New Music Tuesday

New Music Tuesday 8.28.12

by soandyway
"Infinity Overhead" by Minus The Bear
“Infinity Overhead” by Minus The Bear

Infinity Overhead is the kind of record that makes me so excited about music. There are so many influences at play here that combine to make an extremely poppy and incredibly exciting progressive/math rock record that will play on repeat in my headphones for a long time. Minus The Bear have been a favorite of mine for several years, and with each new record the band has slightly altered their sound to craft something new for their fans. This record packs in all those influences, and the resulting package will please fans of every era. The Hall and Oates influence of their last record Omni is definitely on display here (‘Lies and Eyes’), and the post-hardcore progressive rock (Steel and Blood [below], Diamond Lightning) fans have loved since day one gives this record its core. I can’t say enough about how good this record. You really need to check it out for yourself. You should always listen to albums as a whole, but if you can give this one the time it deserves, I promise you that you will enjoy yourself. Pick it up over at Amazon MP3.

"A Thing Called Divine Fits" by Divine Fits
“A Thing Called Divine Fits” by Divine Fits

When musicians who are passionate about their craft come together, the result is always worth a listen. That was my attitude going into A Thing Called Divine Fits, the album by indie supergroup Divine Fits. Britt Daniel (Spoon), Sam Brown (New Bomb Turks), and Dan Boeckner (Wolf Parade, Handsome Furs) have created an album that is as fun as it is unique. Each members style is present on the record, but together they find a nice balance of danceable, indie rock. Opener ‘My Love Is Real’ (Below) gets things going with a darkly sweet groove. The track bobs and jumps along a fuzzed out, brooding rhythm that is contrasted by an ethereal synth riff that will be in your head all day. The bright bounce of the expertly layered ‘The Salton Sea’ is exactly the kind of exciting track I would expect from this collaboration. The tune is bright with a darker undertone, and it never seems to go in the direction you think. This will be on many people year end lists, and more than likely on mine. Grab it at AmazonMP3.

"Violent Waves" by Circa Survive
“Violent Waves” by Circa Survive

Circa Survive have earned their place among many in prog and/or post-hardcore communities as one of the top acts making records today, and with one listen to Violent Waves you might join them. Dynamic, sprawling, and always rocking, this is a record that demands your attention. The big moments seem bigger than anything they’ve done heretofore, and the quieter moments are anything but killing time between the rocking. The seven minute opener ‘Birth Of The Economic Hitman’ kick-starts the album and sets the bar high. What follows does not dissapoint, especially the savage screams in ‘Sharp Practice’ and the propulsive rhythms of ‘Suitcase’. By the time the album’s second epic ‘I’ll Find A Way’ glides the album to its gentle close you’ll be more than satisfied with the price of admission. Circa Survive seem to improve the sound and scope of their ambition with each new album, and Violent Waves is a fantastic addition to their already seminal cannon. Grab it for yourself at Amazon.

New Music Tuesday 8.21.12

by soandyway

This weeks albums are a bunch of Heavy Yeasayer’s having a Bloc Party, and you’re invited!

"The Glorious Dead" by The Heavy
“The Glorious Dead” by The Heavy

I fell in love with this record. The Glorious Dead is a powerful, exciting force of an album. The Heavy have taken all the best elements of rock, blues, and early Motown R&B and created a truly epic sound. Heavy, fuzzy riffs and thundering percussion are met with exhilarating String, Horn, and Choral arrangements that augment each track without feeling forced. This is a record that was meant to spin on a turntable in between your Otis Redding/Sam Cooke records as well as your Black Keys and Band Of Skulls. Big tracks like ‘What Makes A Good Man’ (below) and ‘Don’t Say Nothing’ pop and wail, while the haunting ‘The Lonesome Road’ simmers along at a slower, more measured pace. This album doesn’t have a dull moment. Every tune is worth getting lost in, so I recommend grabbing your best set of headphones and letting The Glorious Dead take you away. Easily my favorite album out this week, this is also a strong contender for my top albums of the year. Pick it up at Amazon now for just $6.99!

"Four" by Bloc Party
“Four” by Bloc Party

Bloc Party roar back onto the scene with their new album Four, but longtime fans might have a problem with which specific scene they chose. At its core, Four is more ‘Rock’ than any album the band has done before, almost comepletely forsaking the hipster-iffic dance parties that took place on earlier records. What takes its place is a sound that has more in common with dirty blues and harder edged 1990’s style rock than the groups earlier Franz Ferdinand or early Killers albums leanings. The result will be jarring for some, but if you can get past any pre-conception, what you will find is quite rewarding. Tracks like ‘Octopus’ (below) and ‘V.A.L.I.S’ have the band’s trademark lightning fast precision riffs and beats overlaying fun, hypnotic grooves, but tracks like So He Begins To Lie’ and ‘Kettling’ will make you reminisce about every Cobain influenced band most of us worshiped in high school. When it comes down to it, Bloc Party have shown their versatility with Four. No matter the wrapping, their brand of rock and roll will always be the gift that keeps on giving. Grab it now over at Amazon MP3

"Fragrant World" by Yeasayer
“Fragrant World” by Yeasayer

As a fan of picking out bands influences, I loved listening to Yeasayer‘s Fragrant World. Yeasayer is rightfully lumped into the Electronic genre, but their songs owe a debt to the worlds of pop, funk, folk, and psychedelia as well as more worldly African beats and Middle Eastern arrangements. Much of Fragrant World doesn’t stray from a mid-tempo bounce, but rather than get caught in a straight forward lulling monotony, the group chooses to create unique and engrossing soundscapes on each of the album’s eleven tracks. The fantastic vocal effects on ‘Longevity’ (below) give the tune a robotic Prince effect before giving way to swirling synths and strings. Other tracks like ‘Devil And The Deed’ and ‘No Bones’ echo paths forged by the likes of Depeche Mode, but their fresh production and looped backing tracks keep the tunes from feeling stale or rehashed. The inclusion of the Dub influenced ‘Henrietta’ gives the record that multi-genre balance that Yeasayer’s contemporaries fail to accomplish when culling together a full length. Fragrant World finds the group in a class all their own, high above what you may perceive as today’s Electronica. Join the fun by grabbing the album over at Amazon.

New Music Tuesday 8.14.12

by soandyway

This week’s Story of Light will have your Neurons firing in the Southern Air! Let’s jump in!

"The Story of Light" by Steve Vai
“The Story of Light” by Steve Vai

If you Google Steve Vai, the one word you will see over and over in the articles and blog results is the word Virtuoso. Vai is considered by many to be one of the greatest living guitarists, and during his long career he has managed to always stay relevant while continuing to challenge himself. He has fans in the worlds of Metal, Prog, and just about any sub-classification of Hard Rock you can imagine. With The Story Of Light, Vai combines his unparalleled skills in those worlds with a softer, more spiritual side. Look to his renditions of the traditional “John The Revelator” and “Mullach A’tSi” for proof. The latter of the two is a gentle, acoustic tinged delight, and the former is full on gospel/blues explosion that features samples of Blind Willie Johnson’s version from the 1930’s. If that pairing sounds like a stretch, how about “No More Amsterdam”, Vai’s duet with singer/songwriter Aimee Mann. The result is a very effecting reflective tune, one that fits perfectly on this record. Other tracks of note are the hard edged funk of “Velorum”, the metal pulse of “Gravity Storm” (below), and the prog-rock perfection of “The Moon And I”. The Story Of Light is a fantastic, compelling epic that is a must add to any rock fans collection. Pick it up at Amazon today.

"Southern Air" by Yellowcard
“Southern Air” by Yellowcard

Yellowcard have put out album after album of well produced, thoughtful pop-punk influenced rock with larger than life choruses and big hooks. After taking a short hiatus, the band emerged last year with a refocused energy that slightly altered and matured their sound. That trend continues on Southern Air, a ten tracked tightly packed record filled with sharp guitars, pounding rhythms, and fantastic use of their softer side (strings, piano, etc). Vocalist/Guitarist Ryan Key shines on this record with some of his best vocal performances to date on opener “Awakening” (below) and the dynamic “Telescope” which contains the lines “Let’s just keep driving on/All the stars jumping in through the windows/Let’s go where we belong/Headed fast as we can for the unknown“. By the time you reach the title track album closer, you’ll be rocked, rolled, and refreshed by the Southern Air. Pick it up at Amazon MP3.

"Neuron" by Duo (Julia Egan & Kirk Pearson)
“Neuron” by Duo (Julia Egan & Kirk Pearson)

This album was released a few weeks ago, but I only just discovered it when looking for this weeks releases. I’m including it here because I was struck by this record, and I think it needs to be shared. Duo is comprised of musicians Julia Egan and Kirk Pearson. Their partnership and album is best described on the album’s Bandcamp page as follows: “They met in their junior year at New York’s LaGuardia School for Music and Art. Over the course of 400 days, Egan and Pearson wrote and recorded an album about insomnia, affection and neuroscience. This is said album.” Duo incorporates electronic, indie folk, and classical influences into Neuron, and the result is an eclectic record that surprises with each listen. I’ve embedded the record so you can give it a spin. I recommend the tracks “Travel On”, “Kai Sen Manuscripts”, and “Julia’s Brains”. If you like it, click over to Bandcamp where you can name your price to download it!

New Music Tuesday 8.7.12

by soandyway

This weeks releases are Funky, Imperfect, and Superpowered. Shall we?

"Perfectly Imperfect" by Elle Varner
“Perfectly Imperfect” by Elle Varner

Its been a good couple of weeks for the ladies of soul. Elle Varner‘s debut full length record is a wonderful mixture of old school R&B with today’s pop stylings and production values. Varner’s soulful voice gives each tune heart and pathos, even when she’s singing about less than emotional matters on the ‘What did I do last night?‘ anthem “Oh What A Night”. The track could have been a novelty throw away tune to bad out the record, but instead it remains just as compelling as album highlights “Only Wanna Give It To You”, “Refill” (shown below), and the sultry, funky “Sound Proof Room”. Perfectly Imperfect resonates with all the hooks and beats to light up today’s Hip-Hop charts, but its minimalist production hearkens back to a mix of 70’s funk and early to mid 90’s R&B. With so many influences in the mix, you really need to check this album out.

"Funky Was The State of Affairs" by Fergus & Geronimo
“Funky Was The State of Affairs” by Fergus & Geronimo

There is certainly no better title to this record than Funky Was The State of Affairs. Fergus & Geronimo take a lot of chances on this album, and I am all for it. A mixture of music and spoken word, this seemingly crowded sixteen track disc may look intimidating in your Spotify window, but the whole piece clocks in around thirty-two minutes. Fake accents and absurdest whimsy can distract the casual listener from the crunchy riffs and solid bass lines that make up the Ramones style post-punk attitude of the music. Think Pixies meets a Portlandia influenced sensibility. I took a chance on this record this week, and you should too.

"Superpowers" by The Polish Ambassador
“Superpowers” by The Polish Ambassador

Most people have such a love/hate relationship with Dubstep that I’m sure you just had a reaction to me mentioning it right now. Whatever your preconceived notion, if you love any kind of electronic music you need to check out The Polish Ambassador, the brainchild of David Sugalski. On his latest release, the EP Superpowers, Sugalski uses samples, synths, and big beats to create laid back grooves and melodic playscapes. Your first reaction to hearing this EP may be that the music seems very Sci-Fi inspired, but if that isn’t your cup of tea don’t let that description deter you. Sugalski’s ability to take that world and mesh it with today’s David Guetta style production is tremendous. Check out the Sci-Funk (thats how genre’s are born) for yourself on “Flesh Prayers” embedded below, then head over to The Polish Ambassador’s website. There you will find not only a free download of this magnificent EP of spaceman baby making gems, but also a free download of everything The Polish Ambassador has ever done. That’s seven albums and 30 remixes of songs by everyone from Bon Iver and Local Natives to George Michael and Next for FREE.

New Music Tuesday 7.31.12

by soandyway

Soulful Jazz, R&B, and dreamy pop make up this week’s new releases. Let’s jump in!

"Christian aTunde Adjuah" by Christian Scott
“Christian aTunde Adjuah” by Christian Scott

There needs to be more musicians in the world like Christian Scott. Scott’s new album, Christian aTunde ADJuah, is a powerful, enthralling double disc set that employs elements of Jazz, Rock, Hip-Hop, and just about anything else you can think of. Quiet and pensive at times, joyous and exuberant at others, this is an album for every “on the fence” Jazz fan out there. He pays homage to Miles Davis with his trumpet and composition on tracks like “New New Orleans (King Adjuah Stomp)”, and also manages to extrapolate on that vibe to create his own modern take on the themes and techniques Davis’ pioneered. Take the dark, bassy rumble of “Jihad Joe” (embedded below) on the album’s second disc. Scott’s trumpet wails and soars across the track, enhanced by the guitar work of Matthew Stevens and the piano interplay of Lawrence Fields. The track is certainly a jazz piece, but it also has a Progressive Metal undertone to it that creates something all together new and exciting. This type of intricate and dynamic composition makes Christian aTunde ADJuah a must add to your collection, and my favorite release this week. Pick it up all twenty three tracks right now over at Amazon MP3

"The Soul Sessions Volume 2" by Joss Stone
“The Soul Sessions Volume 2” by Joss Stone

Joss Stone‘s career has seen her sample and transcend many different genres. Ms. Stone is always at her best when she is given the chance to explore the bluesy side of whatever genre she chooses, and that’s where we find her on The Soul Sessions Volume 2, Stone’s second foray into the world of older Blues and R&B covers. The gentle funky soul of “I Got The…” provides the perfect introduction to the record, before the 60’s R&B protest jam “(For God’s Sake) Give More Power To The People”, where we hear what may be the records most spirited vocal performance. Other record highlights include the poppy bouncer “While You’re Out Looking For Sugar” and the down tempo, sultry gospel infused cover of Broken Bells’ “The High Road” (below). The wail of the lead guitar throughout the latter provides the perfect tone and counter melodies to Stone’s lead vocal, and the result makes for the albums finest overall track. Equal parts Janis Joplin and Adele, Ms. Stone’s voice never fails to move you. Head to Amazon MP3 for your copy.

Best known as the lead singer for the hard rocking Anberlin, Stephen Christian is also the creative force behind the gentler Anchor & Braille. Christian has knack for creating emotional soundscapes that perfectly compliment his unique and commanding vocals. On The Quiet Life, Christian gets things started with the drum looped electro dream pop bounce of tracks like “Goes Without Saying” before transitioning to the darker, more somber vibe of tracks like the indie/alt-pop crunch of “Kodacrome”. The beautiful piano ballad “Hymn For Her” is an album highlight, and one that sets the more relaxed yet ambitious tone of the records latter third. Swelling synths and big beats make the subtly R&B influenced crescendo of “Everybody Here Wants You” a thrilling success. Album closer “Before I Start Dreaming” wraps the record up wonderfully, drawing from all of the albums different directions to sum up what is sure to be a instant classic album among fans and new listeners alike. Take a listen to “In With The New” below, then pick up The Quiet Life today.

New Music Tuesday 7.17.12

by soandyway

This is a week for truly excellent new music!!!

"Songs of Patience" by Alberta Cross
“Songs of Patience” by Alberta Cross

This a week for records to get lost in, and I’m certainly lost in Songs Of Patience. I’m happy that it was the last record I listened to for this post, because I have a feeling its one of those “Stuck In My CD Player For A Week” records. Right from the start of opener ‘Magnolia’ (embedded below) I was sucked into an alt-rock world of lush guitars and brit-rock influenced charm that never misses. Think Oasis meets Coldplay circa Viva La Vida meets The Secret Migration era Mercury Rev. The lyrics are effective, the music is beautiful, and the tracks just fit together as a whole. You can’t ask much more from a record, so go pick it up now.

"Hypnotic Nights" by Jeff The Brotherhood
“Hypnotic Nights” by Jeff The Brotherhood

Fuzzed out guitars and sugary sweet melodies make Hypnotic Nights one of my favorite records out this week. Once you hit play the record just takes you over, thanks in part to the stellar production work of Dan Auerbach. The steady stream of crunchy guitars envelop your ears so tightly, its almost jarring when they’re absent for a bit on album highlight ‘Wood Ox’, but jarring in a good way. Jeff The Brotherhood have found a way to stay true to their sound and craft a stellar record filled with power-pop jams that will have you humming and nodding along almost instantly. This is a truly fantastic record, one that should be added to your collection.

"Is Anybody Home" by Noah T
“Is Anybody Home” by Noah T

I came across this record on Bandcamp, and I fell in love instantly. This largely instrumental and acoustic record takes the listener through several moods during its thirteen track run. Multi-Instrumentalist Noah T lays a bed of acoustic guitar and bass on every tune, and his melodies and percussion are conveyed by various sources. Anything but conventional would be a good way to describe what happens from tune to tune, like the looped handclaps and percussive “dings” of the title track, or the rhythmically diverse ‘Phases’. Just give a listen to leadoff track ‘For You’ and try not to smile. Click one of the tracks below and see for yourself, then go pick the record up at Bandcamp!

"Yellow and Green" By Baroness
“Yellow and Green” By Baroness

I’m a sucker for bands that defy being labeled by bucking genre convention, and Baroness is certainly one of those bands. On Yellow and Green they employ influences of Metal, Misfits style broad Punk, and Prog-Rock sensibilities to craft a sound all their own. This is a record that could fit on your Warped Tour playlist or your Metallica megamix without feeling out of place. The story on this record is certainly the triumphant guitar work of Peter Adams and John Baizley, but I find myself just as captivated by Baizley’s hard edged yet warm and inviting vocals. check out the embedded track below to see what I mean. This is a double album, and though each disc has its own theme and sound, the two certainly fit together seamlessly, without ever feeling bloated or over the top. This is a rock lovers dream record, one you should grab today!

"Winds Will Change EP" by William Beckett
“Winds Will Change EP” by William Beckett

Fans of the band The Academy Is… already know how strong of a songwriter/vocalist William Beckett is, but he should be getting some new attention with the release of Winds Will Change, his second EP this year. The strong lead single “Great Night” (below) has an anthemic chorus much in the same vein of Fun.’s “We Are Young”. The pop-punk-funk of “Warriors” is another of the EP’s highlights, and its hooks are the kind of danceable fun that will please longtime fans. At a quick four tracks, “Winds Will Change” is a delightful listen that demands to be heard.

New Music Tuesday 7.10.12

by soandyway

What a week for new tunes! Some of my most anticipated releases of the summer came out today, so lets get started!

"Swing Lo Magellan" by Dirty Projectors
“Swing Lo Magellan” by Dirty Projectors

My favorite thing about each new Dirty Projectors album is that first listen. Songs jump and twist in ways you didn’t see coming, and you never know what to expect next. Frontman Dave Longstreth and company take you on an aural roller coaster ride with each new release, and Swing Lo Magellan delivers on all fronts. Elements of folk, “indie”, glam, electronica, and pop are all married together track after track in a beautiful dissonance. Animated drum loops propel playful rhythms that enhance a gentle bed of largely acoustic guitars from track to track. While never brash in tone, a casual listen may prove challenging because album tracks such as “Offspring Are Blank” and “About To Die” take unpredictable turns through varied genre conventions. The songs never feel forced or different for the sake of being different, which can happen in the hands of lesser composers. Instead, what you will get for your dollar is an extremely well arranged record that rewards with each listen. Right now, Amazon has “Swing Lo Magellan” for $3.99, as well as great discounts on the rest of the bands albums.

"In Currents" by The Early November
“In Currents” by The Early November

I have to admit, I have a huge soft spot for The Early November. They are one of my favorite bands to come out of the emo/pop-punk explosion of early to mid 2000s. While a lot of those bands focused on playing harder and louder with each release, TEN always let their melodies stand for themselves, even if that meant leaving a track acoustic or taking care to create a record as a whole rather than just a collection of 3 minute songs. After a period of hiatus, In Currents finds the band at a creative height. “Frayed In Doubt”, “Tell Me Why”, and “Guilt & Swell” are as hard edged as any of the bands previous shout-laced rockers, and “A Stain On The Carpet” and “Digital Age” showcase the band’s softer side. Though filled with individual gems, the album’s biggest strength is how all the parts come together and create a truly effective full length record, one that you should definitely hear for yourself.

"Skelethon" by Aesop Rock
“Skelethon” by Aesop Rock

Music fans who turn their noses up at hip hop have obviously never heard of Aesop Rock. Not only can he rap better than most, his production skills rank him among the top producers across all genres. While every track on Skelethon boasts his trademark rhyming, each presents its own individual world of influences. Echoes of funk, electronica, “indie” and hard rock punctuate Aesop’s beats so effectively, the record is just as strong without vocals, even taking on a slightly different personality. That being said, Aesop’s poetry over tracks like “Ruby ’81” “Crows 1” and “Zero Dark Thirty” makes Skelethon an intricately layered, genre bending gem. The album is available through Amazon MP3 here, as well as the instrumental version.

"Confess" by Twin Shadow
“Confess” by Twin Shadow

I’m not quite sure when synthesizers and drum machines became cool again in the world of indie rock, but if we keep getting records like Confess, I won’t ask anymore questions. Equally influenced by Howie Day style breathy pop, Sting influenced story telling rock, and the darkness laced bright tone of Depeche Mode, Twin Shadow presents a record full of tunes that have a smile buried deep behind the sadness. This constant juxtaposition is all over the record, especially tracks “Beg For The Night” and closer “Be Mine Tonight”. Danceable beats back calm, dark synths so effectively that the listener won’t know whether to dance or relax the night away. That may sound like a criticism, but after listening to Confess, you’ll know I mean it as a compliment to this warm and well structured album.

"Harakiri" by Serj Tankian
“Harakiri” by Serj Tankian

Even if you weren’t a big fan of System Of A Down, I’m willing to bet the solo work of lead singer Serj Tankian has something for you. Harakiri opens strong with the punishing crunch of “Cornucopia” and “Figure It Out” kick things off with a bang. Tankian has proven himself to be a strong lyricist as well as tremendous vocalist, as evidenced on the track “Uneducated Democracy” where he writes: ‘Without an education there is no real democracy/ Without an education there is only hypocrisy”. Not everything is as political in nature, but each track burns with the clear passion Tankian has for his craft. This is the first of four solo albums we will see from him this year, and her certainly whets the appetite for more with this record. Along with most of this weeks new releases, Amazon MP3 is selling Harakiri for $3.99 right now.

Other releases to check out this week:

"I Can See The Future" by Eleni Mandell
“I Can See The Future” by Eleni Mandell is full of acoustic guitar, string laden, breathy tunes that are sure to please

:

"A Diamond In The Mind" by Duran Duran
“A Diamond In The Mind” by Duran Duran: A live album by the 80’s electronic masters
"Cold Hard Want" by House Of Heroes
“Cold Hard Want” by House Of Heroes is a hard rocking pop punk force to be reckoned with
"Unsound" by Mission Of Burma
“Unsound” by Mission Of Burma: The post-punk powerhouse returns with another exciting disc

Top Albums Of 2012 For $0.99!!

by soandyway

Right now at AmazonMP3 you can get 20 records from this year for Ninety-Nine cents each!! There are some great albums in this deal! The deal lasts until Midnight tonight Pacific Time (3am Eastern) so go grab ’em now!!!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=tsm_1_tw_s_dm_m6kl7u?docId=1000811501

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New Music Tuesday 7.3.12

by soandyway

Another week, another eclectic week of new music!

"XXX" by Asia
“XXX” by Asia

One of very few bands to boast the accomplishment of having songs on both hits of the 80’s compilation infomercials and prog-rock mixtapes, supergroup Asia packs many influences into their stellar new disc. Powered by all the pomp and grandeur of their individual members 70’s prog beginnings, tunes like the introductory “Tomorrow The World” and the triumphant “No Religion” spring to life with the kind of sharp melodic perfection you’d expect from a group of men who have spent a lifetime defining their musical chops. Asia has not grown soft with age in the least. Instead, they attacked XXX like all of their previous efforts have led to this. This is not a record by aged veterans who were just looking for an excuse to tour. Just take a listen to the spirited vocals of John Wetton and see for yourself. XXX is a carefully crafted Progressive Rock masterwork, created by some of the genre’s highest level musicians.

"Fortune" by Chris Brown
“Fortune” by Chris Brown

People who have read this blog in the past may be shocked to see this disc among my picks for this week. The reason I chose this record is simple: Despite the headlines, the hashtags, his personal life, and whatever your friend heard about him that one time, Chris Brown is making some of the most exciting and enjoyable Top 40/Hip-Hop/R&B out there today. Yes, he has all the best songwriters and all the best producers to help him, and yes he has all the major label money to broadcast his mug throughout the stratosphere, but he also has one of the strongest male voices in pop today. Before the “YIKES!”, he was poised to take over the mantle of “King Of Pop” and on Fortune, he reminds us why. Forget your preconceptions. Do as he says on the album’s dance hall anthem and just “Turn Up The Music“.

"Freak Out!" by Teenage Bottlerocket
“Freak Out!” by Teenage Bottlerocket

Remember when you were a kid and all music did was make you happy? There was no pretension, no search for a personal philosophy, no “Scene” influencing your opinion. Tunes just made you wanna dance your ass off. Well, Teenage Bottlerocket has crafted just the record to help you recapture that time of your life. Freak Out! is chock full of slick pop melodies and dirty punk rock riffs that feel exciting and fresh for a genre that has been dissected and twisted a million different ways. If the titles to songs like “Necrocomicon”, “Punk House of Horror”, and “In The Pit” make you smile, then the music that accompanies them will be stuck in your head for weeks. This is the kind of pop-punk that was blaring in your friends ninety degree basement when you had your first adult beverage and never wanted the summer to end. Pure, BS-less, and just plain fun rock and roll.

"Gold Motel" by Gold Motel
“Gold Motel” by Gold Motel

Fans of the currently on-hiatus band The Hush Sound should be ecstatic that Greta Morgan (formerly Salpeter) is still making the kind of ernest, bouncy alt/pop that made that band stand out among the quickly crowded Fueled By Ramen roster of the mid to late 00’s. Morgan’s charm as a singer songwriter is matched evenly by her male counterparts on this self-titled sophomore record. I dare you to listen to the shimmering jangle pop of “Your Own Ghost” or sixties girl group inspired “These Sore Eyes” and not fall in love with this records warm embrace. Hipstery enough for those with ironic facial hair, inviting enough for the general audience, Gold Motel is a melodic gem from any perspective.