Tag: oakland

The Saxophones Share Boy Crazy

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The wife and husband duo The Saxophones have long been a group we’ve championed and thrown praise at over the years of our ‘lil website. Well after a short three or so year hiatus, the duo are returning this year with a new album entitled To Be a Cloud due out June 2nd on Full Time Hobby. Prior to that release date, we are incredibly excited to share with you this brand new, stunning single “Boy Crazy.” It’s light and dreamy, yet impactful and enchanting with heavy floor drums and an almost jazz inspiration. Lovely.

Pre-orders for To Be a Cloud are live now.

Low Praise Share Forget That Its Summer

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It only took me a few seconds to latch onto this new track from Oakland’s Low Praise; I love the jagged guitar vibe that cuts through this one, and that bob-and-weave bass line doesn’t hurt one single bit. Once the song takes off after the maneuvering mantra, the track begins to really unfold into this post-punk bit of trance; I definitely hear some Wire tendencies in the way the vocals get delivered. But, for all the nods to their forefathers, the group also are willing to bang out some heavy grooves, which you get a glimpse of when they deliver their pseudo-chorus, crashing through the speakers as opposed to bobbing up and down. If you dig on it, the group are releasing Dressing on May 19th!

Nothing Natural Announce NN EP

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Well, seeing as I’m just getting through all my emails today, may as well stop with another track from the Bay Area…Nothing Natural. You might already be familiar with the band’s members, with us having covered their other projects like Parallel and Aluminum. This act, however, are hitting on these classic 90s guitar vibes, slowly letting the guitar notes light up in the track’s background while the vocals have this heavy indifference; it’s that perfect college rock vibe, best if listened to really loudly through your speakers as the echoing distortion let’s you know this more than just a slacker rock affair. Listen loud as the group hit that perfect balance between ballad and grungy riff work; NN EP will be out via Dandy Boy Records on March 3rd.

Dancing with Abracadabra’s Talk Talk

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Sometimes I have to remind myself that there really is no point in feigning to be cool or pretend like I’m some magical gatekeeper of indie cool. Instead, I’m merely here every day or so to promote jams that I’m loving, and right now, I’m grooving with this new tune from Abracadabra. This Oakland outfit is throwing out some Caribbean beats fused with elements of post-punk and crafty early beat work from the likes of ESG. Plus, they spin it with these playful vocals that ultimately make you feel like you’re the cool one just for partaking in this dance party. Put down your cool patch and slide right into this tune on your way to super fun times. Their album, Shapes & Colors drops in January via Melodic.

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.

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