Tag: royal oakie

Strange Pilgrim Share Late Light

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Taking a moment from writing about all the weirdo records coming out today to encourage you to keep your eyes out on the future Strange Pilgrim record, as they announce Too Bright Planet today. When jamming this new single (and their recent Embers EP), they’ve taken sort of a folk-influenced americana, and moved into the territory of fog (or rain since they’re from Portland) pop, which ends up putting it into that kind of cosmic dreaminess. This one even includes some appropriate noodling, where musicianship gets put on display before wrapping you up in a warm blanket. Keep your eyes out for the new LP; it drops in September via Royal Oakie.

Strange Pilgrim Release Embers

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Nearly a full three years ago, Strange Pilgrim dropped their debut self-titled LP, but, like all things, a little bit of time gives you perspective, so they went back and revisited some of these tunes, releasing them on a new EP titled Embers. I’ve really taken to the number below, which was the opening tune on their debut; they go full on into the foggy pop that reminded me of the Clientele. A carefully buzzing keyboard and some beach-like instrumentation only makes the song a bit deeper, leaving a lot of space for those vocals to really sink into your skin. And man, the line of “I should have said I loved/more than I did” just crushes me every time. Embers is available now via Royal Oakie.

Curling Drop New Single

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Admittedly, this new Curling single’s been out for a week or so, but there’s definitely no reason to skip over this striking A side single, and it’s accompanying B-side. Their style on this single hits at sort of a mixture of softened indie rock, though spun with a certain sense of longing that’s super thrilling; there’s something about it that feels very late 90s, like a lot of bands stepping out of those post-emo shadows into more ornate indie rock. Listen for those really crisp high notes that span throughout various moments on the track, and each time it hits, I’m just crushed. The new single comes at you via Royal Oakie.

Donald Beaman Announces Fog on Mirror Glass

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Wanted to start today with something personal and pensive, and I couldn’t quite think of anything more fitting than this new track from Donald Beaman. Today he announces Fog on Mirror Glass, and the accompanying single below seems a study in patience and voice. In the strumming path, the notes have this resonation that seems almost mantra-like, hanging close in tonality whereby it almost feels as if it becomes a spiritual chant all on its own. Still, Beaman has this blanketing warmth in his own voice, building in another layer of texture that feels tied to the earth. Fog on Mirror Glass is out June 14th via Royal Oakie.

Curling Ready Deluxe No Guitar Edition

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No Guitar came out in the latter half of last year, but it seems like Curling weren’t entirely happy with that, as they’re now prepping a deluxe edition courtesy of Royal Oakie. This new edition offers a few instrumentals and a single edit of “Shamble,” which we’ve got down below. When this rendition kicks off, there’s this swell of vibrant sunbeams. But, roll those windows down, get in your car and go for a drive, because the track drops right into classic power pop, letting sharp guitar riffs twinkle and twist in the wind. Those melodic vocals are definitely there to carry the track, and the huge wall behind only sets you up for the perfect swoon. If you’re digging, the No Guitar Deluxe Edition is out March 1st.

Royal Oakie Shares Greatest Hits of 2023

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We covered a lot of ground in 2023, or so I like to think. And, while we were able to look back with our end of year coverage, Oakland label Royal Oakie opted to go their own way by dropping a Greatest Hits of 2023 collection, which features this really solid tune from Michael James Tapscott (among others like Half Stack and Jeff Moller). Listening, you’ll hear the rolling hills of Texas, with the twisting and turning of the guitars riding through backroads; Tapscott’s vocals have a friendly warmth too, carrying that fireside chat aura that makes everyone feel welcome. It’s a great way to hear what the label did last year, and keep an eye out for what they’ve got coming in 2024!

Half Stack Share Burnt Single

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While there’s a fogginess that’s swept over the Oakland scene, in a certain musical sense, Half Stack are bringing something a little bit different. They’ve got a little Southern boogie to their sound, and the vocals feel neighborly. I just imagine like a J Mascis figure inviting me over to a BBQ of some sort. Still, there’s definitely a slow burn of Cali sun shining through your speakers here, which is down to the way the riffs have this sort of understated fieriness to them…well, that and the way the male and female vocalists intertwine. Sitting Pretty is out October 6th via Forged Artifacts/Royal Oakie.

Debut Single from Holy Matter

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It makes complete sense to me that Holy Matter is based in Los Angeles…and no, not referencing the track’s name (not entirely). Their sound has this cinematic quality to it, quickly drawing you into its depths with this sort of hazy pulse that wraps around the inside of your ears. But, at the 52 second mark, the scene changes and the texture is added to the track, blossoming into this heavy psychedelic wash that feels as if you’ve been transported back in time to find yourself sitting in some seedy living room filled with smoke and scenesters mesmerized by the performance. This track is the debut single from Leanna Kaiser’s project, courtesy of Royal Oakie.

Evan Myall Shares Forever Mine Video

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Evan Myall has spent the better part of the last decade in Sleepy Sun, but we’re here to focus on his solo work today, as he readies the release of a new LP in May. It’s a pretty gentle pop ballad, working with a steady bounce from the drum beat and a nice melodic vocal that winds its way around the instrumentation. I loved that the string arrangements, building in the song’s lushness, came in almost instantly; they gave the song this depth and elegance that permeates through its entirety. His self-titled album is being released on May 8th via Royal Oakie.

 

Catch Up on Sugar Candy Mountain

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shuggaOne of the end of year LPs that really caught me was Sugar Candy Mountain; it hit just as went on our little holiday break, and I’ve been steadily to Mystic Hits every since.  It takes the standard sound of modern psychedelic music, then adds touches of pop structures to make every track on the LP successful.  The listen sort of makes me wish we were enjoying some warm weather, but at least we have these tunes to help do the trick.  You can grab the LP from Royal Oakie as we speak.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/sugarcandymountain_soakupthecity.mp3]

Download: Sugar Candy Mountain – Soak Up the City [MP3]

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