Introducing...Stepdad

Formed by roommates ultramark (yes, ultramark) and Ryan McCarthy in Chicago in 2009 and later expanding to a four-person roster for touring purposes, Stepdad is an enormously fun electro-pop band that has released one of the best and most infectious EPs I've heard this year. The band's debut, Ordinaire, was first released in 2010, but this remastered and expanded version (stretched to the LP-appropriate length of 40 minutes) seems to be making the rounds more quickly - and I'm certainly glad it found its way to me.

The EP begins with the thunderous, brooding "Jungles," but from there on out you'll find brighter, more Nintendo-flavored pop tunes full of both gleeful electronic riffs and ultramark's soaring vocals. The album ranges from driving 8-bit anthems ("Wolf Slaying as a Hobby") to disarmingly sweet ballads ("Parrot") and is strong throughout, but the standout here is the oddball pop tune "My Leather, My Fur, My Nails," which best exemplifies the band's way of squeezing constant hooks from their unique electronic palette.

The real appeal of Ordinaire lies the band's ability to make sonic sugariness and geeky sentimentality not just a gimmick but a genuinely effective and enjoyable part of their pop sound. For those with a musical sweet tooth, Stepdad should hit the spot.

Listen to "My Leather, My Fur, My Nails" below and make sure to check out the band's Bandcamp page to stream/purchase the full thing.

Bandcamp

Local Flavor: The No-Nation Orchestra

Thus far, local music hasn't been much of a focus on Chewing Gum for the Ears, but when I find something special so close to home, I'm not exactly one to keep it to myself. The No-Nation Orchestra, led by multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Stephen Chai, is one group in the SLC area reminding me of the talent and creativity abundant here if you're simply willing to look around a bit.

Chai has been involved in a handful of bands over the past few years, but none more exciting than this latest project, which finds him leading a skillful quartet that blends elements of Afrobeat and Latin jazz with a melodic pop approach. The band's upcoming debut EP, entitled More More More, is set to drop later this month and serves as a convincing introduction to the excellence of the No-Nation Orchestra.

On the opener/title track (which you can hear below) Chai floats his soulful falsetto over groovy, complex rhythms and killer horn riffs, while "Holy Holy" throws in a flashy piano line and an almost sinister vocal melody you'll find difficult to get out of your head. If I had to pick, I'd say the incendiary "Find Me The Savory Sound" is my current favorite -- but that's like to change tomorrow as each of the EP's five tracks have only gotten better with every spin.

Whether you're looking for the best of what Salt Lake City has to offer or perusing the web for a genuinely inspired new band, Stephen Chai & The No-Nation Orchestra is a must-listen. Hear the single below and check out the band's homepage for pre-orders. Also, if you're a local, make sure to catch them at Urban Lounge on September 23rd for the album release show.


http://nonationorchestra.com/

Three for Tuesday: U.S. Royalty, Snowblink, Young Circles

U.S. Royalty -

Up-and-coming quartet U.S. Royalty (hailing, appropriately, from Washington D.C.) have been making some waves this year with their debut album, Mirrors. Combining classic rock 'n' roll elements with bits of folk and indie rock, frontman John Thornley and company have released a solid first effort with songs ranging from Local Natives-esque anthems ("Equestrian") to fiery blues stomps ("Hollywood Hollows") to beautifully melodic ballads ("Old Flames"). Personally, I think the band is at their best when they hold to the more classic elements of their sound, but Mirrors proves U.S. Royalty has plenty of ability when it comes to crafting a variety of tunes. Definitely a group to keep your eye on.

Download:

The Equestrian (MP3)

Monte Carlo (MP3)



Snowblink -

Knowing several variations over its fairly brief existence, Snowblink currently consists only of Toronto-based Daniela Gesundheit and Dan Goldman, though the duo feature a variety of collaborators on their new record, Long Live, including members of Deerhoof and Dirty Projectors. The album's somewhat experimental folk sound is both refreshingly odd and undeniably beautiful, with some fantastic moments scattered among its brief 34 minutes. Whether patiently unfolding a winding, beguiling ballad or breezing through a triumphantly melodic interlude, Gesundheit demands your rapt attention with her lovely, warm voice and unusual songwriting. There are plenty of musicians reaching for the kind of seemingly effortless brilliance found on Long Love, but few achieve it so completely as Snowblink.

Download:

Ambergris (MP3)

Tired Bees (MP3)


Young Circles -

It's difficult to put any sort of descriptive label on Florida trio Young Circles; the band's debut EP, entitled Bones, blends more disparate elements than it has tracks. But then that's precisely what makes the album such a thrilling 23 minute journey and why this band is one you should know. Utilizing everything from moments of acoustic clarity to washes of disorienting noise to undercurrents of smooth jazz, Young Circles never let you get entirely comfortable, and if you're willing to stick with them through all the sharp twists and turns, you'll likely find this first effort to be a gripping one. Get familiar with these guys, you can bet everyone else will be soon.

Download:

Sharp Teeth (MP3)

Listen to or download the EP (free, I believe)

You Should Know: James Vincent McMorrow

With a softly soulful voice and penchant for heartbroken lyrics, James Vincent McMorrow makes the Bon Iver/Justin Vernon comparisons all too easy. Even the way in which the two artists recorded their debuts is similar, in isolated houses with almost no outside assistance. But McMorrow's first effort, Early in the Morning, carves out a distinct niche for the Irish songwriter, one a little more pop friendly than Vernon's but just as emotionally powerful and beautifully eerie. McMorrow's disarming vocals will certainly draw the most attention, but his songwriting and musicianship are remarkable as well, making Early in the Morning one of 2011's best early debut's.

Recommended Tracks: "If I Had a Boat," "We Don't Eat," "Follow You Down to the Red Oak Tree"

Head over to Spinner to grab one of the album's best tracks, opener "If I Had a Boat"

RCRD LBL has another song to download, "This Old Dark Machine," though it's mislabeled as "Early in the Morning"

Check out his Facebook page for more info.

You Should Know: Way Yes

I first heard Way Yes a couple months ago when I stumbled upon their excellent debut EP, Herringbone. Now, five months after that intriguing introduction, they've unveiled perhaps an even better EP entitled Walkability that has made me realize it's high time I get the word out about these guys.

Way Yes is comprised of Ohioans Glenn Davis and Travis Hall, a talented duo who combine nimble afropop guitars, subtle electronica, and smooth vocals into a sound that could be described as a blend of indie favorites Animal Collective and Vampire Weekend. But that's a rough approximation of their style, you really just have to give these guys a listen to understand how compelling their lighthearted, yet thoughtful, approach to experimental pop music can be.

Favorites from the EPs include "Johanna," "Walkability," "Gino," and "Ties"

Hear both of their EPs at their bandcamp/homepage:

http://wayyes.com

And if you need a listen right this second, go ahead and check out this free MP3 from Walkability:

Gino (MP3)

Introducing...Gold Motel

Trying to get back into the swing of things with blogging, and to start I have an excellent band to recommend to you:

Gold Motel

Gold Motel is an indie pop project fronted by Greta Salpeter (who currently performs as Greta Morgan), a name some of you may remember as being associated a few years ago with The Hush Sound. I was quite fond of The Hush Sound, especially their earliest material, so news of this new band (which also includes several members of This Is Me Smiling) came as a welcome surprise recently. The music of Gold Motel is--in many ways--similar to Morgan's previous group, but she gets the mic all to herself this time around and she makes the most of the opportunity on Summer House. With infectious guitar and piano riffs, big vocal hooks and a consistently sunny vibe, Gold Motel make a great introduction and Greta Morgan proves that she can handle a leading role just fine.(MySpace)

Introducing: Milagres

You may know the band Milagres by their former name, The Secret Life of Sofia, or perhaps--like me--you are just now getting introduced. Either way you would do well to give these guys a listen. The group recently made the name change (which is Portuguese for "Miracles") and just released their debut under the new moniker, Seven Summits, a mature and accomplished album that certainly belies the band's experience and gets them off to a great start with their updated name. The record isn't truly a "concept album," but it does have a unifying theme--mountain climbing, which stems from front man Kyle Wilson's love of all things mountain-related. The press release states the album is "part fact, part historical fiction," and truly there is a wealth of lyrical detail to discover here, but even if you're less inclined to dig into the meaning behind the words, Milagres makes truly beautiful, majestic music that's quite easy to appreciate.

My personal favorites include the epic opener "Fifty Fourteeners," the lovely ballad "Sheet Stealer!" and the intriguing narrative "Nanda Devi," though it's hard to go wrong on Seven Summits. To start, I recommend downloading the single "Outside" below, or checking out the band on MySpace to hear more. Definitely don't pass this album pass you by, it's spectacular stuff.

MP3: Outside

MySpace

Introducing: Inlets

So working in a band has many advantages - it provides an exchange of ideas, it offers varied perspectives, etc. - but there's also something to be said for those artists who prefer to keep their music to themselves. Getting the best of both worlds is Sebastian Kreuger, operating as Inlets, who seems to make the majority of his creative process a solitary one, but certainly isn't opposed to collaboration. The talented newcomer has recorded or performed with the likes of Fiest and DM Stith, and on his debut LP, Inter Arbiter, he gets some assistance from Beirut frontman Zach Condon and Dirty Projectors vocalist Angel Deradoorian, among others. As a result, his first record often feels like a solo project in its darkly intimate style, but these mostly quiet songs feature striking instrumental backdrops and gorgeous vocal harmonies that help make the music especially compelling.

Kreuger's voice - both beautiful and haunting - weaves between acoustic guitar, subdued horns and banjo in a way that doesn't provide for many outright hooks, yet his intricate melodies and unusual song structures are absorbing just the same. The music of Inlets is brainy, cerebral stuff, and that's where most of its appeal lies, but Kreuger manages to include an emotional edge to his songwriting that allows the music to be accessed from more than just a technical standpoint. Highlights from Inter Arbiter include the constantly shifting "Canteen," the strange and melancholy "Bright Orange Air," and the enjoyably unstable "Famous Looks." It may be his full-length debut, but Kreuger shows a remarkable amount of maturity and depth here - no doubt the result of both a generous amount of creative energy and previously refined musicianship.

Download: "In Which I, Robert"

MySpace

Band of the Day: Givers

Because I write about music often, I find myself getting in a bit of a rut when it comes to describing the sound of various bands and I sometimes end up using a generic selection of terms for a wide range of styles. But Givers, an indie collective from Louisiana, have made that part easy for me. "Afro-beat, dancy pants, indie pop love music" is how the band describes their music on their MySpace page, and after giving their self-titled debut EP a listen, I think they've got it about right. Their fun and energetic personality combined with their ability to construct tight, hook-filled tunes has earned the group a good deal of attention over the last couple months, including a recent spot over at NPR on All Songs Considered, where I first heard about them.

The group released the EP last year, a collection of four upbeat pop songs (plus one remix) that should get just about everyone excited for their upcoming full-length due early 2010 sometime. The first two tracks are reason enough to label these guys as a band to watch; "Up Up UP" is a buoyant, sunny tune with boy/girl harmonies and "Meantime" finds the band delving a bit more into the Afro-pop side of their sound with excellent results. Both incorporate elements from fairly popular indie rock trends, but the band combines these somewhat familiar elements in an innovative enough way as to provide some fresh and interesting ideas throughout the 23 minutes of the album. Make sure you give these guys a listen asap, they're definitely worth a little of your time.

MySpace
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Artist of the Day: Matt Morris

Here's a little cure for the Monday morning blues:

I've mentioned Matt Morris here before, but with the recent release of his debut LP, When Everything Breaks Open, I think his name is certainly worth bringing up again. Morris released his first EP a couple years ago, a collection of bare, acoustic tracks recorded, as the title says, backstage at Bonnarroo. But with his new full-length, Morris transitions into much more pop-oriented territory with five previously-released songs and nine new tunes presented with a full compliment of guitars, bass, drums, strings, and smoother production that he actually wears quite well. This diverse selection of tunes provides plenty of reasons to make this newcomer one that deserves our attention as 2010 gets on its way.

The most powerful weapon Morris holds in his arsenal is his high, smooth voice, which is equally effective on simple ballads and funky pop songs. He also shows genuine songwriting talent throughout the album, evident even on some of his more straightforward songs like "Money" or "Love," though, as is so often the case, he's best when he goes for the unusual. For example, the blend of strings and pounding drums on "The Un-American" gives the pointed social commentary an odd but somehow fitting backdrop, while the strange and soulful funk of "You Do it For Me" makes for a danceable, left-of-center pop tune. Hopefully, Morris will continue to build upon this knack for combining accessible hooks and more exploratory ideas as they form most of the record's best moments.

The album is a sprawling one, covering nearly seventy minutes with its 14 songs. But though listening to the entire thing at once may seem somewhat daunting, Morris makes good use of the time in showcasing different sides of his musical personality and the result is an enjoyably varied debut. When Everything Breaks Open is very much worth your time to check out as I suspect its title will prove to be descriptive of Morris' career soon.

Watch Matt Morris perform a stripped-down version of "The Un-American":



MySpace

@ In Review Online: Unheard of #4

Once again, if you follow this blog, some of these picks may seem redundant, but my Unheard Of series over at In Review Online is a chance to get some of my favorites a little more time in the spotlight. Check out a small bit on the bands below or head to the full article for free tunes and more info.

Full Article

Bands Featured:

The Lonely Forest - "We Sing the Body Electric...is one of this year's most overlooked rock albums."

A Grave With No Name - "Mountain Debris may seem slight to those who find the band's eccentricities to be less compelling, but for the more adventurous, the finely crafted details of the music become wholly absorbing..."

Boomsnake - "On their upcoming release, the duo embellish and improve upon their best material with additional layers of instrumentation and cleaner production, expanding their sonic palette and capitalizing on teh promise they've exhibited on past recordings."

Keegan DeWitt - "DeWitt has already earned praise for the music he's created for various indies, but this time around he's showing his chops as a singer/songwriter, which, it turns out, well-compliment his compositional skills."

Little Tybee - "Little Tybee stand out amidst the throng of similar experimental indie bands vying for our collective attention."

Three for...Thursday: Sleep Whale, The Dø, Bellflur

I apologize for my online absence - but there's some good stuff coming - I promise. That includes this selection of three noteworthy new artists of course:

Sleep Whale -

After a beautiful debut EP and an equally strong full-length both released this year, it was clear to me that Sleep Whale (originally known as Mom) were a band worthy of mention here. The (almost) entirely instrumental Little Brite EP (first released in 07) showed a band that could build gorgeous soundscapes that were both unique and accessible - utilizing guitar, cello, and various field recordings and digital effects. From this base they expanded their sound to include more vocal and percussive elements among other things on their first LP , Houseboat, which was just recently unveiled. At first I balked a bit at the transition to songs that were um, more song-like and slightly less abstract, but Sleep Whale's latest retains what made them special in the first place while showing remarkable growth in a brief period of time. Plenty of the tracks hearken back to the band's earliest work - like the thoughtful "Roof Sailing" or the shimmering "Icicles," but the vocal-led tunes are just as engaging, especially the appropriately watery "We Were Dripping." This is lovely, almost otherworldly stuff sure to captivate any willing to let it sink it.

Josh Likes Me (MP3) - from Little Brite

Cotton Curls (MP3) - from Houseboat

MySpace


The Dø -

The Dø is a French duo comprised of Olivia Merilahti and Dan Levy, who wrote, recorded and produced their debut album, A Mouthful. The record is notable for several reasons, one being that this is the first album by a French band performing in English to reach #1 on the French music charts, which is impressive. But the music itself warrants even higher praise. The Dø are difficult to categorize as they are almost schizophrenic in their stylistic variance, ranging from twee-pop ("Playground Hustle") to tribal chants ("Unissassi Laulelet") to almost MIA-esque rap ("Queen Dot Kong") and utilizing everything from a choir of children to every percussive instrument you could name to support Merilahti's yearning, child-like voice. So the album may not be for those who prefer consistency, but for the adventurous there's plenty to love here - A Mouthful is one of this year's most joyfully exploratory pop albums. Highlights will probably depend on individual taste, but for me the three best tunes are the dark, poppy "On My Shoulders," the ukulele-led ballad "Stay (Just a Little Bit More)" and the more aggressive "Tammie."

MySpace


Bellflur -

Washington DC band Bellflur first caught my attention with a song entitled "Grey Sparkle Finnish Pig," which I admit just made me curious initially but ended up making a very good first impression. The group has been around since 2001 and have released several albums, the latest of which is an EP called Last Quarter of the 20th Century Blues. If you, like me, haven't heard about the band before, I recommend get acquainted by taking a listen to their new record, which is a dreamy, psychedelic collection of tunes with post-rock leanings. Though Bellflur might be considered a vocal-centered band, the music they make is less about lyricism and more about complex instrumental arrangements and progressive song structures, using various organic and digital elements in composing their music. Their all-encompassing approach and obvious ambition makes songs like opener "Grey Sparkle Finnish Pig" - a menacing, shifting indie rocker - or "The Rhythms of Waking and Sleeping" - a fascinating blend of atmosphere and abrasion - such intriguing and compelling listens. These four are definitely worth keeping an ear on as I imagine you'll be hearing much more about them soon.

Grey Sparkle Finnish Pig (MP3)

MySpace

Three for...The Weekend: Meaghan Smith, Mean Creek, Orenda Fink

Meaghan Smith -

I wrote briefly about Meaghan Smith several months ago when she released her debut EP, but I thought she was worth bringing up again as she's just dropped her full-length album - The Cricket's Orchestra. I was initially a bit disappointed to find that all of the songs on her EP are also included on the LP, but I'll admit the new record works remarkably well as a whole. And for most of you, that probably won't be an issue at all anyway. Meaghan's music is reminiscent of classic pop/jazz/swing records from ages ago, but somehow feels remarkably modern as well. Highlights from The Cricket's Orchestra include the deceptively cheery "Heartbroken," the pleading "If You Asked Me" and the sweet ballad "A Little Love." Her beautiful voice gives her selection of 11 love songs (well, love-related anyway) a vibrant emotional color which, when combined with the album's stellar musicianship, makes this a debut you need to hear.

MySpace


Mean Creek -

Mean Creek is a Boston-based quartet that combines boy/girl vocals and indie pop hooks with a gritty Americana/rock 'n' roll approach, creating a unique sound heard on their recently-released sophomore effort - The Sky (Or the Underground). The new album contains songs with a variety of tempos and dynamics, with noisy rockers, spacey ballads, and the occasional folk tune making up the ten tracks. On the louder side of things are highlights like the dark, swirling title track and the urgent anthem "Face of the Earth" which kick off the album, while tunes like "It's Good to Be Back Again" show the band's more gentle side. Many of the songs throw in a little of everything, switching between moments of contemplative calm and intense emotion - resulting in a consistently interesting and impressive rock record that bodes good things for newcomers Mean Creek.

The Sky (Or the Underground) (Zipped MP3)

Light Into Dark (MP3 via Under The Radar)

MySpace


Orenda Fink -

For her sophomore album - Ask the Night - Orenda Fink only includes 28 minutes of music, but its certainly a case of quality over quantity. The singer/songwriter's melancholy style has a gothic Americana twinge to it (think a slightly less depressed Marissa Nadler) that I find especially appealing and her new LP has quickly become a new favorite of mine in the folk genre. Though her songs generally focus on her soft, emotional voice and acoustic guitar - banjo, accordion, backing vocals and other instruments subtly accentuate and add depth to her music. Favorites from the album include the heartbreaking opener "Why Is the Night Sad," the fiery duet "High Ground," and the slightly countrified "The Garden," all of which contribute to an especially strong first half, though the back half is solid as well. Definitely recommended listening for folk junkies such as myself.

That Certain-Something Spring (MP3 via Paste)

MySpace

Three for...Thursday: Zoos of Berlin, Netherfriends, Nancy Elizabeth

Zoos of Berlin -

Detroit quartet Zoos of Berlin may only have one full-length album under their belt - Taxis - but they have the sound of a band with much more maturity and experience. Their brand of indie rock has an almost elegant, stately feel to it - incorporating elements of jazz, soul, and classic pop - though the band is more than willing to up the tempo and volume when the occasion calls for it. The boys have a solid debut on their hands that they recorded, produced and released themselves this year - from which I recommend the driving "Black In the Sun Room," the lengthy, multifaceted "Juan Matus" and the disco-esque "Electrical Way" to start. The smooth blend of influences and ideas on Taxis results in an album that's often subtle but quite dynamic and consistently intriguing, with plenty to be discovered upon multiple listens. Definitely give these guys a shot.

Zoos of Berlin, "Black in the Sun Room" from Adam Lonczynski on Vimeo.

MySpace


Netherfriends -

Also new on the scene are Chicago psych-pop trio Netherfriends, whose new EP, Calling You Out, was released earlier this year. It's difficult to really describe or classify the group, though they touch on elements of freak-folk, noise-pop, and even a little of the Caribbean vibe that's been going around recently. Their six-song EP shows an ambitious and energetic band with the talent to pull off their almost casually experimental sound stuffed with various guitars, percussion and synth under singer Shawn Rosenblatt's off-kilter tenor voice. There are a generous amount of excellent pop moments on the album, including the anti-pervert song "Really?," which bounces between busy guitar and drum attacks and moments relative calm with little more than vocals to propel the song forward (think early Animal Collective). My other recommendations would be the messy, tribal "Nunya" and the especially melodic closer "Don't Invite Me."

Daytrotter Sessions Concert (highly recommended!)

MySpace


Nancy Elizabeth -

British singer/songwriter Nancy Elizabeth might not be on your radar yet, but I'm thinking it's only a matter of time before we all start hearing much more about her. Her strong, emotional voice and songwriting style put her somewhere between Natasha Khan and Joanna Newsom, though she's certainly got a sound all her own. Her sophomore album, Wrought Iron, was released recently and has given me a welcome introduction to this talented songstress. First single "Feet of Courage" is probably the best showcase of her talent and appeal - a slowly building number that features soft tribal percussion and Elizabeth's haunting voice as the primary instruments while other subtle establishments work their way into the gentle climax. Most of the album follows a similarly restrained pattern that rarely gets loud or complex, but even on the most delicate and sparse of songs ("Ruins," for example), Elizabeth manages to captivate.

Nancy Elizabeth - Feet Of Courage from Leaf Label on Vimeo.

MySpace

Three for...Friday: J. Tillman, The Subjects, The Shaky Hands

J. Tillman -

J. Tillman - perhaps best known as the drummer for last year's breakthrough folk group Fleet Foxes - is a remarkably prolific singer/songwriter who has just released his sixth album in only five years. He's been getting significantly more attention since 2008, but I imagine Year In the Kingdom will still fly under the radar of many, which really shouldn't be the case. Tillman uses a simple combination of acoustic guitar, limited percussion, and his soft, stirring voice for the majority of his tunes (though there is the occasional instrumental embellishment as well), crafting beautifully sparse songs that make his new record a brief but captivating musical experience. And as Year In the Kingdom is Tillman's second release this year (Vacilando Territory Blues is the other), it just seems even more impressive. As far as highlights go, it's difficult to pick as the album just sounds so complete when taken in as a whole, but the delicate, strummed title track and the gorgeous "Howling Light" would be my suggestions on where to start.

Heavenly Bodies (MP3 via Pitchfork)

MySpace


The Subjects -

The Subjects have what I imagine is a fairly unique origin story. The band started in high school, which is pretty standard, of course, but the fact that two of the band members were students and two were teachers at the time is a little more unusual. It's a combination that works well for them, though, as evidenced by the quality of their infectious and smart pop rock music. The quartet already have a full-length album to their name and now they've returned with the New Soft Shoe EP, which I've been loving recently. The boys have a kind of easy confidence to them that makes what they do seem much easier and more natural than you'd think it could actually be, and each of the three songs - the percussion heavy "Winter Vacation," the synth-rocker "Right2Know," and the bouncy piano-pop track "Little Mountaintops" - is delivered with the perfect balance of pop simplicity and indie innovation. You can only find the new EP on thinkindie.com, but you can get "Winter Vacation" for free below.

Winter Vacation (MP3 via RCRD LBL)

MySpace


The Shaky Hands -

Of the three bands featured here, The Shaky Hands adhere most closely to pure rock 'n' roll, though they do much more than simply pay tribute to classic rock. The Portland-based band have recently released their third album in three years and fortunately their prolific schedule hasn't seemed to damped the quality or energy of their music. Let It Die is a solid third effort for the group, one that isn't often flashy or showy - it just focuses on great melodies and songwriting to capture your attention rather than throwing in lengthy jam sessions or fiery guitar solos. That's not to say that this bunch isn't talented - the rolling bass lines, sharp guitar riffs, and steady percussion all add to the experience and make this a rock album worth mentioning in a year full of them. The rough and raw title track, the cruising "Caught In the Storm" and the bouncy "Allison and the Ancient Eyes" are the definite highlights here.

Allison and the Ancient Eyes (MP3 via RCRD LBL)

MySpace

Three for Thursday: Dappled Cities, Pictureplane, The Drums

Considering the oodles of great bands deserving your attention, I'm going to try and increase the number of acts that get featured here on my site. I only have so much time to write, so I figured I would introduce a new feature on Thursdays that showcases three bands/artists I think you should hear:
-----------------------------------------------

Dappled Cities -

Dappled Cities are an Australian indie group that have just recently released their third album, playfully titled Zounds. So they aren't exactly brand new, like many of the artists I might feature in this kind of spot, but they've flown under the radar enough that - chances are - you haven't heard about them yet. If you have, you'll know why I'm eager to get the word out; Dappled Cities have an infectious indie rock style that combines big vocals, sweeping strings, and rockin' guitar riffs with a big nod to 80s pop and an electronic twist. Their new record is an excellent showcase of what they do best - most especially on the "The Price," which features soaring string arrangements and a danceable drum/guitar combination, and "Answer is Zero," a more ballad-esque tune filled with detailed synth and beautiful harmony. I've got links below if you feel like (legally) hunting down both of the aforementioned tunes, but you should at least check out the band on MySpace.

The Price (MP3 via Spinner)

Answer is Zero (MP3 via Stereogum - you have to sign up for "The Gumdrop" to get this one, but it's a very non-invasive email list)


Pictureplane -

Pictureplane is the recording and performing moniker of one Travis Egedy, an electronic musician and singer who has recently received some nods around the 'net for his sophomore effort, Dark Rift. Egedy's style is a sort of hazy electro-rock that's fits somewhere between bedroom pop and club-ready dance music, with a blend of synthetic instrumentation, samples, and his own frequently blurred voice creating a sound that's difficult to describe and quite unique to him. The new record is a beguiling set of 13 tracks stretched over 55 minutes and covering all kinds of territory, and it's mostly spectacular. Personal favorites include the sexy, thumping "Gang Signs," the spychedelia-meets-techno of "5th Sun" and the more noise-rock-esque "Cyclical Cyclical (Atlantis)," but I imagine I'll have new tracks to rave about tomorrow - it's just that kind of album. Make sure you take the time to give Pictureplane a listen, Travis Egedy is going places and you'll do well to follow him.

Goth Star (MP3 via Pitchfork)

Trance Doll (MP3 via Pitchfork)

MySpace (it's a mess)


The Drums -

There seems to be a pattern this year involving bands releasing summer-worthy music a bit late in the season, and none typifies this better than Summertime!, the debut EP from The Drums. Their appropriately titled new album, released earlier this week, brings together shimmery indie pop and an obsession with the classic, fun-in-the-sun surf culture for a catchy, sunny, and energetic 21 minutes. The group's youthful spirit is familiar and their subject matter is kept fairly light and simple (girls, sun, surf...that's about it), but their ode to everything summertime is fresh and fun. Opener "Saddest Summer" is anything but mopey, with hyperactive guitar and drum lines keeping singer Jonathan Pierce's lyrics from sounding even mildly troubled, while "Let's Go Surfing" rocks a simple, frantic bass riff and background whistles for the perfect accompaniment to the activity in question. Consider extending your sunny season this year with Summertime!

Let's Go Surfing (MP3 via RCRD LBL)

MySpace

New and Notable: Memory Tapes

Dayve Hawk is a new name to me, but with all the projects he's been involved in and albums he's released, I'm not sure exactly how that's possible. His new moniker, Memory Tapes, is a combination of two of his others - Weird Tapes and Memory Cassette - and from what I've been told, the music follows that same pattern. Apparently this is the first release of many as Hawk plans on dishing out two a year (next up, a psychedelic girl group album), an ambitious goal but a welcome one given this excellent introduction. Whatever the background, the New Jersey artist's first record as Memory Tapes, Seek Magic, has quickly become a new favorite of mine, a strange and exciting set of eight tracks that features stunning synthetic and organic instrumental compositions under spacey, sometimes haunting vocals.

Comparisons from LCD Soundsystem to New Order to Cocteau Twins have been thrown around frequently, and Seek Magic certainly has bits and pieces of all those and more. On "Bicycle," Hawk combines a sort of disco vibe with atmospheric indie rock and a dose of that Caribbean flavor that's been popping up everywhere lately, on "Green Knight" he gets even funkier, mixing in everything from eighties synth riffs to the squeak of shoes on the basketball court, and on "Pink Stones" he sounds something like James Murphy with a tropical twist. Everything on the album works well, though not all of it sounds like it belongs in the same place as Hawk seems determined to try anything once. Fortunately, his ambition only very slightly exceeds his grasp, and given the strength of every tune on Seek Magic, Memory Tapes has created one of this year's more accomplished debuts. Below are links to a couple tunes Hawks is offering for free through his blog. Both are from the new album and both are worth the time to check out.

Plain Material and Bicycle (MP3s via Memory Tapes blog)

Summertime Listening: Fun.

There has been a good deal of great Summer music released over the last few months, but as we begin the transition into Fall we've finally been bestowed with one of the best Summertime gifts from 2009, fun.'s Aim and Ignite. For those Format faithful, the legion of fans upset by the band's decision to call it quits a couple years ago, this new project from Nate Ruess has been looked to with great anticipation, I'm sure. For many others, it's likely that fun. (both the period and lack if capitalization are intended) may be a bit off your radar. Either way, if you haven't yet taken the time to hear this album in its entirety, I recommend doing so immediately. Singer/songwriter Ruess and new bandmates Andrew Dost (of Anathallo) and Jack Antonoff (of Steel Train) continue the grandiose, orchestral pop presentation of the last Format album (2006's Dog Problems) but with even more flair and success this time around, offering a record that is exquisitely crafted, consistently surprising, and - of course - very fun indeed.

Ruess continues his penchant for openly and intelligently discussing his hopeless romanticism and agonizing heartbreaks throughout Aim and Ignite, but the music frequently belies his pain, remaining upbeat and stuffed to the point of bursting with soaring string and horn arrangements (compliments of returning collaborator and former Jellyfish member Roger Joseph Manning Jr). First single 'At Least I'm Not as Sad (As I Used to Be)" was downloaded a phenomenal amount of times from the band's MySpace several months ago and perfectly showcases what makes the album so enjoyable. Ruess's wit is sharp and his melodies even sharper, switching between sing-song rhymes and grand, joyous choruses while the pounding piano and an active horn section place emphasis when necessary and retreat for moments of occasional quiet before another storm. Other highlights include the dramatic opener, "Be Calm," the danceable "All the Pretty Girls" and the afro-pop-meets-electronica tune "Walking the Dog," but with all killer and no filler, you really can't go wrong with any of the ten tracks on Aim and Ignite.

fun. has re-discovered the blueprint for the creation of a fantastic pop album, one as engaging and exciting as almost anything released this year. Although I'm sure the reception by fans of Aim and Ignite has been excellent, I've seen precious little about this album in more critical circles, which is truly a shame. If there's any justice in this world, more people will be taking notice soon - make sure you're one of them. Oh, and as a bonus, Prettymuchamazing.com has a couple songs to download.

MySpace

Introducing...The Pinx

For those of you that can't get enough of classic rock or its many present-day variations, The Pinx are prepared to be your new favorite band. Adam McIntyre (vocals/guitar), Joe Giddings (vocals/bass) and Jim O'Kane (drums) play meat 'n' potatoes rock 'n' roll with just the basics - making raw, elemental music that's a nice breath of fresh air amid the torrent of indie music I'm generally surrounding myself with. The band's new album, Look What You Made Me Do, has earned them some accolades around the 'net and a spot on tour with Ben Harper, and the record has made quite an impression on me as well. Though best known for their explosive, violent performances, The Pinx manage to capture enough of that energy here on their debut to make it an enjoyably intense helping of soulful, blues-tinged garage rock just begging to be played loud and often during these last weeks of summer.

The Atlanta-based trio prefer to keep things simple, relying on their obvious instrumental talent, rough tenor vocals and raw production values rather than guest musicians and studio trickery. Cuts like the psychedelically-inclined "The Desert" and the scuzzy "That Is Free" sound live, fresh, and appropriately sparse as Giddings and O'Kane pound away under McIntyre's stellar guitar riffs and electrifying solos. In fact, though the vocals and lyrics are decent most of the time, the group sound best when they stick primarily to the music, especially on the record's mind-blowing instrumental track, "The Owl." Other highlights include "Impatience," which is all grit and fire, and "Am I Your Lover?," with it's sexy, falsetto-laden chorus. As a whole, Look What You Made Me Do shows a young band that still has some growing to do, but one that also has the instrumental chops and hard-working DIY attitude to accomplish bigger and better things. Don't be surprised if you hear much more about and from them in the future.

Download a tune below from the record and head over to the band's MySpace page for some of their best work.

Impatience (MP3)

MP3 Monday (late edition): A.A. Bondy, E-603, Sunbears!, Keegan DeWitt, Daniel Johnston

So I kinda missed Monday, but I was close this week. Here are some great tunes by some artists you may not be familiar with yet and a couple that have been around for a while. Enjoy!
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A. A. Bondy - I Can See the Pines are Dancing (MP3)

I first heard of A. A. Bondy a couple years ago and was very excited to get word about his upcoming record entitled When the Devil's Loose - set for release on the first of September. I've had a chance to listen to the album and I'm liking what I hear, especially this free single "I Can See the Pines are Dancing." Bondy's simple, melodic folk style and slightly rough voice make this one you should add to your collection. (MySpace)
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E-603 - Lights Out (MP3) and Dirtbag Baby (Mp3)

I'm not usually one that goes crazy over mash-ups, but I recently heard these two tunes from E-603 and I couldn't resist. Ethan Ward combines everything from Natalie Imbruglia to the Jackson 5 to hardcore rap (I don't know my rappers well) smoothly into slices of pop goodness that are easy to enjoy. Check out a couple tracks from his debut, Torn Up, which Ward released himself. (MySpace)
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Sunbears! - I'm Alive (MP3)

I'll admit I wasn't expecting much when I clicked on the link to listen to "I'm Alive," a song by Sunbears! from an EP titled Dream Happy Dreams. Fortunately, though the song certainly has the sort of overeager cheeriness you would expect from such a band and such an album, it's also quite good. I believe the EP has already been released, so give the rest of it a listen if you like what you hear here. (MySpace)
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Keegan DeWitt - Telephone (MP3)

Known for his beautiful film scores and lately for opening for the likes of Rhett Miller and M. Ward, Keegan DeWitt brings us a new album, this one a more pop-oriented set of tunes entitled Islands. "Telephone," the early single available here, is a nice showcase of Keegan's charmingly droopy voice and beautiful string arrangements and shouldn't be overlooked. (MySpace)
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Daniel Johnston - Freedom (MP3)

Here's a name you may be more familiar with. Daniel Johnston is back with his first album in six years, entitled Is and Always Was. The record, to be released October 6th, is a collaboration with producer/musician Jason Falkner and will have a slightly more hi-fi sound than some of his previous releases. Download the short, punchy "Freedom" for a taste of the upcoming album. (Website)