Tag: oakland

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.

Madeline Kenney Back At It Again

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Oakland based songwriter Madeline Kenney has slowly built a name for herself over the last four years with two solid albums under her belt and tons of positive press building on the interwebs. Kenney recently announced her new album coming out next month called Sucker’s Lunch and this new single, “Double Hearted”, just came my way to promote the record. With this record being produced by Jenn Wasner and Andy Stack of Wye Oak, one can sort of hear those subtle hints and sounds woven in perfectly with the always captivating voice of Kenney. This is another perfectly crafted tune in the ever growing catalogue of Kenny’s hits.

Madeline Kenney will release Sucker’s Lunch on July 31st via Carpark Records. Pre-orders are live now.

Naked Roommate Announce Do the Duvet

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Two of my favorite labels, Trouble in Mind & Upset the Rhythm, are teaming up to release the new LP from Naked Roommate. Honestly, the band reminds me a lot of Aussie outfit Holy Balm, perhaps with a nod to the Blow; it’s like house music, but stripped of the reliance on the beat. In leaving the song specially open, they’re allowed to build in their own artistic notes, while still grasping onto our preconceived concepts of what makes a song. Amber Sermeno’s vocals have this matter of fact delivery (which is where I felt the Blow reference), though when she puts emphasis on syllables, they seem to echo through cavernous hallways, ringing out as the beat skips along beneath. Cool vibes going on, so give a listen. Do the Duvet will appear on September 4th.

Welcome Back Rogue Wave

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Wow, it has been quite a long time since we last wrote about Oakland based homies Rogue Wave. They’ve been mostly silent the last couple of years, but return today with this lovely new track called Aesop Rock. For me, it’s a nice return to some of their hook laden, catchy rock numbers from earlier albums like Asleep at Heaven’s Gate. It reminds me of why I used to really dig this band and draws me back into their infectious sound.

With this single release Rogue Wave is asking fans to donate to the Tipping Point Community – an Oakland-based organization raising money for families in need throughout the Bay Area during these difficult times.

Hella Catchy New Day Wave Tune

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Though it’s been a hot second since we last posted on Oakland based Jackson Phillips and his project known as Day Wave, we’ve shared tons of his songs over the years. Today we are treated to a hot new track called “Potions” from the Cali based artist and it is a real delight to listen to on repeat. For me it has that Cali, indie pop sound similar to old school The Drums or even some of the earlier Day Wave tracks that originally revolutionized the genre. You’ll find that this song will perk up your mood in these strange times.

Day Wave is releasing a new EP entitled Crush on April 24th via [PIAS].

 

Quick One From TONER

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Oakland based outfit TONER is a band picking up some praise recently from both us and others in the music blogging world. Their heavier take on the shoegaze movement has been both refreshing and unique in a genre that can sometimes get watered down. Today the band have this new, short track called “Smoov” to add to their building repertoire of impressive songs. It’s a quick one at only 1.5 minutes, but it will offer you a short taste of the engaging sounds this band is making.

TONER will be releasing new album Silk Road on April 17th via Smoking Room. Pre-orders are up now.

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