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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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Summer presses along this week with no more soccer to watch but plenty of rocking tunes to add to your playlist. On this lovely Monday morning we have this new track called “Deflector Head” from Cincinnati based rock group Vacation. The song has a very nice, gritty, driving pop/rock sound to it perfect for your next pool party or adventure.
Vacation will release new album Mouth Sounds #2699 on July 27th via Let’s Pretend Records.
I’ve been writing about Connections pretty much nonstop since I discovered them a few years back via a friend at the record store. They’re back with exciting news…a new LP and a new label; they’ve just signed up with Trouble In Mind. Our first listen has the group readying a steady rock number, heavy on DIY attitude, but filled with infectious hooks. The guitars and drums crash down emphatically, matched by the band’s vocal performance. Perhaps my favorite thing is that the group are just banging out rock n’ roll hits; there’s no pretense, no BS, just swagger and hooks. Foreign Affairs will drop on May 11th.
I know so very little about Columbus based Saintseneca, though I’m looking to remedy that as much as I can today. Let’s start by sharing this new track from the band entitled “River” to get things started the right way. Rock n roll is the name of the game here, with some hints of pop and a pretty slick drumline keeping things driving and interesting throughout. This is an easy one to to enjoy so hopefully we hear more from these guys in the future.
New album Such Things will be out October 9th. Pre-order here.
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Okay, so it’s not actually a filmstrip, though that would be cool. Instead it’s Filmstrip, the band. Listening to their latest single, I can’t help but to recall a more country-fied version of Dinosaur Jr. There’s a slight bit of drawl in the vocals, while the guitars have a cascading effect, though definitely a bit more patient than something Mascis might have penned. Still. there’s something to be said about the ease with which this song hits you in the face; it’s so enjoyable, you’re not even sure you’ve fallen in love with it before it’s left and gone away. The group releases Moments of Matter, their new LP, on November 4th.
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Don Giovanni Records has had a good go of things lately, especially with the work of Screaming Females on their roster. But, new boys Vacation aim to make their own mark with Candy Waves. It provides listeners with sharp guitar lines and catchy hooks, while managing to sound appropriately unpolished.
Feedback opens the doors to Candy Waves with “Pyro Hippies” opening moments before the furiously quick drumming assaults your ears. Here you’ll find the guitar chords knifing their way through the song, and the vocals border on angst, yet still retain a bit of melody. Yet moments later, the bubbly bass work on “Make a Mess” is what grabs you by the ears and pulls you within the depths of the record. This tune has less detail oriented guitar work, but the rhythm section surely offers enough to get your toes tapping and your body jumping about. I want to attach myself to the vocals on this tune, yet they’re just a bit too far below the mix.
For my two cents, the band excels when they offer their pop affinity in their music. “SFA” jumps right into your meat and potatoes punk rock, though spun through a sludgy blender. The vocals offer a glimpse at anthemic moments, while the apparent allegiance to Vacation‘s metal influence is also visible. It opens the way for the hook-laden “Candy Waves,” which might be the record’s standout tune. Again, I think the lyrics could break through if they had just a hint more clarity in the mastering, but you can tell that this is a tune built for fans to join in during live performances. You don’t think the band can share pop sensibility with their metal/punk pedigree? Just start listening at 1.36. They make it three brilliant songs in a row with “Everyone Loves the Sun,” again establishing a gritty beach party feel. This song excels due to the fact that every instrument, including voice, seems to be pulling in an opposite direction, while still maintaining a healthy balance that unites the tune.
Concluding Candy Waves is another of the record’s standouts, “Horny Politicians.” Yes, the killer rhythm section comes through again to give a good push on the final tune, but I think it’s the vocal that allows this number to rise above the rest. There’s clarity throughout the entirety of the song; this allows listeners to really partake in the joy of the song. It’s the perfect closing moment, allowing us to glimpse Vacation at their very best, and perhaps a possible look into their future. And in the end, the record ends with a bang, but you’ll go right back to the beginning to play it all over again. You’ll get the feeling we all had when bands like Wavves felt dangerous, and you’ll be thankful bands like this are still doing it right.
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