Zero Point Energy Share Over My Head

There’s always something pleasurable in a tune that sort of begs you press the reset button and soak in it, like this new Zero Point Energy. You’ll find this naturalness in the songwriting, a sincerity in its craft that sort of moves it beyond traditional blogger pigeonholing. I was drawn by the guitar sound, particularly in the verses where it has this pristine chug to it; that caught me immediately as it carried this familiarity that seems to have been with me my whole life. Genesis Edenfield’s vocals are offered up in an almost haphazard manner, sort of not wanting to step into the light, so they hide in the shadows of the song to great effect. Really enjoyed this bop; they will release Tilted Planet on May 17th via Danger Collective.

Torrey Share Moving Video

If you follow the Oakland scene or Slumberland or just good pop music, then you’ve likely already penciled in the release of Torrey‘s new LP. Today we get another addition to their story, with “Moving” dropping a bit more dissonance into the picture. Just spending time with the guitar sounds might have you a bit uneasy; they seem to reverberate in the speakers, but almost as if they’re stuck, leaving you in a bit of a disoriented listening state. Still, there’s textured layers of atmospheric melody that allow you focus on the band’s pop sensibility once you’ve returned to your senses. The band drop their self-titled LP via Slumberland on March 8th.

Non La Shares Take Care Video

When DJ On put out the first Non La LP, it was filled with poppy guitar hooks and constant energy. But, as they prepare for the release of Like Before, it’s becoming clearer that DJ has really changed up the approach to songwriting. Upon pressing play, there’s nearly a minute of building, courtesy of DJ’s voice softly walking through your speakers. Then, drums tap and the song takes a march into a slow swing of light guitar pop; there’s something more pensive in the craft, perhaps owed to On’s reflective mood through the new LP. It’s changed my own perspective in the way I hear the music, but I’m looking forward to digesting the personal narrative and experiences the LP will offer; it drops via Mint Records on March 29th.

Rosie Tucker Drops Paperclip Maximizer

When I first got into Rosie Tucker, there was something insanely catchy about the way they played with the vocal notes in their songwriting. A few years later, I feel like “Paper Maximizer” immediately puts that on display; there is a dynamism to each note, always falling between sharp and playful, which inevitably ties my joy to their work. That doesn’t even get me started on the wordplay and craft; I even learned about “paperclip maximizer,” which in short, discusses the possible dangers of AI and the end of humanity. Learning and catchy, and all of it leading me to think that you’ll be singing along to every track on Utopia Now…out March 22nd via Sentimental Records.

Mo Troper Shares The Billy Joel Fanclub Video

I know he’s gotten lots of praise, and we’ve certainly lauded all his work, but listening to the latest single from his forthcoming LP, I want to make sure we don’t undervalue the work of Mo Troper. For starters, I don’t think I’ve ever gotten a record from Mo where I think “yeah, this is exactly like the last LP.” Each time, he seems to channel different influences and recording techniques to really work on his craft. On this one, he alludes to late 60s era Paul McCartney work, but in my ears, and maybe I’m weird, I immediately felt like he was channeling a bit of the Zombies, at least when that first vocal bounces into the picture. Sure, his voice is distinctive, but he just keeps challenging himself, and we get to sit back and reap the rewards. Svengali is out May 3rd via Lame-O Records.

Yasu Cub Shares Elevator Video

Those of us looking for sounds that would be traditionally described as slow-core might want to check out Japans Yasu Cub. They’ve just released their Elevator EP, and the title track gets the video treatment, featuring the falling snows of Tokyo. Aside from the pacing, there’s some really nuanced moments that really hit me smack in the face as I was listening through, like the crispness of the guitars that ring out carefully. I loved how the song seemed to also circle back on itself in spots, with layers lapping over one another ornately, allowing the song to feel like its bending and coiling up…held together by the heavy vocal notes in the center of the mix. If you’re digging, then be sure to check out the whole Elevator EP.

Soliti Welcome Kaspar to Their Roster

We love when our friends Soliti Music reach out from Finland to offer us a glimpse of what’s going on in their scene, and today, we’ve got a tune from their latest signing Kaspar; the duo will release a AA single this Friday via the label, with a sneak peek below. For all intents and purposes, the song’s a slow-moving pop ballad, but it was the way they crafted the soundscape behind the vocals that caught my ear. Early on it’s a rolling synth line, with the faintest heartbeat bubbling beneath; I love how the empty space leaves a lot of room for the melody to kind of build and grow, like a rolling ball of snow gathering mass as it moves down the mountain. Give a listen, and look out for the new single on Friday!

Variety Share The Light + Play the ATH vs SOTO Party

Last week we announced our annual SXSW Party with our friends over at Side One Track One, and one of the acts we wanted to be sure was on the show was new act Variety. They’ve just released a fresh track, with a nice little hint at their sound, and what we can expect from future singles. Although brief, there’s a frantic nature in the guitar work, trying to maneuver with as much movement as possible within the song’s time frame. The vocals seem to work in the opposite direction, keeping you off kilter a little bit as you try to keep up with the furious drumming…which I can attest is phenomenal in the live setting. Give it a whirl will ya.

Billy Bonbon Share Paradise Video

Somedays you wake up and you just need a song to run along side you, something to carry you to the next level; I definitely needed Billy Bonbon today, as I crawl out of a Thursday funk. This one caught me instantly, playing that sort of surf meets indiepop vibe, using quick rushing guitar lines to introduce the track; I loved the bubbly nature that just had my toes tapping beneath my desk. When the vocals join the fray, they’re coated a bit, giving them that sort of misty wash that alludes to a dreamier tendency in the group’s songwriting. Just watch the video, as they’re definitely embracing the joy in this tune, and I hope you do too!

System Exclusive Share Click Video

I’m a huge sucker for an easy hit, but that’s not what you get when you turn on a System Exclusive tune, like their latest, “Click.” Sputtering electronics and crawling vocals bring you into the track, waiting for the guitars to glide underneath the mix, met by drums and an electronic wash. Ari B’s vocal performance remind me of an early Karen O when she felt super dangerous, yet you can’t pull yourself away here. Throughout, the song moves in and out of its organic nature, letting tension build as it plays with the negative space behind Ari’s voice, always rolling in with this pulsing groove. Really stoked on this tune. Click is out on Mt. St. Mtn.and Le Cepe Records on May 17th, with a big Spring tour working through the US.

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