Tag: new single

Strand of Oaks Announces Miracle Focus

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Tim Showalter has described his new record Miracle Focus as a record that represents “a temple of peace in my life,” so when listening to the first single, it’s interesting trying to piece together the puzzle in where this would fit in a record; you’ll find that it’s the opening tune on the album, which perhaps hints at its mesmerizing blend of soulful vocals and wash of electronic atmosphere. His voice, for longtime Strand of Oaks fans, is always going to be the draw, and this approach sees him moving that even further into a croon-adjacent voice; I think of moments of Cohen or Cave (also Patrick Wolf, but not sure that’s a household name), just letting their notes drip with emotion. It’s going to be really special when this all gets put together; Miracle Focus is out on June 7th via Western Vinyl.

System Exclusive Share 2 Little 2 Late

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If you’d like a little bit of choreography in your synthetic post-punk then you’ve got to press play on the latest track from System Exclusive. I was got carried away in the pulsating groove that opened the tune up, and while that electronic jitterbug can carry the song, it was in the “chorus” where I got really caught up in this tune. You’ll find a slight little slide into a softer realm, with the edges of the keys taking on a softer, sparklier tone that surely will have your head spinning. There’s this confidence in Ari B’s performance on the vocals that makes it impossible to pull yourself away, and I’m sure you’ll feel the same. This tune will pop up on the group’s new album, Click, out on May 17th via Mt. St. Mtn. and Le Cepe Records.

Yea-Ming and the Rumours Announce I Can’t Have it All

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I’ll be completely honest, as I was fully unaware of Yea-Ming and the Rumours before the release of their last album, So, Bird; I found it one of the most charming listens of 2022, and still find myself going back to some of those tracks. Today, the group, led by songwriter Yea-Ming Chen, announces a fresh take, and one that aims to walk a fine line between “total sadness and extreme happiness.” You can hear that in the messaging on the first single, narrating a character realizing that despite our best efforts, it’s nearly impossible to get everything you want…and sometimes its okay to accept that and find comfort where you can. Those lyrics tend to lean towards a bit of solitude in a way, but I think the musical message carries a different weight to it. There’s a bit of buoyancy lurking, almost a spring, as if our narrator has taken the lesson, and opted to bound down the road towards life’s next test. Ever endearing, Yea-Ming and the Rumours are charting new territory, so be on the lookout for I Can’t Have it All, out via Dandy Boy Records on May 24th.

Winged Wheel Announce Big Hotel

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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