This is fine.
Cincinnati’s four piece act, The Ophelias, have obliged us by taking some time out to fill out our SXSW questionnaire. If you’re not on the up and up, the band released their well-regarded album, Almost, last summer, and it’s probably something you should have in your record collection (it’s in mine). Thanks to Spencer for taking the time out to answer our questions. Read more
You can’t say I didn’t warn you, as I’ve had Melby on my radar for some time, but today might be the day that they appear on everyone else’s! The announcement of None of This Makes Me Worry brings a bright new single that, for me, clearly shows the band as this sublime pop force that don’t look to be slowing down. The song is this broad sweeping number, filled with this sense of restrained bombast…and some night nods of musicianship splashed throughout. This might be the best thing to come out of Stockholm this year, which we all know is great praise. Look for the band’s debut on April 12th via Rama Lama Records.
I always try to keep up with what’s hip over in Scandinavia, as witnessed by my undying love for Finland’s Soliti Records. Today, however, I’m turning my head over to Norway and the band Kongle. They came with a reference to Dungen, which I suppose I can hear, though it feels like there’s a heavier lean towards expansive pop maneuvers; it’s less prog/psych, so it’s all about melodies. That, of course, doesn’t mean the musicianship isn’t spot on, with the recording coming off like a super-tight live band. Their new LP, Skogen, will be released on April 5th.
Jackie Mendoza is here today with her responses to our SXSW questionnaire. She’s signed with Luminelle Recordings, the label run by GvsB, so you know that she’s going to have a huge year, as Chris has long been one of the premiere taste-makers. Check out what she had to say! Read more
One of my favorite albums from 2018 was the latest release from The Lovely Sparrows; I think it came too late in the year to catch everyone’s attention, but with this new video, perhaps we can encourage you to give it a look-see. The video alone is pretty special, relying upon still images in the stop-motion format. But, please keep your ears perked to the majesty of this track; I love the light stick work in place of louder percussive elements; the way the guitar chords jump out when needed gets me every time. Oh, and those harmonies make me swoon! Grab the Shake the Shadows LP HERE. Oh…and the band will also be playing a very special SXSW show, put on by us and Side One Track One…check out the lineup HERE.
There’s less than a month until SXSW hits, and so we’re going working to get all these interviews up, so you can be an informed consumer. Today we’re sharing our chat with Weakened Friends, fresh off the release of Common Blah late last year. They currently have me wondering what on Earth a mommy carwash is? Can my wife go? These are things you and I both need to know! Read more
It’s not too often that we really dwell in the realm of reissues; they always seem a cash grab for labels and what not. But, our friend over at Citrus City has a few forthcoming reissues that beg your attention.
First up is Shindigs Like So/Summa! Goddess! double cassette. It’s this wonderfully dreamy bit of indiepop, which makes perfect sense as Beejay Budan has both the influence of his home in the Philippines and San Diego…so you get a little sharp pop with sunny Cali warmth. This tune below will definitely be playing on all the boomboxes this summer.
The other reissue is for Boyscott, who self-released their Goose Bumps LP back in 2015. But, the great thing about brilliant pop music is that it never gets old; this album feels really relevant musically, so jam the whole thing here below.
I wonder if people are overlooking Murray Lightburn because he led the Dears…one of the many great Canadian acts everyone adored in the 00s. If that’s the case, then they’re surely missing out on something truly special, as Murray’s composition here illustrates what a great craftsman can accomplish. His guitar playing is almost hushed, letting it sort of ride on the back of his vocals; it allows him to really pull at every emotion within you as his voice billows through your speakers. This is a timeless classic, and it’s only just dropped; excuse me while I go press play one more time (or ten, probably). Look for Hear Me Out via Dangerbird this Friday. Also, because it seems like everyone is…Murray will be in town with his brilliant voice for SXSW.
Benedict Benjamin, formerly of Peggy Sue, has a new album coming out in May of this year, and he’s letting us all have a nice little peak at what’s to come our way this Spring. It starts with this rolling stomp from the percussion, allowing the track to sort of gallop its way towards the listener. For his part, Benedict carries the high pitched tones with such warmth that it feels as if you’ve been covered in a heavy blanket. Plus, slight little elements uplift the track, moving it into this more progressive brand of indie rock; you’ll have to give it a close ear. Look for Truant to pop up in a few months.
Last summer, Vital Idles quietly released Left Hand; I’m not sure it got the appreciation it deserved in my neck of the woods. But, perhaps the sharpness of their new EP will put folks in the US on notice that they’re an outfit to keep an eye upon in the future, if not today. The bass line bounces the listener into the song as muted guitar riffs await the full barrage of the rest of the group; here, the band walk that fine line between minimalist pop and post-punk. I love how the lyrics are stretched over several chords in their delivery, though they do grow more frantic; that all culminates in a closing moment of discord for the last 45 seconds, with the band acting out just a wee bit more. They release their new EP on March 8th via Upset the Rhythm.
