It should come as no surprise that the band whose debut EP Drone Pop, opening with an indicative, spacey track, ”She Will Get You (High),” also nailed a Pink Floyd cover. On a tripped-out “Julia Dream,” a B-side of the legendary group’s single "It Would Be So Nice," The Orange Drop is at their best, perfectly capturing the song’s quixotic nature and flaunting their true understanding of 60’s psych-pop. For the mellotron and organ, they brought in their friend Mike Kiker from soul-influenced, acid-rock outfit St. James & The Apostle to do an impressive rendition of Rick Wright’s keys. Check out the track below! Warning: It might leave you feeling like you’re wandering around an enchanted forest…on shrooms.
NYC
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Opal Rose’s Strange Fruit
DC’s Opal Rose recently teamed up with Triple Threat to create a fantastic electro-RnB cover of the jazz classic "Strange Fruit" (on Brave New Breed). The two are developing a sound they’re calling "Doom&B," and the track is an epic journey. A run through jungle drums launches the vocal to flight over the canopy of rainforest instruments and insects. I get the impression Opal has emerged from some ancient haunted psychadelic pyramid. And I love the ending, hinting at a space launch, easing the listener into oblivion. Look for more from Opal and her collaborators in the comming months. –Natan Press
Austin
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Danny Malone releases SpeedDreamer
Danny Malone is a young singer/songwriter who is ready for his next phase. His new release SpeedDreamer sounds like it will be a low key compilation than previous endeavors of lighthearted folk-rock. A lullaby rather than a get out of bed and start the day kinda vibe that shined on his album Balloons. Where you rather just chill with headphones and a zone out to Malone’s hazy vocals. Yes, you need a soundtrack to zone out and I presume this album will be a top contender. SpeedDreamer will be released next Tuesday Nov. 18. Check out Malone’s album release show at Cheer Up Charlies this Friday Nov. 14.
NYC
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Crying releases double EP (or something) + tours the US
Crying‘s debut EP "Get Olde" took us by storm in September, becoming an instant Deli NYC Record of the Month – we were less impressed with the guys in the band, who gave us the typically punk "we’re too clever for you to care" treatment… However, this kind of attitude isn’t preventing them from going places – ah, the power of good music! They are about to release a remastered and extended version of their debut EP "Get Olde," featuring… another EP attached to it, entitled "Second Wind." Also, together with their inseparable, hacked Game Boy, they just embarked on a month long US tour, with welcome-back-home party scheduled for December 15 at the Music Hall of Williamsburg.
Philadelphia
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Madalean Gauze Letting Loose on a New Trail at The Troc Nov. 13
Madalean Gauze occupies the middle slot this evening at The Troc bridging the gap between the aptly named singer-songwriter Dylan Folkes and the soulfully melodic melting pot of music in Ju-Taun. With a fresh EP in the works following last spring’s robust American War, Madalean Gauze’s sound takes it’s initial step in a traditional folk/Americana field, but doesn’t anchor down in that place, using it as a home-base or jumping off point. To a certain extent, she welcomes listeners in with these familiar comforts – sweet yet steering along the well-worn trails. However, locked in, the true power of the instrumentation is let loose allowing a new trail to be etched. The Trocadero (Balcony), 1003 Arch St., 8:30pm, $7, 21+ – Michael Colavita
Philadelphia
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New Track: “Journey To…” – Ecstatic Vision
Uber-heavy psych rockers Ecstatic Vision are currently working in the studio on their debut album for iconic Philly label Relapse Records. Here’s a taste of the onslaught to come entitled "Journey To…" It’s off the recently released Relapse Sampler 2014, which you can stream and and purchase ("name your price") in its entirety HERE.
Portland
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Preview: Trumans Water + Octagrape + And And And 11.13
Tomorrow night at Bunk Bar, Trumans Water, a heavy experimental act from the Pacific Northwest, headline a memorable show with tour and release-mates Permanent Makeup, and Octagrape with local support from And And And. The out of towners are on tour in support of a brand new compilation cassette, Lotions & Cream, as well as a brand new release of covers by Octogrape titled Major Mayor Maxion Marble. Octagrape have the ability to make you feel anonymous where identity is no longer private. Their sound builds the longer you listen and it’s proven to be ideal even for art rock/noise. Permanent Makeup, though less arty and arguably noisier, grasp onto that perfect ’90s sound. Local full-time do-gooders, part time musicians And And And jolt their audiences into the mindset of being ready for anything. 9pm. $10.
– Colette Pomerleau
Nashville
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Adia Victoria Announces First US Tour
It took us a second to finally catch Adia Victoria live to form our own opinion to the name we had seen repeatedly on all matter of media. Did we maybe wish everyone was wrong just because we harbor a secret contrarian streak? Maybe, but don’t tell us what you think we think. What happened at the Stone Fox earlier this fall was exactly what one would assume: she bowled us over with her live show. We were drawn in but held at arm’s length with her breathy, measured drawl and tense energy as she let her songs unfold, as uncomfortable but completely natural as a muggy Tennessee afternoon. It was also the first time to hear her catalog aside from her debut single, "Stuck in the South." Now we’re excited to hear that Ms. Victoria will taking her show on the road this January. There are two week’s worth of dates booked for her tour, with more due to be announced. We can’t wait to for the rest of the country to get this particular taste of Nashville. You can get your own lick at 3rd and Lindsley November 30th, where she performs with All Them Witches. -Terra James-Jura
NYC
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Recent local single reviews
White Girl – “M.E.T.R.O.R.O.C.K.” b/w “Cocky”
Brow-beating modern house beats meet 80s synth pop revival on the new 7” from White Girl. Self-described as “a dance-infused pop romp through eternal fields of post punk grasses and rolling new wave hills,” Martin Bush crafts a couple of undeniably catchy EDM tunes sure to bounce around the kids that think they are too cool for Devo.
“M.E.T.R.O.R.O.C.K.” is the A-side, not surprising given the amount of hooks, tricks, and crowd fodder thrown into five and half minutes of music. Bush’s heavily affected robotic vocals and aggressive synth choices stick out, giving the song a harder edge akin to Deadmau5 or the older reaches of the Daft Punk catalog.
“Cocky” starts with an uncanny and amazing 17 seconds of 8-bit NES-sounding music before it throws on a light pink blazer with shoulder pads to spare, hops in the old trusty Fiero and cruises the downtown drag of new wave. It is the more interesting song of the pair, heavily leaning on familiar tones and sensibilities with enough modern twists and turns to not sound completely dated.
She’s A Keeper – “Wannabe”
She’s a Keeper takes us down a dreamy chugglin’ rail with the new single “Wannabe.” Moving in a more indie rock direction, the symphonic layers of instrumentation we’ve been accustomed to from SAK in the past are replaced with blankets of verby guitars, ranging from bright and chimy to tarnished with overdriven grit. Beyond that, the hallmarks of the SAK playbook are more or less still present: tight vocal harmonies throughout, flickers of tasteful additional instrumentation to round out the sound (in this case the reserved plink of a piano), and deft songwriting with careful attention paid to changing, stripping down, and building back the groove several times. It shows a nice balance of consistency vs. maturation for the band and a sign of a more rocking She’s a Keeper to come.
Shy Boys – “Life is Peachy” b/w “Follow the Leader”
(Photo by Forester Michael)
Much in the vein of fellow Kansas City indie dream pop darlings The ACBs, Shy Boys craft a beautifully floating and meandering surfy sonic scape on its recent 7” release. The two tracks, the aforementionally-styled “Follow the Leader” and the more straightforward pop rock ear worm “Life is Peachy” provide a nice sample of what this popular area trio has to offer. Reverb upon reverb upon reverb over a solid layer of tightly crafted instrumentation push these slyly written tunes along a jangly sea breeze slip and slide. The guitar and vocal hand-holding in “Follow the Leader” especially sticks out, as well as the “Gotcha!” song pause in the middle.
Now Now Sleepyhead – “Influenza”
An interesting mix of the ‘80s pop revival, ‘90s hard rock alternative, and a little electronica, Now Now Sleepyhead premieres “Influenza,” the lead single from The Violator, a two-record concept collect due for release later this year. Backed by a mix of four-on-the-floor and the ever popular modern twist on the disco-dance rock beat, the drums are featured prominently, overshadowing the various instrumentation at times with a beating groove that will most certainly get feet and asses moving.
Clearly with a wink towards both the club and hardcore kids, the song features an aggressive electronic breakdown guaranteed to set off the subs. The vocals stay pure throughout, showing almost a restrained disconnect, especially in the choruses when screaming could be warranted. Overall, an exciting preview of what looks to be a highly artistic and impressive future release.
Microphone Jack – “I Refuse to Choose the Blues”
“It only aggravates our suffering to wallow in those self-indulgent blues.”
Local humor balladeer Microphone Jack’s latest single takes a wry shot at one of Kansas City’s time-honored traditions with “I Refuse to Choose the Blues.” Featuring a Randy Newman-esque piano and vocal styling recorded live at one of his recent shows, the simple effort hearkens back to a time when you might lay on your bedroom floor at 2 o’clock in the morning listening to the Dr. Demento show. Tom Lehrer and Stan Freiberg immediately come to mind as Microphone Jack deftly moves through his thoughts on the ironic vicious cycle of making yourself sadder by focusing on how sad you are. MJ’s self-stated mission is global transformation through funny songs. This song definitely moves him one step closer.
Oils – “Waves We Feel”
Oils knows how to make the pretty. The Lawrence-based outfit continues to flex this muscle exceedingly well on the “Waves We Feel” single release via Replay Records. One simple but powerful set of words is repeated through the verses as the instruments care to build up a dreamy dynamic centered around the ever-present bright and chimey Fender guitar sound. By the end, the whole band comes together with a sonic gut punch worthy of the longing fueled lyrics. The lo-fi quality and occasional guitar miscue only add to the overall theme of charming sincerity.
—Zach Hodson
Zach Hodson is a monster. He once stole a grilled cheese sandwich from a 4-year-old girl at her birthday party. He will only juggle if you pay him. I hear he punched Slimer right in his fat, green face. He knows the secrets to free energy, but refuses to release them until Saved by the Bell: Fortysomethings begins production. He is also in Dolls on Fire, Drew Black & Dirty Electric, and Riot Riot Riot, as well as contributing to various other Kansas City-based music, comedy, and art projects.
NYC
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NYC Pop Artists on the rise: VÉRITÉ plays Rough Trade on 11.20
NYC singer VÉRITÉ‘s music is a mash up in a lot of ways, it makes us think of Tove Lo/Banks with the clear, distinct voice of Sara Bareilles. She grew up in a musical home filled with records and fell in love with the writing process at a young age. Most of her music seems ready to go for mainstream pop, excluding the haunting cut “Strange Enough." The song, which is an already underground favorite, depicts the singer in a relationship that constantly changes. Her EP, Echo, is already garnering much attention. – Robert Frezza
Chicago
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Video Premiere: Quinn Tsan “Good Winter”
Quinn Tsan is releasing her debut EP Good Winter this week and below is the premiere of her video for the EP’s title track.
You can help Quinn celebrate the release on Friday, November 14th at Constellation with Passerines and Kelsey Wild.
L.A.
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BØRNS releases new EP, shares new single
There’s not much information about elusive electro pop artist Garrett Borns, aka BØRNS, at the moment, besides his love of taking selfies and taking snapshots that look like old polaroids. They’re both well-documented on his Instagram page, though what he’s giving attention to this week is the release of his debut EP Candy. Backed up by major label powerhouse Interscope, his latest single, "10,000 Emerald Pools", should soon make him a household name – the track has a beach bum vibe, as Borns confesses that he’s falling deeply (yes, literally, as the title suggests) for someone. There’s plans for him to tour this fall, with dates coming up shortly.