Tag: K Records

New Music from Winston Hightower

Leave a comment

I’ll admit that I was totally digging the first single from Winston Hightower‘s forthcoming LP, but for some reason or another, I lapsed, so I’ll make up for that below. Those of you that are into the modern fascination with post-punk are going to find yourselves a new hero, as both the tunes below are definitely hitting those notes, particularly with the sharpness of the guitar sounds. That said, the second single that dropped last week slows things down, letting the performance kind of dangle in front of the listener in all the right places; I can definitely hear some Tim Darcy comparisons in the vocal delivery too, furthering my own adoration. If you’re into it, Winston Hytwr is out on May 31st via K Records/Perennial Records.

Feeling Figures Share Movement Video

Leave a comment

On their last trip around the singles market, Feeling Figures offered us this brooding bit of indie rock that felt like it had drifted from the Pacific NW all the way over to Montreal. This go round, well, they’re adding in a bit more “movement,” should I say, bringing this frantic energy that kicks off a bit of riotous bounce. Personally, I love the way the guitar lines seem to be work in opposition, one sort of meandering about in the mix while the other pairs with the rhythm section to drive the song forward; they somehow meet and fuse from time to time, creating this synergy that livens the vibe. Plus, the vocals have this almost maniacal how, pushing this snotty playfulness that I absolutely love. Spend some time here, and grab Migration Magic from K/Perennial Death on November 24th.

Hartle Road Share ICU Video

Leave a comment

It’s hard to look away from K Records/Perennial Death at the moment, with a slew of really incredible releases on their roster for this fall. We’ve written extensively about The Smashing Times and Feeling Figures, but today we turn our attention to Hartle Road. It’s rhythmic and propulsive, but that owes itself almost entirely to the rhythm work, and perhaps the silkiness of the vocals. On the flip side, there’s all sort of catchy bits and pieces for old punks to grab onto, particularly the way the chords seem to almost rain down in a sort of deluge of sharp riffs. At times you’re caught up in this clever back and forth between punk boogie and discordant meditation, but the bobbing bass and chorus lines never fail to bring you back. The band release Maxx II on September 29th.

Feeling Figures Announce Migration Music

Leave a comment

Unsurprisingly, it sounds like K Records have another stellar release on their hands, this time with a new LP coming from Feeling Figures. For fans of the label, this new single feels precisely what I imagine it was like growing into a young adult with K’s catalog on your tape player. There’s almost this natural indifference to the churn of the guitars, riding the wind on the back of beat, waiting for the vocals to soar into picture. Nothing seems overdone or exaggerated for musical effect, tightly wound up around this simplistic DIY ethos. Plus, there’s plenty of open space here too, allowing the musicianship to frolic about in enchanting fashion. Old school vibes with new school flair; Migration Music is out November 15th!

The Smashing Times Share Monday in a Small Dull Town

Leave a comment

I’m really frustrated with the Smashing Times; I had already decided what my favorite LP of the year was going to be, and here they are, wrecking my life with another great single from their next LP. There’s crisp jangles, warm melodies, a little bit of warbling in the vocals to add some distinction…and it’s all tied to this artistic video with a bit of a hazy wash to it. For me, there are two really incredible things that I love here. The first, it reminds me (in jangles and harmonies) of a really stoned version of Literature, whose record we put out years and years ago, like if they were playing an afterparty and didn’t want to wake the neighbors. The second thing is the way there’s this use of patience and space in the middle, letting the song breathe a little bit, which is completely delightful. This Sporting Life is out October 30th via K Records/Perennial Death.

The Smashing Times Announce This Sporting Life

Leave a comment

Feel like I would wrap up my coverage on this Monday with another apology tour, but this time for the Smashing Times who announced This Sporting Life this past Friday. Bloom was one of my favorite LPs in 2022, so to see a new record hit so soon has me salivating here. And, if this song’s any indicator, then we might be in for one incredible musical ride; they cite Television Personalities as a big nod on this go round…I love the jittery nature of their amped up psychedelic pop, riding around with the constant shake of tambourine hitting my ear drums. Oh, and did I mention those sugary vocal harmonies working throughout the tune, creating this gratifying warmth that’s likely to raise the hairs on your arms. K Records will release the new LP on October 25th.

Daisies Drop Beats Into Blue Cowboy

Leave a comment

I have been marveling at the work of Daisies, as they spread their sound across various musical landscapes…and then they come at me again, with another refreshing pop take. When this track opens with a synth note and vocals, it almost felt like maybe they were just going to dial it in and offer run of the mill indie rock. But, they drop in a quick bit of drum and bass loops, allowing Val to let her voice burrow deep inside your ears, particularly where she bursts in emphatically. And that only gets you through the first 2 minutes here, so you adjust your headphones and let the track carry you into your daydreams. Further proof you’re going to want to spend some time with Great Big Open Sky; it drops on May 12th via K Records/Perennial.

Daisies Share Goin’ In Circles

Leave a comment

When we last checked in on Daisies they were sharing a very 90s college rock pop gem that I couldn’t get out of my freaking head! But, now, they’re branching into a bit more of a trip-hop territory, and I don’t mind it one bit here. I’m still standing by the vocals as the central force in this tune, though I’ll admit, the voice gets a lot of freedom here to explore the outer regions of the tune. Which, is really where the band gets interesting, bringing in bits of ambiance and exploration, stretching the boundaries of where their peers are at, whilst still maintaining a certain semblance of great pop. Great Big Open Sky should be a sure-fire winner when it drops on May 12th via K Records/Perennial.

Daisies Announce Great Big Open Sky

Leave a comment

Olympian band Daisies had not crossed my radar until this morning, so hopefully you’ll read this post and remedy that if you’re in the same boat. This new single came with the promise that it had the best of both Portishead and the Cardigans, though I’ll admit there’s something in it to me that reminds me of Hope Sandoval singing on the chorus of Galaxie 500’s “Strange.” It’s a classic pop song, filled with a simple melody and vocal performance that genuinely breathes life into your day; I mean, if you need a spiritual lift off, just set the player to about 2:25 then wait until just before the 3 minute mark to find euphoria. If you’re into it, the band will be releasing Great Big Open Sky via K and Perennial Records on May 12th.

Rock N Recipes: Ribbon Stage

Leave a comment

The last few months I’ve been really hyping up Ribbon Stage; they’ve got Hit with the Most coming out Friday. They encompass everything I love about noisy pop, offering gritty singles spliced with delicious melodies. So, I thought I’d reach out to see if we could get a Rock n’ Recipe going with them before the release; we got some great responses from Jolie, along with a wonderful acai bowl recipe you should try out! Grab the LP from K Records when it drops friends!

Read more

1 2 3 4