This is fine.
It has been quite a long time, near on 5 years to be exact, since I last heard from Bournemouth based outfit LEECHES. Imagine my excitement when the band reached out and shared news of a regrouping of sorts, along with this new single “Green.” What a way to come back too, with a loud, super well produced, absolute killer of a track. I think you’ll be enjoying this one as you hit play below. Here’s to hoping for more to come from the lads in the near future.
Danish outfit The Setting Son are on their way to releasing Cul-de-sac this June, and a little listen to this ditty might have your ears perked up, ready to try on something new going into next year. The group have been around for some time, and they do make some nods to psychedelia throughout their catalogue, but the way the two guitar lines work in unison on this album really makes me think upon the Go-Betweens. It’s pop music, but it feels elevated and yet so simple that you can’t help but treat is as a little piece of tasty ear candy you can come back to again and again. Light jangle, little haze and a hell of a melody…check it!
Leicester’s Dayflower have had no qualms sharing their adoration for all things dream pop and shoegaze, but what I like in their new single is its ability to adhere to a stylistic signpost, whilst still feel refreshing in the way it’s presented. When it kicks in, the electronic influence almost takes you on an adventure from the get go, immersing you in this wash of pop electronics; the wash of heavier guitars hang in the back, kind of lurking, and only making their presence felt when necessary. The brooding element of the genre is still necessary, but it seems like the band and the song are reaching for that one ray of pop sunshine coming through the clouds. Look for their new LP this Summer via Sunday Records.
When something new comes out from San Francisco, odds are, at least in the current climate, I’m going to like it. Man on TV is as per expected…a sonic exploration into pop that has me cozied up inside my headphones, trying to get in touch with every last emotion. There’s something in the vocals that reminds me of early Galaxie 500; it’s stretching, trying to reach for the furthest musical distance possible, only to find itself a cool whisper in the ear. All of that’s attached to carefully meandering guitar notes and these understated drum pieces that roll the song along perfectly. Hear for yourself.
A fairly busy week as we got a little more back on routine writing last week, and we were especially excited for all the pop fans out there. New stuff from Jeanines, the Perfect English Weather, Lightheaded, and Lost Film had what cures the ills, and man, were there some special tracks mentioned above. Circled around to hear some Austin, and Austin adjacent stuff with Little Marzarn, BS and former ATX resident Lauren Green and Tan Cologne. Plus, M. Maly gave us a peek at what’s in store for Pscyh Fest, throwing in some coverage with King Hannah being highlighted on the playlist. Plus, great new albums from the Convenience and Mythical Motors rounded the week out properly. What was your fave?
Austins Psych Fest kicks off 4.25 and runs through 4.27, and maybe a little insight into what I’m looking forward to, specifically some sleepers or lesser-knowns, is warranted. I know you didn’t ask, but I’ll tell you anyway.
King Hannah: Sunday, 2:55 PM, Janis Stage
King Hannah‘s unique blend of influences think PJ Harvey, Massive Attack, and Mazzy Star makes for the perfect concoction to set the tone for the 90s-heavy Sunday lineup. While the bands roots may be in Liverpool, the American influence left on them during their first North American tour found its way smeared all over their 2024 release Big Swimmer.
Referencing songwriting legends like Bill Callahan and John Prine in lyric, while still maintaining their own distinct perspective, makes for incredibly enjoyable listening especially when a patient ear is applied. Dig into their catalog of two full-lengths, and some notable covers (Madonnas Like A Prayer and Bruce Springsteens State Trooper) and you’ll find yourself awash in a constant glaze of slow-building sonic landscapes, accented by Hannah’s deeply personal and reflective lyrical process.
Coming off a lengthy, successful European tour with countless sold-out shows, the band returns to North America for the first time in a few years. Get there early.
A pretty solid listening week over here, at least if you’re asking us. You’ll click below to find a few solid releases that are brand new, and one that’s been revamped for your listening pleasure…not to mention being made available to the masses for the first time. Click below to see what you’re into…maybe a little of this, a little of that, or maybe all of it…but be sure to support the artists and labels!
Mythical Motors – Travelogues and Movie Stills (Repeating Cloud)
Avery Friedman – New Thing (Audio Antihero)
The Convenience – Like Cartoon Vampires (Winspear)
Lunchbox – Evolver (Slumberland Records)
One of my favorite things about Sean Armstrong‘s work is that he seems to work on his craft, completely outside of the modern fads; it’s like listening to an out of body experience, where the noise of the world is totally gone and all you’ve got left is the song below. In that, there’s also a cinematic nature, with each carefully strummed guitar note resonating like it’s a framed piece of art, hanging in the air as Armstrong’s whispering vocals hang in the mix, almost fluttering in the front and falling to your feet. It’s an immersive world, where its simplicity and sincerity will sink you, so listen closely; Armstrong will release his new Velvet Ever After next Friday (4/25) via Rehberge Records.
Portland’s Chad definitely know the way to my heart, quickly grabbing me with light snare snaps and a delectable little keyboard line; it sets the mood and blankets the room with warmth before Sarah Lane enters the room with her silken vocal lines. A little subtle change hits with a punctuated synth line and growling bit of vocals, allowing the track to break up the forward push, especially when the second round opens up into a big instrumental breakdown that gets haunted by Lane’s voice. This song will appear on the group’s debut LP, which is slated for release this May.
You know the instant the guitars ring out in your ear that this Casual Hex track is going to be a jam; it’s dissonant and sharp, setting up the march of the song. Nonchalant vocals run right into the mix, soon overlapped by backing vocals, all the while the guitars dangerously cut away at the cones of your speakers. While the system operates and swirls with simplicity, the structural elements are buoyed by this brilliant bit of artistry that makes the track seem so much larger and more urgent. Definitely excited to hear the rest of their forthcoming Zig Zag Lady Illusion II, out June 13th via Youth Riot Records.
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