Tag: trouble in mind records

Psych Fest Preview: Dummy

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In a weekend filled with legendary acts like Galaxie 500 or Kim Gordon or Dinosaur Jr, there are other acts waiting for you to fall in love with, and Dummy is one such band you need to catch at Psych Fest.

The LA outfit has roots in the indiepop/dream pop scene, but they’ve left that past behind, which we first encountered on their two early Dummy EPs. They moved forward one step with Mandatory Enjoyment, which took some of their noisier tendencies and mashed it into this electronic fusion that drew comparisons to acts like Stereolab and Broadcast. That said, if you caught the band live on those early tours, they were anything but just a nod to influences, ripping through a set with an intoxicating mixture of synthetic textures and dissonant guitar vibes.

Nowadays, they’ve stretched themselves even further on their most recent LP, last year’s Free Energy. They left a few breadcrumbs to their previous efforts, but what I loved (as did the masses) was that they pushed further into the intersection between electronic vibes and rock, at times even leaving the rock aspect in the distant past. It left listeners with a transformative listen that illustrated the band’s willingness to meet pop music on their own terms, with their own set of influences. It’s even led to a masterful remix album titled Bubbelibrium DLC, out this June.

They’ll take the Janis stage at 6:05 on Saturday.

The Tubs Share Chain Reaction

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Since my earliest days as a music listener, I’ve been drawn towards distinctive voices; the sort that stand in your mind, yet refuse to be replicated. Owen ‘O’ Williams voice is one such instance, and here he’s running up and down the gambit, racing to keep pace with the furious punk grind of the guitars. Then, he shucks the chains of keeping pace to work his own melodic focus into the feverish push of his bandmates. You can probably make some comparisons to Royal Headache, particularly when the song opens, but the Tubs have completely built their own sound, and we can’t wait until Cotton Crown drops on March 7th via Trouble in Mind Records.

New Video from FACS

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In a world where immediacy seemingly comes off as the most impactful, I’ve been relishing acts like FACS of late, as they tend to offer glimpses of hooks and melody, while turning their backs on the instant gratification. Their latest single operates with these sliding guitar notes warping around snare and cymbal snaps; they soon embrace a bit of melody before opening up the spoken notes of the vocals. As the progress is made, the vocals do get a stab and blast of emphasis, then it all recedes to let the song embrace its warped guitar mingling, then break down into a stretch of creative noise, echoing with tension rather than building walls of sound. It’s a bit more of a pensive approach, and I’m definitely grateful for the core thought process in the craft; look for Wish Defense on February 7th via Trouble in Mind Records.

The Tubs Drop Narcissist Single

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When the swing of the guitars twisted into a nice little noodle, the latest track from The Tubs immediately had my attention. All of that just clears the path for Owen Williams distinctive croon; it’s got a heavy weight to it, though he’s clearly swinging for the pop notes…they even get a nice added texture from a female vocalist too. While my ears can hear the jangle, the mix on the group’s work always seems to kind of disguise that, sort of like the great works of the Go-Betweens. You get the feeling that Cotton Crown is going to be something special; it drops via Trouble in Mind Records on March 7th. They’ve also got an Austin show, as well as a bunch of US tour dates in the Spring with the Wedding Present!

Facs Share Desire Path Video

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Chicago’s FACS are an absolute powerhouse; they’re name continues to rise in the indie press, and based off their singles from the forthcoming Wish Defense LP, that meteoric takeoff is much deserved. Upon pressing play, rumbling drums roll you right into a warped wall of distorted guitars, bending the atmosphere and creating this disorienting darkness. But, just as they seem settled into a hazy realm, they turn the song into a colder post-punk territory, punctuated by a few lyrical bursts (“It ties you up/it ties you”) before receding. I love the way they’re straddling two territories in the same realm, and this has me salivating to hear the entirety of the new LP. Wish Defense is out in February via Trouble In Mind Records.

The Tubs Announce Cotton Crown

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While October isn’t quite over yet, we’re already starting to get a peek at what next year’s release schedule will look like, and the Tubs have another addition that you should keep your eyes upon. They open up the record with this new single, rushing through a slight jangle with a 90s alternative bent to it; the rush of energy allows the vocals to work their own magic, calmly sitting in the middle of the mix in crooner fashion, with some backing vocals layered in to bulk up the melodic feel. The nostalgia doesn’t feel dated here, with enough of a modern twist to make leave us thirsting for more! Cotton Crown will be out in March via Trouble in Mind.

The Serfs Announce Limited EU 7″

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Last year’s Half Eaten by Dogs was a ridiculously solid effort from Cincinnati’s The Serfs; it warranted a brilliant tour through the EU throughout this November, and with that, the group are offering up a limited 7″ for their tour, with a few copies available in the States. “Paid in Full” is the A-side, and honestly, it reminds me of a more accessible version of The Knife; it’s got that same synthetic sound, but there’s something that feels friendly and like it’s perfectly built to soundtrack some futuristic show on Apple TV. But, just because they pull off a perfect club hit, doesn’t mean they can’t tether that to a more traditional rock ethos, like they do on the B-side, “Regen.” I love the descending guitar lines that run through this track, with the vocals matching that movement. This 7″ is out November 8th via Trouble In Mind, who of late have been on the forefront of the great melting pot between dance and indie rock (see Dummy, Naked Roommate, the Serfs, etc). EU tour dates can be found on the group’s Bandcamp Page.

 

Naked Roommate Share Broken Whisper

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There’s a lot of anticipation for the forthcoming Naked Roommate record, at least over on our end of things. The feeling of this record is a little brighter, if you’re going off the singles, and this latest track definitely feels like a huge summer block party. Utilizing horns and snapping percussive elements, they lock into this playful groove that feels like a boogie-down barbecue, bumping the joyousness when the whole gang joins in for the vocal work that they drop right in our lap. Summer may be winding down, but that doesn’t mean you and your friends can’t have a helluva time listening to the Pass the Loofah; it drops on October 25th via Trouble in Mind Records.

Friday Album Streams: Lunar Vacation, Kal Marks and More

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Dropped the ball last week, and there were several notable releases hitting the streets, at least on my end (Dummy and Mythical Motors). Plus, there were some solid releases dropping this week we wanted to remind you of. This section just needs the streams and the links, so you can make up your own mind! Stream and buy the stuff below!

 

Lunar Vacation – Everything Matters, Everything’s Fire (Keeled Scales)

Kal Marks – Wasteland Baby (Exploded in Sound)

Nada Surf – Moon Mirror (New West Records)

Dummy – Free Energy (Trouble In Mind Records)

Mythical Motors – Seven is Circular (Self-Released)

Naked Roommate Share FightFlight Video

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As much as I appreciate an obvious dance pop banger, I’ve definitely grown in my appreciation for the other side of the coin, the come-hither dance floor beckoning that seduces bodies to unite in joy…like Naked Roommate‘s latest jam. As your speakers pump the sound through, you can’t deny that there’s a natural groove getting your body wiggling, you’re being called to join in the fun. But, this isn’t an over-the-top jam. Rather it’s that call to get warmed up, move your body and feel the vibes as the horns emphasize the natural rhythm of the tune. You move and squirm, freeing your body and mind of inhibitions as you gear up for the next track. And, is that next track a banger or more playful pop? We’ll have to wait until October 25th when Pass the Loofah drops via Trouble in Mind Records.

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