Last Week’s Jams (6.2 – 6.6)

Going to be a bit of an off week, as RayRay is out on vacation, and I head out on the latter half of the week, but that doesn’t mean we didn’t crush it last week. I was finally able to let the cat out of the bag about new music from Heavenly/Swansea Sound; RayRay dropped the premiere for new ATX powerhouse, Porcelain. Oh, and B. Gray was coming through with sick photo work from Kilby Block Party and OMD, so we’re really just trying to make your musical world better. There’s a bunch of sweet jams, though I’ll admit I’m really loving the Slow Summits new tune, as well as the cover by Glass Spells. Stream below and feel free to comment on what you loved and what we missed!

Michael Beach Prepare Big Black Plume

Michael Beach hasn’t put out a proper album in several years, but he’s constantly working; he’s dropped a few EPs and singles to coincide with tours, not to mention the numerous records he’s played on or helped bring to light since 2021’s Dream Violence. On the horizon, we’ve now got Big Black Plume, and if this opening statement is anything to go off of, we’re really in-store for a statement album. There’s this sort of casual indie sound that opens up the track, letting Beach kind of wiggle his way into the picture with a cool that comes from years of experience. Though the indie side shines at the get-go, it only serves as this kindling, kind of lighting the fire that burns through the various sounds on the tune. In a weird sense, it reminds me of Lift to Experience, sort of spoken word, with Americana licks, but burning with passion and noise that rips through the cones of your speakers. Big Black Plume is out July 25th via Goner Records.

Baby Blue Share It’s a Match Single + Announce Debut LP

You’ve always got to keep an eye on the Melbourne music scene, as a new band seemingly springs up every other day, and today, we’ve got Baby Blue. The band features Rhea Caldwell, who played guitar in our old pal Michael Beach’s band, so you know the songwriting licks are already in there. This first single is like a Springtime pop tune, sort of wistful and pastoral, with little sprinkling dashes of psychedelia lurking here and there, giving off this mysticism. There’s this really delicious pop moment right at 2:09, and that moment right there sold the song for me, as if I needed more. The band will release Of My Window early next year via Lost and Lonesome.

Last Week’s Jams, Today (8.15 – 8.19)

Is it just me, or does it seem like there’s an overabundance of great music coming out as of late? I mean, I fell in love with at least a half dozen new tracks last week, and that’s just the one’s I was able to get up on the site. At the end of the day, I’m still blown away by that Mo Troper tune; I was a fan before but these last two tracks are out of this world good. Ribbon Stage dropped another hit we couldn’t escape running, plus there’s some old ATH standbys like Michael Beach, the Beths and Free Time (all Oceanic acts no less!). Press play, and sink into that Monday vibe.

Michael Beach Shares Only a Memory

I feel like Michael Beach‘s new record is like my own personal birthday party, with each song a new little gift waiting to be unwrapped. Today’s single is a melancholy ballad built upon a piano ballad, moving gradually as Beach carefully narrates with a solemn vocal performance. You get these discordant little elements of interlude in the song’s latter half, building on the promise that we’re going to get a little bit of experimental mood pieces collected for this new release. There’s this great little emphatic moment just before the 2 minute mark that I really appreciated, adding some punctuation to the tune too, so listen closely there. The self-titled EP will be out on September 30th via Goner/Poison City.

Last Week’s Jams, Today (7.18 – 7.22)

We got back to being super busy last week, with RayRay premiering that new No Win jam, plus a bunch of other new stuff that we were stoked to dive into. Good to see Free Time and Laura Jean back with new stuff, not to mention a little local love from the likes of First Names and Twain (he lives here!). All in all, its a bunch of stuff, all over the place musically, just like we do, so hopefully this kicks your Monday into gear!

Michael Beach Announces New EP

Our old pal Michael Beach is back at it, today bringing news from Australia that the songwriter will be releasing a new self-titled EP this Fall. Below we’ve got the the first sneak listen, with a track that feels like a feverish march on our sanity. For me, there’s really two sides to what Beach and company are doing. Musically, there’s this furious push and pounding rhythm, setting up the song as a sort of punk rock party anthem. But, Michael’s vocals are extremely steady in that mix, headstrong and just a melody above spoken word; it gives him this sort of rocker croon that slides right into the grooves. Stoked to see he’ll be touring the US this Fall, with a stop at Goner Fest…speaking of, Goner Records is putting out the EP along with Poison City on September 30th.

Last Week’s Jams, Today (September 13 – 17)

Last week I might have gotten a little carried away; my wife and newborn son were spending a lot of time resting, so I was just hanging out writing about songs all week…something a teacher, soccer coach, dad and label owner typically can’t do. So, this week’s playlist of last week’s hits might be a little longer than usual, but you’re going to be all the better for it. I hope you have a wonderful Monday my friends, and enjoy the jams here!

Michael Beach Shares Societal Breakdown

Is it Goner Records Week over here at ATH? We’ve covered Power Supply, Exbats and now our friend Michael Beach drops this great new single with Goner as the follow-up to his most excellent Dream Violence. This new single is this crunchy rocker, fuzzed around all the corners, with Michael struggling with the ways of the world, as alluded to in the song’s title; you can feel that strife in his vocal delivery…or so I think. For me, a fan of ten second snippets of joy, there’s this great moment at 1:42 (and 2:43) where the drums stutter, and Michael’s voice softens, delivering this beautiful melodic moment amidst the crashing guitars that really will stay as part of a collection in my bag of the “Best Ten Seconds.” Please enjoy!

Michael Beach Shares Metaphysical Dice Video

Australia’s Michael Beach just dropped his latest LP, Dream Violence, and now we’re treated to the really creative video work of Sophia Mero for “Metaphysical Dice.” When listening to this tune, its really all about the way that they song is textured, and it depends on what your ear draws you towards. At times, the incredible bass work is just driving the song, pulsing and bobbing and you can’t pull away. But, as you focus there, the jangling guitars in the distance start to gain more resonance, seemingly rising through the mix to take control. Through it all, Beach has this fascinating vocal delivery; it’s like a call to prayer, powerfully stretching the melody across the entirety of the tune, beckoning you to heed his words. If you dig, the LP is available via Goner Records!

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