the week with Jim Nothing and Dancer dropping fresh songs? Yeah, just out here crushing it!

Humdrum Share See Through You + Announce Debut LP

When Star Tropics called it a day, we were a bit sad over here. But, Loren pivoted and began building Humdrum. We were treated to a couple of great singles, and now, it looks like we’re finally being offered a full-length…and yet more money we’ve got to toss to Slumberland Records. On our first sneak peek, we get to hear the band operating with a classic indiepop sound, built with fuzzy riffs that mix it up with sharper jangles and a steadying backbeat that keeps the pace for everyone involved. Layered vocal melodies are Loren’s specialty, and he’s not shying away from that, so you know you’re going to fall under the spell of his craftsmanship. Every Heaven comes out on October 18th!

Last Week’s Jams, Today (3.28 – 4.1)

Weirdly, I felt like I didn’t cover too much last week, but apparently we got in at least 15 new songs, plus a few extras. I’m getting pickier in my old age, but mostly just figure you read Stereogum first, so no need to cover what they’re covering in their Premature Ejaculation column. I started out this week’s playlist with a cover from Screaming Females, but bookend it with the OG from The Selecter, cuz why the fuck not. Our friends Humdrum had a new hit, and that glorious Papercuts LP finally dropped in. It’s Monday, and there’s jams…I’m just over here listening to the first wave British ska.

Humdrum Shares Superbloom Single

With Star Tropics calling it a day, Loren Vanderbilt III had a batch of songs he wanted the world to hear; we’ve slowly been gifted a listen to his work as Humdrum. Today there’s a brand new track, working with that jangling guitar that should sound familiar to fans of Loren’s work. Underneath that you can hear a heavier distorted riff, sort of like the basic soil from which the rest of the track can grow and sprout melody; it works perfectly when combined with the frantic drum work playing out behind it. Feel like this project is just about to take off, so stay tuned to hear more great pop from Humdrum.

Last Week’s Jams, Today (September 27 – October 1)

Mondays, am I right? Honestly, been struggling for energy and motivation of late, but last week had some really great tunes hit, accompanied by great albums from the likes of Semihelix, Cindy and Ducks Ltd. I chose to open with this Semihelix on the mix because I’d love to take the opening 30 seconds and put it in my pocket to carry it around with me all day. Also, unfortunately, the Humdrum track isn’t on the streaming platforms just yet, so be sure you click HERE to check that great tune out!

 

Pleased to Meet You: Humdrum (ex-Star Tropics)

When Star Tropics quietly called it a day, it left Loren Vanderbilt sitting with a slew of songs and nowhere to take them, so he started up a new project titled Humdrum. Today you get to sample the first single from the forthcoming album, and if you don’t immediately feel yourself swooning, please have someone check on you. Churning jangles are greeted by sharp drum work, leaving plenty of space for Loren to let his voice drift and dance atop the mix. One of the big reasons I love this tune is the clarity in the production, particularly Vanderbilt’s voice; it’s got a very slight hint of atmosphere to it, but for the most part you’re getting this clarity you don’t always get with this genre, illustrating that there’s plenty of melody coming down the line. As of right now, this is just a little sample, but we’ll keep you posted as we find out more about the album and its release!

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