The 1959 Hat Company: Intersection [mp3]
A while ago, we covered Thunder Power’s new track “Heartifact” off their upcoming split 10″ EP with The 1959 Hat… Read More »The 1959 Hat Company: Intersection [mp3]
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Song Reviews
Elf Power: Stranger in the Window [mp3]
The release date of Elf Power‘s tenth album, Elf Power, may be a few months out, but hype is growing thanks to the release of the first single from the album. “Stranger In The Window” is just as soft and mysterious as anything off Back To The Web, and hints at their early Elephant 6 and Kindercore sensibilities.
Read More »Elf Power: Stranger in the Window [mp3]Hands: Hold [mp3]
I was expecting something upbeat and poppy, simple but infectious. Hands, however, doesn’t quite fit that mold. “Hold” is upbeat and poppy, but the band slips in dreamy twists, tribal drums, and ethereal harmonies. At around the midpoint, the crew changes pace and adds an electronic-sounding beat and heavy keys. It’s easy to fall in love with songs like this, obscure yet endearing. Read More »Hands: Hold [mp3]
Sunglasses: Whiplash [mp3]
I’m impressed. Greatly. Sunglasses take highly infectious electro sounds and drop in dark, moody, yet nonchalant vocals in their song “Whiplash”. Calm and relaxed, the contrast to Sunglasses’ big beat electronic sounds is borderline genius. “Whiplash” is bizarre, but it’s fun — super fun. Sunglasses is the brainchild of Samuel Cooper and Brady Keehn. Influenced by a wide range of artists, from hip hop to 60’s pop, “Whiplash” successfully combines what the band set out to do: blend Samuel’s love for pop songs with Brady’s obsession with bass and multi-layered beats. “Whiplash” can be found on the duo’s self-titled debut EP, out next week on Lefse Records. Read More »Sunglasses: Whiplash [mp3]
The Hugs: She Was High [mp3]
With a name like The Hugs, you know you’re in for something upbeat. On “She Was High”, the Portland-based band creates infectious indie pop with leanings toward the gritty nature of garage. The song is adorned with tweeting birds, side-commentary from other band members, and creaking doors, adding something off-beat and unique to the song. With a fun guitar riff and poppy, hook-filled vocals, there’s a good chance you’ll have “She Was High” on repeat for hours. Read More »The Hugs: She Was High [mp3]
The Moondoggies: Fly Mama Fly [mp3]
In moments we hear them: soft and simmering voices leaking in through an open window singing us goodbye songs for things we’ve needed to be released from for a long time. The latest single from The Moondoggie’s, “Fly Mama Fly”, captures for us a willowy breeze of quiet assurance. There’s no reason to hurry as lilting voices carry us through energetic guitar builds met with a hazy and dreamy sixties-esque progression. A song to bring us home, to encourage us to look around ourselves and make sure we like what we see. Clean and melancholy, “Fly Mama Fly†puts us next to a campfire under the stars capturing the all too familiar feelings of both disappointment and hope. Read More »The Moondoggies: Fly Mama Fly [mp3]
Jason Ward: Bless You [mp3]
Bless you my child, you were left out in the wild and I don’t think I can come for you this time. Simplicity is everything in Jason Ward‘s song “Bless You”, and it does wonders for the playfully stinging nature of the tune; it’s as if we can hear their smiles as they sing and send us away. There’s nothing to get in our way here, only unassuming lyrics and guitar chords leaving us the freedom to sigh and breathe. Reminiscent of Bob Dylan’s early songs of unapologetic dismissal, “Bless You†is as dizzying and determined as a magic hour windshield glare. There’s nothing treacherous here, only the leftover pieces of an unpleasant turn of events. A poetically disarming song, “Bless You†is an alluring part of a brilliantly precise and controlled album sure to uncover something determinedly broken in all of us. Read More »Jason Ward: Bless You [mp3]
Salmon Thrasher: Bad Blood [mp3]
On my radar this year is one of Seattle’s newest and most prolific artists, Justin Ripley. I have, honestly, loved… Read More »Salmon Thrasher: Bad Blood [mp3]
Math & Physics Club: Jimmy Had A Polaroid [mp3]
It’s been a hair under three years since the last proper Math & Physics Club release, an EP titled Baby I’m Yours, and just about four since their debut and only LP, 2006’s Math & Physics Club. Prior to the so-called hiatus, the band had been quite busy, also participating in a single compilation in ’06 and two additional EPs back in ’05. One might have gotten the impression the band was no more. Thankfully, they would have been wrong. The band is back with a new album titled I Shouldn’t Look As Good As I Do, and tagging along is a new drummer — Chris Mac, owner of Jigsaw Records and IndiePages and former guitarist of Suretoss and percussionist of Patients Please. Read More »Math & Physics Club: Jimmy Had A Polaroid [mp3]
Carissa’s Wierd: Die [mp3]
“Die” ultimately picked up where Songs About Leaving left off, and it adequately summed up where the band was heading… Read More »Carissa’s Wierd: Die [mp3]
