No Thank You Deliver Another Banger

Back in 2018, Philadelphia based outfit No Thank You burst onto my musical radar with their incredibly impressive sophomore album All it Takes to Ruin it All. Since that time, the group has been somewhat quiet but return today with this expertly crafted rock tune called “Enough”. For me, this thing progresses like a dream as it sort of slowly lures you in until things really drop around the 1:20 mark with louder guitars, bass, and drums. It’s always refreshing and powerful to find such a strong sound from a 3 piece band. Boom!

No Thank You will release new album Embroidered Foliage on October 23rd via Lame-O Records.

Trace Mountains Share Me & May

I really enjoyed LVL UP, so it’s nice that we’ve got Dave Benton continuing to write new music under Trace Mountains, though these are decidedly different in their sonic approach. That said, this single seems to reflect the direction of the forthcoming record, Lost in the Country; this is a contemplative track, filled with reflection and nostalgia. I like the subtle strings in the background, and the slight little dose of energy uptick that pops up at 1:35 in the song. This feels like one of those records perfectly suited for isolation and introspection, which means we’ll all surely have some way to connect with this right now. The new record comes out on April 10th via Lame-O Records.

U.S. Highball Announce Debut LP

I really needed these songs from Glaswegian act U.S. Highball, and feel even greater knowing they come with an album announcement, meaning more is on the way. There’s just this natural joyousness to the duo’s sound; I mean, the opening “Hall of Heads” is pretty much just a play on our tastes, but quickly turns into this delighting pop tune I can’t get out of my head. “Don’t Travel Far” is a little meatier; there’s jangling guitars, textured synth/beats and a really incredible use of melody that will keep me circling back just like their guitars. Speaking of said album, it’s titled Great Record, dropping on July 12th via Lame-O Records.


New An Horse Single + ATX Show

It’s been nearly a decade since we’ve heard from An Horse, but the Aussie duo don’t seem to have missed a beat since announcing their return. They just shared their latest single, which has Kate entering the fray rather calmly before Damon starts banging furiously on those drums. Most impressive, aside from how great Cooper sounds is that the band’s dynamic always has this perfect balance, tip-toeing between intimate and boisterous. If you’re stoked to hear the group back at it, then you’ll want to give Modern Air a listen when it drops on May 3rd via Lame-O Records.

They’ll be touring the US in May, with an Austin date on May 5th at Barracuda! We’ll be offering some giveaways and what not leading up to the show, so keep your eyes peeled! Or buy early-bird tickets HERE.

Ex-Pooches Members form U.S. Highballs

I was a huge fan of Scottish power-poppers The Pooches, and while the band is seemingly defunct, U.S. Highballs offer a little solace, albeit in a softer pop version. It’s a fairly simple number with roots in James’ first trip to Japan. The duo work over synthesized percussion, but it’s the feather guitar that I’m drawn to here; it works perfectly with the natural melody created in the vocals. If simple pop songs are your thing, then you’re going to really enjoy the duo’s new Think Again EP, which drops next Friday (11/9) via Lame-O Records.

Check Out No Thank You

Philadelphia’s own, No Thank You, will be releasing a new album called All it Takes to Ruin it All on April 6th and they have some new music to share in preparation for the LP. This new one is entitled “Dash” and features a nice play on slow build ups rising into ferocious and well timed choruses. The band could best be likened to a fellow female fronted band like Rainer Maria if they had a bit more bite and edge to their sound.

Pre-order the new album now via Lame-O Records.

Hurry Really Hit the Mark

Having previously posted Hurry tunes in the past month, I just can’t get enough of the group, especially with their latest single. There’s still an element that’s playfully soft, but the guitars on this ring brightly through your speakers in all the best ways. It’s got a rushed pace, and I’d be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge that I hear bits of Nada Surf in the band’s approach…you know, offering the more radio-friendly version of Superchunk. Their new album Every Little Thought just puts a smile to your face, guaranteed; it will drop on February 23rd via Lame O Records.

Stuck on This Hurry Tune

There’s something so pure about the perfectly executed pop ditty that I find it hard to turn such tracks off, just like the Hurry tune below. There’s nothing heavy about it, and in fact, it seems the volume on distortion is perfectly balanced by the usage of acoustic guitar. Cascading guitar lines work their way throughout, cut in half by these rad little vocal harmonies; it’s like listening the greatness of Nada Surf being played with a youthful vibrance. The band’s new album, Every Little Thought, will be released on February 23rd via Lame-O Records.

Another Tune from Walter Etc

The last time we touched on a single from Walter Etc, I was raving about the bands infectious guitar pop. This single illustrates a slightly different approach to the band’s sound, though every bit as endearing as their first tune. It’s built on a nice little piano backbone with steady drum emphasis and strummed guitar. You’ll probably hear folks throwing some Dr. Dog references around, but you add a horn or two and you have that Beulah vibe (something I sorely miss in the world). The group will release Gloom Cruise on August 25th via Lame O/Lauren Records.

Cherry Release New Video

It doesn’t take much more than being signed to Lame-O Records for me to be attached to a band. But, in the case of Cherry and their latest song, they’ve already got me hooked. The video is gritty, moving across various mundane activities (though I’m attached to the backyard soccer scene) and splicing it with members of the band. Also, it has dogs. People love dogs. In the track itself you hear earnest guitar pop, with guitar lines reaching up to the angular heavens as the drums crash down and vocals drawl across the front of the mix. It’s sonically focused, yet relaxed in the delivery…all showing promise of the band’s forthcoming record, Dumbness, out on September 29th.

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