Infectious Pop from Who Is She

Surely this is going to be the hottest release of the year, am I right? Part Chastity Belt, part Lisa Prank, Part Tacocat…Who Is She are all parts awesome. Yesterday the trio dropped this bouncing number on the world, and it’s going to be hard for you not to give it a spin, even if you’ve already done so. Honestly, this seems like the group took the remnants of garage rock, shined it up and made it fun again. They’ll be releasing a Seattle Gossip, their newest LP, on October 6th via Father Daughter Records.

Check Out This New Track from The Effects

Tomorrow morning you’ll be able to go to your local record shop and grab Eyes to the Light, the new effort from The EFFECTS. Before you grab it, here’s one more song to get you in the mood. We start off in an almost post-prog world, then the groove enters, pulsing with emphatic drum hits to keep the pacing. I love how there’s this dance sentiment…not like club dancing, but the free form that comes with sharp chords that almost come across like keyboard stabs. Eventually, the track returns to the heavier side of the band, proving that the DC act can still dial in to that regional dynamism. Grab the new LP from Dischord tomorrow!

Have You Listened to Malena Zavala?

I’m loving the vibe of this new Malena Zavala track, and I’m hoping some of you will give her tunes some time. Her vocal notes during the verses are seemingly punctuated by pronounced guitar chords, but it’s the chorus that will likely win you over. It takes on that semi-angelic club hit style, airy and high in the mix. Still, when listening to this track on repeat, I marvel at the subdued vibe and the way there’s so much empty space; it really allows for that connection that makes slower vibes so meaningful. Anyways, keep an eye out on this one…something special brewing.

Another Beautiful Entry from Verandan

A few months back I brought you insider trading news that Harry Kane’s favorite label Soliti Music would be releasing a new EP from Verandan. Today, there’s a sprawling collage opus to enhance your day, cerebrally. There’s a huge usage of negative space, drawing the emotion from the listener rather than forcing it upon us. I’m perhaps most captivated by the intimacy of the voice, almost like a gentle whisper shared solely for me…reminds me a lot of the sorely missed Gravenhurst. Take a moment of your day to make it better all around; look for the EP on October 9th.

Fun Ditty from Deep State

These days it seems like the best way to kickstart your day is with an energetic number, so just sit down in your chair and turn up this Deep State tune. The tones of the guitar from the start indicate a slight nod towards a more post-punk vibe, though the band eventually moves into a spunkier bit of folk pop. The exuberance is crystal clear, but I feel as this is one of the long lost tunes Built to Spill crafted on the back end of Nothing Wrong with Love. The group’s on tour right now, with a stop in Austin at Electric Church this evening!

Fresh Track from Hello Paris

I still can’t find too much information on Hello Paris, though I’m excited to see the project working with Beko, a label I respect greatly. The two new tunes on this EP are pretty great, with one offering this dark post-punk vibe and the other taking more of a progressive pop perspective that dances around your ears. “Into the Deep Misunderstanding” has these great guitar notes, familiar to many, yet taking on their own mannerisms as propulsive drum loops work behind and the vocals fade atop the track. Just sit back, listen to some escapist pop music that’s, honestly, not like too many things you’ll hear the rest of the week.

Japanese Bedroom Pop from The Sky Mata

There are some labels that go above and beyond to unearth gems, and those familiar with Jigsaw Records will surely give the label its due in that regard. Today they just dropped two delicious bits of bedroom pop from Japan’s The Sky Mata…though the tracks are from a bit ago. The project just dropped a brand new album (the band’s 3rd) in August, so check that out; however, our focus should be on revisiting the First Album, which is seeing a reissue via Jigsaw, and deservedly so. It’s an album filled with these quirky elements of pop you’re not likely to find in your mainstream listening. Go check out the whole album below…and grab it from the label HERE.

Brooding Number from the Prids

Portland’s the Prids open their latest single with an ominous building of tones. But, don’t let that fool you, as they turn towards a glimmering pop bent once they reach the song’s chorus. It completely allows the band to walk the fine line between post-punk sensationalism and indiepop…perhaps post-pop? Whatever it is, the production is great throughout; I love how the guitar chords seem so faint, yet so present. Still, it’s all about that great chorus. This song features on the band’s new album, Do I Look Like I’m In Love, but you can also catch them out on the road with our faves, PoBPaH.

Jangling Pop from The Treasures of Mexico

We all swooned when Bob Collins and Mark Matthews of The Dentists fame dropped Holding Pattern as The Treasures of Mexico for Shelflife back in 2015, so I’m happily welcoming their energetic new single. It’s got just enough jangle, just enough ringing of guitars to grab my ears, but the push from the rhythm section really makes the song kick. Amidst it all, the vocals are direct and warm, and while the “crawling back to me” line could easily be for a loved one, I’m holding out reservations for some sly animal adoration hit. Regardless, hearing this song just makes you feel like the world is headed in the right direction. I’ll keep you posted on more new as we near the release of the group’s second LP.

Another Entry from Kurt Vile and Courtney Barnett

Still trying to figure out why this album isn’t titled Kurt and Courtney, but I suppose Lotta Sea Lice will suffice for now. The song below is a great one, though I’m sure that we all figured combining the prowess of these two great songwriters would be as such. Still, I’m drawn to the endearing quality of the video, with both artists being filmed in their everyday lives on their respective sides of the pond. It drives home the sentiment of the bond between two intercontinental friends playing great music, while also driving home the fact that all our favorite artists are just regular old folks. Look for the release on October 13th via Matador Records.

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