Clifton's Ford - "Places We Went Wrong"

Clifton’s Ford are an emerging folk rock trio who just self-released, Places We Went Wrong, their very promising debut album on June 1.  This relatively new band formed in the spring of 2012 and is led by singer-songwriter Jordan Yates and rounded out by Bonnie Van Dyke and Henry Killian.  The band is based out of Damascus, Virginia and early on, they started out by covering music by some of their favorite musicians, playing local shows, and calling themselves Strangevine, after the Delta Spirit song of the same name.  But as their musical chemistry began to grow tighter, they sharpened their focus on writing and performing their own original songs and changed their name to Clifton’s Ford.  The trio cobbles together a seemingly effortless blend of old timey folk, bluegrass, country and blues along with a pop-leaning, modern indie rock edge and close-knit vocal melodies for a unique sound that recalls such like-minded neo-folk favorites as The Head And The Heart, Mumford & Sons and Old Crow Medicine Show.

The album opens with “Angels At Your Door” and its steady, jig-inducing acoustic guitar rhythm and infectious mandolin figures that dance right up and down the fret board  Stand out track “Baby Girl” follows with a swinging rhythm and vocal melodies so solid that they could probably withstand the Armageddon.  I would say that it’s pretty safe to assume that this track is a live favorite with its catchy, sing-along chorus.  Bonnie Van Dyke takes the lead on “Catch 22 Blues”, which blends a boardwalk-strutting bass line and some blues rock tropes with a midtempo bluegrass rhythm for what the band has affectingly dubbed as “blues-grass”.  “Despicable Little You” slows down the pace a bit to shine the light on Jordan and Bonnie’s undeniable vocal chemistry, with a call and response vocal passage for another standout moment.  “Electronica Harmonica” throws in a wrinkle, adding in a bouncy, Reggae-inspired rhythm, giving the upbeat song a fun, beach-y vibe.  This song is the perfect example that shows that the band is having just as much fun playing the songs as you will enjoy listening to them and that really means something.  “End Of Summer Song” opens with playful mandolin figures before launching into a swinging, piano-led honky-tonk rhythm with nostalgia-laced lyrics that long for those summer flings and days gone by.  Another standout, “Figures And Shapes” continues with the piano as Bonnie takes the lead again for a touching ballad of regret, highlighted by the bittersweet vocal melodies of the aching chorus.  Though not quite an ode to their home state of Virginia, “North Carolina” is pretty close, as its natural beauty is captured in the lush mandolin and vocal melodies.  Next, “We’re Only Optimistic” features lively mandolins and some driving acoustic guitar strumming along with some sarcastic, tongue-in-cheek lyrics.  The aptly-titled “Sleep Walking Melodies” is hypnotic yet almost haunting with echoing vocals and a rollicking, carnival-like piano riff.  The eleven song album closes out with the pumping Reggae-inspired vintage organ, swirling mandolin melodies and energetic rhythm of “A Theme For Bizarre Behavior”.             

With the excellent musicianship, stellar songwriting and catchy melodies found on their impressive debut album, Places We Went Wrong, the up-and-coming folk rock band, Clifton’s Ford prove that the studio wasn’t one of the places where they went wrong.  So pick up their album on June 1 and get on the bandwagon quickly, because with a lucky break, this band is sure to explode and garner the attention that they deserve. 

For more info: www.cliftonsford.com

Free Friday: Painted Palms - "Nothing Lasts Long" EP

Painted Palms, the San Francisco duo consisting of cousins Reese Donohue and Chris Prudhomme, just released a new EP, Nothing Lasts Long as a free download on their Bandcamp page.  The band has recently released an EP on Secretly Canadian and a 7” on Polyvinyl Records.  Currently, they are gearing up for the release of their highly-anticipated debut album due later this year.

They create a retro yet modern electronic-leaning sound with a heavy 60’s psych-pop influence on the six-song EP that is filled with infectious melodies and swirls of strange synths and danceable beats.  “Hypnotic” opens the EP with a stuttering beat and some glimmering synths and churning guitars and the single, “Upper Floors” stands out with its revelatory, soaring synths and propulsive rhythm.  The catchy “Anna” closes out the EP with a fun, bouncing rhythm, vintage organ and delirious falsetto vocal melodies.      

This unannounced self-released EP from Painted Palms was a nice surprise and only adds to the anticipation for their full-length release.

Download the Nothing Lasts Long EP here:

http://paintedpalms.bandcamp.com/album/nothing-lasts-long-ep

For more info: http://www.paintedpalms.net/

4 Songs: On Repeat

Overseas – “Ghost To Be” and “Down Below” (Overseas is the new folk-leaning indie rock project that combines all of the best and most beloved elements from indie vets David Bazan of Pedro The Lion and Will Johnson of Centro-Matic, along with brothers Matt and Bubba Kadane of Bedhead.  Their self-titled debut album was released this week on Undertow Records.  Grab two of the ten tracks via the link below.) http://www.overseasband.net/  

Download: http://overseasband.net/freedownload/overseas-x2_mp3.zip

Ours – “Pretty Pain” (After recording solo for the past few years, Jimmy Gnecco returns this week with a new Ours album titled, Ballet The Boxer 1 via his own Cage Recording Company imprint.  A pounding drum beat and soaring violins try to match wits with his dynamic and distinct vocal style on the stellar first single.)  http://www.ours.net/   

Download: http://loudfeed.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/22947/Pretty_Pain.mp3      

The Young Things – “Goodbye Sexual” (NYC band create a danceable brand of snotty yet poppy guitar-centric indie rock on their debut album, Hello Love/Goodbye Sexual out now on Vice Records.  The band is currently touring with Har Mar Superstar who guests on the super-charged first single, here.)  http://theyoungthings.net/    

Download: https://soundcloud.com/theyoungthings/09-goodbye-sexual/s-WjOG3?in=theyoungthings/sets/hello-love-goodbye-sexual/s-WjOG3/s-WjOG3

Jimmy Eat World - "Damage"

Pop-punk vets Jimmy Eat World are set to release Damage, their eighth album and first for new label home, RCA Records.  The highly-anticipated album was co-produced by the band and Alain Johannes (Chris Cornell, Mark Lanegan) and features ten installments of their distinct brand of emotionally-charged and punk-fuelled power-pop.  The lyrical themes on Damage are as heartfelt and visceral as ever, still dealing with emotions, yet from a more mature, adult viewpoint. 

The upbeat “Appreciation” opens the album with guitars that slide between chugging and cascading along with a catchy chorus.  The standout title track, “Damage” features a propulsive rhythm and some devastating yet hopeful lyrics about a troubled relationship teetering on collapse.  “Lean” is highlighted by jangly guitars while acoustic guitars, a shuffling beat and sunny background vocals make up “Book Of Love”.  The single, “I Will Steal You Back” explodes into its infectious chorus with the urgency of its title for another standout moment.  The ballad, “Please Say No” is led by steady acoustic guitars, piano, swells of vintage organ and rafters-reaching background vocals.  Like a flashback to 1999 or 2001, the energetic “How’d You Have Me” is built on a super-charged guitar riff and an anthemic chorus and ready to dominate the radio this summer.  Next, “No Never” uses softly chugged guitars, pounding drums and another killer chorus, proving that the band is still playing at their highest level.  “Byebyelove” is an epic ballad with a sing-along chorus, soaring strings and big drums which leads into the contemplative album closer, “You Were Good”.    

With their excellent eighth album, Damages, Jimmy Eat World again proves they are a force to be reckoned with by fusing the youthful energy of their early albums with more mature themes for their best album since Bleed American.   

Watch the video for “I Will Steal You Back” here:

For more info: http://jimmyeatworld.com/

Free Friday: Sea Wolf - "Old World Romance: Selects And Outtakes" EP

Singer-songwriter Alex Brown Church recently released Old World Romance, his excellent third album as Sea Wolf, via Dangerbird Records.  He recorded the album himself in his home studio in California and the result is more a personal affair with his literate yet easily relatable lyrics tied to memorable melodies and even more experimental with the addition of tasteful electronic beats to his distinct, chamber-pop/indie rock stew.

The 5-song EP, available exclusively through Noisetrade, includes three previously unreleased b-sides from the Old World Romance recording sessions, including the hopelessly romantic title track, “Old Romance” and the poppy and propulsive, “Sons & Daughters”.  In addition, two standout album tracks from the album are featured; the infectious first single, “Old Friend” and the appropriately haunting, “Kasper”.    

Stream/Download the Old World Romance: Selects And Outtakes EP here:

For more info: http://www.seawolfmusic.com and http://dangerbirdrecords.com/

Lifted Bells - "Lifted Bells" EP

Lifted Bells is the new project from Bob Nanna of Braid and Hey Mercedes along with Matt Jordan of Stay Ahead of The Weather,  Matthew Frank of Their / They're / There and Kyle Geib (Dog and Wolf) and Seth Engel (Options). Their 3-song self-titled debut EP was just released via Chicago’s Naked Ally Records on one-sided 12” vinyl and is limited to only 300 copies; 100 black and 200 in randomly mixed colors. 

The band started in 2010 and has undergone several personnel changes throughout the years, in fact; this recording features Joel Coan of The Felix Culpa and Owen Mallon of Noumenon.  Together they create a nostalgic yet forward-thinking brand of math-rock with the energetic and intricate rhythms and complex guitar riffs you would expect from Nanna and this crew. 

All three songs on the EP stand out and “Orphaned” provides the perfect introduction with its knotty, dueling guitars, Frank’s cagey drumming and catchy vocal melodies reminiscent of 90’s Midwest emo-punk.  “Re: Calm” follows with a stuttering, stop/start rhythm, an anthemic sing-along chorus and some melodic squiggling guitar lines.  Closing out the much too-short EP are the stumbling drums and twinkling guitars of the super-charged “So Solo”.  

With only 3 songs under their belt, the self-titled debut EP from Lifted Bells is very promising and only heightens the anticipation for a proper full-length. 

Stream the Lifted Bells EP here:
http://nakedallyrecords.bandcamp.com/album/lifted-bells

For more info: www.facebook.com/liftedbells and http://nakedallyrecords.storenvy.com/

Free Friday: David Byrne & St. Vincent - "Brass Tactics" EP

Last year David Byrne and St. Vincent released the critically-acclaimed collaborative album, Love This Giant via 4AD Records.  Now they have released a new 5-track EP titled, Brass Tactics, as a free download in anticipation for their upcoming world tour. 

The EP contains the previously unreleased track, "Cissus", with its waltzing beat and glass harmonica melody and continues on with the collaborative nature with remixes of Love This Giant tracks "I Should Watch TV" by M. Stine and "Lightning" by producer Kent Rockafeller.  Rounding out the EP are live versions of the Talking Heads classic, "Road To Nowhere" and the St. Vincent song, "Marrow"; to give a preview of what to expect from their live show.

Download the Brass Tactics EP above for the price of an email address here:

For tour dates and more info: http://lovethisgiant.com/ 

3 Songs: On Repeat

State Lines - “Linger” (The Long Island, NY post pop-punk band released their sophomore album, For The Boats this week on Tiny Engines.  They expand upon the melodic late 90’s-inspired emo-core that they have already perfected by mixing tempos and adding in touches of indie rock and a newfound maturity on their sophomore slump busting new album.) http://tinyengines.bandcamp.com/album/for-the-boats     

Download:  http://beartrappr.com/press/State%20Lines/For%20The%20Boats/State%20Lines%20-%20For%20The%20Boats%20-%2005%20Linger.mp3

Blue-Eyed Son – “All Went Black” (Exuberant horns and a bouncy beat propel the stellar first single as Andrew Heilprin, former frontman for surf-punk band 40 Watt Domain, combines scruffy yet poppy acoustic folk melodies with a breezy surfer-vibe on his long-awaited new EP Shadows On The Sun, out now on Eenie Meenie Records.) http://www.blueeyedson.com/

Download: http://www.eeniemeenie.com/wpcontent/uploads/2013/04/1%20All%20Went%20Black.mp3

Last Good Tooth – “What’s What I Do” (The NY-by-way-of Rhode Island four-piece just released their debut album, Not Without Work And Rest via Team Love Records.  Their rhythmic folk-driven and blues-informed brand of indie rock comes fully formed with a D.I.Y. punk spirit and some super-catchy melodies for a very promising debut.) http://team-love.com/artists/last-good-tooth/

Download: http://snd.sc/12SnWJF

Show Alert: The Alkaline Trio & Bayside with Off With Their Heads at Newport in Columbus May 26

Chicago pop-punk veterans Alkaline Trio are currently on tour in support of their rock solid new album, My Shame Is True, released in April on Epitaph Records.  Their eighth album is highlighted by their trademark biting lyrics and sharp, anthemic hooks set to dark yet poppy melodies and propulsive punk rhythms for what could be considered their best, most consistent album yet. 

Touring with the Trio are like-minded passionate pop-punk purveyors Bayside, who recently released an EP of cover songs including the 60's girl-group classic, "Be My Baby" by The Ronnettes.  Fellow hardcore-leaning label mates Off With Their Heads are also on the bill. 

The three bands will take over the Newport Music Hall in Columbus, OH on Sunday May 26 for a sold out show. 

The rest of the tour dates including a 2-night hometown stand in Chicago at The Metro:

05/25/2013 - Water Street Music - Rochester, US 

05/26/2013 - Newport Music Hall - Columbus, US 

05/28/2013 - House of Blues - Cleveland, US 

05/29/2013 - Clutch Cargo's - Pontiac, US 

05/30/2013 – Metro - Chicago, US 

05/31/2013 – Metro - Chicago, US 

06/01/2013 - The Rave - Milwaukee, US 

06/02/2013 – Pops - St. Louis, US 

06/04/2013 - Exdo Event Center - Denver, US 

06/05/2013 - In The Venue - Salt Lake City, US 

06/07/2013 - Showbox Showroom - Seattle, US 

06/08/2013 - Hawthorne Theater - Portland, US 

06/09/2013 - The Regency Ballroom - San Francisco, US 

06/11/2013 - House of Blues - West Hollywood, US 

06/12/2013 - House of Blues - Anaheim, US 

For more info: http://www.alkalinetrio.com/ and   http://www.epitaph.com/ and www.baysidebayside.com     

3 Songs: On Repeat

Duquette Johnston – “Rabbit Runs A Destiny” (The former Verbena frontman creates a soaring and sophisticated brand of Americana on his new album, Rabbit Runs A Destiny, out now on Communicating Vessels.  The danceable, percussion-heavy first single and title track stands out with weeping pedal steel, bouncy synths and rafters-reaching vocal melodies.) http://duquettejohnston.com/  

Download: http://loudfeed.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/22917/Rabbit_Runs_A_Destiny.mp3

Christopher Paul Stelling – “Brick x Brick” (Gentle finger-picked guitars and heartfelt ballads combine with howling blues-drenched folk rock dust-ups on the Brooklyn based indie folk singer-songwriter’s stellar new album False Cities released this week on Mecca Lecca Recordings.) http://www.christopherpaulstelling.com/   

Download: https://www.dropbox.com/s/ddagnsbdg1gi3bg/Christopher%20Paul%20Stelling%20-%20Brick%20x%20Brick.mp3.mp3

The Baptist Generals – “Dog That Bit You” (On the Sub Pop released Jackleg Devotional To The Heart - their decade-in-the-making sophomore album - the Denton, TX roots rock band returns to take on all things “love” in their own haunted folk-rock manner for a welcome yet more experimental return to form.) http://www.baptistgenerals.com/

Download: http://assets4.subpop.com/assets/audio/13091.mp3

The Multiple Cat - "The Return Of The Multiple Cat"

The Multiple Cat is the Quad Cities based indie-rock project of singer-songwriter and producer Patrick Stolley, who released a few criminally underappreciated albums in the late 90’s and early 2000’s.  Since then, Stolley began producing, mixing and engineering for Daytrotter, of which he was a founding member.  After years of recording other people’s music, he decided it was time to write, record and produce his long-awaited new album, the aptly-titled The Return Of The Multiple Cat, out now as a joint release between Guilt Ridden Pop Records and Stolley’s own imprint, Future Appletree.

 Fuzzy and jangly guitars and rich analog synths combine with his catchy melodies and quirky art-pop sense for a modern take on such retro-leaning sounds as scrappy 90’s indie rock and twee 60’s pop and the album opener, with its danceable and catchy keyboard melody “The Master’s Voice” is the perfect introduction.  Standout track and first single, “The Hill Part 1” follows and features a hip-shaking rhythm propelled by a fuzzed-out bass line and highlights Stolley’s voice which recalls Stuart Murdoch from Belle And Sebastian.  “The Other World” features jabs of reverb-rich guitars and a tumbling, tom-heavy beat while the album’s epic centerpiece, “The Flood” is made up of three parts; the first one led by a rumbling bass line and the second, more ominous with haunting melodies and soaring synths and the third, a revved-up send up with a joyous sing-along melody.  “Disaster!” is anything but with its room-filling vintage organ, jangly guitars and poppy melodies.  Another standout track, “Know Future, Know Past” features an instantly hummable guitar line and some visceral yet joyful sing-along lyrics of death and regret, likely influenced by the deaths of both of his parents during the album process.  “Vampire Bats/Mall Rats” is highlighted by a nervous energy, a propulsive rhythm and a fast-paced vocal cadence.  The too short eight-song album closes out with the intricate cyclical acoustic guitars and ethereal pedal steel of “The River”. 

The Multiple Cat has returned with a set of songs on their new album, The Return Of The Multiple Cat that are so solid it feels like they were never gone!

Stream/Download The Return Of The Multiple Cat here:

For more info: http://themultiplecat.bandcamp.com/ and http://www.facebook.com/themultiplecat and http://guiltriddenpop.com/

Free Friday: Paint Branch - "I Wanna Live"

Named after a stream that connects to a Maryland river, Paint Branch is the new project from John Davis (Title Tracks, Georgie James) and Chris Richards (Ris Paul Ric) formerly of defunct D.C. based post-punk favorites Q And Not U.  Their excellent debut album, I Wanna Live was self-released as a free digital download on their Bandcamp page this past January.  This new project marks the first time the two of them have played together since their breakup and offers a slight departure from Q’s danceable frenetic energy and punk spirit.  In its place are cascading guitars, 60’s pop vocal melodies and hints of 70’s classic rock and California folk-pop that falls more in line with their respective solo releases over the last few years. 

The opener, “Brighton Beach” features thumping drums, cyclical guitars and some close knit vocal harmonies.  The title track, “I Wanna Live” follows with an upbeat yet loping rhythm, jangly guitars and a bittersweet vocal melody.  “Run” is built on a sparkling guitar arpeggio with soaring harmonies that sounds like a long lost Elliott Smith outtake.  The piano-led “Take Your Time” is sung by Davis and stands out with dueling, FM radio-like guitar harmonies and a bright, catchy chorus.  The Richards-sung “Vanishing Act” stands out with a bouncy rhythm and steady acoustic guitar strumming.  Another standout on the twelve track album is “Witnesses” with its sly funk.                 

Since the demise of Q And Not U, Davis and Richards have certainly matured and with their latest project, they have proven that their songwriting has always been rock solid and it’s just great to hear them together again. 

Stream/Download I Wanna Live here:    

For more info: www.paintbranch.tumblr.com

3 Songs: On Repeat

sami.the.great. – “Making Eyes” (The Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Sami Akbari, aka sami the great, is currently on tour supporting her excellent self-titled debut album released last year.  She will bring her indelible brand of Beatles and girl-group inspired indie-pop to Dayton’s Ghostlight Coffee on June 2.  Check out her standout new single here, with its chiming keyboards and Supreme-ly gorgeous harmonies.) www.samithegreat.com

Download: https://soundcloud.com/golightly-media/making-eyes-sami-the-great

Lawnmower – “Team Spirit” (Led by singer/songwriter Travis Bravender, the Michigan based band offers up a nostalgic blend of catchy 90’s pop-punk and guitar-centric 90’s indie rock on their new EP, Whack Yer Brain, out now on Save Your Generation Records.) https://www.facebook.com/pages/Save-Your-Generation-Records/253003344820954

Download: http://beartrappr.com/press/Lawnmower/01%20Team%20Spirit.mp3

Blank Realm – “Cleaning Up My Mess” (Australian psych-pop band makes their Fire Records debut with their refined new album, Go Easy, out now.  Jangly guitars soar in and out like shooting stars as the male/female vocals provide a staggering, sing-along melody on the blues-soaked single.) http://www.firerecords.com

Download: https://soundcloud.com/firerecords/blank-realm-cleaning-up-my

Snowden - "No One In Control"

After a long wait of over a decade, Snowden finally returns today with their highly-anticipated new album, No One In Control, released via Kings Of Leon’s imprint, Serpents & Snakes.  Messy legal and label woes for frontman Jordan Jeffares led to the lengthy hiatus and while a lot has changed in the music scene over the last six years; luckily Snowden hasn’t changed much since their excellent 2006 Jade Tree Records debut, Anti-Anti.  Their nuanced, beat-driven brand of electro-rock with its hazy synths remains just as moody, catchy and danceable as ever.   

The haunting opening track, “No One In Control” builds gradually over its seven minute running time with hypnotic distorted keyboards that float over a pounding and clicking drum beat as singer Jordan Jeffares’ gloomy, emotional vocals provide the weight.  The infectious “So Red” follows and is built upon a hip-shaking tribal beat, a sing-along vocal chant and chiming synths.  And much like the best songs on Anti-Anti, Jordan’s rhythmic vocal phrasing propels the song just as much as the actual beat and the atmospheric standout track; “Anemone Arms” is a prime example.  The club-ready single, “The Beat Comes” opens gently with acoustic guitars and rafters-reaching organ before breaking loose with a shuffling rhythm.  Another standout track “Don’t Really Know Me” features ambient washes of reverb-rich guitars and a twitchy beat as well as a catchy self-depreciating chorus.  Also included is a dark and romantic cover of “No Words No More” by Love And Rockets.  Closing out the eleven track album is the bittersweet “This Year”, with its cascading guitars and echoing background vocals. 

The wait was well worth it, as Snowden has delivered the post-punk meets synth-pop goods with their long-awaited sophomore album, No One In Control.

Download “The Beat Comes” here: http://soundcloud.com/snowdenofficial/the-beat-comes       

For more info: http://www.snowden.info/blog/ and http://www.sandsrecords.com/

Free Friday: The Mohawk Lodge - "Damaged Goods"

The Mohawk Lodge, the Canadian indie rock band led by Ryder Havdale, just released Damaged Goods their fourth album, this week on White Whale Records.  The new album is available on shiny black vinyl and as a free download on their Bandcamp page.  

Havdale’s soulful Springsteen-tinged wail guides the ten punk-infused arena-worthy anthems that burn with a live intensity and a raw immediacy that came from recording live in the studio as a full band to capture the unbridled energy of their live show.  Standout tracks like the contrasting dissonant guitars and close-knit harmonies of the title track and the emotionally-charged “Using Your Love”, with its smoldering guitar solos and swaying sing-along, saloon-style chorus are tailor-made for late nights and long drives. 

Fans of The National, Arcade Fire and the Boss will instantly fall in love with Damaged Goods, the excellent new album from The Mohawk Lodge.

Download Damaged Goods here:  

For tour dates and more info: http://www.facebook.com/themohawklodge and http://whitewhale.ca/label/artist/themohawklodge/

3 Songs: On Repeat

Ann Pragg – “Januarium” (Ann Pragg is the solo moniker of multi-instrumentalist Matt Radick of Holopaw.  His debut album, Bitter Fruit, was released this week via Wonderland Archives.  His murky brand of blues-soaked folk tries and fails to hide the layers of sparkling yet haunting pop beneath, especially on this upbeat, jangly second single.) www.annpragg.bandcamp.com   

Download: http://wonderlandarchives.com/annpragg/AnnPragg_Januarium.mp3

Mother Falcon – “Dirty Summer” (The Austin 18-piece orchestral indie rock band released their epic new album, You Knew this week with the help from a successful Indiegogo campaign.  By combining elements of chamber-pop, anthemic early Arcade Fire-like folk and the infectious swirling horn melodies of Rubblebucket, Mother Falcon is one of the most thrilling and exciting bands you will hear and/or see all year!) http://motherfalconmusic.com/

Download: http://www.girlieaction.com/misc/motherfalcon/dirty_summer_single.mp3

Way Yes – “Macando” (The Columbus, Ohio based band blends the danceable rhythms and sounds of Afro-pop along with jazz into their vividly colorful indie rock palate on their lushly layered and quirky debut full-length, Tog Pebbles, released this week on Lefse Records.) http://wayyes.com/  

Download:  http://www.bantermm.com/tracks/WayYes-Macando.mp3

Still Corners - "Strange Pleasures"

London electro-pop duo Still Corners released their stunning sophomore album, Strange Pleasures today on Sub Pop.  Together, songwriter and producer Greg Hughes blends his lush soundscapes with the gorgeous plush vocals of Tessa Murray to create an enigmatic synth-driven brand of dream-pop that is both modern and nostalgically tied to the 80’s.

Strange Pleasures opens with the trebly, winding guitars, stair-stepping synths and breathy vocals of “The Trip”.  “Beginning To Blue” follows with synths that stutter and glow fluorescently and are bolstered by a catchy sing-along chorus.  “I Can’t Sleep” is an ominous yet beautiful dirge-like ballad with ethereal synths and vocals.  “All I Know” features a subtly danceable beat with keys that ebb and flow like waves throughout the song.  The excellent first single from the album, “Fireflies” has all of the nostalgic 80’s touchstones like throbbing synth bass, glittering keys and an indelibly sweet vocal.  The second single “Berlin Lovers”, a tale of young love, stands out with an instantly catchy effervescent rhythm and Tessa’s airy vocals and is over long before you want it to be.  Another standout, “Future Age” is brimming with bright melodies, soaring space age synths and a tumbling beat.  As a change of pace, “Going Back To Strange” offers up some cyclical acoustic guitars, soaring synths and layers of vocals for a hazy, drifting dreamscape.  A pulsating synthetic bass line propels “Beatcity” along with its plinking video game sound effects and catchy vocals.  The aptly-titled “Midnight Drive” sounds like Depeche Mode cruising the neon-lit streets of Miami while listening to Duran Duran.  “We Killed The Moonlight” is a slow-burning ballad with haunting vocals and droning keyboards.  Closing out the twelve track album is the title track, “Strange Pleasures” which lives up to its billing with synths that float and soar over the robotic beat.

With their excellent new album, Strange Pleasures, Still Corners has bested their promising debut by a long shot and have delivered an album with tons of replay value.

Download “Berlin Lovers” here: http://assets1.subpop.com/assets/audio/13092.mp3        

For more info: http://www.subpop.com/artists/still_corners

3 Songs: On Repeat

The Earth And Everything In It – “Future Fears” (New art-rock project led by singer-songwriter Yishai Mags blends cinematic post-rock soundscapes with touches of emo-tinged indie rock for an explosive and emotive experience on the Matt Goldman (Underoath, Anberlin) produced debut album, We Wander At Night, out now.) http://theearthandeverythinginit.com/

Download: http://www.swimagency.com/mp3/TheEarth_FutureFears.mp3

Dead Ghosts – “Roky Said” (The Vancouver garage rock band just released their new album Can’t Get No this week via Burger Records.  Recorded onto an old Tascam 8-track in basements, bars and kitchens around their hometown, the album blends delirious psych-rock and reverb-rich 60’s pop with a care-free attitude that belies the heartbreak underneath.)  https://www.facebook.com/deadghosts   

Download: http://pitchperfectpr.com/mp3/Roky%20Said.mp3

My Epic – “Hail” (The atmospheric Christian metal band is set to release a new album this fall on Facedown Records.  “Hail” is the first taste of the album with its soaring vocals, charging drums and churning guitars that set the stage for the reverent and anthemic lyrics that are based off of chapter 5 in Revelation.) http://facedownrecords.com/2009/11/09/my-epic/

Download: https://s3.amazonaws.com/facedown/MyEpic_Hail.zip

Streetlight Manifesto - "The Hands That Thieve"

New Jersey ska-punk veterans led by singer/guitarist Tomas Kalnoky return with their long-awaited new album The Hands That Thieve - their first in five years - via Victory Records.   Their catchy yet complex arrangements of super-tight, fast-paced rhythms, bright brass melodies and infectiously anthemic vocal melodies showcase both the band’s supreme songwriting skills and stellar musicianship once again. 

“The Three Of Us” opens the album with a bang as Kalnoky begins the song with some jangly guitars and a short verse before launching into an extended melodic instrumental passage that thrashes with a punchy passion.  Standout track “Ungrateful” follows with some jazzy muted trumpet and a swinging rhythm before fading into a lightning-quick punk anthem complete with shouted gang vocals.  The title track, “The Hands That Thieve” is highlighted by a swaying melody and a propulsive marching band beat.  Another standout, “With Any Sort Of Certainty” features a percussion-heavy rhythm and exuberant horns that contrasts with the more serious life questions contained in the lyrics.  With its sing-along chorus, “Oh Me, Oh My” should quickly become a live staple on their current “End Of The Beginning Tour”, which will be their last long tour for a while.  The ten-track album closes out with the skanking rhythm and revenge-soaked lyrics of “Your Day Will Come”. 

In addition, frontman Tomas Kalnoky is self-releasing an album of acoustic arrangements of each of the ten tracks from The Hands That Thieve under his solo pseudonym, Toh Kay.      

Stream "The Three Of Us" here: http://soundcloud.com/pentimentomusic/sm_thtt_the_three_of_us

For more info: http://streetlightmanifesto.com/ and  http://www.riscstore.com/ and www.victoryrecords.com 

Stream It From The Mountain: Let It Go - "Modern Atlas" EP

Richmond, VA skate-punk label and skateboard company Say-10 Records recently released Modern Atlas, the debut EP from the Baltimore-based punk band Let It Go.  The 5-track EP is the perfect introduction to their gritty yet melodic sound that harnesses the aggressive hardcore-tinged emo-punk of the late 90’s and bands like, Texas Is The Reason and Hot Water Music with their own modern touch.

The limited edition 7” vinyl was released on the following colorways: 100 Blue / Yellow Mix, 100 Gold, 100 Green and 100 Coke Bottle Clear.  It is also available on CD or digitally. 

Modern Atlas opens with the super-charged “Diehard 2” and its anthemic gang-vocal chorus.  The dynamic “$5.50” follows with a super-melodic and nostalgic take on old school hardcore.  The standout track, “Sluggish” closes out the A-side and is anything but "sluggish" with an unrelenting rhythm, a rumbling fuzzed-out bass line and a furious vocal.  The B-side of their very promising debut features the gruff vocals but positive-minded lyrics of “Rise/Set” and closer, “Age”, a rebellious rumination on growing old.   

Stream the Modern Atlas EP here:

For more info: http://www.say-10.com and http://www.facebook.com/letitgomd

Free Friday: High Dive Records Spring Sampler

The new Kansas City based indie label High Dive Records recently released a free digital label sampler on their Bandcamp page.  The sampler is the perfect introduction to the great bands on this up-and-coming new label. 

The sampler features seven tracks, including a new track each from the label’s first two releases, one from the folk-leaning indie rock band Fourth Of July’s new album Empty Moon, and one from Little Leaves, the new album from jangle-pop band The ACBs.  Two tracks from K.C. vets Ghosty are included as well as an exclusive remix of a Fourth Of July by Hospital Ships and a previously unreleased track from The ACBs.  You also get a first taste of Shy Boys, featuring members of The ACBs, which is due to be released later this year. 

Download the High Dive Records Spring Sampler here:

For more info: www.highdiverecords.com

Fourth of July review:  http://www.atlasandtheanchor.com/2013/04/fourth-of-july-empty-moon.html

The ACBs review: http://www.atlasandtheanchor.com/search?q=stona+rosa

3 Songs: On Repeat

Cowboy Indian Bear – “Does Anybody See You Out?” (The Lawrence, Kansas indie rock band has crafted a genre-defiant sound that blends together slick electronic-tinged pop and haunting yet melodic guitar-led rock with male/female vocals on their excellent sophomore album, Live Old, Die Young released this week through The Record Machine.  The first single stands out with it shuffling, effervescent rhythm, liquid guitar lines and sinister yet catchy chorus.) http://cowboyindianbear.com/  

Download:  https://www.dropbox.com/s/f2xagzalfjsho5z/Cowboy%20Indian%20Bear%20-%20Does%20Anybody%20See%20You%20Out_.mp3

Sad Baby Wolf – “Survival Guide” (The project of former Shins members Marty Crandall and guitarist Neal Langford released Electric Sounds, their highly-anticipated debut album earlier this month digitally and on purple swirl vinyl that is limited to only 300.  While their sound is built upon Marty’s trademark keyboards and vocals, the band deals out some pretty impressive dream-pop with fuzzed-out guitars and quirky melodies that are as hot and hazy as the Albuquerque sun.)  http://www.sadbabywolf.com    

Download: http://media.audibletreats.com/Sad_Baby_Wolf-Survival_Guide.mp3

Club Girls – “I Can Do A Lot” (Club Girls is the new experimental electro-pop project of Brooklyn songwriter Christen Cappello in the vein of Purity Ring and Sleigh Bells.  She recently released her insanely catchy debut single which features an insistent danceable beat, chirping gauze-wrapped electronics and some blissfully sweet vocals for a very promising debut.) http://clubgirls.bandcamp.com

Download: https://soundcloud.com/club-girls

The Appleseed Cast - "Illumination Ritual"

Kansas emo and post-rock titans The Appleseed Cast return with Illumination Ritual, the Chris Crisci-led band’s eighth album is out today on Graveface Records. 

Even with a new drummer, Nathan Wilder and new guitarist, Taylor Holenbeck, the distinct opening notes of chiming guitars and pinging ride cymbals of album opener, “Adriatic To Black Sea”, sets the tone right from the start for a classic-era album from the band.  The standout first single, “Great Lake Derelict” follows with some intricate tumbling drum patterns, atmospheric guitars and Crisci’s unique vocals for a welcome return; the band hasn’t released any new material since the 2009 album Sagamartha and the 2011 EP Middle States.  The instrumental, “Simple Forms” opens with pulsing keys and clicking guitars, building slowly before the propulsive drums bring the song to a rousing end.  Another standout, “Cathedral Wings” is packed with sweeping keyboards, catchy vocal melodies and energetic time signature changes that showcase the band’s fluid chemistry.  “30 Degrees 3 AM” closes out the first side of the album with harmonic yet warped finger-tapped guitar notes and an anthemic chorus.  Next, “Branches On The Arrow Peak Revelation” harkens back to the band’s more experimental post –rock Low Level Owl days with reversed guitar lines that curl around a shuffling beat along with a touch of stuttering electronica for a modern touch.  A driving rhythm and soaring vocals highlight “Barrier Islands (Do We Remain)” and clocking in at six minutes, “North Star Ordination” is the longest and most epic songs on the album.  The dynamic “Clearing Life” opens with a charging, anthemic guitar riff that shifts into a glimmering passage and features some airy vocal melodies.  Closing out the ten-track album is the title track, “Illumination Ritual” with its crashing cymbals and playful, siren-like synths. 

It is so great and refreshing to hear a band that even through so much change over fourteen years, can still churn out solid music that incorporates the distinct touchstones of their sound but also feels fresh, like The Appleseed Cast has with their excellent new album, Illumination Ritual.         

Download “Cathedral Rings” here: https://soundcloud.com/graveface/the-appleseed-cast-cathedral  

For more info: http://www.theappleseedcast.com/ and  http://www.graveface.com/the-appleseed-cast.html