Winged Wheel Announce Big Hotel

After Shellac came out of nowhere with an announcement this week, it only seems fitting that there’s more surprises in the 2024 release schedule, like a brand new LP from Detroit’s Winged Wheel. We’re just about two years removed from No Island, and it looks like they’ve added Steve Shelley to the mix too for a new album. There’s this swirling ominousness that opens the track, building this almost sterile world of darkness; it feels like the precursor to a murder in a parking garage (if it had a cooler soundtrack). Whitney’s voice comes in like an echo, hauntingly bouncing between the lines of the band’s craft. There are certainly moments where one could go explosive and just phone it in, but I appreciate how they’ve just locked into the groove here. Big Hotel is out May 3rd via 12XU.

Goblin Daycare Share Boss Man

Years ago, I was super excited by the likes of Thee Oh Sees and such acts. But, after a hot minute, everyone was doing it, all the way to the gizzards and their wizards, so while there’s some lineage in Goblin Daycare, their approach feels refreshing. Honestly, it almost feels like they’ve take the structure, and just decided that they’re going to turn the whole sound into some sort of monster, making it an abomination within the genre. This new single is bouncing and sharp, with that frantic nature punctuated by these insane vocal lines that fit perfectly into the wobbling wold of the keys as the track hits that chorus. If you’re looking for a little refresh, be sure to look into Agitprop Hotline, out May 17th via Dedstrange.

Motorists Announce Touched by the Stuff

I don’t know a single person in my circle that wasn’t in love with Motorists‘ 2021 LP, Surrounded, so expectations are high today as the group announce their brand new LP. While the last LP delved into a mixture between power-pop and proto-punk madness, it seems like this go round, things are a bit brighter, a bit sharper in sound. There adherence to big hooks and melody is still working within the first single, but that being said, I certainly feel like there’s more of a Oceanic influence on the guitar work…and obviously we’re all here for that. Soft vocals working within an environment of huge guitar sounds? Yep. Going to head off and grab Touched by the Stuff today. It drops on May 24th via We Are Time/Bobo Integral.

Spencer Hoffman Announces Roses Fly

I really enjoyed Spencer Hoffman‘s 2002 LP, Apple Core, so it’s exciting to hear that there’s a new EP on the way this May. Our first listen has a bit of a ghostly western vibe to it, offering up a slight twist on modern cosmic country. In a sense, it’s almost as if the tune’s struggling on the turntable, warped through the years of being played; you can hear that sparkling twang, but as it fills the air, it seems to sort of hang eternally. Ultimately, it allows for Hoffman’s voice to hang in there and almost whisper its melody into your ear, which worked to great effect. Looking forward to the release of the Roses Fly EP; it’s out on May 10th via Anxiety Blanket Records.

Rural France Share Tag Along Single

Having fallen in love with the first track from Exactamondo, it only makes sense that we reinforce our love for Rural France by covering their new single today. While “Packhorse” felt clean and brimming with pop sensibility, “Tag Along” seems to be a little bit of a sonic shift, playing with noise in the background, layered to juxtapose the sugary center. Don’t get me wrong, the vocals are still offering up their usual sweetness, so you can still be enchanted, but the edges feel rougher and maybe, dare I say, “lo-fi.” I like that we’re getting a peek at the variation we can expect when the LP finally hits; it’s scheduled for an April 26th release courtesy of Meritorio Records.

Eastside Suicides Reissue Debut LP on 20th Anniversary

There’ve been a lot of punk acts in the Austin area over the years, but one that I always had a particular fondness for was Eastside Suicides; they only had one proper release, but owned nights over at Beerland for sometime. Today, word comes our way that Desolate Sounds Records will be reissuing their debut on its 20th anniversary, adding in some remastering and a few bonus tracks. While a lot of the punk scene here is written with “weirdness,” I liked how the the group just encompassed a classic rock n’ roll sound; the tunes have the same bravado as the Dolls as the Stooges, with their performances matching that enthusiasm too. So, if you’ve got an itch for old school, let’s celebrate! The newly retitled Streets Got Yo Baby will drop on May 10th.

The Reds Pinks and Purples Share Fresh Track

As avowed fans of The Reds, Pinks and Purples, it’s our joy to encourage you to listen to the opening track from the new LP, Unwishing Well. When I first listened to this one, I was really impressed with Glenn’s vocal work; it still has that softness that makes his craft so charming, but there’s a bit of rawness here too. In a sense, the vocals almost feel pained, like he’s struggling as he narrates a story of humanity’s decline. Don’t get me wrong, you still get those sharp guitar lines throughout, with a bit of oceanic fuzz built into the back half. Offers a different glimpse into what we can expect when Unwishing Well drops on April 12th via Slumberland/Tough Love.

Fresh Share Merch Girl + Announce EP

If you didn’t listen to 2002’s Raise Hell, might I implore you to go back and check out Fresh‘s last LP before completely diving into the new track. That said, it won’t be easy, as this new tune has all the reasons to fall head over heels for the group. There’s plenty of bite and tenacity in the guitar sound, which bleeds into the vocals too. I found Kathryn Woods’ ferocious performance perfectly fitting, allowing the faintest melodic hint to slide beneath the surface to seduce pop rock fans. They’ll be releasing their new Merch Girl EP on April 19th via Get Better Records/Specialist Subject Records.

Christina’s Trip Share Companion

This churning bit of guitar pop from Christina’s Trip has totally won me over, and thus, warranted an early morning listen for you all. You’ll clearly hear a bit of nostalgia in the craft, something that clings to a sense of sincerity and indifference at once, particularly in the varying vocal approaches throughout the tune. I definitely fell for the sharp meandering of the guitar notes to, especially when they bent and twist around the drawn out style vocals. Bits of this sounds like early Rilo Kiley too, like that all encompassing earnestness that makes you want to get up, grab a guitar and start your own band. This song features on the group’s new LP, Forever After, out soon via Cherub Dream Records.

Mountain Movers Announce Walking After Dark

Over the last week, there were a lot of tunes coming our way, but one that I knew I immediately had to enjoy was the new track from Mountain Movers; it came with the announcement of a new LP, Walking After Dark. It begins lightly, sort of like a psychedelic wind breezing through your speakers; the tempo is steady, creating this atmosphere of weighted presence, filling the room with little musical sketches. As the song progresses, the room seems to fill, barely letting you catch your breath as it fills with the masterful touches of a band slipping into your subconscious. If ever a band were to be compared to a spiritual seance of sorts, I think Mountain Movers would be be your best option. Trouble in Mind Records will release Walking After Dark on May 17th.

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