Realtors say that the three most important words when buying a home are: location, location, location. Well, at least that’s what the plethora of shows on TLC say anyway. Sometimes location is just as important when it comes to making music. The sunny, slightly woozy atmosphere of Santa Barbara is splattered all over Gardens and Villa’s self titled debut album, out this week on Secretly Canadian. Sounds drip out of all the corners, invading your senses. But it never is overwhelming, as the combination of synths and vocals feel so sparse and spaced apart, flying in multiple directions. The five-piece provides a sweet psychedelic journey that is exciting and comforting. The highlight of the album is the funk-influenced "Orange Blossoms", which features the jazziest flute line to ever appear in a song. Just nod your head and let it in. They’re currently on tour with Foster the People, but will be playing an intimate gig at the Echo with Generationals on July 14th. Stream the whole album here via Yours Truly. – Taylor Lampela

The Janks are somewhat of a deceiving band. After listening to a couple of the band’s gritty rock songs, a listener might think that the band members are three Nashville-bred men. Then, after moving on to another track and hearing the characteristics that made a band like Queen so likable, a listener might think that the band members are well over 40. However, none of that is true. In reality, the Janks is from Los Angeles and the band members are young and just well-versed in classic rock. The band is made up of brothers Zack and Dylan Zmed and friend Garth Herberg, and is gearing up to release a debut full-length entitled "Hands of Time" on September 27.

Other than recalling Queen with their emotional wails and ostentatious precense, the members keep it fresh with harmonies, akin to folk contemporaries Fleet Foxes, and guitar work comparable to My Morning Jacket and the White Stripes. The album will contain 14 songs, which were recorded in 2010 and narrowed down from an astonishing batch of 30. The themes range from folky campfire songs to booming orchestrated theatrics. The vocals become elongated and dramatic on the latter. It is a bit surprising at first, but not enough to make the album seem disjointed. Before releasing the album, the band will play a few shows around town, including July 14 at Open Borders in Thousand Oaks and July 15 at the Satellite. The shows will be followed by a full U.S. tour in the fall. – Karla Hernández

Originally the bedroom noodling of Los Angeles producer Jason Drake, Cassettes Won’t Listen has evolved into a full-scale project that is and has been gaining momentum from the start. The video for the new song "Perfect Day" juxtaposes images of frantic runs through the desert and being trapped in what looks like a hotel room against the bright synths and Drake’s clear voice. Shot entirely on an iPhone 4, it’s a DIY masterpiece. Cassettes Won’t Listen released a new album, titled EVINSPACEY (it did have a “K” at one point but the namesake wasn’t too pleased about that), this past June and is available to purchase on iTunes. A show at the Echo is also in the works for July 14th, so check it out if you want a fun night on the horizon. – Taylor Lampela

In this post we highlight our favorite bands that posted a show in our "LA DIY Live Show Listings" section (seen on the far right column on this same page). You can post your own show here. The vintage sounds of this week’s picks are inescapable. On July 8th, The Wind will be playing at the Bootleg Theater for an evening of mellow, throwback sounds reminiscent of surf rock bands from the 60’s and 70’s. On the 9th, at 8pm, Molino will be showcasing its unique blend of alternative and post-punk – channeling influences like the Stooges and the Velvet Underground but adding its own dose of angsty, 90s grunge. 

 The vacuous, meditative landscapes Ancestors construct speak louder than the stoner posturing the music may imply on first impression. It sinks in with each gradual increment, leisurely unfolding its psychedelic layers with an introspective stance. And yet, “Invisible White” is nothing short of pompous – with chamber instrumentation making its appearance in the song’s prologue, it naturally coalesces with a surge of guitars and modular synthesizers to unfold a uniquely textural experience akin to its 70s progressive forbearers. Studied and graceful, the Los Angeles quintet creates a barren mood that hardy flaunts in excess, palpitating a rhythmic pulse that takes a life of its own as the pieces fall into place. "Invisible White EP" was just released on June 21st via Tee Pee Records. – Juan Edgardo Rodríguez

Ancestors – Invisible White by Tee Pee Records

As the summer months get warmer and warmer, Haroula Rose’s music is like a refreshing, cool breeze. Her debut album, entitled "These Open Roads," was produced by Andy Lemaster and recorded in Athens, GA. With her honeyed voice and folky songwriting, Rose fits in quite nicely with Lemaster’s repertoire of working with Bright Eyes, Azure Ray and the Good Life. Azure Ray’s Orenda Fink even contributed vocals on the album. Likewise, the Southern country influence from Athens seeped into the album on songs such as, "The Leaving Song" and "A Place Under the Sun," with their quivering steel-pedal guitars.

While most of the songs on the album ruminate on the topics of lost love and starting anew, Rose’s enchanting voice remains hopeful. It makes sense that her resume includes singing commercials and teaching music to children. Originally from Chicago, Rose attended the University of Chicago and then moved to Madrid on a prestigious Fulbright grant, sponsored by the US Department of State. After traveling through Europe, North Africa and the Middle East, Rose decided to settle in Los Angeles. The soft guitar strumming and sparkling voice reflect that of a well traveled person who has gained a strong compassion for people. On the song "Free to Be Me," Rose joyfully sings "there’s more to believe and so much more to see, I am free, free to be me," showing that she is eager and confident to nurture a long and fruitful musical journey. Rose is set to perform on July 16 at the Echo Country Outpost. – Karla Hernandez

Music is a visceral thing. Making music is no different. “This record did not just make itself and get into your hands by accident today. It was written, produced, and recorded under the constant threat of extinction,” says Joe Cardamone, of The Icarus Line, on their upcoming album "Wildlife". Out August 30th on Cobraside Distribution/ Roar Scratch Records, the LP is a collection of songs that perfectly capture the raw feelings that pure rock n’ roll music is supposed to emote. The album features guest appearances from Annie Hardy, of fellow LA rock outfit Giant Drag, and Ariel Pink to add to it’s coolness factor. Cardamone calls it, “a fight to survive in a musical landscape dominated by frat boys in ships clothing.” Sounds intriguing. The Icarus Line will be announcing a US tour very soon, which will definitely include some LA dates. We’ll keep you posted. – Taylor Lampela

The Icarus Line – Bad Bloods

Many musicians have attempted, and failed, to successfully master the art of the cover, and especially that of genius art-pop 80s goddess Kate Bush. But LA-based noise-rocker Aria Jalali, a.k.a. Railcars, was up to the challenge. After a year of raising money through a Kickstarter campaign, Jalali ended up with $893, more than enough money to fund his project. With new equipment, the young musician began recording his own renditions of the 1985 masterpiece.Though there are glimmers of Bush and the 80s in Jalili’s interpretations, he has completely made the album his own. Railcars draped Bush’s sharp, synthetic pop instrumentation from the original with a wall of noise, creating a darker, heavier sound that is more reminiscent of the experimental avant-garde noise-rock of today than the softer, warmer pop of yesteryear. Railcars released his version of "Hounds of Love" on limited edition cassette (100 copies) and vinyl (275 copies) on June 21st through Crash Symbols, and August 8th through AMDiscs, respectively. -Katrina Nattress

Pulling from the sky and the sea, Pat Grossi, the man behind the curtain of Active Child, brings forth a new record decorated with emotion and eeriness. Due out on August 23rd, Active Child’s debut album is a mixture of electro-indie-rock that activates the mind, body, and soul. Wielded by choirboy turned indie-pop prodigy Pat Grossi, and producer Ariel Rechtshaid, this first full-length record follows up to Active Child’s 2010 EP release "Curtis Lane". The album’s first single, "Playing House" (ft. How to Dress Well), has hints of synth keyboards and layers of echoing vocals you’d find in an 80s movie. The song sets a pace for an album that demonstrates a commitment to craft and skill that’s all in the name of art. A fresh format of music both tranquil and mysterious, "You Are All I See" will come out under Vagrant Records. – Mary Broadbent

Although Hrishikesh Hirway, vocalist and songwriter for The One AM Radio, spent time in New England studying design and photography at Yale, it did not take long for him to get acquainted with Los Angeles’ sunny and breezy vibe. The band’s dreamy pop beats and humming melodies are reminiscent of the Postal Service, but the songs seem to flow with greater ease. Since relocating to LA, Hirway has not only collaborated with other artists in the area, such as Baths and Daedelus, but also quickly caught the attention of local label Dangerbird Records. The One AM Radio now plays as a trio, rounding out its sound with synth, guitars, and violins. The lush instrumentation helps maintain a reflective mood that is not too somber, but rather full of hope. In support of the band’s recently released fourth album, and second on Dangerbird, the One AM Radio played two free shows at Origami Vinyl and Satellite. They’ll be heading out on a small tour supporting Dntel throughout the first half of August. – Karla Hernández

 In the span of less than a year, The Lonely Wild has written, produced, designed, funded, and most impressively, profited from a debut record, as well as played a plethora of sold out shows in Los Angeles and San Francisco, in hopes of becoming the next big buzz band in the City of Angels. It looks like the hard work paid off for the L.A.-based Americana fivesome. The boys, and gal, will be packing up their guitars, basses, drums, tambourines, trumpets, and whathaveyous to embark on their next adventure—a self-booked and promoted nationwide tour that begins and ends at the beloved Silverlake club, The Satellite, on June 22nd and August 6th, respectively. – Katrina Nattress

Miracle Parade may not be Christopher Pappas’ first venture into the world of music-making, but this alter ego of sorts is quite a distinguishable one. With his finger on the pulse of what it means to be considered a singer-songwriter today, he takes the core ideals of crafting music and puts his own sweet flavor onto it. His debut album as Miracle Parade, "Hark!…and Other Lost Transmissions", will be released on the Little Record Company label on June 20th. To celebrate this release, he held an in-store record release party at Origami Vinyl on June 17th. Also, Miracle Parade will be doing a Tuesday residency for the Little Record Company at the Satellite starting on July 5th, so if you didn’t make it this past Friday, you’ll have a chance to make it up. – Taylor Lampela

Sweet Tooth by Miracle Parade