Always You Share Crimson Red Video

Looks like today’s a very easy indiepop listening sort of day, which is never a bad thing in my opinion; I’m following up that Geoffrey O’Connor tune with the latest from Always You. Oddly, the video (like O’Connor’s) also features a rose, though I suppose that’s tied to the song’s title. But, enough of that. This song’s all about the piano/keys build the song’s backbone; it allows the steady beat to give pace while encouraging billowing atmospherics to wash over the vocals. Speaking of the voice, they’ve got this melodic haze, a sort of fog machine of warmth and pleasantries indicative of the promise that the band’s forthcoming Bloom Off the Rose seems to be setting up; it’s out on July 16th via Shelflife/Discos de Kirlian.

Geoffrey O’Connor Shares Brand New Single (ft Jonnine)

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been a devoted Geoffrey O’ Connor fan, whether that was through his role as a songwriter with Crayon Fields, or his underrated solo output. On this brand new tune, he’s working with Jonnine, who plays the accomplice, with both artists having this delicate croon to their voice. Personally, I just love the textured arrangements in O’ Connor’s songs, with little woodwind instruments popping their heads out from behind the synthesized shrubbery. For me, this is the brand of pop music that makes me swoon, enchanting and polished, elevating the genre beyond the trappings of kitsch. Geoffrey will be releasing For As Long as I Can Remember, his new solo LP, via Chapter Music on August 6th.

Paper Birch Share Cemetery Moon

Paper Birch seems to have blossomed amidst the UK lockdown, channeling feelings of despair and isolation into the new project begun by Dee Sada and Fergus Lawrie. Their latest single operates as a sort of dreamy folk space transmission, but you’ll have to listen closely to pick up on that. The track’s careful, using a light strum as the backbone for Sada’s whispering voice to crest and rise upon the song’s melodies. There’s a slight percussive element, again, staying out of the way of the melody. But, careful ears will pick up on the frequency airwaves skittering through the song’s distant background, tying in the space transmission element that correlates with the visual themes of the video. Their debut album Morninghairwater is out on July 30th via Reckless Yes.

Efterklang Announce Windflowers LP

I’ll admit, it’s actually been some time since I actually thought of Efterklang, though I’ll also add that they crafted one of my all time favorite jams, so they’re never too far away! Just yesterday, they announced a new record, and of course, the band continue to push the way they approach pop music. This song feels like it employs heavy sample work, or at least loops, letting the rest of the project add in these little layers, whether that’s dual vocal harmonies, laser sounds or woodwind notes; they just let things build and build, allowing you to sort of jump in where you see fit, immersing yourself in their blend. Windflowers will be out in October via City Slang, so this is the perfect time for me to go revisit the old catalogue.

e4444e Shares Suite from Invisible Stone

There’s been some really incredible stuff coming out of Australia the last few years, but when e4444e shared this track below, I was totally immersed in the story of the project. Invisible Stone is a collaborative effort between lovedavid, e4444e and Skip Wilcox, with each taking on the role of creating sound, lighting and dance for a performance. As you’ll hear below, the music created from this project is ridiculously good, having this sort of melting pot of sounds like early Arcade Fire, though including the beat-laden side of LCD Soundsystem. The video is what one can expect from the live performance, though sadly for me, I’ll be stuck in ‘Merica, but at least I’ll have this jam to reminisce upon.

Caleb de Casper Shares Too Many Boys Video

Let’s face it, Austin’s just not that weird anymore, but one act still trying to map out their own world is Caleb de Casper. He’s crafting his own brand of pop music, seemingly made up of parts of disco, new wave, hard rock and probably a little bit of everything in between. I love how this opens up with this galloping club stomp, before this swinging guitar allows Caleb to make a seductive entrance into the track, both sonically and visually. But, as the song breaks down, it blasts into this heavy rocker, packing a huge punch for the listener as he explains ‘what it is to be a gay man in 2021.’ His album Femme Boy is slated for release later this year!

Enjoy Pachyman’s El Benson Video

At this point in your day, you’re probably finishing up a cup of coffee or two, or maybe you’re just rousing yourself out of bed, either way, its time to kind of settle into Wednesday, and what better way than by venturing into the world of Pachyman. The last month or so has had some jams coming from Pachy Garcia’s solo project, promotion the forthcoming The Return Of…, specializing in this intoxicating brand of dub/reggae. It’s the settled sort for true heads of the genre, instrumental to the core, all which is done by Garcia himself, as you can see in the accompanying video shot by Jaime Villa Ruiz. You can grab the new LP on August 13th via ATO.

Snowy Band Announce Alternate Endings

I seem to be drawn to a particular brand of pop of late, and it comes as no surprise (to me anyways) that I’d be inclined to share a track from Snowy Band, the project led by Liam Halliwell (Ocean Party/Pop Filter). I love how this tune begins rather sedated, almost muted riffs creeping to match Halliwell’s walking vocals, faintly hanging a melody out there to drift through your speakers. The percussion seems to stay out of the way, almost enticed to pop out, though always staying close to the track’s center. You also get a beautiful eruption of joy when Emma Russack joins in for the gang chorus, giving the song almost a celebratory nature that’s sure to put a smile on everyone’s face. This track appears on Alternate Endings, which is out in August via Spunk Records. Video directed by Jordan Thompson.

 

Zachman Shares I Just Wanted to Be Well Video

Today seems like as good a day as any to just push out a bunch of incredible endearing pop rock tunes out into the world, so why not share this new video from Zachman! First, the song’s got tons of Austin love in it, with the footage covering the area near ATX’s Pennybacker Bridge, and being shot/directed by our friend Roger Ho! Still, the song has to offer something too, right? From the galloping drum lines to those ringing guitar jangles, it’s hard to find yourself not captivated by the natural exuberance that pervades this track. Plus, the video carries that spirit with a smiling performance from Johnny Zachman that shines right through the screen; his infectious spirit makes the song all the more endearing for me. You’ll find this track on the band’s forthcoming Lotto EP, but if you need a dose of that joy, stop by and catch the band sharing it live on June 23rd over at the Far Out Lounge.

Wet Leg Sign to Domino Records

Ever come across a song and feel like you’re not cool enough to be enjoying it? Or maybe its just too much fun and you feel like you’re going to drown in the hipness? Well, that’s how I’m feeling about this debut single from UK outfit Wet Leg, who just signed to Domino. The song’s got this driving rhythm to it, fueled by a pummeling drum beat that just has us running at full speed. But, the vocal delivery is definitely on par with that pseudo-spoken word vibe that’s been super popularized of late; it leads to an infectious hit that encompasses the best bits of rock n’ roll, delivering pure unadulterated fun. Pretty sure I’d have no problem being an extra in this video. Looking forward to more!

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