This is fine.
I’ve spent the last few days listening to this new EP from MOMS; it’s a twisted turn on bedroom pop, with hints of early Ariel Pink and modern psychedelic nods. I’m particularly fond of “Should Have Loved Her Better,” but below you can stream the woozy first single. It walks the fine line between accessibility and oddity, allowing folks to get a hefty dosage of pop oddity. TheBlood Brothers EP is going to be released by Sister Records this Friday!
I haven’t actually written about the Color Waves in almost three years, but thanks to a friend I’ve discovered the band have a new tune…and a new LP on the way. This track has this jangling chilled out vibe, with electronic rhythm section keeping the song’s pace. Those guitar chords wrap around your innards, pulling every drop of emotion; the vocals, particularly in the song’s latter half are warmly charming. Wish I had a whole lot more to offer on the new release, but as of now, we know it’s titled At Bay…we’ll keep you posted if we get more.
I love this new Ari Roar tune; it reminds me of our friends Summer Salt in so far as Roar’s voice rises and falls with the song’s structure. This is his latest track from his forthcoming debut, Calm Down. It’s almost as if he’s channeling that sweet spot between bedroom pop and full-on arena ready rock n’ roll; it’s brimming with an infectious quality, though still carries a personal intimacy that appeals to many fans. Sometimes a carefree tune can change your day, so here’s to you on this Wednesday; look for Ari’s debut on May 25th via Bella Union.
Warrior, the new album from Nicole Schneit’s Air Waves project comes at you next Friday, but before we get there, let’s have one final single, shall we? The album’s title track is not only a powerful step in the thematic elements of the record, but it’s also a testament to the driving infectiousness that pervades the LP. A propulsive guitar line pushes you through the entirety of the tune, vocals delivered in an almost chant/protest fashion. It will also carry a bit of weight that her friend Kevin Morby joins her for some backing vocals on this number; look for the LP April 6th via Western Vinyl.
I’ve written about Good Morning in some form or fashion almost every year, and while that seems to have stretched back to forever, the band are just now announcing their debut LP, Prize//Reward. It’s interesting, as we get two new tracks to share with you today, yet they’re both offering a slightly different sound than what we’ve heard previously. Honestly, this sounds like a band that decided to write a record where Pedro the Lion and Beat Happening were huge influences, of course, I could be completely off with that. Maybe the current love of Hovvdy would be an apt comparison…if you threw in a slight Woods influence. You see, the group provide an all encompassing pop sound the whole world is going to love. Their new LP drops on May 11th via Bedroom Suck Records.
Oh Girls Names, how we’ve missed you. The long time ATH fave has just announced their return with this dense new single, opening with this brooding post-punk for almost two minutes before vocals even enter the picture. Honestly, there’s not a whole lot of movement following that, but I love the group’s ability to evoke maximum emotion with such simple structures. I can even hear a slight King Krule influence on the way the vocals come across during the verses. It’s an interesting entry into an already stellar catalog, so I look forward to seeing what comes out of it all when Stains on Silence is released on June 15th via Tough Love.
Sam Evian, nee Sam Owens, originally came to my attention on Need You, his collaboration with the adored Chris Cohen. Today, news comes our way that there will be a new record from Sam, titled You, Forever. Our first listen has these softened vocals churning throughout, solidifying the track’s natural melody. But, Owen’s seems willing to throw down on some jams too, building some extensive solos into this track (and some sax too). It ends up being a crunchy hook-laden jam, something you might expect from a Kurt Vile in the early days. This new LP will drop June 1st via Saddle Creek.
If you’re one of those that think’s guitar pop is out of fashion, then perhaps you should take a moment to sit back and listen to this new track from Connections. There’s a slight jangling shuffle to the guitar, while the rhythm section steadies the ship. It’s like a super casual Teenage Fanclub just came over to play you their demos without throwing full force on the distortion pedal; even the melodic presentation of the vocals harkens to the purest of power pop. Don’t worry, they throw in a quick little guitar solo, just to show you they can. The band will drop Foreign Affairs via Trouble In Mind on May 11th.
I’ve spent the great part of the last few years trying to convince everyone I know how great Omni is…looks like I can now add another like-minded act to that list with this new Deeper tune. It’s got angular chords seemingly working against the rhythm section at all times; the vocals are delivered in an almost spoken-word manner, meant to match syllables and beats. What’s really enthralling about this tune is how it seems to bounce between styles, dreamy at times, art rock at others…then closing with a little explorative indie rock. This tune appears on the band’s self-titled debut, which is being released via Fire Talk on May 25th.
A few weeks back I wrote about the smoky pop beauty of Red Red Eyes, and the band are back with a video for the lead track from their new LP, Horology. The video and the song’s natural emotion evoke a sort of gothic pop underbelly; it could easily work into the realm of dream pop…if those dreams were nightmares. While Laura McMahon’s voice is remarkable, it wouldn’t have anywhere to go if it weren’t for the sonic landscape crafted behind her by musical partner Xavier Watkins. Together, they’ve crafted this brooding number that seems understated at times, but little accents pop up via trickling electronics or strong guitar twang. Get lost in this song, and the whole LP on May 18th when it’s released by WIAIWYA.
