Tag: portland

Dancer and Whisper Hiss Announce Split 12″ for HHBTM Records

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

Koalra Share the Clouds Still Hang On You Single

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When I first turned on this new track from Koalra, there was something hypnotic that completely captured me; there was this lingering darkness in the drum sound that just got under my skin. It set me up perfectly to fall in love, as the minute mark introduces this melodic high-toned voice; it soars, lifting the track and your spirits up in the mix. And, then there’s a heavier vocal resonance, matching the heavy march of the drum beat, letting the guitar line wiggle and churn up the muddy melody waiting to soar as the song pushes forward. One minute of listening will have you clamoring to hear Disasterclass, but like us, you’ll have to wait until it releases on December 22nd.

Babytooth Drop Pop Rock Hit, Hey Minnow

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Give yourself a full 25 seconds to immerse yourself in this jam from Portland’s Babytooth; if you do so, you’ll be absolutely sold on their pop rock styling. Distinctive vocals toy with the modern indie fare, but that 24th second immediately sells you on the band’s promise; it brings with it this bounding energy that magically courses right through, punching you right in the teeth. Somehow, the song still manages to maintain that intimacy, as if you’re the long attendee at a secret Babytooth house show meant only for you. You can feel a bit of an edge waiting to get out here, and I think if you spend some time with the group’s self-titled LP, you’ll find exactly what you need. Babytooth is available today via Antiquated Future.

Corvair Share Moon Was a Bowl Video

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Over yonder in Portland, Corvair have quietly been making a name for themselves as masters of great pop tunes. The duo are set to release Bound to Be next Friday, so they’ve offered up one more little treat that should have you on board. There’s a steady brood to the group’s pop vibes, particularly in this song, almost as if its just quietly creeping through your speakers. But, when they hit the chorus, there’s this shimmer, this glowing ember of melody that you just can’t shake; it opens up the track into this wider expanse that keeps me coming back. Bound to Be drops June 23rd, so you’ve been warned!

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