Fresh Indiepop from Skittle Alley

We’ve been teased with demos and album covers, but now we finally get to hear new Skittle Alley (thanks to IPSML for the heads-up). It almost immediately meets my expectations, offering up that slight jangling, circular guitar before bringing in softened vocals. I’m particularly excited by how the second guitar line joins up a little way in, bringing in another layer and added spirit to an already delightful tune. Their new album, End of a Story, comes out on the 18th of April, and I feel confident in saying that it’s going to jump to the head of the pack…as far as indiepop releases go!

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More New Music from H Hawkline

I hope you’re not tired of hearing me go on and on about H. Hawkline, as I’m going to continue with his latest single. In the opening seconds of this tune, there’s definitely a nice little Television guitar vibe, yet, Hawkline’s playful vocal display keeps you coming back. He’s got great control on this one, whether he’s channeling a hip crooner or hitting those high notes. It’s always nice when you hear an artists coming across with their own distinctive sound, and that’s the vibe I’ve been getting from these singles. I Romanticize will hit on June 2nd via Heavenly Recordings.

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Check Out Quicksilver Daydream

It’s always good to find something new come across the Internet, especially when the vibes are something quite familiar, such as this track from Quicksilver Daydream. It’s the project of Adam Lytle who spends time in Wild Leaves, but this adventure seems to have a more nostalgic leaning. It definitely harkens back to the tradition of psychedelia, back when it was just moving into the mainstream. Still, I think my favorite part comes when Lytle takes on the chorus; there’s a pop sensibility that supersedes any musical nods. Look for Echoing Halls to hit on June 16th.

Elf Power Takes Me Back

Way back in the day, and by that I mean about 15 years ago, I always had Elf Power in my listening rotation. Somehow, they drifted a bit, or I drifted a bit, but on their new single, it’s really taking me back…might have to crack open my CD storage. While the track opens with this ornate bit of piano, vocals join in to carry the beauty. Suddenly, you’re halted, distortion rings atop the piano and the song grows fuzzy, matching the track’s video portrayal. And then, done. Quick substance, quick hit, then back to the next track. This is how I fell in love with the band, and I’m ready to do so all over again. Their new album, Twitching in Time will be released on May 12th via Orange Twin.

Super Single from Hers

Her’s are quickly becoming a new favorite of mine, and now they’re dropping another tune for you to enjoy. In contrast to the immediate infectiousness of “Speed Racer,” this new track takes a moment to turn on the charm, but believe you me, its every bit as enjoyable. The quick vocal turn during the chorus of “I’ll try for you” is perfectly charming, and definitely holds a certain British flare. They’ll be releasing their new collection, Songs of Her’s via Heist or Hit Records on May 12th…so I’ll definitely be in line to grab it.

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Magia Negra Pop Up on Slack Capital 2

Slack Capital 2 is a compilation of music by 27 of the greatest bands in Austin. All proceeds from the comp go to SafePlace, which provides support for victims of domestic and sexual violence. We’re unveiling one song per day until the the release party on April 14.

Song of the day: Magia Negra — “Human”

Inhabiting a slightly more romantic version of the warped slow-pop of Mac DeMarco, Magia Negra is led by Lolita Carroll, who has a distinctively emotional voice, calm but pleading. “Please forgive me/ I’m not worthy” goes the opening couplet, in which Carroll inhabits a place of sincere regret, of earnest feeling. “Human,” though it moves slowly, has a certain groove to it, and even a little playfulness, thanks to a wobbly guitar and heartbeat drums on the chorus. Music is full of songs about outrage and retribution, but it is perhaps more brave to write a song about admitting one’s failures, and facing them head-on. Carroll says simply she is just “a kind of simple human being”–with all the complexities that that phrase ironically implies– and that admission is something that all of us can aspire to. –Eric Braden

Pre-Order Slack Capital 2 HERE.

Join us Friday at Barracuda for the Release Party!

New Music from Hello Paris

There’s not too much info out there on Hello Paris, but that’s part of the joy of discovery, is it not? The band are offering up this carefully crafted pop that probably could fall under the dreamy genre. Guitars drift into the air, then they just hang there, lightly dangling as the vocals soothingly drape across the mix. They’ve got a couple of other tunes on their Soundcloud, but other than that, I don’t have anything on the band…just an enjoyable tune for you to drift off into this Monday.

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New Songs for Walter

Songs for Walter came onto my radar some time ago, but in this latest release, it sounds like he’s gearing up for even more enchanting folk-influenced tunes. There’s something lighthearted in his vocal delivery on this run, though the chorus pulls back on it just a bit to give off a slight touch of differentiation. I really like the recordings of this tune too, as there’s so much filling in behind Laurie’s voice, be it strings or the careful strum of guitars; it’s less intimate in a sense than some of his previous tunes, but so much more powerful in its presentation. Give a listen, won’t you.

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Digging QTY and Their New Tune

I’m not always sold on duos; sometimes the sound just feels a little too hollow. But, in the case of New York’s QTY, they’re doing alright by me. They open up their latest tune with a pleasant little folk-ish vocal, reminiscent of Duchess and the Duke stylings. Then, the guitars get plugged in, pedals push and the band rock out for the chorus in emphatic style. They take the upped energy and jam out as the track draws to a close…and there’s nothing hollow in that end. Look for this track on the group’s new 7″, popping up on April 28th via Dirty Hit.

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Missed This Michael Nau Tune

Waking up on Monday’s always tough, and while usually I enjoy something upbeat, I think this Michael Nau tune will do the trick for us all. There’s something so simplistic in it, yet such is the craft of great pop music. He delivers a steady vocal during the various verses, but during the chorus, he raises the ante when he sings “every light that ever was,” filling it with a distant backing vocal that jumps into your ears as does the music. For me, I’m regretting that I’ll be stuck working for the next few months with no vacation, as this stretched number would be perfect for driving onto the horizon as the sun just begins to set. His new effort Some Twist will be out June 16th via Suicide Squeeze.

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