I haven’t seen anything “new” by Sweden’s shoegaze-popsters South Ambulance since… well, since Labrador dished out that lovely comp featuring… Read More »South Ambulance: Simple Obligation Of A Man [mp3]
There’s something special brewing in Brooklyn and it largely surrounds one Joe Pruitt, whose band Family Trees gave us the single Dream Talkin’ a short while ago. Well, Joe just dropped me a note about his other band, Son Of Rams, and once again I’m smitten. Son Of Rams veers in a slightly different direction, namely Pruitt and company give it a psychedelic edge, although it is undoubtedly upbeat pop. “Triple Eyed” is a new song filled with vocal hooks and catchy fuzz-filled riffs and a wild, psychedelic guitar solo. It’s a bit of a change from Family Trees, but boy does it still have that lovable summer pop sound. Read More »Son Of Rams: Triple Eyed [mp3]
Lefse’s latest lust-worthy tune-layer is Dominant Legs, the project of San Francisco-based musician Ryan Lynch (also the guitarist for Girls), whose light, harmonic melodies will draw you in. Joining Lynch is Hannah Hunt, who lends keys and vocal expertise. Shrouded in vocal reverb, Lynch’s ballads, like “Clawing Out At The Walls” off Dominant Legs’ forthcoming debut EP Young At Love And Life, cast a dreamy shadow over these summer days and conjure a longing for the slightly cooler evening hours when the crickets emerge. In “Clawing Out At The Walls”, Dominant Legs packs every moment with continuous, all-encompassing harmony that refuses to let go until the final moments. Just like this summer heat. The key difference being: You won’t want the songs to end. Read More »Dominant Legs: Clawing Out At The Walls [mp3]
Secret Colours create classic psych-pop music that has the sound the bands of the 60s and early 70s. Their new self-titled LP is packed with this style and “Jellybean” is a prime example of what makes Secret Colours a more than noteworthy up-and-coming band. Dreamy, melodic vocals front an attack of wild cymbals and echoing guitars that create a wall of sound. There’s a major emphasis on percussion that not only fits but enhances the psych-pop sound; it’s safe to say that without it, Secret Colors would not nearly be as impressive. Still, each part adds significantly to the whole. “Jellybean” is the full realization of the heritage 1960s and early 70s groups bestowed upon our modern era of psychedelic pop music. Read More »Secret Colours: Jellybean [mp3]
“Juniper”, off Y La Bamba‘s forthcoming record, Lupon, is a mystical and haunting display of beauty. Produced by Chris Funk… Read More »Y La Bamba: Juniper [mp3]
Oh man, this is pretty amazing. In their first release in… what, like, 20 years? Yeah, The Vaselines are finally… Read More »The Vaselines: I Hate The 80s [mp3]
The thing I love about Ba Da Bing is that you never really know what you’re going to get, but you can always trust the fact that it will be 1) almost entirely unique, and 2) extremely good. Enter one of the label’s latest bands, Woom. They fit the facts, producing minimalist experimental folk pop tunes like “Quetzalcoatl’s Ship” on their mini LP, simply titled demo. Read More »Woom: Quetzalcoatl’s Ship [mp3]
Stars have always been a group delayed; their albums ultimately get put on hold or set aside for months or even a full year before finding their way into my playlist. Not this time, I said. The band’s new album, The Five Ghosts is here, and I have to say I am impressed. Opening with the romantic “Dead Hearts” and continuing with the pseudo electric “I Died So I Could Haunt You”. It finds the band again maturing in new and exciting ways. The first single off the album is “We Don’t Want Your Body” and it is, perhaps, the best example of the changes undergone by Stars since In Our Bedroom After The War. One listen and you’ll hear an emphasis on electronic production. It may take a few listens to get used to, but it wouldn’t be the Stars we know and love if that weren’t so. (And for those who find it a bit too far out, remember there are still tracks like “Dead Hearts” that have a bit more in common with the band’s past.) I for one, find Stars invigorating in every form. Read More »Stars: We Don’t Want Your Body [mp3]
Alan Cohen shook your world in 2008 with the ultimate ode to the then president-elect (Senator) Barack Obama with his intense dance track “The Obama Groove”. In 2009, he took us on a journey back in time with one of the greatest hippie rock albums since Country Joe & The Fish, the Experience’s EP Eat The Peace. So where should a guy go when politics have faded away into the popular culture oblivion? Well, how about THE oblivion. Or how about the entire solar system for that matter? Read More »Alan Cohen Experience: Einstein [Track]
Page France’s departure from existence was bittersweet. On one hand, Michael Nau’s original baby was no more — and after… Read More »Cotton Jones: Glorylight & Christie [mp3]
