Nada Surf Return with Moon Mirror

I’ve somehow been jamming out to the pop rock riffs of Nada Surf for nearly 30 years now, and they continue to have a soft spot in my record collection, so it’s great to hear that there’s a new piece I’ll have to add when it hits. This brand new single captures the band’s ability to hit huge riffs matched up with Matthew Caws’ distinctive vocal delivery; there’s something in the way Caws sings that brings an almost live punch to his voice. Lyrically, a band who has been around for so long is sure to teach us a lesson about living, and that’s true as they turn this tune into commentary about being present in the moment rather than focusing on everything down the line…a good way to see it, if I do say so. This track comes with the announcement of Moon Mirror and their signing to New West Records; it’ll drop on September 13th.

Quivers Return with Apparition + Announce Oyster Cuts

Really excited for our friends in Quivers who release a new single today, courtesy of their new home Merge Records. The last time we heard from the outfit, they were brandishing striking pop rock via their album Golden Doubt, but it seems like they’ve aimed to top themselves this go round, pumping out bigger riffs and even bigger melodies. They employ group harmonies on the vocals, often overlapping, which vaguely reminds me of the New Pornographers at their most joyous moments; it’s an infectious feel that bleeds right through the speakers with a huge stomp that catches you up in its charms. Little bit of swagger and a whole lot of fun; looking for more good stuff from the band as the year continues; they release their new album Oyster Cuts on August 9th!

Justin Sconza Releases Campire + Shares Been So Long

In continuing with my Friday morning theme of running tracks by individual artists, I wanted to present you with new stuff from Justin Sconza. The singer/songwriter releases Campfire today, recorded entirely on his own. For many, that immediately feels like that thrusts Sconza into the bedroom pop camp, and for all intents and purposes, sure. But, listen to the opening track below and you’ll realize that these songs feel larger; they feel as if they carry the intimacy and try to lift it into a larger space, filling the edges of the track with a swelling that feels akin to a Tony Molina album. You can stream all of Campire HERE, or just sample the hit single below.

Donald Beaman Announces Fog on Mirror Glass

Wanted to start today with something personal and pensive, and I couldn’t quite think of anything more fitting than this new track from Donald Beaman. Today he announces Fog on Mirror Glass, and the accompanying single below seems a study in patience and voice. In the strumming path, the notes have this resonation that seems almost mantra-like, hanging close in tonality whereby it almost feels as if it becomes a spiritual chant all on its own. Still, Beaman has this blanketing warmth in his own voice, building in another layer of texture that feels tied to the earth. Fog on Mirror Glass is out June 14th via Royal Oakie.

Jasper Byrne and Sonic Announce Mirrors

I don’t alway post 6 minute tracks, but you better believe that when I get behind one that it’s going to rule, just like this new tune from Jasper Byrne + Sonic. Personally, it’s hard to figure out where your focus should go; I was drawn to the dark guitar lines cascading in the far distance, reminiscent of a Robert Smith line that just hangs in some haunting space. However, the steady beat that serves as the glue for the tune keeps your focus, like a gravitational pull that pulls you into its orbit as the guitars and vocals flutter about too. Those vocals are kind of shadowy, more like secret whispers than sung notes, again, adding more texture that ebbs through your speakers. Be on the look out for Mirrors, which drops on June 21st via Space Recordings.

Check Out Clementine Was Right

A friend of ours sent us the new record from Clementine Was Right, and in case you were in need of a mixture between old americana and modern emo tendencies, we’ve got the band for you. There are elements of the lyricism that will likely remind folks of early days of Okkervil River/Bright Eyes, when poetry dominated the conversation and the music felt secondary. But, this Denver bunch don’t aim to just settle on their lyrics, working to kick off a balance that builds the faintest hint of pop tendency into the record. Oh, and speaking of Tell Yourself You’re Going Home…the album was completed by nearly 30 folks, working across state lines throughout the past few years to flesh out the vision of Mike Young and Gion Davis. Why not stream below and see if it’s your cup of tea, and if so, grab the record which drops on May 10th.

Bad Moves Return!!!

It’s been a few years since we last heard from DC’s Bad Moves, but nearly five years since they’ve dropped a proper LP. Word has it that they’re back in the studio finishing things up for a Fall relase, but have offered up another little teaser to leave breadcrumbs for the folks like me (and Ed in Cleveland!). This tune’s got everything you came to love about the band, sharp biting lyricism and hooks galore, wrapped up nicely with a chorus you can scream at the top of your lungs. This song’s even got some call-and-response vocal punches, embracing the joyousness the quartet has always brought to the live setting, so its great to hear it bleeding through in their latest recording. Rock n’ roll was supposed to be fun, and even when its got something to say, no one seems to enjoy themselves giving rock their all like Bad Moves. Hopefully more news on the new album soon!

Don’t Get Lemon Release Have Some Shame

What better way to open up your Tuesday coverage than with a bit of brooding post-punk, such as that offered by Austin’s Don’t Get Lemon. We’re offering up a little glimpse at the band’s work via the single below, hinting at both sides of the coin you’ll find within the confines of their new Have Some Shame LP (it just dropped today!). Musically, they dive head first into the genre, filling space with heavy bass lines and thundering drums as synths and guitars offer up a melodic atmosphere that hides the darkness. Then, as if you can’t immediately tell, you get the deep dark tones of Austin Curtis’ vocals, living in space between Gahan and Sam Herring; it leaves you with a sentiment both haunting and endearing, tumbling you further into the depths of their new LP. You can stream the whole LP HERE.

Perennial Announce Art History

As there always is, a bunch of hype came along with this year’s not-SXSW festival. But, for a lot of the buzz, I felt those bands tended to be slight let downs. That is until I caught the first of my Perennial sets! They were phenomenal, owning the stage with energy and enthusiasm, as opposed to modern performative sets with mapped out stage dives. Today, they announce their new LP, Art History, bringing the same energy through your speakers that they offer up live. Sharp guitars cut through the speakers before the verse settles into a hurtling tour de force with thumping grooves and a locked in rhythm section. You’ll find little playful moments too, even moments to set up and rest, all before they roar back in with a ferocity that’s sure to leave a lasting impression. The new Art History record drops on June 7th via Ernest Jenning/Safe Suburban Home/Totally Real.

Neutrals Announce New Town Dream

The announcement of a brand new Neutrals record is the sort of news I welcome with wide-open arms and a huge grin. You see, the Oakland outfit fronted by Allan MacNaughton have crafted a brand of jangling old school power pop that very few, if any, are capable of pulling off…as you’ll see listening below. The guitar style has that sharpness that seemingly mutes the jangular approach, giving it a bit more bounce and edge, a la the Television Personalities. They’ll get that nod more than one though, as I’m sure Allan’s voice/delivery will pull in some Dan Treacy comparisons; he has this matter-of-fact delivery that almost seems like he’s toying with you. This particular tune also gets some nice soft undertones from Lauren Matsui (also of Seablite), adding in a layer of cool that only makes my need to hear this whole LP even greater! New Town Dream is out on May 31st via Slumberland Records/Static Shock Records.

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