New Innocence Mission Album!!!

Every night, or every other night, I put my son to bed, and we read three books, then “play music from your phone, daddy.” He’s two, and just wants something to help him drift into the night; the last few months, it’s been the Innocence Mission, one of my personal escape acts that I’ve adored for decades. Yesterday (I’m late to the game!) they announced a new record, already pre-ordered on my end; Midwinter Swimmers is out on November 29th. They’re one of those groups who have these little treats within the confines that continue to mesmerize me, like the 45 second mark where there’s this just the faintest uptick in the guitar line; it subsides, only to sneak back in with some plucked strings. This the album that will coat us in warmth to wrap up 2024, and I couldn’t be happier to play this for my son tonight.

Check Out Tom Emlyn and His New LP

If you’re paying attention to the UK scene, Tom Emlyn might already be on your radar, but at the moment, there’s not a ton of folks covering him over here Stateside. That said, I’m here to get down and boogie with his latest release, Rehearsal for the Rain: Scaredycat Vol 2. You’ll get a big dose of classic pop writing styles, with nods to Barrett and the Beatles, but there’s a bit more shimmy and shake on the single below, which is why it works as a great introduction; the howling harmonica alone should set your ears afire. Also, as a fan of storytelling, I love the way he’s gone about explaining and detailing every track in his Bandcamp page. Give him a listen!

The Chairman Dances Ready Evening Song

It’s been over a year since we last heard from Philadelphia popsters, The Chairman Dances, but it seems like this will all be worth the wait, with the group announcing a new record, Evening Song. Our first listen sprinkles in a bit of a light strummed jangle atop a roller-coaster of pop sensibility, rising and falling with the drama of the vocals. While you might file this under your typical folk meets orchestra meets rock, you’ll find a larger sense of exuberance within the confines of the tune; pretty sure there’s a little chuckle on the underbelly of a a vocal note or two, with an added “hey” celebrating the joyousness of band peaking at just the right time. Really looking forward to what’s to come on Evening Song, which hits on October 11th.

Hadnot Creek Shares Birds Single/Album

You can file this latest tune from Hadnot Creek under the various tracks I just missed out on this past Friday, thus here I am to make up for it. Hadnot Creek is the project of Robert Sawrey, and for some reason, I hear bits of Richard Buckner melting into his performance here. There’s this powerful vocal, scratching at its own vocal cords in order to get the notes out, drenching listeners in pure emotion. There’s a buoyant strum and a spritely gallop from the drums that add a hint of spirit, just to push the earnestness of Sawrey’s songwriting further, leaving you a perfect piece. If you’re looking for more, check out the whole of Birds now!

Little Oso Announces How Lucky to Be Someone

If you’ve been a fan of acts like the Beths then we’d like to introduce you to Maine’s Little Oso, who’ve just announced their brand new LP, How Lucky to Be Someone. Our first listen to their new work has these perfect little guitar lines, shimmering, but not too far into the gaze realm, so you can still really feel their angular nature raining down upon you. But, while that backdrop seduced me immediately, it’s the calmed approach to the vocals that really warms, at least in this tune. I can definitely hear spots where the band could explode, but I kind of like that they don’t, holding you tightly to the core until you’ve reached the end of the song, where there’s finally that cathartic release that wraps it all up in a nice pop rock bow. How Lucky to Be Someone will be out early next year via Safe Suburban Home/Repeating Cloud.

Check Merce Lemon’s New Video

We’ve been on the Merce Lemon for some time now, and she’s finally getting some deserved attention, with this new single/video only reinforcing our belief in her songwriting. This new single offers the stark fragility that make, especially in the way the first three minutes are built up here. But, much like the first single from the new record, there’s this moment of noise, almost coming out of nowhere, hinting at the group sound folks will likely get when they jump in the van to tour behind Watch Me Drive Them Dogs Wild. Another stellar tune from the record; it drops on September 27th via Darling Records.

Henrik Appel Announces Shadows LP

It’s been a hot minute since we’ve heard from Stockholm’s Henrik Appel, as his last album dropped all the way back in 2021! Today, he returns with a brand new single and a brand new album announcement. Shadows is the name of the record, and I’m definitely cranking up the vibes here, as it takes some of Appel’s garage rock past and channels it through the ghost of Lou Reed; he carries that same disaffected swagger in his vocal delivery while the guitar work walks him down the road. He even twists it into a spoken cool when the chorus and sax unite to offer a little respite. Stoked to hear more from the album; it’ll drop via PNKSLM on November 1st.

Matt McLean Shares Roman Candle

Throughout this year, Matt McLean has leading us along the trail to Daytripping Ruined My Life with little musical breadcrumbs, and now we’ve got the final piece as the LP is officially out. “Roman Candle” is one of the highlights, blending this sort of DIY ethos with a bit of nerdy bedroom pop, eventually leading you into a full-fledged pop sway. Mostly operating with guitar and vocals, the drop in for the drums helps carry a nice punch that lifts the track up in tempo, just slightly. Once that hits, you’re hooked, riding on the back of this pop motorcycle with the wind blowing in your hair.

Naked Roommate Announce Pass the Loofah

Berkeley outfit Naked Roommate continue with their household themed LPs, announcing today that they’ll be following the excellent Do the Duvet with the forthcoming Pass the Loofah. Their first album definitely had the fingerprints of an ESG fan all over it, but, if we’re going off this tune, they might be spinning that into more body propulsion, diving into the pulse of the electronic grooves and forcing your body to observe dancefloor traditions. And, as much as one likes to lock into the vibe, the personal favorite touch is near the end of the song where the synths begin to feel a touch more explorative, rising behind the pulse like the early morning sun peaking over the horizon. Their last LP was a secret smash hit, so expect this to be huge; Pass the Loofah drops on October 25th via Trouble in Mind Records.

Young Scum Announce Lighter Blue + Share Title Track

I’ll admit, I had Chime School’s next LP in the running for best jangle pop record of the year, but, they better be looking over their shoulder, as Young Scum are right on their heels with today’s album announcement and title track! While they’ve been out of the game, so to speak since their debut in 2018, it seems that they’ve just been honing their skills, sharpening their jangles and savoring melodies; they are ready to unleash that here, and they do, with a spritely number that shines bright like the North Star, guiding you to the perfect collection of pop songs. Plus, they must have read my mind, as they employ these “woah woah woahs,” channeling every bit of joy they could muster into a heart-warming moment. The reflective yearning in the melody and lyrical content matches up perfectly too, making old pop fans like myself giddy at the promise of the future. Lighter Blue is out September 8th via Pretty Olivia Records.

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