I’m sure that they’re out there, but I can’t really think of anyone I know that dislikes Stereolab, and as we get more listens to the forthcoming Instant Hologram on Metal Film, I can’t think of a better sound that fits this stage in my life. There’s a bubbling undercurrent of pop, which we all know is a staple of their sound. But, the calmed base is what really does it for me these days; you get to kind of sit and absorb, basking in the group’s craft, which even gets a little uptick that kicks in around the 3 minute mark. They continue to impress with every step into the future they take. The new LP is out on May 23rd via Duophonic UHF Disks/Warp Records.
When music becomes more of a commodity, offering instant gratification, it loses a bit of its soul (yes, I know I’m also part of that cycle!), thus we need artists like Son of Buzzi who are willing to dig deep into the nature of songwriting and craft, purely for artistic purposes. Sebastian Bischoff’s project encompasses the ornate side of guitar history, bending and overlapping strings, then letting them melt into one another, embracing the “marriage of the impressionistic with the concrete.” The song below has these little trickles of beauty, caressing the ears with these vibrant little twists and turns, and then, even for a brief moment, the song seems to take off, grabbing pace for just a few seconds, expertly portraying the up and down movement of our lives. If you’re searching for depth in your listening experience today, click play below, then be sure to Ein Hase, Ein Phonix, Ein Schwan from Shrimper Records before the May 16th release date.
I distinctly remember popping into Sidebar at SXSW a few years ago, telling my wife that we had to catch the set from Far Caspian, as I was really in love with their jams. We went home superfans, and so today is welcome news, with the project announcing Autofiction, their new LP. This brand spanking new single perfectly captures what I love about the band, sort of buzzing with this lo-fidelity spirit, yet brimming with this vibrant pop sensation you don’t get too often nowadays. Honestly, this feels like the best song that Radio Dept. never wrote, and I say that with the utmost adoration for both groups! This new LP will hit on July 25th Tiny Library Records.
After spinning my weekend over at Psych Fest, I got to wake up to this brand new track from the Fleok, which, subtly draws from the genre, albeit in a sort of psych adjacent delivery. Upon first listen, you’ll notice a spoken word delivery bringing you into the depths of the song, which immediately made me think of Lift to Experience; it’s a slow build, but it sets up perfectly for the latter half of the track. When the whole song just comes crashing down in this beautiful combination of pop that is likely to make your heart swoon, banging out this climbing piano line and soulful howl.
When Dog Park released their Festina Lente album last year, the school year had just begun, so I was lost in a sea of new students and building relationships. Alas, they visit us today with a brand new video for standout track, “Kaleidoscope.” The light jangle that opens the song should be enough to hook you, as it was definitely one of the ways I fell for this song. Additionally, the tune lets you settle in on your own terms, as it never feels overly forced, with feathered vocals carefully coating the steady snap of the rhythm section. Recline your chair, turn on a fan, and just let yourself be washed in the joy of this jam. Festina Lente is available now via Geographie!
I’m increasingly fascinated by the story of Tee Templeton, who just turned 67 this week, and yet is prepping to release his debut this Summer. Listening through his latest single, there are some moments where his song craft is a marvel, like the subtle move into pure pop bliss right around the 2 minute mark. Throughout this number, the song moves into careful pop steps, buoyed by these perfect arrangements that draw obvious similarities to Robyn Hitchcock, while there are other more modern touchstones in the overall songwriting. It’s really a great story of an artist coming to terms with his craft…better late than never…or so they say.
Boleros Psicodelicos was chock-full of bangers, and so expectations for BP II is already high, especially with the debut single that featured Cuco. This round, Adrian Quesada has employed Angelica Garcia as his accompaniment, and in doing so, knocked another one out of the park. This track feels entirely cinematic, something ripped straight from a Tarantino film, and that matches perfectly with the video version accompanying the track. In some way, it also feels like a Latin gangster film, with our singer giving out warning to those in attendance that our singer “no juego” (doesn’t play games), only adding to the theatrical element the tune encompasses. It’s another smoking hot track that has me doubling down on Boleros Psicodelicos II, which drops on June 27th via ATO Records.
Austins Psych Fest kicks off 4.25 and runs through 4.27, and maybe a little insight into what Im looking forward to specifically some sleepers or lesser-knowns is warranted. I know you didnt ask, but Ill tell you anyway.
Day 1, get there early and get the weekend started right. Sandwiched between the sweet sounds of Jesse Sykes, and the local headliners The Octopus Project and Explosions in the Sky, is a whole lot of black. And I love black sonically and visually.
It would be an easy stab at pushing the other blacks in the middle pack, but Blackwater Holylight deserves the attention just as much as the others. Austins Psych Fest has never been shy about showing off their love for the heavy, stoner, psychedelic, shoegaze-sludge rock and they packed in a few hours of this right about the time that most cubicle-occupying day-walkers are mid happy hour, washing away their weeks worth of toil and making plans to utilize what little time they have to enjoy over the next few days. I think you know what you should be doing in lieu of that time-honored, soul-suck of a tradition. Blackwater Holylight.
The band just released their 2025 EP If Only You Knew, which sees the members exploring more personal themes lyrically while steering into the same sonic vibe. A few singles have surfaced already, if you’re looking for a taste. And the All I Need Cover is kinda cool.
Danish outfit The Setting Son are on their way to releasing Cul-de-sac this June, and a little listen to this ditty might have your ears perked up, ready to try on something new going into next year. The group have been around for some time, and they do make some nods to psychedelia throughout their catalogue, but the way the two guitar lines work in unison on this album really makes me think upon the Go-Betweens. It’s pop music, but it feels elevated and yet so simple that you can’t help but treat is as a little piece of tasty ear candy you can come back to again and again. Light jangle, little haze and a hell of a melody…check it!
Austins Psych Fest kicks off 4.25 and runs through 4.27, and maybe a little insight into what I’m looking forward to, specifically some sleepers or lesser-knowns, is warranted. I know you didn’t ask, but I’ll tell you anyway.
King Hannah: Sunday, 2:55 PM, Janis Stage
King Hannah‘s unique blend of influences think PJ Harvey, Massive Attack, and Mazzy Star makes for the perfect concoction to set the tone for the 90s-heavy Sunday lineup. While the bands roots may be in Liverpool, the American influence left on them during their first North American tour found its way smeared all over their 2024 release Big Swimmer.
Referencing songwriting legends like Bill Callahan and John Prine in lyric, while still maintaining their own distinct perspective, makes for incredibly enjoyable listening especially when a patient ear is applied. Dig into their catalog of two full-lengths, and some notable covers (Madonnas Like A Prayer and Bruce Springsteens State Trooper) and you’ll find yourself awash in a constant glaze of slow-building sonic landscapes, accented by Hannah’s deeply personal and reflective lyrical process.
Coming off a lengthy, successful European tour with countless sold-out shows, the band returns to North America for the first time in a few years. Get there early.
