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Ah Springtime…the time of year when there are so many records coming out that you don’t even know where to begin listening…or at least that’s how we see it here at the ATH. So, why not try and give you a little bit of guidance to find a record that’s perfect for you to enjoy…maybe even an idea of what it sounds like to go along with our guidance?
If I had to encourage you to grab one single record in the month of May, might I fully put my weight behind Lightheaded. They offered up the Good Good Great EP late last year, blending it bits of indiepop and 60s doo-wop, but this go round, they sound like they’re working to take an indiepop nod towards the Grateful Dead…though maybe that’s just me that hears a springier version of “Uncle John’s Band” in here. While they clearly have nostalgic tastes, their recipe of bridging those influences into something refreshing and exuberant make their sound all the more welcoming. They’re offering up a modern bridge to the past, and Combustible Gems is surely going to be high upon the list of records we’re clamoring to get our hands on here; it’s out May 17th via Slumberland.
The announcement of a brand new Neutrals record is the sort of news I welcome with wide-open arms and a huge grin. You see, the Oakland outfit fronted by Allan MacNaughton have crafted a brand of jangling old school power pop that very few, if any, are capable of pulling off…as you’ll see listening below. The guitar style has that sharpness that seemingly mutes the jangular approach, giving it a bit more bounce and edge, a la the Television Personalities. They’ll get that nod more than one though, as I’m sure Allan’s voice/delivery will pull in some Dan Treacy comparisons; he has this matter-of-fact delivery that almost seems like he’s toying with you. This particular tune also gets some nice soft undertones from Lauren Matsui (also of Seablite), adding in a layer of cool that only makes my need to hear this whole LP even greater! New Town Dream is out on May 31st via Slumberland Records/Static Shock Records.
We’ve already been gifted the opening track from the new Lunchbox LP, and the band follow it up appropriately with the album’s second track. This track displays the true power of pop, as the tune works efficiently with a stomp and clanging tambourines; the vocals are delivered in this matching moment that seeks to meet up with the march. Still, further success lays in the chorus, hinting at a slightly more melodious moment, then it gets buoyed by some additional horn arrangements. Catchy and cool, you’re going to want to dip your toes in the proverbial pop waters below; Slumberland Records will release Pop and Circumstance on May 10th.
As avowed fans of The Reds, Pinks and Purples, it’s our joy to encourage you to listen to the opening track from the new LP, Unwishing Well. When I first listened to this one, I was really impressed with Glenn’s vocal work; it still has that softness that makes his craft so charming, but there’s a bit of rawness here too. In a sense, the vocals almost feel pained, like he’s struggling as he narrates a story of humanity’s decline. Don’t get me wrong, you still get those sharp guitar lines throughout, with a bit of oceanic fuzz built into the back half. Offers a different glimpse into what we can expect when Unwishing Well drops on April 12th via Slumberland/Tough Love.
We were floored when we first latched onto Lightheaded; they had this indiepop sensibility with a nostalgic girl-group charm. Today, that sentiment grows, as they seem to be furthering their sound, albeit with all the same charms as their early work. It’s quite difficult to really get into the norm-core descriptors; there’s a bit of paisely jangling going on, but sort of an art-pop croon that wouldn’t be out of reach from a Nico or Mary Weiss comparison. Still, even in that artistic realm, there’s an element of joyousness that seems to naturally seep through the craft, making it difficult to turn away from all their work has to offer. Prepare yourself for Combustible Gems, which is out on May 17th via Slumberland Records.
Seems like just yesterday that Lunchbox dropped the most excellent After School Special, and today it seems like another batch of hits is on the way; they announced their new LP Pop and Circumstance today. Opening with a blast of horn work and thundering drums, the song has a jangling undercurrent that sets up the group’s pop drive. When the vocals come in, they’re delivered casually, using backing vocals to layer on a bit more melody; the horns continue to punctuate the song, blasting pop notes right through your speakers. It’s a short jaunt, but one that carries a dose of pop sharpness that might surprise. Pop and Circumstance drops May 10th via Slumberland.
If you follow the Oakland scene or Slumberland or just good pop music, then you’ve likely already penciled in the release of Torrey‘s new LP. Today we get another addition to their story, with “Moving” dropping a bit more dissonance into the picture. Just spending time with the guitar sounds might have you a bit uneasy; they seem to reverberate in the speakers, but almost as if they’re stuck, leaving you in a bit of a disoriented listening state. Still, there’s textured layers of atmospheric melody that allow you focus on the band’s pop sensibility once you’ve returned to your senses. The band drop their self-titled LP via Slumberland on March 8th.
If you’re coming to this site to discover a new song or be reminded of a favorite act you’ve missed, then you’re likely going to find yourself in love with the new single from the Reds, Pinks & Purples. “Learning to Love a Band” can be seen as a track from both sides, as a fan fawning over their favorite act or as a person stepping into a new musical project. Either way, the subject matter is spot on for our site, and the musical element…the smooth softness of Glenn’s voice, the understated melody…you’ve been here before, and you loved the coziness, so feel free to learn to love this band all over. The new LP, Unwishing Well, will drop on April 12th via Slumberland/Tough Love.
Have you pre-ordered your Torrey LP from Slumberland Records left? I can’t imagine they have too many left, particularly if you listen to their latest single. Their latest video plays right into their style, offering up images of water and waves, washing over a beautiful red ball, much like their music has this heavy wash of distortion and noise that cleanses you, leaving behind this beautiful beating heart of pop adoration. You could easily see them slide right into lineups featuring Alvvays and the like, then blowing everyone right off stage. It’s the perfect balance, and in that, they become the perfect band to weather any storm in your life. Sink into their sounds and go grab their self-titled LP, out on March 8th. And if you love the songwriting…there’s an added bonus as member Ryann Gonsalves also has an LP on the way of solo crafts–more info HERE.
