Howless Release Video for Unlucky

The forthcoming debut from Mexico City’s Howless is pretty high upon my list of things to come down the pipeline, and with their latest single, they step up their sound a bit here, adding in some anthemic pop flare. At first, the angular guitar work shimmers, bringing in this natural hook that’s inescapable. But, the more I listen, the more that Dominique’s vocal performance, combined with the guitars and rhythm, builds this anxiety that plays right into the lyrical concept of “self-sabotage;” there’s this edge that both listener and narrator are tight-roping upon, unsure which side of the coin will land. It’s this sort of attention to detail that allows the band to toy with the darker concepts while offering dreamy soundscapes with pop references. To Repel Ghosts will be out this Friday via Static Blooms Records.

Good Looks Share Vision Boards Video

Our friends in Good Looks have their debut LP dropping this April via Keeled Scales, and I’m definitely in love with their latest tune, in which singer Tyler Jordan tackles the concept of “structural limitations that make it hard to succeed in the music business.” I love the burn of the guitars on this tune, like kindling at first, sparking then launching this full fledged fire that lights up your speakers as it rocks on. Of course, Tyler’s voice is steadying things, calmly pushing the tune forward; his work near the 3 minute mark is one of my favorite moments in the song, so be sure you stick all the way to the end. Be on the lookout as the band are currently doing a quick run through the Midwest! Grab Bummer Year on April 8th.

Dehd Announce Blue Skies

As of late, I generally try to stay away from the cool kids table when it comes to repeating their posts, but there’s just something Dehd that grabs me each time. Part of it has to be that I continue to marvel at how such a minimal band set up creates such a huge sound. On this new single from the forthcoming Blue Skies, its entirely down to Emily Kempf’s vocal performance, from her pseudo-stutter to her dramatic howl, all of it reeks of breaking into pop rock territory, albeit with that perfect bit of attitude. Looking forward to see where this new record is headed, but if this is our first taste, the LP should be pretty promising. It hits on May 27th via Fat Possum.

 

Fontanarosa Share OH ID Video

I’m always keen to see what’s going on with Howlin Banana Records, as they’re always uncovering cool gems we’re probably not getting force-fed over here in the States. This past week they announced the forthcoming Are You There LP from Lyon’s Fontanarosa. At times, this feels like a meditative post-punk, with the rhythm tripping over itself as the vocals indifferently drop through your speakers. Hitting the 2 minute mark, the song begins to open up beyond that, stretching itself beyond the meditative state into a little bit of discord and artiness, while still keeping that pulsing rhythm that drives the tune forward. The LP is out on March 18th!

Good Grief Share the Pony Remark Video

Are you excited for the debut LP from Liverpool’s Good Grief? Well, I am, and their new video drops in some of noisier pop styles that fill up Shake Your Faith. Honestly, if you turn it up, you’d likely draw easy comparisons like Superchunk or the like, dropping in huge distorted walls of noise while still banging out some cleverly anthemic choruses! It just hits you immediately, then blows the walls down again and again, so its best if you punch this one up with some solid volume control. Be sure to keep your ears ready for the breakdown that leads into another riotous blast of pop hooks that close the song out. Shake Your Faith is out on March 18th via HHBTM/Everything Sucks.

The Squiggles Sign to Alcopop Records, Drop New Tune

Niall McCamley was once a part time comedian, as well as the drummer for revered (and missed) pop act the Spook School; he is also just a super nice human being. But, as of late he’s been working on his own project, Squiggles; they just announced their signing to Alcopop Records for a brand new EP, so of course we’re all over it. The song’s video seems to hit on some self-reflection, offering up relatable admissions in between the track’s emphatic bursts of pure pop bliss. You also get some familiar friends in AC (Spook School) and Sophie (Life Model) adding in some stellar backing vocals, building on the hook power that Niall’s laying down. Like his former act, Squiggles seems to be walking that fine line between personal, motivational and all out joy. So come on, be a Squiggle.

The Beths Return with A Real Thing

Having had two North American tours cancelled by this damned pandemic since the release of Jump Rope Grazers, The Beths are ready to finally make their way back over here on the backs of their latest release…doing it with a fresh tune in their pockets to rock your way. Liz Stokes of course is the dominating force here, with the rise and fall of the hooks revolving around her delivery. That’s not to say the band aren’t hitting it heavy together, as the drums hit furiously, pounding out a frantic pace that matches with the fever dream that influenced Stokes’ writing on this particular tune. Plus, I’m not sure any power-rock group is writing choruses with as many catchy moments as this lot. They’ll be hitting the States throughout the rest of February, and then heading over to Europe for the rest of the Spring…so catch em’ when you can! Austin date at Empire Garage on February 15th!

Pinch Points Drop Am I Okay Single

The Aussie scene’s been quieter than usual, with only the Partner Look LP coming to mind as heavy rotation pieces over here, so I’m glad Melbourne’s Pinch Points have this rad little single to share from their forthcoming LP. In this song, you get a nice little rolling indie rock feel, sort of like the low tides nipping at your ankles as you walk along the beach. I love the dual vocal approach, matching the emphatic notes together as the song punches along. Lyrically, you’re not going to find a more apt tune today, or for the next few years, with the song hopefully reminding us all just to breathe, let the world move around you and just take care of yourself…sometimes we need a reminder. The band drop Process on March 18th via Exploding in Sound/Misteltone Records.

Yea-Ming and the Rumours Share Oh Sweet Mother Video

You might remember a few weeks back when I was fortunate to bring you the first single off So, Bird, the forthcoming record from Yea-Ming and the Rumours, and today, we’ve got the video version to accompany track; it was directed by Canderson and Tiger Lily. The visual maintains the powerful emotion of the song, then furthers it by placing images of Yea-Ming against backdrops of natural settings. Personally, I love the way the understated jangles of the tune match up with the imagery, all of it creating this natural wistfulness to go along. Let’s hope that such care to detail applies to the whole of the album; we’ll find out when its released on March 14th via Dandy Boy Records.

Scrunchies Sign to Dirtnap, Announce New LP

Just really feeling some rock energy this Friday, so news that Minneapolis outfit Scrunchies have signed up with Dirtnap with this accompanying single fits perfectly into my vibe. Plus, the track’s video has links to my lesson today with my students in our continued discussion on Science Fiction and its depictions of humanity. The band have this tenacity that hits you in the face from the get-go, with Danielle’s drum work pounding in your brain even after the track ends. Laura Larson leads the vocal assault, belting out line after line with this fierceness that’s sure to startle those with “no home planet.” Powerful and punchy, and just enough hooks for this old geezer to grin. Feral Coast hits on April 1st!

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