Last Week’s Jams (1.30 – 2.3)

This whole 2023 thing has been quite a shit show from those at the ATH offices: forced server changes, loss of electricity, loss of Internet (still!), and we’re old! But, we keep pushing on, as there’s still plenty of great tunes for you to cover and enjoy. It was good to hear that our old pal Jana Horn has a new LP on the way; she’s been one of my favorite voices forever. I think my favorite jam of the week came from the latest single from Roller Derby…with a video that has lots of nods to Austin and their journey to SXSW last year. Plus, Elephant 6 added the Rishis to their roster, so be sure to give a listen. Label of the week clearly goes to Slumberland with more Frankie Rose and new Reds, Pinks and Purples. I aim to hopefully have more tunes up this week! But enjoy a quick journey through what we loved last week!

Roller Derby Share Always On My Mind Video

If you recall last year’s SXSW recap, you might remember me harping on the work of Roller Derby. The young German outfit are in the midst of finishing up their debut LP, and with that, they’re teasing us with this incredible single. This tune is precisely why I love the act; they bring in this knack for huge choruses and boast powerful vocal work from Philine. Plus, you won’t ever hear me arguing with the jangling guitar work throughout; it’s the sort that gets you jumping about joyously, like the folks you’ll see in this video! Still, it would be easy for the band to circle back through verse/chorus/verse/chorus, but they don’t!. There’s this beautiful breakdown just after the two minute mark before the group dance right back into the hooks! Can’t wait to hear this band’s LP!

Last Week’s Jams, Today (11.7 – 11.11)

Looks like folks are finally waking up to the fact that the year doesn’t have to end just because people toss up some arbitrary judgment list; there were so many rad tunes dropping last week that we didn’t even have time to get them all up. RayRay ran some premieres for Tearing Up and Sunfruits, while I was super ecstatic to get a new Roller Derby tune. We also got to run a really great Rock n’ Recipes with Heather Trost just before her album dropped. Plus, Austin was repping, with a brilliant new tune from Half Dream, and Zero Percent APR dropping their new LP. Give it all a listen and let us know which is your fave!

Roller Derby Share Say How Come Video

I covered a lot of ground at least year’s SXSW, and one of the band’s that absolutely knocked it out of the park was Germany’s Roller Derby. I’d been super high on the band before their show, but their latest single illustrates the group continuing to perfect their pop sound. Here you get the comforting tones from Philine Meyer’s voice, hanging out there almost like a more earnest Nico; it’s a great performance, and one that’s sure to captivate. Still, the band has refined their sound, allowing the chorus to represent the powerful punch, while the verses toy with the dreamier vibes. Hopefully this new single means we’ve got a new LP on the horizon.

Roller Derby Share Starry Eyed Single

When browsing through the SXSW list, I always go after the foreign bands coming overseas, as they don’t always get a chance to return. Checking that list, that’s how I was reintroduced to Germany’s Roller Derby, offering this buoyant dream pop, pulsing from beneath the song’s surface. Phline Meyer’s vocals have this sort of sparkling indifference, or perhaps that calmed cool that makes you want to know all her secrets; it adds a nice layer to the tune as the single dances around with jittering guitar notes. And, if you’re looking to be charmed, then don’t shy away from the beautiful chorus the band bring forth in this track. Definitely a rad band to keep in mind!

Last Week’s Jams, Today (August 16 – 20)

Let’s start off Monday right, sneaking right in with a great track from the latest Flowertown LP. The rest of our playlist is pretty solid too, as there were some jams last week. I’ll admit I kind of feel like too many people are sleeping on Cindy still, so be sure to check out their latest single in this weeks hits. Plus, it’s great to hear our friends Letting Up Despite Great Faults drop right back in where they left off years ago. Ease into Monday with a playlist of jams we were digging last week…and have a decent day.

Roller Derby Shares Whatever Works

We’re working towards the weekend, yea? Well, I love to maybe sort of slink my way into with a sultry bit of pop, like this charming number from German band Roller Derby. It would certainly be hard to listen to Phline Meyer’s voice and not draw similarities to the likes of Alvvays or Camera Obscura. I love how those vocals seem perfectly matched up to the dreamier churn of the vocals that keep creeping through my speakers here. Oh, and you think they don’t know how to be playful? Just wait ’til the song’s latter half when those handclaps come join the fray to keep us all bobbing are heads.