Shy Boys Share Trash

Not sure if it needs to be said, but the ATH crew became huge fans of the Kansas City outfit Shy Boys since they first burst on the scene back in 2014 with the release of their self-titled debut. With numerous singles and the sophomore album Bell House from 2018, the band has been posted about, discussed, and seen live on numerous occasions over the years. We dig Shy Boys. All that said, we of course suggest you check out this new single called “Trash” which was shared earlier today. One can always love those quiet vocal harmonies, paired with some poppier guitar sounds we’ve grown to love from the band.

STRFKR Share Budapest featuring Shy Boys

What does one do when you’ve crafted a song filled to the brim with harmonies? Well, if you’re STRFKR you call in your label mates Shy Boys and ask them to fill in some of the gaps on your new song. What we get as listeners is this relaxing, almost lounge pop vibe to seduce us into a slight foot shuffle about our bedrooms. In a way, it reminds me of a catchier version of AIR, sort of that French pop attitude, with a touch more focus on brandishing melody for melody’s sake. As of right now, STRFKR keep shuffling out super singles, so perhaps there’s more on the horizon? Keep an eye on their label Polyvinyl for more news.

SXSW Interview: Yumi Zouma

Party time people. That’s right, we are kicking off our SXSW coverage this week and really going into full on preview mode. As we tend to do every year, we will coming at you with a whole slew of interviews in the hopes you will appreciate the varied look on the festival. Today we have a new one answered by New Zealand founded, yet no longer based, Yumi Zouma. As always, hit the jump for full interview.

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Generationals Share “Breaking Your Silence”

We’ve long been fans of Generationals here at ATH, so I’m excited to share that they’re back with a new single and a new album which will be released shortly. This new track, “Breaking Your Silence” dropped a few days back, but it’s a pleasant reminder of how well Generationals can craft an indie rock tune. The very beginning of the number reminds me a touch of Foals, but soon the band stews up a simmering blend of groovy bass, slightly fuzzy percussion and barely there synths. Lingering there for the first minute or so, we calmly groove with the band before the loud synth hook and vocals peak for the catchy chorus. Take a peek at the new video below.

Reader As Detective will be out on July 19, 2019. Pre-order it here.

More New Pedro the Lion

Looking towards 2019, this Pedro the Lion album is high on my list of anticipated releases. We get a new single today, and while I love the noisier elements in the background, I’m really struck by the vocal tones. It’s every bit David B., but he’s really pushing his limits to the highest part of his register. I can’t help but to recall American Football or something off Jade Tree when I listen to this track, and that’s not a knock by any means. Just another step in the glorious evolution that is Bazaan; look for Phoenix to drop on January 18th via Polyvinyl. There’s never a bad day when you get a fresh Pedro tune, especially full-band Pedro.

Welcome Back Pedro the Lion

There are certain paints that just pervade your soul; they sink deep into your humanity and refuse to let you go. Pedro the Lion/David Bazan is one such artist. Almost every album he crafted as Pedro has a certain spot in my own musical evolution, or even in my own personal evolution, thus I’m really excited that he’s revisiting the old name. Immediately he begins to tell the story of Christmas morning in 1981; it’s his lyrical work that’s always made him so accessible, wishing we could all be so poignant in our words. Of course, this is a new version of the project, so you get that full-band sound once the song gets into gear. Maybe people forgot how great Bazan was, but here’s to hoping we all lend him our ears; Phoenix will be out on January 18th via Polyvinyl.

Have Another From Shy Boys

As previously mentioned, our amigos in Shy Boys have a highly anticipated new album in the works which will be released here shortly via Polyvinyl Records. If you needed more hype to get excited about the album, you need to check out this new pop delight from the band called “Something Sweet”. In a brief two minutes the band has created a nice blend of 60s pop music with something you might hear from middle to late Smiths tracks. Currently it has hit 6 plays for me in the last 12 hours.

Once again, Shy Boys will release Bell House on August 3rd via Polyvinyl Records.

Shy Boys Are Back!

Kansas City based Shy Boys have long been a favorite among most, if not all of the staff here at ATH. The guys have been quiet for a couple of years now, and with the way things go with bands nowadays, it’s nice to hear that they are coming back with new music. As a taste of new material, the band has offered up this playful and quirky new track called “Take the Doggie With Me”. As you might have guessed, it’s about a dog the band members knew who they felt wasn’t getting much love and they want to take the pup with them. We’re all dog lovers here, so of course we love the track, but let’s not ignore the very well executed music. As always, the band is incredibly tight with perfectly timed guitars and an on point chorus. Well done.

Shy Boys will release new album Bell House on August 3rd via Polyvinyl Records.

Hey and the band will also be playing at Hotel Vegas on Thursday night with our friends The Sour Notes!

Get On the Tancred Hype Train

It seems that the hype train for Maine based artist Tancred is leaving the station so I better get on board before it’s too late. For me, it’s easy to like an artist who combines pieces of straight forward grunge rock with gritty, yet still refined vocals. Imagine if bands like Joy Formidable and Garbage blended only their best qualities equally to create a female fronted rock opus. That’s what you’ll find with this new single called “Something Else”. Seriously, what’s not to like about this?

Tancred will release new album Nightstand on June 1st via Polyvinyl.

Ten Records from 2017 People Probably Overlooked

It’s that silly time of year when we ascribe arbitrary rankings to the music created by our favorite artists. And, I’ve already seen a few lists from the likes of Paste or Rolling Stone (among others) that I find completely off the mark. Now, our ATH End of Year list will be a team effort, so here is a list of records I adored that probably won’t end up on too many other “Best of Lists,” though I think they should! Again, no particular order, just ten albums you should enjoy. …that you might have forgotten about.

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