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Cincinnati’s four piece act, The Ophelias, have obliged us by taking some time out to fill out our SXSW questionnaire. If you’re not on the up and up, the band released their well-regarded album, Almost, last summer, and it’s probably something you should have in your record collection (it’s in mine). Thanks to Spencer for taking the time out to answer our questions. Read more
The upcoming release from Rob Crowe and Pea Hix under their moniker Optiganally Yours has slowly become one of my favorite albums of the year. I’ve had a pre-release copy for about a month now, and I can honestly say that fans will be incredibly happy with the full album. The release date is a short few days away so it seems only fitting to tease Friday’s anticipated date with this new single “Hope in Your Eyes”. This track is a bit more of a slow burner when compared to the previously mentioned single, but it still has that unique Rob Crowe voice fitting in nicely with the playful pop sounds created by Hix. Trust me, you’ll want to pick up new album O.Y. in Hi-Fi on Friday. The vinyl from Joyful Noise is rather cheap.
There’s something about Berry that reminds me a lot of The Glands, who released one of my favorite records of all time. On this tune, from the band’s Everything Compromised, they enter with a playful spirit, but the vocal tones take on an affected folk vibe that dampers the mood, however slightly. They do their darndest to hit a solemn vibe, but those light keyboard lines keep just enough bounce throughout the tune to satiate your pop desires. The band will be releasing their album via Joyful Noise Recordings next week, so keep an eye out!
Sometimes you come across tunes, and the first thing that pops into your mind is “this seems other-worldly.” No, it’s not from outer space, but in listening to the latest Sound of Ceres single, the song seems like a perfectly executed bit of pop that would find a perfect home on some undiscovered planet or space station. There’s a sterile drum beat, surrounded by these swirling synth notes one associates with space travel shows; all the while, vocals seems to dance from star to star, emanating as if from a celestial being. Really looking forward to hearing the entirety of The Twin when it hits via Joyful Noise Recordings.
Deerhoof will be releasing a new album on September 8 and today they’ve shared a new single featuring Stereolab’sLtitia Sadier. The song, “Come Down Here and Say That” has got a definite bite to its crunchy astro-pop, but just the right amount of punch to get your fist in the air while you jam. The song alternates between different sound spaces, moving abruptly and throwing a wrench in your classic song structure. It’s a great track, so take a listen below.
Mountain Moves will be out September 8 onJoyful Noise Recordings.
It’s the middle of the week, and let’s be honest, you’re likely to start drifting away, mentally. I envision you pressing play on this track from Sleep Party People, letting the electronic pulse wash over you and carry your thoughts into the world. There’s definitely a pop side of this tune, whether it be from the floating melodies or the bobbing bass line, however, the composition is perfectly built for wandering minds…it’s almost dreamy, but you can only use that word so many times in day. Look for the release of Lingering on June 2nd via Joyful Noise Recordings.
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J Fernandez caught my attention with his soft approach to psych rock a little while back, but when I heard this new single from the gentleman, I fell in love all over again. “Between The Channels” combines everything you love about psych rock with some string work to make a solid track that will have you marveling at how the two pair so nicely. Many Levels of Laughter is out June 9th via Joyful Noise Recordings. Preorder it here.
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J Fernandez is a Chicago based musician who is on the cusp of releasing his debut album of low-key psychedelic influenced rock. The song below is the first single from that upcoming album, Many Levels Of Laughter, which is out June 9th here in the U.S. “Read My Mind” makes me excited to hear that new album, as the laid-back tune packs a subtle kick that will linger in your head all day long. While it may not seem like it at first, this song has a lot going on within its 3:45 span, including retr0-synth that runs through the duration and of course, Fernandez’s oddly calming monotone vocals.
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Okay, so Yonatan Gat hasn’t left us just yet, but it appears his old project Monotonix is dead and gone; they’ll be sorely missed, especially considering their riotous live shows, so we’ve got to look to Yonatan to pick up where the band left off. This instrumental tune should give you a good view at what he’s been working on, providing listeners with strong guitar play and what seems like a perceived restraint; I know that Gat will unleash this song as entirely different beast live. Those of you interested in his work will be excited to know he’s working on a pretty extensive tour of the States, including a date here in Austin at Hotel Vegas on January 31st…along with a return in March for SXSW. Look for his new album, Director, on March 3rd via Joyful Noise Recordings.
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No! This song is not half-English, half-Japanse. It’s the name of the band, Half Japanese. The legendary outfit is returning with their first record in 13 years, which is probably about the first time I ever heard of the group. Listening to these songs sort of shows me how influential the group has been, though it’d be hard to trace the exact influential lineage. Still, if you listen to a lot of the lo-fi or oddball pop being crafted, it seems like there had to be an origin somewhere; I like to think it was with this band. They’ll be releasing this new album, Overjoyed, via Joyful Noise Recordings in just two weeks!
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