Monday, October 31, 2011

Gauntlet Hair – Top Bunk


I can’t quite figure out what it is about Gauntlet Hair, but I can’t get enough of their recently released self-titled debut album.

Each track from these Denver Indie rockers is a kaleidoscopic swirl of influences pulling in elements of dream rock, dance floor bangers, meandering shoe-gaze, and the larger than life guitar lines of Durutti Column, which Andy, Gauntlet Hair’s guitarist, lists as a major influence.

The juxtaposition of massive bass-laden beats and cavernous reverb-laden guitars is unsettling, in that you don't know whether to dance or to sequester yourself in a room doing massive amounts of mind altering drugs.

Check out “Top Bunk” and the far more danceable “Keep Time” below. Trust me, you won’t regret it.


Friday, October 28, 2011

Girls Names - Black Saturday


I'm absolutely in love with "Black Saturday" from Belfast's Girls Names!

Listen below for an amazing dose of Smiths-tinged melancholy indie-pop.


  Girls Names - Black Saturday by Tough Love

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Slowdance – Cake



 Have a listen to the sexy francophonic pop of Slowdance.

With throwback nods to France Gall and the sleek mod stylings of the 60’s, Slowdance is sexy French pop at its best.

Taken from their debut EP Lights & Color, released last month, check out “Cake” and “Les Rains” below.

If that isn’t enough head over to their bandcamp to download the whole EP for free. Yup, that’s right FREE!


Monday, October 24, 2011

AA Loves: Jesus Les Filles

 
Mixing 60s French pop a la France Gall with good ol’ garage rock, Jesus Les Filles is the perfect soundtrack for those fun and sexy times in your life.

Grinding guitars, pounding drums, and colossal rhythms are a jarring but not unpleasant juxtaposition to the bouncy melodies that sound like they’re from a Serge Gainsbourg duet.

Listen to “Le Dernier Album de Beck” and “A Demain” below taken from the French-Canadian band’s split EP.


Friday, October 21, 2011

The Art of Viktor Hertz


I just stumbled across the amazing graphic design work of Viktor Hertz.

With stark gray backgrounds, Hertz takes literal interpretations of song titles and turns them into cheeky posters.

Have a look at a few of my favorites below. 


Thursday, October 20, 2011

First Aid Kit – The Lion’s Roar


“The Lion’s Roar” by First Aid Kit has me absolutely speechless.

These two sisters have uncannily powerful voices that ring of soul and candor. The folksy finger-plucked guitar melody carries a slight mournful edge as do their voices, yet there is an overwhelming sense of belligerence as there is a stark edge to their vocals.
In their Dylan-esque story telling, they confess to cowardice while maintaining a bellicose stance and pulling it off at that – no easy feat. Like confessions from the guilty, these two sisters draw forth powerful emotions hidden deep within you.

Listen to “The Lion’s Roar” below and keep an eye out for their LP which is due out on December 5th.

    First Aid Kit - The Lion's Roar by Wichita Recordings

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Last Weekend of Summer


Just thought I would share some long overdue photos from my last summer road trip of the year and one of the greatest weekends in recent history.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Burroughs


“I am getting so far out one day I won't come back at all.”
                                                   
                                                       - William S. Burroughs

Monday, October 17, 2011

Fidlar - Oh



Explore the softer side of punk with Fidlar.

Drawing on both the sun-soaked beach culture of Los Angeles as well as its rich tradition of fuck it all punk music, Fidlar sounds a bit like the unholy mating of Best Coast and The Clash.

If that isn’t reason enough to listen to them, the fact that their name is an acronym for “Fuck it dog, life’s a risk” should provide even more incentive.

Listen to “oh” below and if you’re in New York, you can see them live as part of CMJ on the 18th and 19th.

Friday, October 14, 2011

New Division - Opium [Quiet Lights Remix]



Brooklyn shoe-gaze rockers Quiet Lights have dusted the glittery sheen off of New Division’s dance-floor banger “Opium” and turned it into a slow-burning high fitting for the track’s namesake.

With dark bass lines, a moody synth line, and reverb-laced vocals coalescing and fading out, Quiet Lights’ version of “Opium” is perfect to usher in the cool days of Autumn.

Listen to the remix as well as the original below, and if you like what you hear be sure to check out Quiet Lights’ debut EP The Big Fear out on Old Flame as well as New Division’s debut album Shadows


Thursday, October 13, 2011

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Link Wray - Rumble


Nothing like the sounds of good ol' early rock n' roll.

Check out Link Wray's "Rumble" below.

Friday, October 7, 2011

Time To Hit The Road

 

Time to hit the road for some much needed vacation. 

See you all next week. 

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Texture Like Sun – Bottle


Seriously folks, you have to listen Texture Like Sun’s “Bottle” right now.

Taken from his forthcoming debut album, it’s hauntingly beautiful  indie-folk at its best. His unadorned voice murmurs mournfully over a twangy finger-picked guitar line that is slowly joined by a growing chorus of textures.

Prepare to have this tune doggedly follow you for the next several days – yea, it’s that good.

Stream and download it below, or watch the video.


Wednesday, October 5, 2011

High Highs - Ivy






















Listen to “Ivy,” the latest track from High Highs, a perennial favorite of this blog.

Taken from their upcoming EP, which is due out on November 22nd via Small Plates, “Ivy” is wispy and climbs delicately like its title. A bit more minimalistic than their previous releases, but still very much wrapped in the gorgeously orchestrated dream-like haze that epitomizes their style.

Mellow out and listen to “Ivy” below.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Army Girls – Close To the Bone


I just had the chance to listen to Close to the Bone, the debut EP from Army Girls and holy crap is it good. 

Consisting of Carmen Elle and Andy Smith – a drum and guitar duo – they are far less raw compared to similar setups, instead opting for a fuller and more melodic sound.

Elle’s electric guitar is driving and forceful yet still shines through as melodic pop from a bygone era, but what really distinguishes Army Girls is Elle’s voice. Filled with dark allure and the husky sex appeal of Lauren Bacall, the vocals immediately draw you in with their charming power.

Listen to “The Power” and “Always” below and be sure to pick up their recently released EP.



Monday, October 3, 2011

AA Loves: Tashaki Miyaki


Like Best Coast or Jenny and Johnny, Tashaki Miyaki epitomizes the sun-drenched, surf-rock sound of Southern California that’s so popular of late, but what puts them over the top are their dark atmospherics and sultry vocals.

Far dreamier than their musical peers, Tashaki Miyaki fills their tracks with an alluring mystique and a gentle sway that is reminiscent of bands far more mature.

Listen to the silky smooth “Something Is Better Than Nothin” as well as their amazing cover of the Everly Brothers' “All I have to Do is Dream."

Their debut EP is out October 31 on The Sounds of Sweet Nothing, but you can pre-order your copy now via bandcamp.