Last Week’s Jams (2.9 – 2.16)

Okay, so we took off Monday. Sorry about that, but there was some holidays and I got to spend some time with my kids. Now I’m circling back, and man, we had some bangers last week, or at least in my brain. I really loved hearing new stuff from Salt Lake Alley and Seasonal Falls, both acts from overseas who we’ve loved for quite some time. Plus, it’s an added bonus we got to continue to support our local homies in Touch Girl Apple Blossom as they announce their debut for K Records. We got to premiere a new track from 37 Houses with some powerhouse vocals you’ll want to crank up, plus that new Deathcrash tune isn’t too shabby either. Jump in below.

Touch Girl Apple Blossom Announce Graceful

I’m a longtime champion of Austin’s Touch Girl Apple Blossom, and we’ve been patiently waiting to inform you of their signing to one of my personal favorite labels, K Records/Perennial. The legendary label has had their hands in some great indiepop, especially of late, and TGAP knock it out of the park on their debut single here. They drop in dueling guitar lines instantly, letting the jangles rip before Olivia enters the scene with her vocal performance; I also don’t want to overhype the angular guitar notes, as the group has a ridiculously solid rhythm section that builds the infectious nature of their work beneath the surface. Olivia’s vocals are picture perfect too; she has this great knack to sit within the rhythm, bouncing her syllables in unison, but these slight vocal twists like the tonal change at the 40 second mark just melt you to the floor. We couldn’t be happier for the group, and we’re looking forward to grabbing Graceful on May 15th. Also…they’ll be touring through March with Good Flying Birds, so keep your eyes out for a show near you!

Winston Hightower Announces 100 Acre Wood

K Records/Perennial has consistently put out great records for decades, but they’ve really found their way into my constant rotation with releases from acts like Sharp Pins and Feeling Figures; today the powerhouse label announces a fresh LP from Winston Hightower. Much like the title, “Lay Low,” the song feels like a strong vocal experiment; the poetry is weaved through various musical textures, subtle in its presence, allowing Winston’s voice to bob and bounce between the lines. I love the video, particularly when you can see Hightower soaking in the joy of his own work in the studio. 100 Acre Wood is out on April 13th.

Sharp Pins Release I Don’t Have the Heart

Any time that Kai Slater releases a song you better believe that everyone’s going to turn their attention towards it, and today with a new Sharp Pins track, our ears are enjoying the sweet sounds. There’s a definite leaning towards an old school garage jangle here, though he throws in some creative moments where the tune takes a little discursion, like near the 1:35 mark where he goes almost pure pop, or at least as far towards pop as Slater’s willing to go; it’s these little twists and turns that make him so unique as a songwriter, as he seems to pull from a wealth of musical allusions while building a soundscape all his own. His new effort, Balloon Balloon Balloon will be out on November 21st via K Records/Perennial.

Brand New Sharp Pins Album

After a reissue of Radio DDR, which included some brand new singles, Kai Slater’s project Sharp Pins has a new release scheduled to drop before the end of the year. What I love about his solo work is how it pulls from a classic pop songwriting sensibilityl; there are melodies galore, but he consistently brings in just enough of a stomping groove that you feel as if you’re rocking out. That perfect balance is so rare, something accomplished by the greats like Bolan or Chilton, and perhaps that’s too much pressure for such a young artist…but Slater doesn’t seem to mine as he’s churning out incredible hits like the ditty below. Balloon Balloon Balloon will be out November 21st via K/Perennial Records.

Dummy Share Bonus Track from Dumb EPs

When Dummy first burst onto the scene, you could tell they were a band in flux, moving from other projects to create something bold and new; you can hear how far they went in that goal by relaxing to the ambient piece below, one of the 3 bonus tracks available on their forthcoming reissue of the Dumb EPs. According to the group, the song came to be as a reminder about “simple gesture calming extreme anxiety,” which is perhaps still an aim we’re all seeking in this hell-hole of a world. That said, this track takes patience, as life does, so settle in and let the electronic wash splash against your ears, with the band in no rush to hurry their texturizing of the tune. The Dumb EPs will drop via K/Perennial this August.

Johnny Maraca and the Marockers Share Hot Boy

There’s something great about the simplicity with which Johnny Maraca and the Marockers approach their craft, cranking out a blend of old school rock n’ roll, albeit with a bit of a modern punch-up. You can hear bits of the Dolls or later garage rock acts, though here it’s dealt with such clarity that you’re instantly latched onto the hooks. And boy are there hooks! Even when his delivery is most biting, Johnny has these syllabic hiccups in his delivery that send chills down the spines of pop fans like myself. The new Little Heart record is a celebration of the great history of rock n’ roll; grab you copy on April 25th from K Records.

Friday Album Streams: Sharp Pins, Exploding Flowers, Cats of Transnistria + More

It’s a really busy week in the music business, with everyone aflutter over the new album from Japanese Breakfast. But, while that’s stealing the headlines, we’ve got some other recommendations we’d like for you to consider before you venture off into the weekend. We’ve been highlighting several of these releases, most notably the reissue from Sharp Pins, which features some incredible new songs. But don’t worry, as usual, the stuff below is all over the map, so feel free to click and find out what you love the most.

 

Sharp PinsRadio DDR (K Records/Perennial Death)

Exploding FlowersWatermelon/Peacock (Meritorio Records)

Cats of TransnistriaIV (Soliti Music)

Private LivesSalt of the Earth (Feel It Records)

Now Announce Now Does the Trick

If there was a K Records credit card, I’d definitely be down to sign up, as the last few years, the label has been one of the dominant forces in wayward pop music, and with this new Now LP, it looks like I’ve got more money to spend. Personally, as I was just listening to Television Personalities, it kind of turns the corner and takes a more psychedelic leaning; it still feels ramshackle and on the edge of following apart, but that’s part of the beauty, as it never collapses, letting melody craftily waft into the year. The group features members of Thunder Boys and Cindy, so you’re guaranteed to have some of the best songsmiths in the underground creating new pop gems. Now Does the Trick is out on May 16th via K Records.

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