Dwell Release New Single on Open Tab

Open Tab, the singles project of Fire Talk Records, has given us some great stuff this past year, but today, be prepared to immerse yourself in the vast expanse that Dwell are offering. Their sound moves between this sort of grandiose indie folk and classic slowcore, casually moving forward one step at a time. Vocals here are dramatic and deep, pulling from our primal nature, with string arrangements helping to build this textural swell that completely overwhelms the listener. It’s weird, as you can sort of feel some lineage to post rock too, particularly in the way some of the guitar sounds cascade and cut through the vocals; I’m really loving this as a Friday soundtrack.

Tugboat Captain Share Brand New Single, Flash of Light

Having been away for a few years after the release of the excellent Rut, Tugboat Captain return with a fresh tune, hopefully with the promise of a new LP down the line. On this record, as with many artists during the pandemic, you can hear how the band began to explore new territory; the opening alone on this track is louder than anything they’ve done to date, ringing with guitars once you press play. And while I love a bit of noise, the band’s delicate notes do appear once you peel back the layers; the song even fades out beautifully with this light piano and powerful vocal. It’ll be interesting to hear more from the band as we kick on in 2023.

Constant Smiles Complete Divine Cycle Trilogy with Kenneth Anger

Constant Smiles began the “Divine Cycle” trilogy back in 2017 with the release of Divine, followed by John Waters in 2019; today we get the news that the trilogy will be complete with the release of Kenneth Anger. Whereas previous releases have mostly been categorized as indie folk, the new single presents new themes, as the narrative of this record seems to be run through a synth pop lens. When pressing play, propulsive drum work thrusts you right into the core of the song; the vocals have this pleasant calm to them, contrasting the edgier musical bits, all of it tied together. It blends with the album’s themes of ritual and community and collaboration as a process of healing. Kenneth Anger is out on March 3rd via Sacred Bones Records.

Ibex Clone Announce All Channels Clear

Gathering members from across Ex-Cult, Nots and Hash Redactor, it seems like Ibex Clone already had a nice formula, at least to appeal to my tastes. Now, with their new album and a brand new single, it’s time to give the band’s work a nice listen. Drawing inspiration from GBV, Meat Puppets and XTC, the band’s aim are to take those pop structures and stretch those sounds into something fresh. You can certainly hear the guitar work playing into the jangling pop scene, though the fleshing out brings in a little bit more heaviness and weight; it all sort of feels like collage work, adding layers and textures from the musical touchstones and building a new piece that stands on its own. Excited to hear where All Channels Clear takes us; it’s out via Goner Records on February 3rd.

Jackie Mendoza Drops New Video

I’m always going to give Jackie Mendoza some love on this site, particularly when I can kickstart your day with a fun bit of solid gold pop. This song’s narrative circles around a love story from a youthful perspective, albeit one going on during a pandemic; the young couple is just excited to go off on a dream vacation, and there, they get “Maui’d.” Sure, the lyrics are silly at times, but who gives a shit; there’s a rad hook throughout, which kicks a nice bounce through your speakers…clearly I’m a sucker for it. Jackie’s new album Galaxia de Emociones drops on March 4rd via ZZK Records.

Blues Lawyer Drop Video for Nowhere to Go

The Bay Area, for me, is one of the hottest musical commodities in the States at the moment; it seems like every band is just dropping hit after hit. Blues Lawyer are no different, with this quick burst of fuzzy pop to rock you right out of your seats. Pounding drums melt with these angular riffs, both rushing through the gates from the instant you press play. The chorus hits with this powerful little emphatic stomp, briefly, then running right back out the door with that driving rhythm; we’re all in a hurry out there. It’s an infectious vocal delivery that certainly makes the song’s darker subject matter seem sunny and bright…like only the best pop can do. If you’re digging it, grab All in Good Time from Dark Entries on February 17th.

Mary Anne’s Polar Rig Announce Makes You Wonder

It’s hard breaking through the US/UK press to offer refreshing music, and to be honest, if folks aren’t given stuff directly, they’re not always likely to seek out the good stuff outside of the geo-musical landscape. Good thing we’ve got some connections in places like Sweden bringing us the goods from Mary Anne’s Polar Rig, who just announced their new LP, Makes You Wonder. This Malmo duo isn’t really playing by any rules or expectations; they rip through their songs with sharp riffs and explosive moments. It’s all delivered in an off-kilter manner, keeping the listener on their toes, turning unexpectedly one second then tossing melody right in your face. Malin’s vocal performance is so primal at times, it’s hard not to be captivated by what’s coming through your speakers; it reminds me of that 2002 EP from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs in a lot of ways, so I’m completely on board here. Makes You Wonder is out in March via Rama Lama Records.

Doom Flower Release Sweep Video

Going back through all the incredible tunes from early in 2023, I’m reminded that Doom Flower still feels like this hidden gem folks haven’t latched onto quite yet. Having just released Limestone Ritual, this video is a reminder of the darkened haunts that pop music will creep around. Immediately, the video and the sound immerse you in a heavy wash, creating this almost industrial vibe, awaiting Jess Price’s entrance. When Price comes in, her voice lifts the ambiance, albeit just a wee bit; her voice rises, but then almost seems to fade as syllables and lines end, being washed over by the waves of music (and visuals). Be sure to delve into this whole LP, out now via Record Label Records.

Buildings and Food Shares New Single

Sometimes you pen a song and just let it sit for awhile, planning to come back to it at a later date. Such is the case with the latest single from Buildings and Food, which Jen Wilson says had its origins way back in 2001. But, this go round, she’s opted to take the acoustic strums and vocals and layer them with various beats and electronic textures, aligned with her current songwriting habits. I love how there’s this natural vibrance to the musical element, now even more poppy with the careful beat work added beneath. It works in perfect contrast with the mellower vibes of the vocals, hanging just beneath the surface now. Always stoked to see what Jen is up to, so consider this another solid addition!

The Chairman Dances Share Alone at Waverly

The Chairman Dances will be releasing their new album Small Comforts at the end of the month, but not before we get one more tasty morsel fro the record to entice us. The first thing that struck me in this tune was the lyrical craft; it’s got this playful storytelling that reminds me a lot of Stuart Murdoch, feeling both personal and a little self-deprecating. Then you dive into the craft and the song’s arrangement swells with little touches like the way the drums seem to rumble across the back or the way the guitar strums seem to lift the syllabic delivery of the vocals. It’s a delicate pop tune for those seeking to immerse yourself in someone else’s storytelling.

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