This is fine.
One of the big reasons I love SXSW is that it brings in a bunch of talent from abroad who are trying to make connections while here in the States. You also get a good glimpse at what’s going on everywhere else, which we might not always be tied into with US press and what not. So, here we are with another great act with a lot of buzz, Congratulations.
UK outfit Golden Toad just dropped into the scene this very year, and so it seems like we should celebrate their work by throwing a nod to their debut record…dropping last week. The entirety of the LP is an exploration of electronic synthesis, progressive at times, or as is the case below, stretched into another entity entirely. This one has this sort of sinister crawling to it, and the recording of the vocals almost feels like its a haunting by Kim Gordon, chasing you down some dark hallway with a light flickering on and off…spooky and cool as hell. Their Unite the Worms album is available for you now!
With the weather trending towards chilly down here in Texas, I needed to wake up with something that would blanket me in a wee bit of warmth…that was the new tune from Hai Chairs. The UK are offering up this brilliant bit of bubbling indie rock, melding it with these wonderful little backing arrangements that impressively build in texture that blankets your listen. I really loved the tonal vocal change in the chorus, especially as you can hear the growling guitar working heavily in the background, far behind the twinkle of the piano notes that shine up front. I super love their sound, and hope you find your own warmth by jamming below.
You might have already caught wind of this track from the Baby Seals, as it was hanging out for a few days in the Bandcamp world…and now it comes with a video. The UK outfit is quite similar to their compatriots in Wet Leg, delivering global criticisms from behind a wall of playfulness and rock n’ roll. This tune directly comments on our love of consumerism…even in a paywall funded music community! There’s a bit more rock in the band’s work, which definitely lets them bring out more growl, as you can hear in the repeated belting out of “Tamoo trance” in the chorus. Not only do you get a sweet video, but you can grab the song on a new 7″ courtesy of Trapped Animal Music.
While the consistent pulse of post-punk makes the waves all over the indie sphere, I’m always looking for that one act that kind of rises above the noise and makes it completely exhilarating again, such as this jam from Bureau de Change. The UK outfit have dropped this jagged ripper, and sure, the vocals have that spoken drawl we’re all in love with, but their approach to the spikiness of the tune brought me a lot of joy. Plus, despite being married with kids, I can appreciate the satirical take on being in your late 20s watching all your friends get married off. Fun spin on the current clime!
Rory Sear’s new solo project under the moniker flypaper came onto our radar in the spring of last year with the release of his debut EP Other Orbit. Well now Sear is back again this year with his much anticipated debut full length called Forget the Rush, which of course comes with new tunes to enjoy. This new joint “Oh Well,” is what I would call a true gem in the indie folk or indie songwriter genre. It shows this tuned in knack for crafting songs with personal lyrics and expertly timed hints of pop undertones. Lovely.
You can pre-order your copy of Forget the Rush now. It’s out on November 7th via PNKSLM records.
While we were closed up on Friday for some holiday, Northampton based upstarts thistle. released this bangin’ new single called “it’s nice to see you, stranger” and I had to share it this morning. It has a groovy, sort of alt-rock grungy vibe to it, loaded with fuzzed out guitars and subdued vocals. Noisy, a tad hazy – love it. If you’re into it, the band has a new 5 song EP of the same name which you can stream on bandcamp now. Physical copies of the release are currently up for pre-order now via Venn Records.
We’re almost to the weekend, and we’ve got to get over the hump with something infectious and fun, like the brand new single from Pynch. While it’s easy to hear the group as another lot jumping into the fray of traditional rock, they incorporate this natural sense of playfulness that gets the tune to the outskirts of the genre. Not sure which I adore more: the huge melodic hook that operates as the song’s core or the rhythmic bounce that keeps the liveliness in there. But, I do know I can’t stop pressing play, as this rips through and gives me a joyousness that I hope will kick start your day with a big grin.
Overseas, there’s lots of buzz about Soot Sprite, and while they might have their own issues, their new single seems fitting for the majority of Americans that are currently burdened by stress and fear. The song doesn’t offer up the perfect solution, other than to “change what you can” as you move through life. I guess at a certain point you can let go of what you can’t change and work on the small things around you, like cranking up this tune at just the right time to let it rattle your speakers. They seduce you with a subtle bit of pop rock, subdued in its presentation before erupting with this great force that gives you the courage to step out into the world and kick some ass. Their debut LP, Wield Your Hope Like a Weapon will be out on May 16th via Specialist Subject Records.
Are you one of those music nerds that feels your body sway when you get some crisp guitar jangles in your ear? Yea? Well, you’re going to crank the new Shapes Like People tune super loud, as the opening 20 seconds alone will have you smilingly drifting through your home with arms out wide like some soaring bird. I’d have been sold alone there, but they swirl back into that moment, enjoying a bit of melodic power pop warmth, offering you the most soothing vocal pop moment you’ll get to hear today. Crisp guitars, swirling melodies, and all of it in this nice little package that will make your day! You can find this single on their forthcoming Ticking Haze LP, out this March.
