It has been a busy few weeks for Nick and I between shows galore for both of us (drummers amirite?!) and work and boring “real life” stuff so we didn’t post for you the last few weeks. So here we are again, and back at it with some stuff from the last few weeks(ish) that we dug and wanted to share with you. Take a listen to these songs and stay tuned, we are always digging into new stuff we want to share! Also don’t forget to tune into Nick’s radio show, Radiant Point, every Wednesday night for even more music both new and old.
As always, if you’re in a band or from a label, don’t hesitate to reach out and let us know about you! If we dig ya, you’ll get a nod in the column. Read on to find out what we dug the last week or so:
Atlas Engine– Simple Animal. Brooklyn’s own Atlas Engine is here with the latest single and the next installment from their upcoming EP Part 2…There Can Be No Regrets, the follow up and companion to 2021’s When The Compass Resets…Part 1. The songs showcases the lush and sweeping shoegaze qualities of this band with fuzzy, nuanced guitars and once the crescendo hits, beautiful vocal harmonies from singer Nick LaFalce accompanied by Meredith Lampe (of Colutura) and Caroline Yoder (of Fruit and Flowers) to close out the song. This is one of our most anticipated releases of the spring so be sure to keep your eyes and ears peeled for the full release due out 5/13 on Favorite Friends Records. [KH]
Boyish– I Think I Hate It Here. This is the latest from the catchy bedroom pop duo, and I immediately found myself reaching for the repeat button as soon as it finished after I heard it for the first time. The song clocks in at just two and a half minutes and in that time it packs a little bit of a harder uptempo edge than some of their previous material, mixing in plenty of jangly guitars, wistful vocals, and a crunchy lead guitar line to tell the story of a night at the movies gone wrong/ex drama. If you closed your eyes and didn’t know you were listening to something that was just released, you’d think this was a late 80s bop right out of the UK and the post C86/dreampop scene. That’s hardly a bad thing and in fact late 80s dream/jangle pop is one of my favorite eras of indie music, so I found a lot to love on this one. This is one of the bands I’m most looking forward to seeing play live and I am also very ready to hear the rest of the upcoming EP this song is a part of, My Friend Mica, which is due out this spring. [KH]
Carlton Jumel Smith– The Lovelieness of You/Heaven In My Arms/Devoted To You. New York’s Carlton Jumel Smith is a soul music lifer. For decades, he worked the club circuit and recorded independently released albums. In 2019, he released the magnificent 1634 Lexington Ave., which brought him to many people’s attention <raises hand> for the first time. Smith has returned with three excellent singles in advance of a what I hope is another record. Simple grooves and uncluttered, tasty arrangements provided by Timmion Record’s house band, Cold Diamond and Mink, serve as perfect vehicles for Smith’s strong, clear voice. He will immediately bring to mind the great male soul singers of old, particularly Al Green. “The Loveliness of You” is a slow jam, with an unadorned rimshot beat, subtle guitars and keys, and a countermelody of horns playing of Smith’s heartfelt devotional to a woman he loves. “Heaven in My Arms” continues similarly, a deep groove with light guitar and keyboard touches, giving Smith a foundation for a dynamic vocal performance. “Devoted to You” is funkier and upbeat tune, showing off the band’s swing and Smith’s rich and powerful voice. Though he may be a new to many of us, you can hear in his voice that he has been steeped in soul music for a long time. Hopefully more to come from Smith this year! [ND]
cheerbleederz– nail biters. A bit punk, a bit C86, the latest from this UK outfit is catchy as hell with a bouncy bass line and great harmonies throughout that give way to fervent shouts during the last chorus. “I don’t know what you’re doing, I don’t know how to be sane, there’s always something itching at me in the back of my brain” the words giving voice to the anxiety of just existing in the world in 2022, not always an easy thing to do. Cheerbleederz captured this feeling in a two and half minute indie punk gem and have given me (and I’m sure lots of other people) something to really relate to. This is the second single from their upcoming debut album even in jest, due out this summer. [KH]
Dehd– Empty In My Mind. An ode to a new crush, the giddy potential of possible new love and all the hope and longing that goes with it. Who can’t relate to the fun and simultaneous heartbreak intense pining brings? This song definitely has you covered in that department. The indie pop trio have released three other singles ahead of this one, all part of the upcoming album Blue Skies due out 5/27 on Fat Possum. [KH]
Francie Moon– In The Light. The latest from the project helmed by Melissa Lucciola (who also drums in Gustaf), this new single is a quick slice of all the psych/surfy elements the band with fuzzy vocals and fuzzy riffs galore. This is the lead off single for the new album What Are We Even Really Doing? due out on 6/22 via Halfshelf Records and Sifter Grim. I’ve known Lucciola more from her work in Gustaf so it’s nice to explore her other work and her skill as a songwriter and frontperson and I’m very much looking forward to everything the new album has to offer come June. [KH]
The French Tips– Bloom. The latest single from this kickass Boise band showcases a more expansive sound than the previous three rockin’ singles that have arrived in advance of All the Rage, due out May 13. Beginning with guitarist Rachel Couch clean picking and hushed vocals, the tune builds to an eventual tidal wave shoegazy noise as the rhythm section of Ivy Merrell (bass) and drummer Angela Heileson deliver the bombastic bottom end. Haunting countermelodies abound from either Merrell or Heileson (or both?) around Couch’s ethereal lead vocals. “Bloom” showcases the band’s skill at dynamics and building and releasing tension. Stoked for the full record and hoping they somehow make it to the East Coast because this song in particular sounds like it’d kill live! [ND]
The Loneliers– I’m A Stupid Little Piece of Shit. The latest single from the NYC twee punks has been a live staple for the last few years so it was already very familiar to me but to finally get a recording that I can listen to whenever I want is a treat. It’s as catchy an ear worm as you are going to find and showcases the band finding the perfect balance between their rock and pop sensibilities, the chorus featuring sugar sweet harmonies from Jessie (guitar) and Debbie Rodriguez (bass) who share lead vocal duties in the band, backing one another up when not on lead (Jessie takes lead for this song). The band said in a press release that the song is “about self awareness. You need to be aware when you’re being a pain and be able to learn from your mistakes.” The song is part of their upcoming EP “Enough Already!” which will be self released on May 20th. [KH]
Sub*T– Asterisk. This is the latest from the up and coming band, a catchy grungey number that could have been at home next to Veruca Salt in 1993, but also feels very fresh and current. With a chorus laden with killer hooks and harmonies, this one will stay running around your head for a while and have you reaching for the repeat button. For now this appears to be a stand alone track (released by Fire Talk/Open Tab), but it pairs really well with their debut EP So Green, and is a great showcase of their pop/rock sensibilities. Here’s hoping a full length is in the works [KH]
Quelle Chris– Alive Ain’t Always Living. Quelle Chris’ winning streak shows no signs of slowing down with the lead single of the forthcoming full-length, DEATHFAME due out on Mello Music Group May 13. Chris’ creativity knows no bounds and he is constantly evolving his sound. “Alive Ain’t Always Living” is hip-hop soul music. Atop a pensive groove and gospel-tinged keyboard melody, Chris is thoughtful and introspective:
I’m so grateful, so grateful to be alive
But alive ain’t always living, sometimes n***as just survive
Both lyrically and musically, it’s one of Chris’ most engaging tunes to date and offering another side to an artist with seemingly infinite sides.
Shorty’s Swingin’ Coconuts– Il Cavaliere. Full disclosure: I adore surf music. I’m here for all the tropes—the wavy guitar, the jumpy grooves. Perhaps too often, modern surf bands lean more to the lounge sound more than the more aggressive guitar-driven sound of Dick Dale or Fender IV. So, it’s pleasing to hear Shorty’s Swingin’ Coconuts’ lead single “Il Cavaliere” from their forthcoming record Mai Tai in Hi-Fi, due out April 15 on the preeminent surf label Hi-Tide Recordings. The dual guitar attack brings a gnarly edge to the initial guitar hook. This then segues in a thrilling drumroll-driven build to a crashing middle, before settling back into beginning theme. A perfect surf tune! [ND]
Hello and welcome to FTA’s list of what we are excited for this Bandcamp Friday, aka every music nerds favorite day! A bunch of us weighed in on what we’ve been into lately and we’ve got lots of goodies old and new. But don’t take our word for it, dive into these tracks/albums and judge for yourself. Feel free to let us know what you think and tell us your suggestions!
Kate Hoos- Editor In Chief
F. Emasculata– Hail Mulder. The latest from one of my faves, the UK’s premier X Files themed hardcore band, F. Emasculata. My favorite track is the closer, “Foxglove,” which is about one of the all time best X Files episodes ever aka also the one where Eve 6 got their name from. The riffs are heavy, the screams are severe, and the truth is out there.
Hot Flakes– Hot Takes. I was TMing for Nick’s band on a weekend run recently when we met someone in the parking lot of a DIY space in Pennsylvania (The Building which is doing great things) who said he was in a noise rock duo, bass and drums, which immediately piqued my interest. He gave us a tape and it was exactly the music I love — loud, noisy, full of giant distorted bass and leaning heavily into the psych side of things. Hope to see these guys up in NYC sometime soon.
Nekra– Royal Disruptor. Released at the end of 2020, I instantly fell in love with this EP, a healing salve of riffs and rage at the end of a really fucking hard year. Their Bandcamp page describes it as “five tracks and no mercy” and sometimes no mercy is exactly what you need.
Rebelmatic– Walk on Water. The first single from Mourning Dove, the latest EP from one of the hardest working bands in the NYC punk and hardcore scene. They almost single handedly kept DIY alive in 2020 by hosting a series of outdoor popup shows and gave punks a place to gather and be with our community when it often felt like we had nowhere else to go. Featuring four incredible and hard hitting tracks, and also featuring a guest appearance from Angelo Moore of Fishbone, I’m already predicting the future that this will be on my list of favorites of 2022.
Groupie– Ephemeral. I saw them at Our Wicked Lady and picked up this album on cassette, it’s really good female-fronted post-punk/laid back rock/fuzzy.
Gareth Quinn Redmond– Oscailte. For ambient fans, check out the beautiful full length release from Ireland’s Gareth Quinn Redmond.
Just Mustard– Hailing from Dundalk, Ireland they’re opening for Fontaines DC on their current tour and have an upcoming release, Heart Under.
Karate– S/T. They are back on tour after 17 years with vinyl reissues of their classic album.
Mike Borchardt- Live Correspondent
Dead Tooth– Pig Pile. Dead Tooth’s “Pig Pile” is visceral experience that feels sonically frantic yet precisely controlled at the same time. This record does everything right. It gives me everything I want and everything I don’t, making it impossible for me to have a favorite song, but quite possibly setting it up as early contender for one of my favorite records of 2022.
My Son The Doctor– Taste Those Dreams. This came out end of 2021, but the EP still feels fresh every time you push play. With layers of melodies that take you in unexpected directions, but somehow feel satisfyingly familiar at the same time, MSTD is one of the coolest new projects coming out of Brooklyn right now. The lyrics are witty and heartfelt in a way that is unique and playful. I can’t help but be reminded of Promise Ring’s Very Emergency which in my opinion is one of the best pop records of the past 25 years. Something tells me My Son the Doctor doesn’t listen to Promise Ring like that, which makes the parallel even cooler.
Nick AD- Contributing Writer
IVY SOLE– candid.Philly rapper/singer/songwriter out with a bangin’ full length after a year of single releases. Ivy’s range of talents on full display at long last.
KEVIN– Aftermath.Spooky Japanese psych with a hilarious band name.
Maneka– Dark Matters. The fantastic follow-up to 2019’s Devin. Devin McKnight’s distinctive voice is the star here, as he offers up his similarly distinct perspective on being a Black man in the world. Indie rock with an 80s goth feel, with jazz interludes and featuring always superb Jordyn Blakely on drums and some backup vox.
sensoren– idiot brain. Catchy synth experimentation with 80s video game soundtrack feel alongside more ominous goth sounds. A groover!
Hello and welcome! It’s time for your weekly dose of bite sized musical goodies from Hoos and Nick AD. We’ve both been very busy so the list is a little shorter this week but these are some of the good songs Nick and I have listened to over the last week(wish) and absolutely had to make sure we shared. Don’t forget to tune in to Nick’s radio show, Radiant Point, every Wednesday night for even more music both new and old.
As always, if you’re in a band or from a label, don’t hesitate to reach out and let us know about you! If we dig ya, you’ll get a nod in the column. Read on to find out what we dug the last week or so:
!!!- Here’s What I Need to Know. I’m a big fan of !!!’s older work, particularly 2004’s Louden Up Now and 2007’s Myth Takes and can always count on them for an attitude laden groove to get me moving. Their latest track starts out purely electro before diving into their familiar pulsing feel, the perfect jam to head into spring time. [KH]
Jane Weaver– Oblique Fantasy. Jane Weaver continues her exploration into pop and indie rock with her latest single, “Oblique Fantasy.” Her incredible 2021 record, Flock, demonstrated her knack for pop songcraft alongisde the signaure experimental style she’d honed over her career. This latest single is part of Speedy Wunderman’s single series and shows she is still on fire creatively after Flock. Here, Weaver incorporates In Rainbows-era Radiohead atmosphere, with a krautrock pulse pushing tune and a spacefunk bass hook syncopating throughout. Her voice is warm and slightly daring—“You can do what you want, this time.” As her voice rises into a higher, airy register for the chorus, layers of synths build around her, the rhythm never deviating. This compact tune showcases many attributes of Weaver’s brilliance as a musician and songwriter. She’s an experimenter, no doubt, but she brings an impressive sense of dynamics and taste to her songs. Her choices are impeccable. Bringing her sound more into the pop realm shows the endless possibilities someone with her creative vision can bring to the pop paradigm. Weaver is in the zone right now and it’s awesome to hear. [ND]
Rudy Stone– Life of Luxury. This song seems to unfold in slow motion. A muted drum machine fill leads us right into a beautifully hazy guitar hook. AR Plovnick’s voice reverbates from the clouds: “Groovin’ to the music/When you pulled me in close/Said ‘We ought to spend the night/Making love…” Plovnick is somehow able to make a programmed drum track swing into a warm, slow groove. A touch of spaceage lounge music, a dash of shoegazery, and full-on stoner bliss, the tune forces you to slow down and get lost for a couple minutes—a true luxury in life these days. [ND]
Soccer Mommy– Shotgun. Whenever I need some chill indie with just a tiny bit of crunch to vibe out to, Soccer Mommy is where I turn. This is her first new song since her stellar 2020 album, color theory,and if this is the first taste, the new album Sometimes, Forever is going to be a strong follow up. I love the way the song starts out with just an overly gainy, yet not full on distorted bass (which is not a complaint, I love this sound and love the bass tone on many Soccer Mommy songs) and drums paired with just Sophie Allison’s pleasing voice. Not until the chorus does the full band hit its loudest peak with the guitars kicking in with a rush of sound that augments but never over powers the vocals, Allison’s yearning plea of “So whenever you want me, I’ll be around/I’m a bullet in a shotgun waiting to sound” shining through loud and clear. The full album arrives 6/24 via Loma Vista. [KH]
Soccer Mommy performing in 2017 (photo by Edwina Hay)
Sudan Archives– Home Maker. The always exciting and fresh Sudan Archives is back with a new single, “Home Maker,” which explores the singular, often unappreciated beauty of making a living space into a home and sharing that space with the exactly the person you want to. Sudan Archives subverts the outdated patriarchal notion of who and what a homemaker is by being in full control of the space and having full agency in her actions. Her distinctive voice is direct and bold:
I just gotta run up on my plants and Hoping that they’ll thrive around the madness Won’t you step inside my lovely cottage Feels so green, it feels like fucking magic Only bad bitches, and mad trellis And baby, I’m the baddest
Sudan Archives is the project of Brittney Denise Parks, a self-taught violinist, vocalist, producer, and songwriter. It’s been three long years since we’ve heard new tunes from her, following the amazing Athena record that came out on Stones Throw in 2019. With “Home Maker,” Parks folds her experimental sound into a tune that could be jammed at the club. A simple beat throbs throughout, and hooks abound in the verses and chorus. Near the end, Parks switches the rhythm and harmonizes herself, repeating ” Don’t you feel at home when you’re with me?” You can practically see everyone’s hands in the air. Hopefully, more new music to come this year from this brilliant songwriter carving out new territory. [ND]
Winter Wolf– Blue Lights. Truly some of the most exciting performers in the NYC punk underground today, and hands down one of the best bands you’ll see live, Winter Wolf took some of that stage prowess into the studio and have released their first single in a few years, their first as a trio, “Blue Lights.” The song will be a part of their upcoming EP due out this summer on Academic Punk Records and is a really strong first glimpse at what is to come. Huge bass and drums drive the song, accompanied with perfectly matched dual vocals from Tony $ixx, providing the high falsetto, and bassist/vocalist Jey Winters serving up the full low end with intense growls to match his killer riffs. A sharp condemnation to cops and police violence, they mince no words when they yell FUCK YOUR BLUE LIGHTS! This is 100% one of my most anticipated releases of the summer. [KH]
Hello and welcome! This week we’ve got a short burst of bite sized musical goodies as I have had a heavy shooting and “real life” schedule and Nick has been at SXSW (keep an eye on our Instagram for vids from him and one of our newer contributors, Kenzie), but I didn’t want to leave these goodies unmentioned. Take a listen to these songs and stay tuned, we are always digging into new stuff we want to share with you! Also don’t forget to tune into Nick’s radio show, Radiant Point, every Wednesday night for even more music both new and old.
As always, if you’re in a band or from a label, don’t hesitate to reach out and let us know about you! If we dig ya, you’ll get a nod in the column. Read on to find out what we dug the last week or so:
Cave In– New Reality. In their first new recordings since the death of bassist Caleb Scofield, and first from their upcoming album, Heavy Pendulum, Cave In comes in strong with giant riffs chugging throughout and some good old fashioned metal soloing in the final minute of the song. On the title of the track, lead singer Steven Brodsky said “Cave In’s been around for over 25 years now, and the time has come for an album that scales all of our creative peaks. Talk about a wild and weird ride! And here we are with ‘Heavy Pendulum’ — it certainly feels like a remarkable event, given the erratic trajectory of our band. “New Reality” was always the lead-off track — that was pretty obvious during the writing process. New line-up, new label, new album… a new reality indeed, and it all adds up to a new lease on life for Cave In.” The full album arrives on 5/20 via Relapse. [KH]
HYPEMOM– Stairway/Episode 4. This is the latest from the Brooklyn based band that has been described on their Bandcamp as a “Bushwick dirtbag’s wet dream” and in the same paragraph, “They’ll give you a 90s emo hammer-on you’ll never forget.” I don’t know about the wet dream part, but the 90s emo part is for sure accurate. This reminded me of a 90s era demo tape I might have picked up from a proto-emo band at a local show in NJ, wearing the influence of Revolution Summer and Dischord happily on it’s sleeve. [KH]
Julien Baker/Sharon Van Etten– 1979/Hurt. Full disclosure, I’ve only heard half of this, since it currently exists solely as a vinyl pre-order available only from comic shops (I ordered from Frankie’s Comics). Van Etten has previously covered “Hurt” by NIN for SoS in 2020, so I had heard her half already, an echoey and equally as crunchy guitar driven take on the song. The song has been available on YouTube for a while and it’s unclear if the same version from before or a new recording will appear on the 7 inch.
I admit that I am even more intrigued to hear Baker’s take on “1979,” the 1995 track by Smashing Pumpkins, as I do have a soft spot for the Pumpkins early to mid 90s material and have enjoyed many of her interpretations of other artist’s songs, in particular her version of “Fell On Black Days” by Soundgarden (I highly recommend giving it a listen). The split 7 inch is part of the ongoing series of songs recorded to accompany the comic What’s the Furthest Place From Here? and the description reads:
“The end of the world has a soundtrack.
Every issue of this post-apocalyptic coming-of-age series will offer an extremely limited number of Deluxe Editions, featuring an exclusive cover and a 7″ record with two songs from some of today’s best indie and punk bands, recorded specially for this project.
This issue: JULIEN BAKER breaks your heart and SHARON VAN ETTEN makes it hurt.”
Pictoria Vark– Demarest. We here at FTA are getting very excited for the upcoming Pictoria Vark record, The Parts I Dread, and this latest single it only adding to the anticipation. The song starts out as a warm acoustic confessional, with Vark’s soft croon taking center stage. As the first chorus kicks in, she is soon joined by further instrumentation as the song builds from pleasant solo singer/songwriter territory to a gentle indie rock jam as it continues, electric guitar taking the musical lead by time the midpoint of the song arrives. For the final verse, the music fades and rises again, Vark’s bass playing getting more of the focus here, before ending with a hard stop and the acapella line “there’s more to live for than I know yet”, hopeful and yearning all at once. The Parts I Dread is out 4/8 via Get Better Records. [KH]
Pons– Leave Me To My Work. This is the latest from these noisy no wavers, who are also one of my new favorite bands to see live. This song has a dark and chaotically dystopian feel to it, perhaps bordering a bit on a speedy goth feel even, and features some extra instrumentation from their live set with synth and sax peeking their heads into the mix as the song reaches its harried crescendo and begins to decay into madness. There is often a peppering of many genres in each of Pons’ songs, little elements here and there underneath some of the larger overall themes, and this one sticks with that recipe to blend in perfectly with their existing body of work. No word yet if this is a stand alone or part of an upcoming full length effort but either way, this is a solid showing from one of the most exciting bands in NYC right now. (For the record I’m definitely ready for more and hoping it’s part of an upcoming EP or album.) [KH]
Pons performing (photo by Kate Hoos)
Zora– Runnitup (feat Myia Thornton). The debut single from the Minneapolis based rapper runs right out of the gate, an urgent industrial 90s techno laden beat driving things while the bass pulses underneath and Zora’s nimble verses fly. The song may seem at first like it’s celebrating capitalism but it is in fact the exact opposite, the artist saying “In reality, this song is pretty explicitly about U.S. capitalism and how we need to just overthrow it. I still have hope, at least.” And of her collaboration with Thorton, “We wanted to make a song about metaphorically running up on somebody who didn’t give us what we were owed,” in reference to delays in receiving the 2020 Covid stimulus payment. The full album arrives 5/20 on Get Better Records and cassette pre-orders are available now. [KH]
Hello and welcome to more bite sized musical goodness brought to you by Kate Hoos and Nick AD. We listened to a lot of new stuff in the last week(ish), and these were some of the highlights, so dig on in and get these tracks in your ears. Nick also hosts a radio show on Radio Nope called Radiant Point every Wednesday night that features a huge variety of music from all over the spectrum so make sure you’re tuning in or listening to the archives to get the scoop on even more music.
As always, if you’re in a band or from a label, don’t hesitate to reach out and let us know about you! If we dig ya, you’ll get a nod in the column. Read on to find out what we dug the last week or so:
Automatic– New Beginning. LA synth post punks Automatic have just released the first single from their upcoming album, Excess and it is a motorik bop, driving bass locked in with the insistent drums while the synths sweep and clash together and break apart throughout the song. The title “New Beginning” feels very apt for where we find ourselves after the last two years, and all the bullshit we are still wading through. The lines “who could ever know for certain while we have a chance to take, there could be a new beginning, it could be a better place” certainly makes one feel hopeful that maybe, just maybe there is something better around the corner if we just hang on a little longer and there might just be a promised land on the other side. I’m very much looking forward to the full record and dancing with my camera when they land in NYC on their next tour. Excess comes out on 6/24 via Stones Throw Records. [KH]
Caroline No– Anna’s On The Radio. Sounding a bit like if the Velvet Underground had been a California band, “Anna’s on the Radio” is loose, almost haphazard at first. Three guitars (Caroline Kennedy, Dee Hannon, and Mick Turner) begin strumming over the Mo Tucker–style beat from superb drummer Jim White. The song takes off once Kennedy and Hannon enter with thrilling harmonies. There are only three verses, each a repeated phrase—“Anna’s on the radio/Got nowhere to go/It’s a long time ago“—and no chorus, but it proves how moving simplicity can be. Kennedy writes the tunes and forms the bands for Caroline No, this time enlisting long-time friends from the Australian music scene, notably White and Turner of The Dirty Three. As she writes on her Bandcamp page, her intimacy with her band allowed the songs to take form intuitively and spontaneously. There’s definitely magic here, and this tune will inspire repeated listens. Very much looking forward to the full Caroline No record, slated for release April 1 on the Grapefruit Record label. [ND]
The Chats– Struck By Lightning. There’s not much that’s more fun than rocking out to some straight up three chord ripping garage punk with irreverent lyrics, and these Aussies have that energy in spades. The bratty vibe spits right out of the speakers and you can’t help but sneer as the buzzsaw guitars rage alongside the snot nosed vocals. The band will soon be in the US for six weeks where they will hit most major markets with support from Mean Jeans and FTA friends/favs Thick. Their New York stop of the tour hits Warsaw on 5/7 and you can count on seeing me there. [KH]
eLZhi & Georgia Anne Muldrow– Already Gone. There’s no stopping Georgia Anne Muldrow right now. In the past two years, she has graced us with genius record after genius record: Mama, You Can Bet! as Jyoti in 2020; VWETO III under own name last year; and this year’s Planet of the Blues: Part One as Lilblackkids, a collaboration with Keith Rice. Hot on the heels of the Lilblackkids record, here comes Zhigeist, a full-length collaboration with the brilliant Slum Village alum eLZhi. “Already Gone” is the lead single and features Muldrow’s trademark space-funk production. A futuristic bassline pops atop a simple groove. Muldrow’s haunting verses float throughout. She laments: “When I finally broke down and realized I needed you/You were already gone.” eLZhi’s lines are strong and vulnerable. A sampling:
“My brains, a headache even to a migraine”
“Past feelings is why I put up walls that would fall”
“I’m sad and raining diamonds/against a Gucci suitcase with cash spilling out.”
The two collaborators complement each other beautifully. Muldrow creates little worlds of psychedelic funk, trippy but uncluttered. eLZhi is a master on the mic—expressive, engaging, emotive. The full record came out this past Friday on Nature Sounds and is worth a dedicated listen (and review!). [ND]
Gruff Rhys– People Are Pissed/Arogldarth. For any readers who didn’t know, FTA has deep ties to Wales and our webmaster Jenifun built our entire site from scratch from her house in Newport (just outside of Cardiff). We also love Super Furry Animals and all of Gruff Rhys’ solo work, and whenever he sings in Welsh, Jenifun is there to translate for me (I can understand some written Welsh, but spoken I still struggle with). This song is in English however and the message is pretty clear so no translation needed. On the lyrics Rhys said “The lyrics were basically inspired by the widespread anger I – and many other people felt towards the incompetence and arrogance of the Johnson regime during the lockdowns – not that I feel any different now. I mean the words go off on one like most of my songs but that was the seed of the idea.” As with much of his body of work, the song is fun and bouncy, with a sunshine feel that belies the true content of the song. Clocking in at almost eight minutes, you can almost get lost in the feeling too. On the flip side is the spacey instrumental track “Arogldarth” (which translates to “incense”) and it’s another eight minute long opus, more downtempo and contemplative than its companion, and that is also very easy to vibe out to. Both songs are out digitally now and are available as a limited edition cassette via Rough Trade. [KH]
Helms Alee– See Sights Smell Smells. The latest from these sludge psych greats, this song mutes the sludge ever so slightly and leans more into the psych and experimental side of their sound. Ethereal vocals and synth lines occupy the focus of the verse, before switching off with a doomy bass line (that borders on industrial) keeps time with insistent military-esque toms in the chorus. During the last 30 seconds a distorted sax appears out of the ether to twist and shimmy its way through the rest of the instruments before just as quickly skittering off again. This is a very intriguing first taste of the new album to come, Keep This Be The Way due out 4/29 on Sargent House. The song also came accompanied with a video directed by Allen Watke, complete with a glitchy bootleg VHS tape from the 80s dayglo vibe to perfectly compliment the music. [KH]
Horsegirl– Anti-glory.If the first two singles are any indication, the forthcoming Horsegirl record might be THE indie rock record of 2022. “Anti-glory” is the second single, and lead album track, of Versions of Modern Performance, due out on Matador June 3. Gigi Reece’s big “We Got the Beat” drums kick it off with Penelope Lowenstein’s bass-sounding guitar (judging from the video) further driving the rhythm. Nora Cheng’s wiry guitar line carves a thin path deep into your skull. Cheng and Lowenstein trade vocals in the verses before the song changes course for the post-punky one-word chorus: “Dance!” they command. And how could you not? “Anti-glory” is all propulsive energy, big fuckin’ drums, catchy basslines (or…bass-like lines), and guitars that are both angular and hazy. The phenomenal John Agnello was behind the mixing board and deftly captures the band’s intriguing mix of dreampop hooks, grunge gnarl, and heavy swing. June 3 can’t come soon enough. [ND]
Hushpuppy– Nervous. Released as part of Hardly Art’s 15 year anniversary singles series, “Nervous” is a minute and a half long blink and you miss it indie pop rock gem. Performed and produced entirely by Zoë Brecher aka Hushpuppy (who has also played drums with numerous projects including Palehound, Oceanator, and Sasami), the song addresses her anxiety and depression with Brecher stating on her Instagram, “Although it’s a tough subject, it’s a hopeful song and it’s dedicated to other like me. There’s power in knowing you’re not alone and I hope you can feel that when you listen.” This was admittedly my first introduction to Hushpuppy and it snared me immediately, I’ve already listened to several other tracks and you can now count me firmly in the fan column, very excited to see what comes next. [KH]
Mary Shelley– Blasé. This is a slice of high voltage Bauhaus inspired post punk, and is the fourth single from the self described
“goof-groove punk” trio from Brooklyn, named for the gothic novelist Mary Shelley (aka the author of Frankenstein). A “pop song that sounds like it’s drowning” is “about swimming in the decisions you made against your will and feeling powerless to them,” and it is a catchy ear worm you’ll have a hard time shaking off. The band’s forthcoming debut album will be released on 4/20 and they will play a release show on 4/21 at The Sultan Room. [KH]
Meat Wave– Honest Living. This is the latest from the Chicago punk band, a straight forward rocker with a thick wall of harmonized guitars, urgent vocals and punchy drums. It is first single by the band for Swami Records, the label helmed by John Reis (Rocket From The Crypt, Drive Like Jehu, PLOSIVS) and the influence of Reis’ prior work is evident in Meat Wave’s sound, with all the drive of a RFTC or Hot Snakes jam, and will get stuck in your head just as easily. The band will tour with PLOSIVS (which also features Rob Crow of Pinback) and hit Brooklyn on 3/18 at Saint Vitus, so now you know what my exact whereabouts for that evening will be. The song is part of a forthcoming album due later this year as a co-release with Swami and Big Scary Monsters. [KH]
Monte– Bad Girl. This song is a fast paced hard rock ripper and is part of the upcoming full length, This Is Monte. The production is slick, making all of the instruments sound huge, and the guitar work of singer/guitarist Caitlin Montclare is top notch. Fun and full of hooks, the chorus in particular is a pop rock sing along, and the whole song owes a debt to the crunch of The Runaways and flamboyance of 80s hair metal. But this is not 80s hair metal dude objectification though, and it is told from the perspective of a queer person, flipping the script and in the process making it a queer anthem. On this Montclare said “I grew up watching MTV and VH1, particularly Head Banger’s Ball, and I always remembered the hair metal bands like Motley Crue, Poison, or Whitesnake, and thinking how cheesy they were, but also, somehow loving it. As a queer person, I thought it would be fun to put a spin on those cringey hair metal bands. Let’s be over the top, let’s add dueling harmonizing guitars!”
“Bad Girl” is perfect driving fast down the highway music and a summer sing along if I ever heard one. [KH]
Oceanator– Stuck. Oceanator is back with the latest single from their upcoming album Nothing’s Ever Fine (due out 4/8 via Polyvinyl) and it’s a solid grunge offering, chugging along with a sultry and fuzzy bass lilt during the verses before massive riffs take over during the second half of the song, double kick drums and sweeping drum fills careening right out of the speakers. The lyrics come from the perspective of a frustrated and disappointed narrator and the music pairs really perfectly with this sentiment. They have a home town release show scheduled for 4/5 at Knitting Factory before embarking on a heavy touring schedule supporting Pedro the Lion (which hits NYC at Music Hall of Williamsburg on 4/25) and later, PUP and Laura Jane Grace. [KH]
Petrol Girls (feat. Janey Starling)- Fight For Our Lives. This is the latest single from these political post hardcore heavy hitters and it goes in more of the experimental direction that their previous single “Baby I Had An Abortion,” went in. The song starts with with vocalist Ren Aldridge with her signature piercing yell, accompanied a bombastic showing from the bass and drums, before dipping into more familiar hardcore territory and heading into a classic gang vocal sing along. Featuring guest vocals from activist Janey Starling (formerly of Dream Nails) the band says the song “honours the global movement fighting against femicide and gender-based violence. All money generated from this Bandcamp-only release will go to feminist group Level Up, who are building an interactive, virtual database of femicide victims across the UK and Chile, with a view to scaling up globally in the future. The database is trans inclusive, and will serve as a source of public knowledge and campaigning tool in the fight against gender-based systemic violence.” These two singles paired together clearly show a band that is steadfast in spreading vital messages about systemic problems, while continuing grow in stylistic depth and is not afraid to take unexpected and exciting turns in their music. [KH]
The Surfrajettes– Warm Up/Couch Surfing. FINALLY. Long-time favorites in the surf rock scene, they have released a few excellent singles since forming in 2015, but are slated to release their debut full-length Roller Fink via Hi-Tide Recordings on April 22. The Toronto quartet take a breezy, engaging approach to the surf format, leaning into psychedelia and lounge music with snappy, hook-laded tunes. “Warm Up” is aptly named, a straightforward surf rock excursion, featuring guitarists Mackenzie Freeman and Nicole Damoff trading sunny, reverby licks overtop a traditional surf beat. On “Couch Surfing,” the band shows off their more psychedelic side. The rhythm section of Sarah Butler (bass) and Dani Nash (drums) set the pace, settling into great bouncy backbeat. Freeman and Damoff play off each other wonderfully, with the tremelo-tinged rhythm guitar offering excellent taste and contrast to the slightly grittier lead. [ND]
USA Nails– Tooting Broadway. The latest single from the upcoming USA Nails/Psychic Graveyard split record, this is a two minute ripper of pure punk noise, absolutely no filler, a “stream of consciousness about where I live” according to the band’s Instagram. While USA Nails can get quite noisy and experimental, and this song does have twinges of those elements, it tends to lean more on their punk sensibilities than straight ahead noise. On the flip side, Psychic Graveyard is an electro frenzy of synth punk noise, reminiscent of a warped version of The Screamers. I had been totally unfamiliar with them prior to the announcement of this split but I am very ready to hear more from them. This is now one of the releases I’m most excited about this spring, the USA Nails tracks having already found their way into my monthly DJ spot in fact. The full album will be available digitally on 4/1 and is available for pre-order now. [KH]
Weird Nightmare– Searching For You. This is the first single from the solo project of Alex Edkins, frontman of noise punk greats, METZ. You still get the echoey fuzz of his usual vocal style, but his range is more apparent here and his pop sensibilities are on full display in both the vocals and guitar work with Edkins commenting via a press release “Hooks and melody have always been a big part of my writing, but they really became the main focus this time.” His Bandcamp describes the project as “a raw, sugary blast of distorted pop,” and goes on to say that the forthcoming debut album “contains all of his main band’s bite with an unexpected, yet totally satisfying, sweetness. Imagine The Amps covering Big Star, or the gloriously hissy miniature epics of classic-era Guided by Voices combined with the bombast of Copper Blue- era Sugar—just tons of red-line distortion cut with the type of tunecraft that thrills the moment it hits your ears.”
As if I wasn’t already a huge fan of Edkins’ work in METZ, but mention The Amps (Kim Deal’s oft-forgotten mid 90s post Last Splash project) as an influence and I am there. The album comes out on 5/20 via Sub Pop and is very highly anticipated here at FTA headquarters. [KH]
