Tag: ohio

Circling Back on Smug Brothers

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Try as I might, it simply isn’t possible to dive into every single piece of music sent my way, but I’ve found some time to go back to Smug Brother‘s latest LP. They’ve got some sonic connections to other Ohio acts, which you’ll hear, but if you listen to the tune below, what I’m really appreciating is the clarity and pop-forward focus. Guitars have that crystalline twist to them, but everything else is screaming for melody; the band don’t hold you back here either, jumping feet first into the power-pop pools of glory. If you’re digging on this, join me in circling back to Stuck on Beta, out now via Anyway Records.

Gentle Leader XIV Share Title Track, Joke in the Shadow

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In a world full of immediacy, for which I’m admittedly a sucker, Gentle Leader XIV are offering up an entirely different brand of electronica than our typical fare. For starters, the drawl of the drum sampling seems to be tugging at the time stamp, holding it one place for the track’s duration. Even when the synths take on their full approach, there’s restraint; just listen to the nod to Depeche Mode after the 30 second mark. All of this work leaves plenty of space to be filled, and while the vocals entering adds another layer, even there, the song has space to move and wiggle. You get a ripping guitar cutting into the song’s middle, yet it all feels tethered to the percussive march, and in the end you’re left with this brilliant blanket of modern pop that greets you on its own terms. Their new record, Joke in the Shadow, is out on April 18th via Feel It Records.

Premiere: Smug Brothers Share New Single

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Just because we are out here prepping for that thing going down next week, doesn’t mean the world of new music plans to stop for us. My jam(s) of the day comes by way of Columbus based outfit Smug Brothers and their new single “Take It Out On Me” with accompanying B-side “Constellation of Eight.” Both tracks offer a very throwback, DIY, sort of garage meets indie sound akin to something you might hear in the late 90s Sub Pop scene. Get your dancin’ shoes on for the A-side and then stick around for the B-side to be serenaded away.

These tracks are part of the new Smug Brothers album Stuck On Beta, which is due out on June 6th via Anyway Records.

Golomb Announce Love + Share Take My Life

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If, like me, Golomb wasn’t already on your list of acts to keep an ear out for, then, like me, you’ve made a grave mistake. This past week the band just announced their brand new Love EP, and with that, they’ve shared a thundering new single and video to capture your ear. They set the tune up with warbling and whaling guitar, set up to screech on the back of this harrowing beat that sounds like your neighbor pounding on your wall to get you to turn that noise down! As the rhythm section thunders away, the guitar takes its own route, locking in step at moments, ripping its own path at other turns. While the formula seems simplistic, its the execution and the band’s willingness to kind of forged its own destructive path from within that really makes you thirsty for more. The Love EP is out this Friday!

The Laughing Chimes Share Two New Singles

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Anyone with a hankering for indiepop sounds should already have the Laughing Chimes high upon your listening rotation, but in case you’re unaware, we’ll remind you with a nice new double AA single to stream today! The first of the singles has this kind of dole-wave sound to it, and I’m sure we could date that back to the early days of Felt or what not, but to me, feels a bit like the Ocean Party; it’s jangling in spots, but highlights the breezy vocals that filter through your speakers. Flip to the next tune and you’ve got a bit more blossoming energy that naturally springs from the opening bass line; guitars swirls and cymbals are shaking, all of it with this infectiousness that will make any pop fan swoon. For me, the tunes both have some strong vocal work that seems out of the ordinary in the modern scene, so I’m fawning over those moments (even including what I think is a new vocalist on the first track). These great hits brought to you by Slumberland.

Meet the SXSW Band: villagerr

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Did you know SXSW was happening next week? Just joshing. Who says joshing anymore? Well we are trying to hit you with as much content and previews as possible so maybe you will feel a bit more prepared and focused going into next week. Today I am pleased to continue our interview series with Columbus based outfit villagerr who appear to be festival first timers. Welcome them to town, read their interview, check some dates, and all that after the jump.

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Another Gem From Superviolet

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As we are now a few months into the year, Steven Ciolek’s new project superviolet is quickly becoming one of my top releases of 2023 so far. Already we heard the sort of twangy, Neil Young inspired song “Big Songbirds Don’t Cry” and now we’ve got this new track “Locket” to further move along the new music hype train. This one still shows those aforementioned inspirations, but then also throws in loads more pop rock sounds along with the songwriter twang. It’s a gem.

Superviolet’s new album Infinite Spring is due out on April 21st via Lame-O Records.

Twangy New Tune From Superviolet

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Steven Ciolek is a guy you probably know from his time as the leading man for Cleveland based indie band The Sidekicks. What you may not know, is that Ciolek has since stepped out on his own for a solo project under the musical title superviolet. Of course we aren’t ones to just share news without some tunes to listen to while reading, so here also is the latest single from superviolet “Big Songbirds Don’t Cry.” I am immediately seeing some early Neil Young inspiration here in the songwriting style paired with a super twangy acoustic guitar for an overall subdued yet powerful tune.

You can get your hands on the new superviolet LP Infinite Spring on April 21st via Lame-O Records.

The Fours Share Lately Single

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The Fours weren’t quite on my radar until I heard this new track from their forthcoming LP, and man, now I’m over here with great anticipation, awaiting the release date. I love the way the guitars here are extra-crisp, galloping through your speakers on the back of rolling drum work. It sets you up for this brand of rock n’ roll that’s fueled by musicianship and a nod to the past, though the vocals have this sturdiness that works a bit of juxtaposition into the tune. I love the way the backing vocals are so faint that they almost feel like a little feathered bit just lightly blanketing the song’s core. Shaking and Moving is shaping up to be something sublime, so we’ll be sure to keep you posted.

Sungaze Share Slow the Burn

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I’ve really dug what I’ve gotten to hear from the forthcoming This Dream LP, so as Sungaze keeps dropping singles, I’m going to keep spending a little time with them. Honestly, when “Slow the Burn” opened, there was a brief minute when they felt like they were drawing from the organic nature of early Badlydrawnboy, but as the guitar work begins to ring in your ears, the song naturally takes on a slow burn of its own. Ivory Snow’s voice comes across heavy, offering these drifting tones that craft this natural dreaminess. Little nuanced synth stabs add some textural balance to the track, illustrating the band’s intent of touching up every little detail in their work. This Dream will be available on August 13th.

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