Tagged: pop

Wait for the day when the light scatters.

trophy wife

In perfect Monday fashion, the day was a whirlwind of highs and lows. Trophy Wife finally released their debut album, and then quickly laid their band to rest.

Parts of my life I can conjure up exactly what I was listening to then – I live my life by short-periods of musical obsessions and Trophy Wife’s sound easily depicts my immediate post-grade life. The Oxford-based trio created a dark, electronic pop sound. Each chord, effect, you name it sounded clean and exact. They garnered a lot of attention with their single, “Microlite,” and eventually started touring the UK with Esben and the Witch.

Slowly but surely new music emerged and our ears were left with the Bruxism EP, enough to satisfy our wants for more. Rumors swirled around last year about a full length finally being completed but nothing ever came of it. Now here we are, late spring of 2013 and the band has released their debut album – 3 years after appearing onto the music scene. It’s sad to see a group you made sure to keep on your rader slip away, but releasing the self-titled album for pay what you want was a fabulous career-ending move.

Listen and download the 11-track release below and if you’re based in the UK make sure you head out to one of their final live shows.

Also check out this super neat video collage the band made.

You make the earth move.

The London pop duo, Thumpers, croon love stories amongst heavy dance rhythms, searing synthesizers, and one of the catchiest choruses you will ever hear. Their new single, “Unkinder (Tougher Love)”  is a bit melancholic in content but will still make your limbs feel restless.

Watch the video above and be sure to mark your calendar for the release of their debut EP, Unkinder, through Transgressive Records.

Unhand me I am not a criminal.

dreams of cannibalism typhoon

I remember the summer I first heard Typhoon. Those lyrics of despair, aching vocals, and tight instrumentation that held it all together. You could tell in that moment of first listen that this band wasn’t even close to finished.

Meaningful content, gorgeous chords, and always such a build-up, this dynamic indie-orchestra of sorts is beyond listenable. Depth doesn’t always have to come in the form of words; the many layers, the clashing of instruments, and the almost symphonic feel create a beautiful thing. I’ve been anxiously awaiting new music and their first single, “Dreams of Cannibalism,” is just stunning.

Plenty of highs and lows, a momentous building of instruments and tone – this one is a must download for all. Grab the track below and stay tuned for their late Summer release, White Lighter, here.

Dreams Of Cannibalism – Typhoon

Right-click and enjoy.

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[Music Video] Best Friends – holychild

I love everything about holychild’s music video for their bouncy Summer tune, “Best Friends.” From the wide angle shots, to the late afternoon shadows, to the beautiful and desolate setting of Bombay Beach, California – the entire production is absolutely solid.

From DC to LA, holychild seems to be moving at an exorbitant rate. Learn more about the group here, and be sure to keep tabs on these guys – I’m excited to see what comes next.

BONUS:   The location alone in “Best Friends” reminded me of the interesting documentary titled Bombay Beach which tells of local’s tales and features some incredible music. I believe it’s on Netflix too..

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Made In Iceland VI

made in iceland vi

With a total population of under half a million over an area of about 40,000 sq mi, Iceland is one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world. This fact alone intrigues me greatly.

Iceland Music Export is back with the sixth edition of their compilation series that showcases a diverse collection of artists from all over the country. A sampler of contemporary Icelandic music, listen to a handful of some of my favorite tracks and be sure to read up more on the project here.

Enjoy.

Shipwrecks – Videodreams

shipwrecks videodreams

I first caught wind of this Italian brother-duo when I was perusing the tags on Facebook awhile back.  Filippo and Marco Marra’s sound instantly recalled Radiohead and Grizzly Bear to my mind, but with a little something extra.

Released earlier this month, Shipwrecks, is Videodreams‘ first album which they also cite poet Paul Eluard and filmmaker Alejandro Jodorowsky as two heavy influences. I really enjoyed listening to each track’s entire song structure, these gentleman are daft at composing. The tight instrumentation pairs well with the contemplative content that has that little bit of Italian flair which is shown well in track, “Can Not Be Wrong Now.” Check out the video for said track and catch the rest of the album below.

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[Out Today] Bleeder EP – Gracie

gracie bleeder

Can’t let this one slip away folks. Gracie’s latest EP, Bleeders, drops today and it surely cannot disappoint. I’ve always enjoyed Andrew Balasia’s stray from normal sounds but with each single he released leading up to today, we were pointed to a more organized and collected style.

Gracie has truly carved out an enjoyable place for our ears and reached a much more refined level. I love this direction and cannot wait to get my hand on a physical copy. Released through Small Plate Records, grab your copy here and listen to a few tracks from the EP below including his newest single, “Pet.”

BONUS:  Looking for more? Dive into Small Plate’s latest collection of singles. These guys are good.

[Inbox Submission] Chronographic – Filbert

chronographic filbert

I must say, I really don’t know how travel writers do it. Or even just simply writing on the road. How do you combat the urge to be solely in the moment yet having to take time to meticulously explain each, minute detail? It’s similar to the same reason why I hate reviewing live music at times I suppose.

Anyways, traveling does allow me the time to simmer over music submissions. Stumbling around the many suggestions takes away the mundane quality of staring out at a concrete landscape. And luckily, I had a nice little email from Filbert, a Stockton-based folk-pop group.

Simple instrumentation that pleasantly layers and builds, rambling vocals that weaves the listener in and out of breathy anecdotes and honest content, and a nice heavy guitar strum. I love the effortless flow from start to finish and of course the demo-like recording quality of it all. Listen below to their latest (and free!) album release, Chronographic, which is also available on super limited vinyl. 

 

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Feels like a dream tonight, a little break in time.

young galaxy ultramarine

Wow. That’s all I’ve got to say. The new Young Galaxy album is absolutely on.

Maybe it’s the fact that the band actually went to Sweden, part-Mecca for electronic music, to produce their newest album, Ultramarine. Being in foreign territory, perhaps it was easier to expand the mind. Either way, there’s still the shimmering layers, pounding rhythms, and of course, those vocals from Catherine McCandless.

Due out internationally on April 27th via Paper Bag Records, you can stream the entire album via Pitchfork. Although, I say after checking out only a few of the tracks below..I’m ready for the pre-order.

Enjoy.

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It’s you, it’s always been you.

dangerous ponies

So simple and yet so underrated. Philadelphia’s Dangerous Ponies do a damn good job at creating effortless indie rock.

With plenty of lo-fi fuzz, jangly guitar riffs, and dual boy/girl vocals – my ears are completely satisfied. Listen to the band’s latest little 4-track teaser of an EP titled Tenderheart, which is even available on 7”.

I could play the title track over and over and over again.