Please To Meet You: Grace Vonderkuhn

gracieGrace Vonderkuhn is a lady from Deleware (We’re in Deleware”).  Her music has a tendency to rely upon garage rock strategies, especially in the recording, but there’s a bit more to her musical accomplishments.  There’s a real pop-centric approach that bubbles beneath the crunchy guitars; it almost comes across as a distorted dream pop tune.  It makes her music quite special, working in both fields that I adore.  She’s got a new EP that comes out this week, and it’s something I think many people will fall in love with if they give it some time; I know that I sure have.

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Jam This New Proto Idiot EP

tecknicI’ve been hot on the heels of Proto Idiot since the project first crossed my path a few years back (via a 7″ on Trouble In Mind).  It’s a pretty prolific act, releasing a slew of singles and albums in quick succession; now there’s a new EP.  The songs on The Technique and Its Use in Daily Living are definitely in the vein of garage rock, though there’s a bit more of an artier/spastic side, not to mention some inherently catchy hooks that have you singing along.  If anything is going to make your Monday kick ass, it’s going to be to just turn up your speakers (or headphones) and rocking out.

Brand New Music from The Bankees

bankyThere are some band’s you really root for; the Bankees is that band for me.  I’ve been a huge fan of the group, as this site can attest, and I’ll continue to support their consistently solid musical endeavors.  They’re prepping for the release of their new EP, Gizmo, and the first single is definitely a relaxing tune; it’s actually the first time I really feel like there’s a bit of a French inflection on the vocals (which makes sense seeing as they’re from France).  There’s a smooth little guitar cut that gives some swagger, while the rest of the song takes on a groove that warms the soul.  Look for their new EP on March 21st.

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Introducing: Mumrunner

mumsthewordThought I was pretty in with the Finnish scene, but Soliti always has to keep me on my toes.  They just tossed out this excellent single from Mumrunner today.  Honestly, this might be one of my favorite new things from the label in recent months; it’s got that swirling jangling guitar I love so well, but the vocals bring in a smoky male vocal, touched up by a nice female counterpart, and I’m in love. They’re polishing up the final touches on their newest EP, and I dare you not to immediately fall in love with this track.  I’ll keep you posted on the new EP…hopefully with a new song!

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Premiere: Fresh Single from Draag

draagonDream pop’s everywhere these days, but in order to stand out from the crowd one has to offer something slightly different, which is why I wanted you to hear this new Draag single.  Rather than simply rely upon the atmospheric wash that coats many a dream-pop tune (it is here), the band also has opted to employ this underlying groove from the rhythm section that seemingly offers hints at a tune that’s just a few production moments away from a dancefloor remix. For my ears, it’s a fresh approach, whilst still holding true to the styles of the sound itself.  The band will be releasing their Tracy Lordz (how we miss her) EP.

Austin Spotlight: New Big Bill EP

Big BillWho in Austin isn’t on the Big Bill train?  You? What are you waiting for? New tunes? Well, congrats friends, the local Austin rockers have completed their new release, titled The Second Bill, and it’s all yours for the jamming today. I’ve loved the group’s live performances for some time, and I feel that you can sense the energy of those shows in the songs you’ll hear streaming below; there’s garage guitar stabs and a rambunctious quality that have won the hearts of Austin show-goers (and beyond) for some time.  Sit back and rock out, then go pick the EP from the group. I recommend “I Wanna Do Evil.”

The Pop of Paul Cook & the Chronicles

paulydI’ve long chronicled (see what I did there) the work and career of Paul Cook, and I’m happy to say that I can always find something enjoyable in his work. He’s a trust worthy pop songsmith, so when he passed over his new EP with request to run a new tune, I couldn’t deny him. There’s subtle touches in his work that elevate his songs above your average fare, like the female touches that come through the background during the latter half of this number.  If you like what you hear, his Night Fires EP is available for free HERE.

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Download: Paul Cook & the Chronicles – Night Fires [MP3]

Stream the New EP from People/Talk

peepsStreaming albums is the perfect way for you to sample something you might not have heard, give it a once over, and make an educated consumer choice.  Thus, I’m bringing you this new EP from People/Talk.  The UK act originally began as So Sexual, but changed their name, possibly due to it’s overt Faint reference.  This new EP shows them developing their new wave sound further, pushing into larger pop territory.  Of course, this band might not have made it overseas if it weren’t for the hard work of the people at Bleeding Gold, who have released this EP on CD for your pleasure. Listen, enjoy, buy. Done.

Album Announcement for Ghost of Jack Nance

ghost-of-jack-nance-promo-picSoliti Music is on a roll this week, with a video from Black Lizard earlier, and now the announcement of My Heart Strings, the new effort from Ghost of Jack Nance. This tune is filled with noisy plodding guitar and a vocal that seems to echo through the caverns of your mind. It sort of sounds like if you took Beat Happening and wrapped it up in this dense collection of atmospheric noise…and I mean that in a really good way, I promise.  You’ll be able to grab the new EP on November 28th, but while you’re waiting indulge a bit by rocking THIS VIDEO at work.

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Wake Up with Oceans

oceanIf, like some of us at the ATH offices, you’re struggling a bit here on Monday, then turn up the stereo and kick it with this dance number from Oceans.  They’re just the latest act to sign on with Soliti Music over in Finland.  The grooves are definitely bass heavy, allowing for you to get that toe-tapping feeling in your feet, but there’s also a nice bit of warmth hiding in the vocals…winning over any listener.  Not only that, but it’s quick and to the point, allowing you to sink your teeth in quickly and move on.  Look for an EP on October 31st.

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