Last Week’s Jams, Today (9.19 – 9.23)

Happy Monday! Man, we covered a ton of ground last week, and I’m super stoked with the songs we squeezed into this playlist…and for the first time all of them are available on one streaming platform. That either means my tastes have gotten super basic, or those DSPs have taken over! Either way, there were a bunch of songs to love last week. I’m smitten with this new track from Kindsight, and I can’t stop playing that Cozy Slippers tune, so that’s a fun place for you to start. We get bonuses as members of Math and Physics Clubs have created two new bands, both with great new singles: Field School and Model Shop. Just a bunch of great jams to get your morning off on the right track.

Matt Kivel Shares Amagansett Single (ft. Bonnie Prince Billy)

Wednesdays are typically celebratory, as we’re nearing the week’s end, and a little respite from life. But, in listening to this new single from Matt Kivel, the vibe is all about reflection, allowing us to revel in the moment, taking the time to find balance. You can easily find that in the mood, particularly with Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy adding in vocal work to texture, but Kivel’s commentary also seems pertinent, hitting on our desire “to seem perfect, to feel no pain, to construct something without dissonance;” it’s that eternal human aspiration, and this song dwells on our continuous trials to find that moment. So take some time and sit with it today, dwell and be present. Matt’s new album Bend Reality – Like a Wave will be out October 14th via Pedro y El Lobo.

Last Week’s Jams, Today (7.11 – 7.15)

Was a bit of a hectic week, as I was out of town for a good part of last week, so RayRay helmed things solo, keeping you up to date with new jams from The Berries and Sorry. I crept in towards the end of the week with recent favorites like Key Out and Scarves, but I was most excited to hear new music from Bubblegum Lemonade hitting the airwaves! Oh! And a brand new album out of the blue from Neil Brogan! I mean, it was a short week coverage-wise, but some surefire jams to listen to in here.

Matt Kivel Announces Bend Reality Like a Wave

In the midst of a Texas heatwave, Matt Kivel‘s voice still carries with it a bit of sunshine, a bit of promise on the horizon. On this brand new single, there’s this great moment where his voice rises, then sort of falls into the next syllable, the sort of way Tony Molina does (if you’re looking for comparisons), and in doing so, you get drawn right into the track; you don’t get hurt by Bonnie Prince Billy lending a note or two here too! The musical subtleties allow for every note to reach that pinnacle, never stepping over the voice, and all the while letting guitar lines walk their own meandering path. Just listen to the lyric of “a new reality” when it hits, and you’ll certainly be swept into this tune. Bend Reality – Like a Wave is out on October 14th via Pedro y El Lobo.

Matt Kivel Shares Radiance

Last Night in America is dropping next week, and with the release date just a week off, Matt Kivel is sharing another tune. It’s one of my favorite on the record, but be warned, it can induce extreme relaxation and contemplation…perhaps dangerous this early in the morning. For me, it’s the mix on this record that really serves Kivel’s goal; he’s got this fragile voice, or so it often sounds, so you’ve got to let it shine. Throughout this track, the musical element is low in the mix, at least when coming through your speakers; the percussive element is so light it’s almost a faint rhythmic whisper, with the guitar careful not to step forward until the closing moments of the song. If, by chance, your’re reading this in NYC, go see his release show this Friday featuring our friend Daphne Tunes at the Park Church Co-Op.

Watch Matt Kivel’s New Video

Matt Kivel‘s story took him through Austin for a time, and according to him, he was able to create ‘something very calm and still.’ Listening through to “Two Braids,” you can sort of grasp that sentiment in the song itself; at times, it almost feels like two separate songs carefully grafted onto one another. There’s this ambient piece, composed of light beats and little musical flourishes bubbling up now and then; this might be the most audible of the two pieces. Sitting just behind that, calmly, is Kivel himself, quietly letting his voice float notes out, though careful not to walk too far into the other piece. It’s a stunning number, one fitting the visual accompaniment. If you like it, keep an eye out for Last Night in America on May 10th via Cascine.

He’s got an Austin date at Cactus Cafe May 17th with Alexalone and some band named Daphne Tunes.

More New Matt Kivel Music

mattWe’ve heard some of the upcoming work that’s being previewed for 2016, but I don’t think anything has quite piqued my interest quite like the new stuff coming from Matt Kivel. There’s a sincerity in his voice, prevalent through the other work we’ve heard from him in advance of next year’s Janus. I suppose some might beg for more, musically, but I think it’s needed, with the guitar steadying Kivel’s voice throughout the track. Feels good to just let yourself go in this tune here. Look for Janus on February 5th of next year via Driftless Recordings.

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More New Music from Matt Kivel

mattkivelThere are some songs, and albums for that matter, that just seem to fit right into your life.  For me, the work of Matt Kivel is perfectly fitting for my reflective summer away from work.  For instance, this latest single has this rolling drum beat, with lofty vocals floating atop, while varying layers of guitar work come into the fold.  Sort of reminds me of long summer road trips through the Northwest with nothing but the stars overhead.  His new album, Days of Being Wild will come just in time for you to take your own trip, whatever it may be; it’s being released on July 8th via Woodsist.

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New Music from Matt Kivel

mattI’m in love with the feeling of this song.  At first, I got overwhelmed by the tone of the guitar; it’s got this deep tone that feels like it’s slowly strutting along the streets with a carefree attitude.  But, I also am really impressed with Matt Kivel‘s voice.  There’s a gentle quality to it, and it’s carefully placed just atop the guitar chords.  The rest of the track has pretty minimal instrumentation, even down to the guitar noodling in the background, but it’s this understated beauty that might just make Days of Being Wild a great listen; you can pick up the record on July 8th on Woodsist Records.

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