Webb Chapel Share Springtime Single

There’s still a thrill when a song pulls you under, tossing and turning you over and over until you crest and the song unrolls before you, like this new single from Webb Chapel. Nearly a minute is spent mixing textures and noise, then angular guitars rip through the speakers, almost operating as a rhythmic pulse that feels harrowing, despite its pop nods. In the group approach, those guitars seem like they’re meant to be the sure-footing for bassist Rachel Gordon’s distant voice; those vocals almost seem afraid of the front of the mix, hiding behind until a startling growl is unleashed. The group will release their new LP, World Cup, on September 6th via Strange Mono Records.

Squirrel Shares Beach House Single

Squirrel continues to operate as an outsider in the indie realm, mostly concerned with writing great pop tunes from the left of the dial. Every time I hear a new track, there’s some new element being incorporated, stretching the limitations of bedroom pop projects. For instance, this tune operates as a sunny blend of surf pop, sort of like a sandy beach oriented version of early Animal Collective; it’s playful and yet not quite perfect, doubling down on the elements that captivate. This tune even brings in some violin work, building in more texture that allows the track to brim with charm. New album, Supersonic Summertime, drops on July 30th.

Otis Shanty Share Why Do I Care + Announce Up on the Hill

If you’re looking for a new act to tie to your ship, might we encourage you to check in with Boston’s Otis Shanty. The group are set to release their debut album this September, having dropped an EP this past year, and already you can tell how much they’ve grown here. Beginning with this angelic guitar line that seems to fall from the skies, the track quickly moves into offer up the sprawling vocal work of Sadye Bobbette; things seem fairly safe here, but the group throws in some little flares from time to time, illustrating their willingness to mix in various flavors. You’ll hear that in the chorus, blossoming, but then it moves into a sharper drum beat that employs fast cymbal snaps to give the rhythmic push that accelerates the song’s pace. Twist and turn, and back again, you’ll be mesmerized at the freshness amidst the familiarity. Up on the Hill is out September 20th via Relief Map Records.

Alan Sparhawk Returns with White Roses, My God

Alan Sparhawk has been hinting at a new release on his socials for weeks, and we’re finally able to hear what he’s been working on for the release of White Roses, My God. Always shapeshifting in Low, Sparhawk here dives deep into electronica, evading proper vocals in favor of effects to create a more industrial, cold nature. Perhaps all of this is due to “a record borne of grief,” but even in that realm, Alan manages to build something thundering and powerful, though with that, those heavy synth notes do feel like anxiety is being piled upon the listener/artists. Definitely intrigued to see where the whole of White Roses, My God will take us; it drops September 27th via Sub Pop.

Club Coma Shares Changing the Rules

Our friends in Austin’s Club Coma haven’t stopped crafting music following their self-titled LP from last year; they’ve continued to take their approach to deconstructive pop even further. On this fresh single, they work for over a minute taking these appeasing elements of modern pop and twisting them into a blend of twisted noise and metal, setting the tone for the synthetic groove to drop right in underneath as they drive their pop sensibility into the listener’s ears. They’ll blend both elements of noise and pop into the single as it continues, continuing to see them taking apart pop music and building it up in their own image. And, if you’re in the ATX, they celebrate the single’s release tonight at Cheer Up Charlies with TC Superstar and more!

Alek Barkats Shares Hologram Single

Dwelling in pop territory for a bit too long this morning (not that that’s bad!), so wanted to twist a bit and turn over towards Alek Barkats, who lives in this desert between the cities of David Berman and Bill Callahan. Like those artists, Barkats has a playful way of spinning the wheel of lyricism, operating as a sort of narrative bard, weaving poetic stories into his brand of indie rock. Musically, you’re going to find the style working with a slight toe-tap, but the arrangements are what really bring the song to life, swelling and soaring with these tinkering piano pieces and sweeping textures that swell and crash in the chorus. If you dig on this, be sure to give Here We Are in the Garden a listen when it drops next week.

The Softies Share California Highway 99

This beautiful new track from the Softies ran yesterday afternoon at all the cool spots, but admittedly, I generally only work between 8-10 am CST, so I missed it. But, like all of you, I’ve been over the moon to hear that the Softies are returning to recorded material with their new album, The Bed I Made. They’ve shared this charming video created by Katie Marks, who said the video was meant to capture the duo’s “friendship beyond the music.” I’m just reveling in their rare ability to draw a fickle listener like me completely into a tune without evening adding conventional percussion. All your friends are going to buy the record from Father/Daughter when it drops on August 23rd.

Mt Misery Return with Lunch Break

If you didn’t get into Mt. Misery back when they dropped the phenomenal Once Home No Longer, then now is your perfect chance to dive headfirst into one of the great pop acts from the UK. Today, they’re dropping a brand new single as they prepare for a brief UK tour with Lightheaded (Slumberland). Immediately, the brightness of the guitars peek through like the sun creeping through the slits in your windowpanes. There’s a steady bounce that adds a certain snappiness that’s adds a bit of a hook factor, though they’re careful not to overindulge in the sweetness. To be fair, it does have some nostalgic feels, akin to the Lucksmiths, with just a bit more boogie to it. Such a joy to hear the band back at it, and hopefully this tour gets them excited to record more!

Voxtrot Share Esprit de Coeur Single

It’s been a lot of fun for us folks down here in Austin since Voxtrot returned to the scene; I’ve loved watching how they’ve fused their late work with a new direction, albeit one linked to their storied past in our city. Their latest single continues that growth, layering string arrangements around a continuous pop build. I loved how there was a bounce and bob in the opening moments, setting up a frivolous burst of joy before settling into the track as a set up for the vocal entry. Ramesh’s vocal performance shows his confidence in his abilities too, pushing his voice while still clinging to pop sentiments…a great moement at the 2:40 mark with some punctuated notes too. Keep your eyes peeled tomorrow for a very special show announcement concerning the band too!

WH Lung Share How to Walk

In the midst of Summer here, and for me, there’s a desire to embrace joy, and perhaps there hasn’t been quite the single yet to match my own enthusiasm…until this W.H. Lung track. If you know me, you know I’m a sucker for big monosyllabic hooks, such as the “whoos” that course through the entirety of this single. I’d come back alone, but they’re also trying their damndest to incorporate the setting of their live sets on the next LP, so you can feel them trying to force that energy through the cones of your speakers. That powerful movement and those damned sucker hooks will have you circling back to hear more from the group; the release Every Inch of Earth Pulsates will be joyously celebrated on October 18th via Melodic Records.

1 103 104 105 106 107 290
Social Media Auto Publish Powered By : XYZScripts.com