The Wind-Ups Announce Live In Oakland LP

Two albums full of incredible rock n’ roll should have already made the Wind-Ups a staple in the community of those who worship rock, but in order to cement their legacy, the group had put it all on the line. So, what did they do? They recorded a riotous live set at the Golden Bull, putting down 17 songs in 28 minutes; a feat that would have made Jay Reatard super proud. Today, we bring you the news that the now infamous show is being released via Dandy Boy Records; you can grab it HERE. But, as in rock n’ roll realms, you need a bit of a visual, so the brand have a fresh video for the live version of “You’re Not That Cool.” Growling guitars, thumping rhythm and a quick blast to your ears, perhaps a reminder to also go check out the LP it draws from, Happy Like This.

Lightheaded Announce Combustible Gems

We were floored when we first latched onto Lightheaded; they had this indiepop sensibility with a nostalgic girl-group charm. Today, that sentiment grows, as they seem to be furthering their sound, albeit with all the same charms as their early work. It’s quite difficult to really get into the norm-core descriptors; there’s a bit of paisely jangling going on, but sort of an art-pop croon that wouldn’t be out of reach from a Nico or Mary Weiss comparison. Still, even in that artistic realm, there’s an element of joyousness that seems to naturally seep through the craft, making it difficult to turn away from all their work has to offer. Prepare yourself for Combustible Gems, which is out on May 17th via Slumberland Records.

Maria Chiara Argiro Shares Light Video

I’ve really been enjoying this brand new track from Maria Chiara Argiro; it’s a beat heavy pop track, but there’s some experimental work in the empty space of the tune, illustrating the broad range of Maria’s approach to the craft. Listening through, the song works in movements, at times clean and open, at other moments, layer upon layer get draped atop one another to really push the sound to the next level. You can easily label it as dance music, but then you can hear where Argiro is pushing things to the next level. Closer is out April 26th via Innovative Leisure.

Oort Clod Announce Cult Value

Both Repeating Cloud and Safe Suburban Home Records has been turning us onto some special hits the last couple of years, and now they’re adding Oort Clod to the mix. When I pressed play, there was something that felt nostalgic in the vocals, like a nod to the 50s rock n’ roll my mother played around the house as a kid. With that nostalgia, how does the band make it feel modern? They coat the tune in swirls of jangling guitar lines that twist and turn behind those doo-wop style vocals; the song gives off this sort of lo-fi gritty pop that should put the Manchester outfit on your radar. They drop Cult Value on April 5th!

Babehoven Release Lightness is Loud Video

Perhaps its because of my affection for the work of Michel Gondry, or perhaps its the all encompassing sense of wonderment this tune evokes, but I’m definitely charmed by this new Babehoven tune. Maya Bon’s voice naturally seems to carry this delicate bit of whimsy, which when invested in the folk arrangements of the band’s songs, just seems otherworldly; this is the sort of music that’s perfect for your goals of escapism. Find yourself sinking into the crafty world they’ve built for us; Water’s Here In You is out on April 26th via Double Double Whammy.

Washer Drop Fresh Single

After dropping Improved Means to Deteriorated Ends, I’ll admit, I wasn’t quite expecting Washer to jump right back and deliver new music, but here they are with fresh single for your ears! There’s something about the songwriting on this tune that feels like a mid90s rocker, hinting at grungy riffs but pushing more towards a kind of college rock feel. There’s a certain indifference in their approach, just selling these crunchy riffs that blast through the speakers while the vocals carry this biting cool; when they let loose at the end it just feels like the band are fully embracing the fun and joy of playing together. This single brought to you courtesy of Exploding in Sound.

Premiere: House of Heaven Share Deserve (ft. Ms Boan Mariana Saldana)

There’s absolutely nothing as cool at the moment as House of Heaven; the Oakland act is channeling darkly tinged dance music, and this time they get some help from former Austinite, Ms Boan Mariana Saldana. If you’re not intoxicated by the beat tripping over itself, running amok with these synth lines and thumping bass grooves, then please see your doctor immediately. When Mariana enters the fray, she coats the song in this Spanish sensuality, channeling a jilted lover as her vocals added this weighted sharpness that only adds to the cavernous feel of the track. In their craft, the band are drawn to dark corners, begging you to come with them so you can just indulge, and dance in the darkness of your own mind. Within/Without is sounding mighty tasty; it drops via Felte on April 26th.

Holiday Ghosts Share Big Congratulations

I can’t tell you how excited I am to finally catch Holiday Ghosts when they wash ashore for SXSW, especially now that there’s a hot new track from the group making the rounds. For me, the guitar line and its little hip-shaking jangle had me instantly; I’ll admit that it sounded a bit more Australian in nature…not that I mind that one bit. But, the song’s success comes in the constant thump of the drums, pushing the track’s agenda with this bopping tap that makes it one hell of a ditty. Plus, you don’t dare tell me that you’re not going to fawn over dueling vocal harmonies as they exist here? Yea, you won’t! Coat of Arms is out via Fat Cat on March 29th.

Flypaper Shares Old Friend Video

You might recognize Rory Sear for his work on Brighton’s Beachtape, but at the moment, he’s flying solo under the moniker Flypaper. The latest single embraces this solitude, both in the song’s emotive qualities and the visual aesthetics of the video. Honestly, it gives off those early Hovvdy vibes to me, when things felt quiet and hushed, but you could imagine the live set taking on more power as the emotions swell. Listen to the snap of the drums that sets off a wave of emotion when the chorus hits; you’ll surely understand exactly what I’m getting at on my end. The new Other Orbit EP will be out on in May via PNKSLM.

Winter Aid Share Silk Video

I have to cop to the fact that the piano line from this new Winter Aid song completely sucked me into the tune; it swept me up and turned me over dropping in the midst of the tune, as I’m hoping it does for you. Between those little rolling piano notes you’ll find the mystery that’s made this song so intoxicating, for me anyways. Little hints of noise echo in and out, with a snappy bit of percussion keeping the pace, setting the scene for Shane Culloty’s voice; he’s got some notes that remind me faintly of Spencer Krug, holding onto this imperfect fragility that I can’t escape. This is the first track we’ve heard from the forthcoming Pull the Sky Inside.

1 2 3 156