Tag: Merge Records

King Khan & the Shrines – Idle No More

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king16Rating: ★★★☆☆

Well into a decade’s worth of an impressive career, it seems as if King Khan is slowing down a bit.  Not only does this reference his musical output, but also the pacing of the songs on the latest King Khan & the Shrines record, Idle No More.  The psychotic garage/blues infusion seems much more reined in here, leaving some great slow burners, but nothing with the frenetic energy of previous albums.

“Born to Die” opens with a sitar, which seems like the perfect prelude to a booty-shaking track from King Khan, yet it never goes quite in that direction. Sure, there’s some pedal work on the guitar and a bit of a stomp, but there’s no ferocity here; it’s rather a tame song, though by means a bad one.  Unfortunately, that seems to be the theme on this record: good tracks, though nothing great. “Bite My Tongue” follows, and it floats along in a similar manner as its predecessor.  It’s got parts that are fairly catchy, lyrically speaking, but musically, it seems to miss that killer punch that you’d get from a song like “Torture.”  However, the R&B influenced tracks are much stronger and focused, making them the standout tunes on the album.

Yes, KK has always had a huge soul/R&B influence, but I think one of his most successful takes comes on Idle No More in the form of “Darkness.”  I love how the track barely moves beyond guitar and vocals until the 1 minute mark where you get the emotional release from the introduction of horns and light percussion.  Of course, it lurks back into its quiet form, but that again builds towards that soulful explosion.  And, as if we needed more proof of the group’s love for classic R&B, then you don’t have to go further; “Pray for Lil” is waiting for you.  It’s definitely got the Shrines working the horn section, and King Khan bringing his own vocal touches, but the main vocal performance is remarkable.  It might just be my favorite track on the LP.

I don’t want to be too harsh on King Khan & the Shrines because there’s a lot of music on here that I really enjoy, such as “So Wild” or “Yes I Can’t.” The deviant attitude is still visible, the songwriting is successful…I just wanted more of a punch.  It’s as if Idle No More was created for more of a high school prom, rather than some dingy club filled with joyous dancers.  For me, this whole record shows a band writing good songs, but without the madness that was present in previous years, it’s just that, a good record. Not a great one.

The Love Language – Ruby Red

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The-Love-LanguageRating: ★★★★☆

It’s that time again in Austin: the weather is unbearably hot, and the days seem to last forever as the sun sets late, and the kids, out for the summer, frolic in public pools and sprinklers while you count the days until the oven breeze turns to just a warm breeze. Yes, that’s right, the dog days of summer are upon us. But never fear, The Love Language has just the release to give you a new lease on summer; Ruby Red is just about as refreshing as a cool plunge into Barton Springs.

On this third studio release, The Love Language, headed up by Stuart McLamb, have put together an album filled with straight up rockin’ jams that will have you coming back again and again. First up is one of these infectious tunes, “Calm Down,” which begins with a groovy bass line and a frenzied drum beat. A few seconds into the song, you get McLamb coming in with his echo-y vocals and the words “don’t look back now…” right before they launch full speed ahead into the song. It seems like a fresh start for the group and an invitation for you to come right along with them and forget the past in a blur of garage rock mixed with a hint of lo-fi coming through; the dual vocals on the chorus give it that lo-fi flare, grounded in the jangly, all out explosive instrumental ending. And that’s just the first song.

Continuing on this positive start, up third seems to be the song that has made it’s way into my favorite slot: “Hi Life.” It’s one of those numbers that just seems to shine and glitter, with its layers of instruments, horns included. These layers help each song stick out from the next: every track battling for more depth of said layers than the track before it. Right in the middle of things, you get a number like “For Izzy,” that slows down the roaring pace, but McLamb keeps you right there with him with his vocals that may not float atop the mix, but whose far away quality makes you hang on to his every word, while the slow, waltz-esque beat dances next to him. This number especially reminds me a bit of The Walkmen, which is never a bad thing.

Overall, Ruby Red seems to be a step in a more garage, and more colorful direction for The Love Language. On their last album they seemed to stick to a milder path, but Ruby Red is pure rock n roll. Have a listen and enjoy the rest of summer. Perhaps this is even an album to carry you right on through the rest of the year.

Jamming out with King Khan and the Shrines

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kingkhanLong have we adored KK and the Shrines, and we’ve been excited since they first announced their upcoming for Merge Records.  On the latest single, there’s definitely a bit of restraint, at least for my ears.  The song holds back from the typical garage rock pummeling, using an effects pedal to sort of provide a tripped out stomp; I like the clarity of the vocals throughout as well, which is a touch of a change.  They’re titling the album Idle No More, and it will hit streets on September 3rd.  The release will also see a world-wide tour, though, sadly, there’s no scheduled Austin date.

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Superchunk Return in 2013

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superchunk_bw_2010It’s a very rare thing when you wade through tons of emails enticing you towards the next big thing and happen upon the title “New Music From Superchunk“. We of course welcome such things, but clearly were shocked to receive the great news. Save 2010’s masterpiece Majesty Shredding, they stayed quiet for most of the 00s, after one of the most prolific stints during the 90s. I think we’re just excited to hear that the band won’t be going on another extended hiatus. New track “FOH” is the first breath of new material since 2010 and it certainly doesn’t disappoint as a chant worthy rock n roll number. We could all use some unabashed rock music right? Right.

New album I Hate Music will be available August 20th on Merge Records.

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New Music From The Love Language

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The+Love+LanguageThe Love Language is a band that has long been a favorite around these parts, so we deemed it necessary to share their new song with you even though we may be a little late on reporting it.  This new track “Calm Down” features a bit more rock n roll, driving force behind it than what we are maybe used to from the band.  I don’t really see that as a bad thing and could even call it a bit more of a grown up sound.  That’s cool.

New album Ruby Red is due out July 23rd on Merge Records.

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More New Music From Mikal Cronin

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mikal

Mikal Cronin is an artist who has drawn a lot of attention for the ATH staff, and rightfully so.  Already we’ve shared with you new track “Shout it Out” that showed Cronin had a bit of a softer side when compared to his previous work with Ty Segall.  This new song we’re sharing today called “Weight” also is a taste of something poppier and more mellowed out than previous work in other groups.  I like the direction Cronin is heading in and the new record is sure to be worth your time.

New album MCII is due out May 7th on Merge Records.

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Shout Out Louds – Optica

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Shout-Out-Louds-Optica-e1354709617122Rating: ★★★★☆

Okay, so you thought that Shout Out Louds couldn’t get any cooler: they’re Swedish, they’ve been making records that make your body move for more than ten years now, they’re Swedish… the list goes on. But then, this band decides to put a new single out, but also on a record made out of ice, which is also really cool (pun intended). Coolness aside, this band is back with their fourth studio release, and after 2010’s Work, they have a lot follow up.

For longtime fans of Shout Out Louds, or really to anyone looking for dance-ready jams laden with endless guitar hooks, Optica will not disappoint. From the beginning, there is this anticipation that comes from the second you hit play on “Sugar,” and some extra fuzzy guitar floods your speakers. For a first track, it doesn’t really overwhelm, but it gives you a taste of what’s yet to come; it’s a nice little introductory track before Adam Olenius and company really hit their stride. The second song, and a previously released single “Illusions,” kicks things up to the next level, with its highly percussive and prominent drums adding some texture to the background, while the guitars cut through with the chief riff. Also cutting through the static and robotic base elements are some delicate female vocals that utter the songs tagline, and then harmonize with Olenius that might just make you stop your dancing to laud the band for creating something so filled with substance.

But this is just the second track of twelve! The band continues grooving onward, but changes up the pace on “Blue Ice,” the number they released via ice record for a contest. It’s a track reminiscent of their last album in the way that it feels a bit softer; there’s less angled guitars, Olenius’ vocals are mumbled instead of belted, etc. This variation works well for the band, and the album’s pacing—Shout Out Louds don’t get too hot too fast and they make you wait until the fourth song until they really bust out their killer track: “14th of July.” Multiple hooks and a catchy chorus will have you singing along in no time and I can see this track making its way onto many party mixes and year end lists.

Really, I could go track by track on Optica, enumerating praise for this band because fast, slow, upbeat, downbeat: they know what they’re doing. See for yourself and go buy this record. Now.

Hot Dance Mess from Shout Out Louds

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Shout-Out-Louds-IllusionsI’ve been waiting for Shout Out Louds to replicate the deliciousness that was 100 Percent from their first LP, and I think this new track, Illusions, might just be that perfect step.  It combines the element of indie dance music with the group’s current musical warmth, due mostly to the soft spoken female backing vocals.  You can listen to this song and not feel a bit of personal exuberance; you better be tapping your toes or spinning about at your cubicle/bedroom.  This tune has me thoroughly excited for the band’s new album, Optica, which comes out on February 27th via Merge.

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Mikal Cronin Goes Soft

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homepage_large.974d39feOkay, so Mikal Cronin doesn’t go entirely soft, but in comparison to his work with Ty Segall, the only thing you’ll really find comparable here is the wall of guitar distortion that bursts into the background during the chorus.  For the most part, the various verses carry a more general pop element, which should surprise people in the long run; you’re still going to find it appealing. The song has a central hook, and the combination of the soft and loud element will make your day.  You can get his new album, MCII, from Merge Records on May 7th.

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New Indie Jam From Telekinesis

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This new jam “Ghosts and Creatures” from indie pop virtuoso Telekinesis has been making the rounds on the internet and I wanted to share it with those who maybe hadn’t heard it yet.  It’s a synth heavy pop number that has a very epic sort of pop sound that would seem to fit in perfectly for a wide open outdoor festival set.  Hopefully this is promise for yet another great album from this now veteran indie act.

New album Dormarion is out April 2nd via Merge.

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