New Jam from Will Johnson

I’m a little upset with our friend Tony for running a new Will Johnson track while I was out of town, but nonetheless, his music is too good to ignore, so here we are. Will’s latest ballad is set to a synthesized Casio beat, allowing his voice to cling tightly to its distinctive resonance. What a career musician like Johnson can do, however, is visible. in the song’s latter half, where it takes an instrumental jaunt, almost narrating an entirely different story before letting the track draw to a close; he’s capable of keeping you with the magic of his lyricism or the gifts of his musical crafts…and you’re forever rewarded. Diamond City is out on April 4th via Keeled Scales.

Emily Hines Joins Keeled Scales Roster

Austin-based label Keeled Scales has one of the strongest rosters around, particularly if you’re one that is inclined towards folk leaning songwriters. Over the years they’ve introduced us to Katy Kirby, Jordan Moser, Julia Lucille…and now they’ve signed Emily Hines. With her signing, she’s released the below single, with this beautiful warmth in the recording that immediately draws in the listener. The strum creates this reverberation that just hangs in the atmosphere while Hines voice gently wafts across the room; it’s a marvelously intimate performance that reveals the sincerity we can expect when a full length comes our way. If you’re in town for SXSW, she’s be playing at the Keeled Scales/First Date Touring Showcase at Chess Club.

Will Johnson Announces Diamond City

You ever fall in love with a musical voice that just breaks you? Well, many years ago a friend handed me an old Centro-matic CD, and I’ve been hooked on Will Johnson ever since. Today, we’re stoked to bring you the great news that Will’s got a new record on the horizon, with a single that perfectly exemplifies my fascination. This song features sort of off-the-rhythm percussion and a twanging guitar, all of it creating this full-to-the-brim backdrop, yet somehow clinging to this starkness that allows Johnson’s voice to succeed. I love how he can move in-between throated warble and intimate whisper, letting the song open up with these soaring backing harmonies that provide an amazing accent to the track. Diamond City will be out on April 4th via Keeled Scales.

Join Announces Debut LP for Keeled Scales

Our good buddy Tony over at Keeled Scales has a great ear for bringing new voices to the masses, and that’s what I’m expecting from Joni when her Things I Left Behind album is released this Spring. Today, you get the title track of said album, and there’s some balancing of tonal notes that make the sound subtly striking. A snappy percussive element is working beneath the entire time, so you get some natural movement propelling the pace. But, more importantly is the way the guitar embraces a heavy vibe, and by that, I mean just the weight of the notes (it’s not metal, folks!). This contrasts perfectly with the way vocals come across like little intimate whispers shared partners. Look for Things I Left Behind on April 11th; it’s being released by Hand in Hive in the UK.

Will Johnson Shares Sleuthed/Full Cuts EP

If you were paying attention to our friends over at Keeled Scales, you hopefully grabbed a copy of No Ordinary Crown, last year’s excellent Will Johnson LP. And, if you loved that record, you’re in luck as Will has released a companion EP today that matches up with the sentiment that filled that LP. You’ll get a few demo versions from the album, which Will recorded in various locales, but the special gift you’ll want it “Frame It,” the EP’s opening tune. It’s a track of sincerity, with Johnson’s voice an absolute highlight, especially when that guitar slides in behind his strum to let us all get lost in the world. Stream the EP below!

 

Friday Album Streams: Lunar Vacation, Kal Marks and More

Dropped the ball last week, and there were several notable releases hitting the streets, at least on my end (Dummy and Mythical Motors). Plus, there were some solid releases dropping this week we wanted to remind you of. This section just needs the streams and the links, so you can make up your own mind! Stream and buy the stuff below!

 

Lunar VacationEverything Matters, Everything’s Fire (Keeled Scales)

Kal MarksWasteland Baby (Exploded in Sound)

Nada SurfMoon Mirror (New West Records)

DummyFree Energy (Trouble In Mind Records)

Mythical MotorsSeven is Circular (Self-Released)

Lunar Vacation Share Tom Single

While I’ve dabbled in being a fan of Lunar Vacation, I’m totally onboard with their next record, at least from the three tunes we’ve heard, including this new single below. On the surface, it’s just a generally good pop rock number, with a chorus that has all the right elements to cast a spell over you. That said, it’s the nuanced little moments in the band’s craft that really ask you sit with the record; go to the 2:13 second mark, where the dreaminess is pulled apart for just a little more playfulness and tension building, pushing you up that pop mountain only to reach the top and shoot you joyously down the other side with a big ol’ grin upon your face. Everything Matters Everything’s Fire is out September 13th via Keeled Scales.

Lunar Vacation Release Sick Video

The video is sick, but it’s also “Sick,” so be sure we don’t get those sentiments confused when talking about the great new Lunar Vacation track. For my meaningless two-cents, this is the band taking the modern indie rock sound and stretching it a bit beyond; I love how the vocals just feel casual, as if they’re in no rush to really deliver the hooks. The space behind Gep’s voice feels a bit more dangerous than one might expect, which bodes well for the tune (and the album) as you can gravitate towards that bit of and edge while still being swept up in the emotional power. When they briefly break it all down at the two minute mark, you’re in for a nice little 10 second treat that’ll keep you circling back for your fix (and that dreamy fade out–this song has it all). Everything Matters, Everything’s Fire is out on September 13th via Keeled Scales.

Sinai Vessel Shares Laughing Single

This summer’s all about sharing time with friends, relaxing in lawn chairs with great tunes pumping from the stereo, and your playlist should include this new track from Asheville’s Sinai Vessel. When listening through this single, you’ll be drawn to Caleb Cordes voice, like a firefly to the light, pulling you in with its intimacy; I think of John K. Samson or Davey von Bohlen, particularly when the high notes are hit. The song snakes its way around Cordes, with accompaniment lifting the tune’s spirit, though careful to not overshadow his voice; that guitar sliding in the distance is the perfect moment to rock back in your chair and gaze into the Summer night. The band release their new record, I Sing, on July 26th via Keeled Scales, followed by a huge US tour in August/September.

Lunar Vacation Announce New LP + Share Set the Stage

The musical world can sometimes be serendipitous. Just last week, I was talking with a friend from Australia who was looking for bands to tour with in the fall; they were going through Georgia, so I suggested Lunar Vacation, then myself traveled down an LV wormhole. Wake up today, brand new Lunar Vacation video on the Internet, with an announcement of a fresh LP for our friends over at Keeled Scales. This beautifully choreographed video directed by Finn Wolfhard accompanies the band’s latest single, and man, this is the sort of set-up that builds anticipation of a new record…as if they really needed an extra dose. Everything Matters, Everything’s Fire will be out September 13th.

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