Lame-O Records recently released a deluxe version of The Obsessives‘s self-titled 2017 album. The expanded 24-song tracklist offers further insight into the band’s earnestly emotive sound. Revisit the LP, and explore the previously unreleased pieces of the puzzle. The Obsessives will be performing at PhilaMOCA on Thursday, July 18, with Prince Daddy & The Hyena and Retirement Party.
NYC
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Pleasure Island invites listeners to kick back and relax in new EP, plays Rubulad 05.31
Wouldn’t it be nice if you could take The Growlers and amp up their surf side? How about a few added sprinkles of bossa nova for the dance enthusiasts? Pleasure Island makes this a reality in their new EP Playa del Manos. The band shows its ability to channel the surf vibe with languorous guitar chords and hi-hat ebb and flows that soothe the mind. The synth ambiance created in the EP’s final track “Sunlight” (streaming) could easily have been part of your local high school’s Enchantment Under the Sea Dance. The group will be showcasing their loungecore indie pop at Brooklyn’s Rubulad on May 31st. Get a taste for it in their new EP, streaming below. – Rene Cobar
Philadelphia
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New Sami Rahman EP Available for Streaming & Download
Mattress Food‘s Sami Rahman recently dropped a solo release, Birdboy – EP. Drenched in synth, the album occupies a silky, soulful, R&B/hip-hop setting, which may come as a surprise compared to Mattress Food’s more noise-laced indie rock. These songs wash over in reassuring, tranquil waves. You can catch Rahman at The Fire tomorrow night, as part of a lineup that also includes yeenar, Georgey V, and Grand Rapid’s Cønrad Shøck + the Nøise.
Chicago
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Sen Morimoto covers “Torn”
Last week, to celebrate the one year anniversary of his debt album Cannonball!, Sen Morimoto released an amazing cover of the Natalie Imbruglia classic “Torn”.
You can catch Sen at the Kaina Album Release Show at Lincoln Hall on July 14th with Kara Jackson and Luna Luna.
Nashville
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Ida Mae release new LP 06.10 at Grimey’s in-store performance
Though Ida Mae call Nashville home now, they originally hail from the UK, but their rough-and-tumble Americana music wouldn’t give you that idea. Like current tour buddies Greta Van Fleet, they have mastered the art of borrowing from artists they admire to craft a sound all their own. Ida Mae — the duo of Chris Turpin and Stephanie Jean — will release their newest album Chasing Lights on June 7, and they’ll celebrate the event on June 10 at an in-store performance at Grimey’s. Chasing Lights features the production of Ethan Johns, who has worked with Kings of Leon and Laura Marling; Johns’ seat-of-your-pants production style and Ida Mae’s energy make Chasing Lights an electric listen. Take a look at the music video for the single "Reaching" below. – Will Sisskind
Chicago
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R34L
Last week the Electro-Pop duo known as R34L released two singles, “Undone” and “anim8”, from their forthcoming album, WHAT/IS.
This is the collaboration of Sarah Hartman and Cason Trager, and their approach to electronic and synth based music is refreshing and exciting.
Below is the Great Eye Films directed video for “Undone”.
Austin
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Indoor Creature Shines with Funky Show at Cheer Up Charlies
If you live in Austin, you’ve likely seen Indoor Creature stickers around town. Their show provides more than just a sound, but also a warm camaraderie to associate with the band. The show at Cheer Up Charlies on Saturday highlighted their EP release, Both Sides. The venue was packed with their friends and supporters. There was a total of 5 bands playing that evening, and between sets all the band members were socializing and smiling. Cheer Ups felt more like a hometown house party where everybody knows everybody, and everybody is relieved it’s finally summertime in Austin. The band chose a great weekend for their release; due to UT’s graduation everyone and their mom was out to celebrate.
Spotify categorizes this Austin-born band as ‘pop,’ but I’d describe their sound as refined chillwave with creamy vocals and sophisticated melodies featuring an array of instruments. You can lose yourself in the groove. And the bongos.
A saxophone also appears during the set that really ties the funkiness together. Listen to “Paradox” at 2:00 to hear the sensuous brass.
I lost consciousness during their second song of the show, Ode to Boone. It might have been the day drinking, the oversugary watermelon vodka, or the bassline penetrating my soul, but regardless I passed out for 6-8 seconds. I’m glad I didn’t miss too much of this playful, truly fantastic story of a song. The chorus goes: He’s not a puppy anymore, he’s a middle-aged dog, he’s a grown-ass man, now.
Indoor Creature is comprised of 4 talented musicians who aren’t afraid to experiment with sound, image, and ideas evidenced by their poetic lyrics. They’re bridging genres and co-creating a new vibe for those coming of age in Austin. Get a taste of their dynamic in their music video for “Dreams or Whatever,” an EP they released in 2018, OR catch them at their next show at Electric Church on June 1st.
-Melissa Green
Philadelphia
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New Track: “One Down” – Slaughter Beach, Dog
The first singles from Slaughter Beach, Dog’s forthcoming album, Safe And Also No Fear, have arrived. “One Down,” the LP’s opener, recalls and catalogs one’s actions in an isolating, step-by-step progression. A subdued sense of routine allows a bit of sadness to enter the equation; however, it may just be a way of reviewing one’s day and clearing thoughts before going to sleep. Safe And Also No Fear is scheduled for release on August 2 via Lame-O Records.
Philadelphia
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New Kevin Lemarra Demo Album Available for Streaming & Download
Over the course of eight tracks, Kevin Lamarra creates a compelling, laidback, experimental folk sound on Demo. Sparse instrumentation invites you in as the shimmering acoustic guitars weave through layers of genteel vocals, gaining the harmonious, familiar feels of home. Those subtlety intricate, beautiful stacks of sonics sweep you up in their web, cultivating a comforting environment.
NYC
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Bathe’s “I’ll Miss You” is perfect poolside listening, play Brooklyn Bazaar 5.30
It’s officially almost-summer, and Brooklyn-based duo Bathe have provided a lush soundtrack in their I’ll Miss You EP, a short and sweet alternative R&B effort that’s perfect poolside-listening. The entirety of the extended play is marked by a lurid nostalgia permeating each of the release’s seven tracks, conveyed through ’80s inspired downtempo swinging on songs like “Kimmi,” and jazzy Strat noodling on title track “I’ll Miss You.” By channeling vintage inspiration into thoroughly modern rhythm and blues, Bathe also creates a record with a double meaning: there’s a longing for people and places past in the lyrics, but the music couldn’t feel more of-the-moment. Stream it as you sunbathe at Rockaway Beach during the coming warmer months, pining wistfully over last year’s summer fling, and catch Bathe at Brooklyn Bazaar on May 30th alongside Myles Cameron and Moise. –Connor Beckett McInerney, Photo by Danielle Caño-Garraway
Toronto
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Merival – Folk Singer/Songwriter’s new single “No Brakes, Record Due 06.27
Toronto folk singer/songwriter Merival has released a new track “No Brakes”. It’s a pretty little folk tune with some obscure moments that give the track a very theatrical feel. In her words “It feels messed up to walk that line of mental anguish vs. stability, ‘bad’ art vs. ‘good’ art, but I think we all do it at some point. With this song, I was basically wishing that I was depressed again so I could write ‘better’ music.” Merival’s debut full length album is set for release on June 21st. – Kris Gies
L.A.
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Animal Waves’ “Lately, So Lonely” is well oiled riff-rock
Both in thought and feeling, Animal Waves coast along in overdrive on "Lately, So Lonely." Singer/guitarist Robert Davis, alongside bassist Charles Salvaggio and drummer Matt Zavorski, deliver heavy, pummeling scuzz-rock that captures the looseness of a fun night out. But the trio’s warm, breakneck scuzz is also nuanced—dabbed with a touch of psych-noise, they balance rough and smooth with an unbounded energy that complements Davis’ yearning, impressionistic lyrics.
Check out Animal Waves’ "Lately, So Lonely" single below, and be on the lookout for upcoming gigs by visiting their official website. Juan Rodríguez