Tag: self-titled album

Chitinous Mandible Share Summertime Drive

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How does one develop the soundtrack to the perfect “Summertime Drive?” I mean, we all have our different expectations, but in the case of Tom Herman Jr, perhaps he turned to road trips with his father, who plays drums on the tune here. The vibe here almost seems to be one of American nostalgia, albeit one through a slightly psychedelic lens. In both the video footage and this track, there’s this natural feel of exploration and wonder, like we’re all constantly stumbling upon new lessons as we hit the road ourselves. So, you owe it to yourself to discover what Tom and his father have built for you on this slow burning psych trip. Look for a self-titled album from Chitinous Mandible on June 30th.

Introducing Colored Lights

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Over the past dozen years or so, I’ve been covering the music of Frode Stromstad, one of the key songwriters in I Was a King/The No Ones. Today, news came our way that Frode has a new project titled Colored Lights, and we’re more than happy to share the first little taste of what’s in store. Personally, I can’t escape the familiarity of Frode’s voice; it seems to sit perfectly in this song, like a small little boat casually resting atop the water as the song ripples through your speakers. Emotional impact is almost immediate, matching up the light strum and percussion with Stromstad’s voice…and then it’s gone, fading away with a gentle bit of noise exploration. The band will release their self-titled LP via Bobo Integral on September 22nd.

Island of Love Share I’ve Got the Secret

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Try listening to Island of Love and imagining them as anything other than a Southern American band channeling classic alternative rock with a bit of attitude. But, the band are from London, so they’re far removed from the history of blending some of the sounds you’re going to here in their latest single, making this new drop all the more likeable. You’ll hear some of that swampy blues style in the guitar work the instant you press play, but they add in a bit of tenacity that really makes the whole of the tune seem refreshing. There’s no frills, but it’s all flare, so keep an eye out for their debut self-titled LP from Third Man Records on May 12th.

Greg Mendez Releases Two New Singles: Best Behavior + Hope You’re Doing Okay

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It seems like there are a lot of folks out there falling in love with Greg Mendez, and with these latest singles hitting today, I imagine there will be more folks digging through Mendez work. Honestly, as a blogger for the last 15 years or so, I’ve admittedly used the Elliott Smith comparison a lot, but in these two songs, the album’s final two tracks, I feel as if we’re as close as we might ever get to finding another voice so meaningful. There’s this fragility in Greg’s voice, something that just lets his words hang effortlessly in the air, waiting to find a person who needs the comfort his voice will offer. All of this is layered carefully atop a light strum, giving off that intimacy that makes you feel as if you’re in on the secret. Greg Mendez, the album, will be out on May 5th via Forged Artifacts/Devil Town Tapes.

Greg Mendez Shares Maria Single

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One record that should definitely be on your radar for the upcoming month or so is the brand new LP from Greg Mendez. I’ve been a fan of his work, and this new single has this really playful vocal delivery in the verses that almost seems too playful and charming for its own good. He spins that right into a more calmed chorus, almost whispering to the listener through the line “but then somebody said.” I don’t want to pigeonhole Greg by any means, but if you’re looking for vibes in the vein of Elliott Smith jamming in a studio session with Tony Molina’s solo work, well, then here you have it. And if you have the time, read the lyrics as you listen, as I’m still totally in love with the way he’s breaking up the syllables and the lines in the main verse section. His self-titled LP will be out on May 5th via Forged Artifacts and Devil Town Tapes.

Greg Mendez Announces Self-Titled Album

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Over the last few years, I’ve definitely enjoyed Greg Mendez‘s work, but the announcement of a new self-titled LP comes with what might be his work to date. The Philly songwriter feels like he’s taking notes from the old Elliott Smith school of songwriting, allowing the listener to imagine themselves right next to Greg as he serenades. It’s a level of intimacy that feels often imitated, but Mendez knocks it out of the park, even opting for a more low-key arrangement throughout, maintaining that DIY ethos we’re all seeking. Greg Mendez, the album, will be out via Forged Artifacts and Devil Town Tapes on May 5th.

Shake Chain Share Internet Single

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London’s Shnake Chain are getting a lot of buzz overseas, not that we’d necessarily catch all that over here. Luckily, we keep an eye out on Upset the Rhythm, so this tune felt like the perfect wake-up call for you. Musically, the song snakes its way between dangerous punk notes and pulsating bounce, allowing the notes to playfully move all around a crowd of listeners. Musically it’s right in my wheelhouse, but taking it to the next level is Kate Mahony’s performance, wiggling and gyrating through a vocal performance that almost feels like it’s coming to you live; you can feel the sinister energy, and in that, you’re sucked into the band’s sound and performance. Sounds like an angrier Duchess Says to me. Shake Chain release their self-titled LP on November 18th via Upset the Rhythm.

Cozy Slippers Share Haunting Her Single

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Think you need a pick-me-up, then I’ve got the right track to set you straight. This new Cozy Slippers single is just the perfect pop dream, and honestly, I didn’t expect such a magical tune to fall right into my lap. The crisp jangles of course fit perfect into my listening rotation, but I love the ending little solo with its classic rock flare. That said, if you’re not swooning from the vocal performance then you might want to get your speakers checked; the perfect notes getting hit remind of Neko on those early New Pornographers LPs, albeit one spun with a bit of indiepop in mind. The band release their self-titled LP via Kleine Untergrund Schallplatten/Subjangle on October 14th.

YNYS Share Nothing the Sea Doesn’t Know

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It’s funny that the email I got about YNYS mentions T. Rex in a nod to the string work on the band’s latest single, as I was just thinking there was something about Bolan lurking in the shadows of this song. There’s this bit of bravado and swagger to the performance of Dylan Hughes here, but don’t let that deceive you as this is every bit a big sweeping pop tune. From the arrangements to the backing melodies, every note seems intent upon carrying you away with huge emotions, albeit with a little bit of that effortless cool. Guess I’m just a big old sucker for pop tunes; the band release their self-titled album on November 4th via Libertino.

First Rodeo Announce Debut Self-Titled LP

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Summertime in Texas means sitting around in warm nights, sweating a bit and drinking a few beers with friends. The soundtrack to that classic night might be best suited by the latest single from First Rodeo (despite the band not actually hailing from Texas). Subtle drum work sets the tone, as the twang sets in from the guitar work, even working its way down the line to eventually erupt in a smoldering solo apt for late night jams. In the vocals you get that Americana croon, the sort that sounds forlorn and friendly all at once, particularly as syllables get stretched into melodies. Combining the two is a sure fire way to our Texas hearts over here, so pencil us in for a good old listening party when First Rodeo drops on August 5th via Forged Artifacts.

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