Hartford funk-pop-jazz quintet Ladyhips started off the year with two new releases for its loyal fans – with even more soon to come. The first is “The Crows,” a B-side from 2012’s Best Friends that deviates from the upbeat sound that encapsulated the album. The track is slow-burning, with lyrics to match its apocalyptic, world-is-ending climax: “It’s scary to think that the sand in our hands is fading away,” sings vocalist Sean Rubin, later quipping, “We cannot be trusted … we must stop our beasts from getting the best of us.” The band’s latest release came earlier this month in the form of a music video for “In the Ballroom,” shot in a Connecticut farm that makes for an unorthodox but beautiful setting for a performance. “In the Ballroom” is the first of two videos that will preview the band’s upcoming Live at Farmtone EP, set for release on April 22, and given what we’ve seen so far, you’ll want to mark that date on your calendar. – Jake Reed
In the Ballroom from Ladyhips on Vimeo.