Tag: portland

Kissing Book Reissue (S) + Bongo Remix

Leave a comment

Way back in the yesteryear, Portland outfit Kissing Book released (s), but while it was originally out on CD, it is finally getting the Vinyl Reissue treatment via the band’s own Record Lovers. They’ve got this sound that feels like akin to early Kings of Convenience, incorporating soft jazz flourishes into a softened indiepop sound; the gentle wash is what provides the absolute charm that’ll keep you coming back. But, the band also have a little side-project going on, the Tiny Bongos, and they’ve stripped the song back to highlight the percussive element a little more. I’ve got “Hey Kids” in both the original and Tiny Bongo Remix version below, so give a listen.

Gaytheist Announce The Mustache Stays

Leave a comment

Been a handful of years since you’ve heard from Portland’s Gaytheist, but we’re changing that today as the group are here to announce The Mustache Stays, their new long-player for the masses. Don’t get caught off-guard by the gentle opening, as it won’t be long before you’re rushing to turn your volume down, with the band entering with thundering drums and piercing vocals. While it jumps out of those gates rushing with punishing fury, the group don’t shy away from turning the song inside out, slowing it down to a stomping metal growl. It’s easy to bundle up and look for comfort in the Winter, but that’s not the style here; they want to wake you from your slumber, and you’ll be grateful for the harrowing energy thrown right in your face. Look for The Mustache Stays on February 21st.

Dusty Lucite Release the Rate of Change of the Rate of Change

Leave a comment

Feel like going forward, art is going to dive further into the political, or at least the overt political, like this new Dusty Lucite single. They’ve paired their latest track with a video on climate change, combining United Nations footage to illustrate the catastrophic impact of mankind on nature; it’s hard to ignore those things, especially as a parent, but even more as it looks like our politicians are turning a blind eye in favor of a dollar. Alas, none of it would work if the song wasn’t this striking swing of bedroom pop, cresting and splashing down upon the listener, while a little organ works its way in the distance, dancing in unison with light snare work that steadies the ethereal haunt of the backing vocals.

Dancer and Whisper Hiss Announce Split 12″ for HHBTM Records

Leave a comment

After a very successful Spring LP release for Dancer, it looks as if we’ll be treated to more from the Glaswegian no-pop masters. A serendipitous conversation with HHBTM Records led to the band befriending queer-post-punk Portland act, Whisper Hiss, and the two acts agreeing to cull their individual projects for a Split 12″ release! Dancer weave their springing style into “Priority Girl,” which features brilliant little vocal twists and turns that continue to establish the act as one of the best in the game. Whisper Hiss had to give the Scots a little bit of a “hold my beer” moment, upping the ante by throwing out some old school angular punk wiggles that worm their way into a bit of an erratic shimmy. Two really great acts combining for a pop release for the ages, and all thanks to the great people at HHBTM; the 12″ will be released on October 4th.

Shady Cove Share Passenger

Leave a comment

A few weeks back, I hit upon Portland’s Shady Cove, throwing a little Wilson-Phillips nod their way. But, on their latest single, they get a little more pensive, allowing the craft of the song itself to trickle a bit more. It circles about with this subtle beat in the distance, sinking behind the softened tones of the vocals, with all of it being sprinkled with careful atmospheric strokes from time to time. After the two minute mark, the tune begins to blossom a bit more, elevating their tune into something that takes on a more spiritual nature as the atmosphere and the pace both seem to expand. If you’re into it, the song appears on the Part II LP, which drops on August 30th.

Shady Cove Prep Part II

Leave a comment

Listening through to the new single from Portland’s Shady Cove, some might be inclined to sort of file it away under stereotypical dream-pop, perhaps even pushing it towards a Beach House adjacent apartment. But, when I went through, perhaps informed by reading a book on the Go-Gos, I was reminded of some of the really great harmonizing on 80s pop records. Sure, there’s a bit of haze, and that definitely helps whet my whistle, but there were some moments when I felt as if the duo were channeling Wilson Phillips, and I mean that as a compliment. The notes are succinct and powerful, pulling the emotion out of the listener as the crest atop the dreamy nature of the tune. Be on the lookout for Part II, the new LP out August 30th.

Bug Seance Share Wavering + Release I’m Right Here

Leave a comment

Portland’s Bug Seance just dropped their super excellent I’m Right Here EP, so those with a penchant to adore anthemic pop rock need to pay attention here. A careful guitar lines enters the picture, crisp and fairly ordinary in its presence; it’s a nice emotional vibe, but a quick set up as the band soon jumps in and rips the niceties away to pack a punchier pop rock tune right into your ears. While drums shatter the speakers and riffs rip through, there’s a bunch of dueling vocal parts that maximize the melodic nature at the band’s core. A bit of softness to coincide with the riotous nature that surrounds it…with a brief respite…then back into a full out wall of jams that will have you punching the air in earnest. If you’re into it, spend a minute with I’m Right Here.

Found Space Drop Turning Over a New Leaf

Leave a comment

Portland dreamer Found Space are set to release their debut EP this June, and they’ve offered a tasty little tease of what’s in store for listeners. Admittedly, it didn’t take much for me to get sucked in, being drawn by the snappy drum work and the wash of synths at the get-go. From there, the track picks up some guitar elements and takes on a bit more depth, only to peel it away back to allow for the vocals to suspend themselves in the air around your ears. All that was quite pleasant, but then they raise the bar at the 1:09 minute mark, letting the energy reach a climax for the pleasure of the audience. Little bit of dance, little bit of dreamy, and a whole lot of hooks. Look for Closer on Spirit Goth on June 28th.

The Macks Share Nice Single

Leave a comment

Portland’s The Macks have been flexing their psychedelic garage rock for years, and with The Macks are a Knife coming down the pipeline real soon, it’s time we give a nod to their latest single. On this first single, it’s also a stomping mantra of sorts, with the guitar work ringing, rolling, then returning to the starting position to go at it again; they lock into that groove, allowing the vocals to really offer up the exuberant discord via shouts and emphatic vocal punches. The continuous build of tension is finally unleashed around 2:26ish in the tune, giving a nice little guitar ride that punches through your speakers before the song wraps up and calls it a day. The Macks are a Knife is out on May 17th via DevilDuck Records.

Fancy Animals Offer Up Circles Single

Leave a comment

This new single from Portland’s Fancy Animals has been floating around for a hot minute, and as you’re bound to hear the good stuff at some point, its landed on my shores…so here we are. Sonically, it’s not a far off nod to acts we adore like Blushing or Seablite, though in this presentation, the vocals take the focus and the dreamier elements of guitars get peeled way back, barely hanging on. Somehow, they manage to take the dream pop elements and spin them in a manner that almost feels like it was influenced by the Sneaker Pimps; it’s something in Rochelle’s voice that captures that sort of silky delivery that’s totally enthralling. Give a listen, won’t you.

1 2 3 … 9
Social Media Auto Publish Powered By : XYZScripts.com