Tough Age Share Paradise by Another Name

Described by the label as a twee punk ripper, I couldn’t stay away from this fresh new Tough Age track; it’s the last single before they drop their brand new LP next week. Bonus points go to the band’s label Bobo Integral for the spot on description here, which, of course, I absolutely love to death. Tossing in these quick jangling guitars, listeners will struggle to keep their toes from tapping all the way through this track, matching the snappy drum work step by step. And, you’re absolutely going to get blown away by the sweetness of the vocals, dropping in hook after hook with the perfect rise and fall. Waiting Here will be out next Friday, so be sure to pick it up!

Last Week’s Jams (5.15 – 5.19)

It was a busy week to start, then as usual at this time of year, I teetered out with our coverage; I blame the fact that I stayed up late to catch a great set from En Attendant Ana. We covered a lot of territory, bringing in an old school song from Heavenly, but with a new video to celebrate. Austin got some love with another great Feeling Small tune, plus some bonus Being Dead coverage popping up in there. ATH faves Melenas announced a new record, so really, we had an all out awesome week on our end. Feel free to stop in and check out what we had going.

Tough Age Wonder Which Way Am I?

Tough Age are not wasting their time, or your time, with their latest single; the song drops its hook into your ear instantly, letting the riffs cut right through from the moment you press play. As they’ve done in past singles, they let you get swept up in the polished cool of the vocals, with syllables stretched out to maximize the emotive nature of the melody. The chugging jangles have smoothed out edges, giving it a less angular nature, so the track gets to embrace the pop corners that are present. But, just as you’re vibing, the song wraps up. It’s the perfect little sample of great power pop, all of which you’ll find on the band’s new LP, Waiting Here, out June 16th via Bobo Integral.

Last Week’s Jams (4.17 – 4.20)

If there is one song I want you to listen to it has to be the absolute smash hit from Maine’s Big Blood; I think I’ve listened to that track 1000 times since I’ve heard it, if not more. Of course, there’s other great tunes to enjoy as well, like that pop ditty from Tough Age, or Rama Lama’s new signing, Echo Ladies. Plus, Austin held its own again with new stuff from Dress Warm and RF Shannon. And, if you’re looking for something with some legs, there’s at least a handful of tunes stretching beyond the 4 minute mark, so indulge as you must.

Tough Age Give It a Day

When I listen to this new single from Tough Age, there’s something hanging on the edge of the track, something that seems filled with the promise of tomorrow. The guitars shuffle from the get-go, offering this moderately upbeat drive that encourages the rest of the band to keep pace. Of course, the rhythm section has no problem there, but that push makes the vocals come through with this urgency that’s not always present in the modern cycle, so it feels great here, wishing us all the best of our day. They ride out the track with this sparkling little guitar solo, and then we’re done, so you can press play again. Waiting Here, the new record, is out on June 16th via We Are Time/Bobo Integral.

Tough Age Announce Waiting Here + Share Single

Rolling drums immediately introduce you to the latest single from Vancouver’s Tough Age, but don’t get too comfy, as the song quickly evolves from a nod to Aussie casual to classic power pop. A steadied groove is established by the rhythm section, building a nice foundation that allows the vocals to ride the crest created by the jangling guitar notes that hang out in the air. Honestly, when I listen to the way the guitars and vocals mix up, I can’t help but think this is just a prettier version of classic Lemonheads hit “Into Your Arms,” and I don’t mind that one damned bit! The group will be releasing Waiting Here via Bobo Integral on June 16th.

Dumb and Tough Age Are Pizza Punks

It’s going to be really hard for you to pass up listening to this new jam from Dumb. On one hand, it comes with the announcement of a split 7″ with fellow punks, Tough Age…so musically, you’re already on board, eh? Then, you get the support of a great label, Mint Records, with the added bonus of supporting Conundrum Press, the print label for Cole Pauls and his comic, Pizza Punks! Plus, all the songs are about punks eating pizza, which ties into Pauls’ thematic comic of that very name. Art meets art meets my belly! Pizza and punk? Count us in! This 7″ will drop on July 9th…but check out the work of Dumb, Tough Age and Cole Pauls while you wait for your slice! The 7″ includes an 8 page comic!

Tough Age Share Penny Current Suppression Ring

The new LP from Tough Age is going to be one hell of a ride, as cliche as that might sound. Sonically, it kind of bounces around all my favorite areas of post-punk, art rock, pigeonhole-core, what-have-you…but we’re all the better for it. On their latest single Penny once again takes the vocal lead, and her lyrics detail how important it would be to “get signed to Flying Nun,” though that might just be a metaphor for any band’s dreams to make it onto their favorite label and the trials and tribulations you must face to make it there…if you ever really do. The more I’m dissecting this song, does it not have like a mid-period Sonic Youth vibe going on in the guitar work? I mean, not that I mind that sound by any means…just a thought. Anyways, Which Way Am I? drops on August 7th via Mint Records.

Tough Age Share My Life’s a Joke & I’m Throwing it Away

Just a week ago, we got the news that Tough Age had a brand new record on the horizon, and not even a week later we get another single to make sure we don’t have to wait too long. This run you get Jarrett handling vocals, and his delivery very much feels in the vein of those acts bordering on the edge of C86; I feel like recent Boyracer tunes align well here. Musically, everything is jittery and bouncing, though just a hint rough around the edges; its the perfect scenario for a good rock n’ roll show where you’re frantically jumping about with all your mates, screaming at the top of your lungs. In short, this song makes you feel like you’re having the time of your life. Be sure to take part when Which Way Am I is released on August 7th via Mint Records.

Tough Age Announce Which Way Am I

When one sets out to “write a song about peaceful things” we tend to already have preconceived notions of what we’re about to hear. That said, I think the way Tough Age open up on their new single is exactly the opposite of what I had in mind. It’s jagged, guitars stabbing like knives before the rest of the picture is filled in for the listener. Of course, Clark’s calming delivery quickly offers that peaceful contrast against the sinister pulse of the guitars; it really does fuck with your head, as these two sounds are perfectly juxtaposed. In weaving it all together, you find yourself entirely immersed, ensnared by the band’s balancing musical wizardry. Their new LP, Which Way Am I, will be released on August 7th via Mint Records.

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