Hearts and Rockets Share Clown Town

Melbourne’s Hearts and Rockets are no stranger here at ATH, and with a brand new single and 7″ out there in the world, seems like the perfect time to revisit the duo. For me, there’s really two reasons to love the band: self-described bratwave and hooks. Listening to Kalindy’s vocals gives you this growling sharpness, most likely aligned with early riotgrrrl performances; I love that sort of bite, tying into my youth. But, I also love great hooks, and this track doesn’t miss out there, tossing a heavy pulse from the rhythm that immediately gets your heart racing. If you’re tapping your toes and bobbing along, perhaps you grab that new 7″ split with Skink Tank.

Spritely Indiepop from The Tree House Melodies

A ways back we tossed up this really great single from The Boys with the Perpetual Nervousness, and now we bring you the joyous B-side track from their split 7″ with The Tree House Melodies. Every time I listen to this track, I keep thinking this is what Teenage Fanclub would sound like if they never used a distortion pedal again. It’s got a slight bit of bounce in the lightly jangling guitars, and the voice seems to hold onto this sense of longing. All together it carries this understated power-pop vibe, giving you a sense of a fireside chat with one of your favorite artists. You’re going to want to get your hands on this new 7″ from Pretty Olivia Records.

Stream the Black Beach/Nice Guys Split 7″

It’s high time I get back on the rock n’ roll saddle, and what better way than to share this Split 7″ between Nice Guys and Black Beach. On the Nice Guys side of things, you have the band blasting out this frantic punk rock, akin to The Reatards; it’s so energetic you feel like the band’s always on the edge of losing themselves…in the best way possible. “Pissin Dirty” is my favorite of their four tracks. Flip it over and you’ve got Black Beach. They offer up slightly longer songs, with an unabashed sense of smashing through your speakers. That being said, they also have some delicate chords like those that appear in “Fever Dreamin,” going along nicely with the balance between abrasive howls. Burner Records will release the 7″ tomorrow…don’t be scared, rock n’ roll is good for ya.

New Split 7″ from The Luxembourg Signal/Soft Science

testpatternThe key to discovering great new music, or being reminded of bands you love is to stay close and follow your friends (even if they’re only Internet friends–don’t buy into the hype!). Lucky for me, I troll some great people, which is how I got pointed in the right direction of this Luxembourg Signal/Soft Science split 7″. I’ve actually covered both bands before, but it’s hard to keep up with everyone, so I’m glad this came to my attention. Luxembourg Signal offer up a great dreamy pop tune for their side, filling 4+ minutes with ringing distorted guitar and melody. Soft Science take a slightly janglier approach, though still in the same vein, it’s got a completely different feel…it all leaves you feeling quite well about the world. The 7″ is now available through Test Pattern Records!

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Soulful Swagger from The She’s

shesRegardless of where you are, Friday’s can be a drag. You’re almost to the weekend, but it’s not quite there; you need something to pick you up? Listen to this single from The She’s that just got tossed out. There’s a little bit of a garage-rock boogie going on, though you can still hear some soulful vocal touches that you’d expect from only the best in the genre. It’s pretty tough not to tap your toes and get down with this little jam. This number appears on the band’s Split 7″ with Dry Spells, which is being released by Empty Cellar Records on November 20th.

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New Tunes on Emotional Response Records

erThe great thing about the vinyl boom is it seems like everyone’s out there making music, and even more people are out there to release it for them. Still, with some many boutique labels, you’ve got to really search for the right place to release music, or even to buy it. One of those labels that I’ve gravitated towards is Emotional Response Records. They’ve just announced two brand new Split 7″s, and I love them both equally, though for separate reasons. I’m absolutely stuck on Oakland Health Academy (members of Boyracer, American Culture) and their track; it’s featured below and I’d love for someone to deny the power in that song…the feedback on the guitars comes in all the right places. They split the 7″ with Heavy Pet. But, another release is the Enemy Anemone/Cougar Vox Split 7″. That EA track is just this joyous blast of pop music, completed in an endearing ramshackle fashion. Bounce = fun. Stream the songs below, and grab the vinyl from Emotional Response.

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Fresh Coathangers Jam

CoathangersWhat? A new jam from the Coathangers hits and you think I won’t post it? Well, you’re wrong. This new single comes as the opposite side of the band’s split with Black Lips, which we ran a bit ago. It’s definitely on par with some of the better songs the group has written of late; it’s got a pounding rhythm section, sliding guitar squalls and a bratty attitude that lets you know these ladies aren’t messing around. That new 7″ Split is going to come out on November 13th courtesy of the good folks over at Suicide Squeeze. They’ve also got an ATX date (as well as others) lined up for October, so keep a look out.

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Black Lips Give Us a Ditty

blacklipsI’ve always enjoyed the Black Lips, but I have to admit, sometimes their ramshackle approach can make a full length listen difficult. Surely this new track exemplifies the band’s knack for wrapping their sound around warm melodies; it’s almost just a jangling folk pop tune…and that’s definitely fine by me. Perhaps it’s unexpected in the long run of their musical approach, but looking forward it might offer a glimpse at where the band is going. We get to hear this number on a new 7″ with my favorite ladies, The Coathangers, when they release a double-sided split on November 13th via Suicide Squeeze Records.

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Washer Blasts Out a Hit

washedoutI was immediately hooked on this new Washer single; it’s got discordant guitars ringing in your ear, but the vocal is what really got me into the tune.  There’s a familiarity in it, almost like early Braid, but then it takes on a scratchy yell to add some emphasis towards the end.  In less than two-minutes the band packs a huge punch to your eardrums, but they don’t stick around long enough to wear you out.  This tune’s definitely winning me over, which encourages me to pick up the band’s Split EP with Flagland when it hits on May 5th.

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Energetic Rocker from These Arms Are Snakes

these-arms-are-snakesPickings are slim at the record stores this week, unless you’re grabbing some leftovers from mini-Record Store Day.  But, one thing I want to pick up is this new 7″ featuring These Arms are Snakes.  For one, the group covers The Lost Sounds, which is one of those acts I wish people still cared about.  On the other hand, the flip side of the 7″ has a cover of the Gun Club by Coathangers, who I’ve been obsessing about all year.  Both songs, or covers, are right up my alley, so you can be sure that this will be in my little nerdy tote bag when I leave the shop.  Will it be in yours?

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