Tag: oakland

Shutups Share Endless Heaven

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Before we dismiss you for the day, I would be remiss to not send you on your way with this new song called “Endless Heaven” from Oakland based group Shutups. I’m a huge fan of the way the song lulls you into this mellow, sort of indie rock groove and then explodes into this banging, heavy guitar rock number about 1.5 minutes in. When looking for a song to progress slowly, rise heavily, and then fall again into a fade out, this is the song for you. Absolutely stellar production on this one as well.

Shutups will release this track on new album Can’t Eat Nearly as Much as I want to Vomit which is due out on October 21st via Kill Rock Stars (pre-order now).

Stream Orange Dots Latest LP, Deflated

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Another band from the hotbed of Oakland, Orange Dots, has just released the stellar Deflated LP, and I figured you could find a bit of joy in listening to this collection. The PR describes it as “Aztec Camera songs but reimagined by Robert Wyatt,” which should have all you rushing to click the play button here. Personally, I’m loving “A Lot to Take” as my current standout jam, offering this sort of smoothed out jazzy pop you might expect Edwyn Collins to throw your way. But, perhaps what’s so intriguing about Deflated isn’t the hits, it’s the way Sean McDonnell moves back and forth between different brands of pop offerings; you’re not going to find a single song here that sounds like any of the others’ instead, they’re all naturally linked by Sean’s songwriting expertise. This whole LP is now available via Recorded Psychic Readings.

Neutrals Prep Bus Stop Nights EP

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One of our favorite Oakland outfits, Neutrals, are preparing to release the fresh Bus Stop Nights EP, and well, you should use Bandcamp Friday as the perfect time to preorder the new EP! It’s fitting I run this today, as it’s hitting the same rad notes you get from that earlier Mick Trouble track, hitting on those heavier jangle notes with clever vocal delivery that always makes this amateur rock enthusiast think of TV Personalities. The lyrical content is playful and humorous (we all have a Gary Borthwick–it might be me!), and the ripping bops on this tune stick in your head all day long. Plus, the wonderful video by Elyse Schlock is worth the price of admission! You can grab Bus Stop Nights EP via Static Shock Records.

The Acharis Share False Positive

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Feel like we should start our Monday’s coverage off by going super heavy, and there’s no better way to do that than by turning up this new track from the Acharis first. Their first single from their forthcoming LP had them sort of playing with the poppier side of the dream/gaze realm, but this new one is full-on heavy massacre shoegaze. You can hear the weight of those distorted guitars, crushing against your speaker, trying to get out into the world. Sure, the vocals have this central smoothness to them, but don’t be fooled. I love the breakdown in the end; you can hear these emphatic emotive howls from the background, adding further darkness to the tune. The band will release Blue Sky/Grey Heaven on November 5th.

The Acharis Share Jesus Thrill Single

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Oakland duo The Acharis are gearing up to release their latest album come November, and our first little teaser find the band dwelling in this territory that seems all their own, perhaps aided by legendary producer John Fryer. This polished beat opens up the song, seemingly almost losing itself in the pulse, at times almost slowing to a near stop. Drums enter the picture, carefully building a touch more pace, allowing Mila Puccini to deliver this wonderful harmonic voice; it feels like it belongs in a perfect indiepop tune somewhere. But, the song starts to get worked up, adding in all these industrial-natured textures, giving the song this violent aura that your ears can’t seem to escape. When it stops, the warped pop nature might leave you not knowing what to make of it. But, one thing’s for sure, you’re going to want to add Blue Sky/Grey Heaven to your listening queue come November 5th, courtesy of Zum Media/Cranes Records.

Smile Too Much Share What I Want You To Do (So Do)

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We’re already looking ahead towards Friday, and with that in mind, we’ve got a release on Friday from Smile Too Much that I’d like you to keep on your radar. The lead single has the best juxtaposition you could ask for, combining a strong mix of fuzzed out gazing-guitars matched up with the calmed bubblegum pop of Maggie Aytac (ex-Heartlights) voice. I love the guitar line that seems to kind of weave its own story amid the contrasting imagery of the song, serving as this alternative lifeblood to the song’s middle section. If you like what’re you’re hearing from the Oakland outfit, look for their debut self-titled EP via Dandy Boy Records.

Blue Ocean Announce New Album for Paisley Shirt Records

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I think most people who buy records and tapes tend to have their go-to labels, and it’s great to have a reliable source for good tunes. The last few years, Paisley Shirt Records has been bringing us a pretty solid catalog of great pop tunes, and now they’re adding Oakland’s Blue Ocean to that mix. For me, listening through to the album’s opener, it’s like listening to DJ Screw, only if you were into really heavy shoegaze and indiepop. The song’s core is this bouncing rhythmic pop pulse, but its been chopped and screwed by this thunderous wall of feedback and noise; I get that that analogy does not work for everyone out there…but the tune speaks for itself! The whole self-titled album is out on April 16th (though you can find some of the tunes elsewhere!).

Fake Fruit Announce New LP

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If you thought post-punk was heading down the middle of the road as of late, then maybe you need to turn towards Fake Fruit today. The band draw inspiration from the likes of Pylon and Wire, and you can definitely hear that sound burrowing through the guitars on this new single. But, Hannah D’Amato solidifies the group as a powerhouse with her performance; I love how she’s got this huge booming voice, but she’s capable of softening it up to draw in that slight dash of pop sensibility into play…just watch out when she decides to let forth an emphatic howl. Can’t get this jam outta my head! Look for their self-titled LP to drop via Rocks in Your Head on March 5th.

Christian Singles Announces Maybe Another Time

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In case you weren’t hip to the news, Christian Singles is the solo moniker of Rob Miller, who has played in Mall Walk and Blues Lawyer; he’s just announced Maybe Another Time. While the songs were recorded during quarantine, the album was influenced by news that Miller’s father’s cancer had returned…forcing him to face issues of family and forgiveness. While he’s working over synthesized beats, the song snakes its way around that pulsing sensation, honing in on a very new wave sound, only reimagined through the pain of the world that surrounds us. If your’e digging it, the LP will be released by Mt. St. Mtn. this October.

Pleased to Meet You: Awful Sirs

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There’s not a ton of information about Awful Sirs out there, other than the fact that the band call Oakland home. I guess all I know at this point is that I’m really hooked on this ditty they just dropped; its kind of scuzzy and garage-y; you know, it employs those rough around the edges, not quite surf licks. But, that rhythm section gives the song this natural pogo bounce, making your whole life worth jumping about…even when its not! In fact, this seems to be the band’s specialty, as their entire new album Looking Up is chock full of like-minded hook-laden pop rockers.

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