R.E. Seraphin Shares Big Break
While I’m sure we’d all welcome a second EP just like R.E. Seraphin‘s last one, A Room Forever, it seems that he’s pushing himself to get beyond the sound of his peers, even going so far as to look to include “Journey-style solos” in his new effort. For me, despite pushing to break loose from the confines of lo-fi, Mr. Seraphin doesn’t lose any of the subtleties that guarantee the joy of listening to his work. On this new single, you get the textured layering of guitar sounds, with some staking claim to that aforementioned bravado, while the other drives the tune’s rhythm forward. His vocals get some backing throughout too, adding another careful layer of harmony and charm to the mix; it’s clear he’s really maximizing his talents. His new Swingshift EP is out Friday via Mt. St. Mtn./Dandy Boy/Tear Jerk/Safe Suburban Home.

You might recognize Jared Sparkes as one of the members of Michigan’s Dont, but for now, we’re focused on his solo project
I always get excited by a Mint Records release, and this forthcoming LP by
Jimmy Hewitt, aka
Strangely, when this new track from Hellrazor drops in, I thought to myself, “I wish this is what that new Hum record sounded like.” But, with that spacey noise up front, the noise recedes, opening up this tune to a bit more of a melodic draw, pulling back the covers on the band’s pop tendencies. Still, you can hear the thump of the drums, tempered since their opening pummel; they take the chorus and help launch the song into this wall swell of ferocious noise, albeit one with a softened underbelly. Plus, those in need of the heavy fix get a mid-track breakdown with furious drum work that doesn’t quit until your ears are bloodied and the song crawls to a close.
As we move into the summer season, I start to indulge a bit more in my musical sweet tooth, which is great since there’s this new