EP: Panthercaps – Against the Super Ego
The Berlin-based trio’s debut EP is not a hyper-compressed, heavily produced artifact: It’s a little closed in, a little naked, and it rips.
Willow Stonebeck
Rethinking Stereotypes of Austin, Texas: Very Busy People’s “Ordinary Night”
There’s a willingness to put yourself out there, a not worrying about seeming so damn cool that puts the listener on his side.
Single: Julez and the Rollers – I Don’t Know You
The new single from the LA rockerz and rollerz is so fun, it could serve as a theme song for an imaginary sitcom.
Single: Family Worship Center – Malibu by Midnight
The high-flying single from “rock and soul commune” Family Worship Center is a beautiful blend of can-we-call-it-disco, R&B, pop, and flirtation.
Single: Nixon Boyd – Trouble of Your Own
Nixon Boyd’s new single is a balancing act between subject matter and, to quote the kids, “vibes.”
Single: Emory Duncan – Halifax
Duncan’s songwriting is clear and concise, from the Ted Kooser school of “the reader ought to know exactly what you mean the first time.”
Single: best dressed ghost – Let’s Go Home
I’m pretty sure if whoever owns the Tony Hawk games listened to Let’s Go Home, they’d get cracking on Tony Hawk 9 or whatever it is now.
Single: Piner – Odelia
Piner is a wonderful addition to the women-led singer-songwriter golden age, and “Odelia” is worth many repeat plays.
Single: Rosier – Plus d’aimis (feat. Safia Nolin)
From the first three seconds of that dissonant paralysis-demon chording, we know we’re in trouble.
Single: Bleary – Bug
Bug is so goddamn catchy I’m tempted to object to it being called shoegaze.
Single: Heimat – All the Things I Could Have Done
The chorused guitar, the heavy drums, the slow groove; it induces swaying, and it’s a hell of an earworm.
EP: Left Iris – Love Songs
Love Songs, the new EP from Dublin-based shoegaze/pop act Left Iris, dances a few very interesting lines.
Single: Sasha & the Bear – Air
After you hit play on the new single from Sasha & the Bear, tell everyone else in the world to shut the hell up so you can listen again!