I, for one, am thrilled that we’re all coming around to recognize that "dad rock" doesn’t have to be a snarky ol’ put-down. Some folks were way ahead of the curve on that, though. Take for example Cordovas, whose 2012 debut is proudly dad rock as hell and sticks the landing. Between the Eagles-like harmonies and some heavy touches of The Band, the sound is a little like the greatest supergroup that never existed—classic, but a totally unique take on a sound. This album’s a little on the old side but just now coming to my attention as the guys are gearing up for some extensive touring and new recordings due out before all too long. They’ll be on the road for a little while after some recent appearances around town, but you can catch them in September at Americana Fest alongside some fresh-faced up-and-comers with names like John Prine and Steve Earle. –Austin Phy
New Music Video: “A Million Ways” – Cheerleader
Joining forces with the hilarious exploits of the Funny or Die crew, Cheerleader has a new video for “A Million Ways”. With a myriad of awkwardly humorous intimate encounters, the video embraces the oddities of loving relationships. Currently in the midst of a national tour, the video reignites the positivity of their pop-rock sound.
LOVEYOU brings their hazy dream pop to Harvard & Stone on 6/22
LOVEYOU are not the first to blend dainty melodies with discordant sounds. What young songwriter Andrew Stogel does differently, however, is to approach it with a confidence that easily sets a high quality standard on its respective genre. Their debut EP, Sparkle & Crush, isn’t one to easily pigeonhole – while their first single, "Outed the Time", has something of a mid-90’s Creation records sound with its overdriven guitars and lush sonic soundscapes, the rest of the EP fluctuates its silvery snyth textures with crisp, uptempo melodies that are sometimes free-floating, other times rhythmically punchy. And it never shies away from delivering the kind of sumptious hooks that continue to reward with multiple listens.
Sparkle & Crush will be self-released on June 22nd. You can catch them that very same day hosting a free record release show at Harvard & Stone. – Juan Rodríguez
Olga Bell headlines UK shows + talks about gear on Delicious Audio
Born in Moscow and raised in Alaska, Olga Bell is a classically trained pianist, composer, producer and performer based in Brooklyn. Unafraid of venturing into unfamiliar sonic territories, her musical career could be interpreted as an effort to defy cliche’. That’s how her latest album ‘Tempo’ can be portrayed, since it was composed using typical EDM sounds, but the final results is nowhere near that genre. Olga recently unveiled the video for the record’s second single ‘ATA’ (streaming below) and also played her first headlining UK dates. Our sister blog Delicious Audio asked her a few questions about the making of ‘Tempo’ – link below.
Q&A with Olga Bell about her creative process, synths and gear.
LAURA COLE – HOME FROM THE UK
One of our favorite artists here at the Deli has been busy overseas. Laura Cole brought her sultry voice (and bass player) over the UK to work with Harvey Summers on a new record. They just finished a tour of the UK to celebrate and promote the release of this brand new album "Human". The first single released was called "Skeletons" and it’s right up Laura’s alley. It’s a funky lounge tune that we know from Laura but with an added horn section to spice it up. She is back in Canada and ready to release this brand new album on Thursday June 23rd at Lula Lounge in Toronto. – Kris Gies
Emily Jane White plays the Elbo Room – 06/22
The Oakland based artist, Emily Jane White will be performing live at Elbo Room on June 22nd to support her upcoming album, They Moved in Shadow All Together LP.
They Moved in Shadow All Together was recorded at Tiny Telephone studio in San Francisco, CA, and New and Improved studio in Oakland, CA, between December 2013 and September 2015. Emily Jane White is a musician, songwriter, and poet from Oakland, CA. White’s new body of work recounts for us the terrain of her empathic inner world. The breadth and depth of her maturing voice are evident. Her layered vocals effect a sense of camaraderie, a space populated with voices, angelic perhaps, definitively ethereal. She studied classical singing while working on this album, which enabled her to broaden her vocal range.
8-bit crEEps
8-bit CrEEps have released a new single called "New Zoo". The young band combine a variety of synth sounds with aggressive rock-based guitars.
Plastic Picnic brings brings their laid-back pop to Rough Trade on 7/15
Plastic Picnic’s light indie pop is the result of two duos – Lute and Panerio, and Hunt and Taylor – coming together with compatible musical talents. The Brooklyn-based quartet’s name doesn’t quite capture the essence of their music, which, although incorporating synths, doesn’t sound as synthetic as the word ‘plastic’ would make one think. On the other hand, single Nausea in Paradise (streaming), would work nicely as a picnic soundtrack – notwithstanding the not very appetizing title. Fans of sophisticated ’80s pop like Prefab Sprout should check these guys out at Rough Trade on July 15th. – Madeleine Grossman
Bent Knee release new album, ‘Say So’
Bent Knee keeps going bigger and bolder with each project they release. Never being afraid to blend genres before, on Say So the six-piece Boston band embarks on a sprawling musical journey that seems to hit every stop on the pop-avant garde spectrum. Not discrediting the band’s impressively diverse instrumental arrangements, frontwoman and keyboardist Courtney Swain’s cinematic vocals stand out as the sound’s core. Whereas the instruments and sounds around her are constantly changing, Swain’s voice provides an anchor that never lets the band’s complex sound descend into unruly juxtaposition of elements. Bent Knee are about to go on a North American and European tour to promote ‘Say So’. – Henry Solotaroff-Webber
Check out newly-formed band Narrow Waves
Out of Boston, Narrow Waves is a new indie-pop band whose alternating male/female vocals form a striking contrast. The two vocalists take turns singing about themes pertaining to love and relationships, while shimmering synth patterns and understated guitar riffs back them up to round out the band’s sound, which could be compared to R.E.M. from the ‘Out of Time’ period. The band played their second ever show on May 28 at Cantab Lounge. —Henry Solotaroff-Webber
NJ’s Dentist releases debut LP ‘Ceilings’ on the 24th + plays Berling on the 25th
New Jersey quartet Dentist is about to release their wildly fun sophomore LP Ceilings just in time for summer. The album will be out on June 24th via Little Dickman Records, and features 10 uptempo tunes featuring catchy melodies contrasting with singer Emily Bornemann’s often dark lyrics. Ceilings is a consistent and cohesive piece of work, with songs that blend into one another. “Joel” (streaming below), one of the record’s darker tracks, starts as a slow psych ballad before exploding into the bright and upbeat sound the band established in the opening tracks, marrying elements of surf rock, pop punk, and dream pop. The band will be playing The Saint in Asbury Park on June 24th and Berlin in NYC on June 25th. – John Honan
Krust Toons: “Yo Quiero Taco Bell” by Teddy Hazard
Krust Toons: "Yo Quiero Taco Bell" by Teddy Hazard – please feel free to drop him a line at teddandthehazards@gmail.com if you dig or have any funny ideas. You can also check out more of his illustrations and animation shorts HERE.