Beware and Be Grateful and be happy because Maps & Atlases’ new album is extraordinary

The latest record from Maps & Atlases, Beware and Be Grateful, opens with just the tiniest sample of sound that seems like it could be taken from an episode of Twin Peaks, then fades directly into a song that has the bones of at least three other songs wrapped up in it. This amalgam of… Continue reading Beware and Be Grateful and be happy because Maps & Atlases’ new album is extraordinary

Notable Album Release: The Spring Standards – yellow//gold

The Spring Standards have always been a band deserving of more attention. With guy-girl folksy troupes gaining popularity (The Civil Wars, The Head and The Heart, etc.), The Spring Standards are worthy of some recognition. What’s nice is that The Spring Standards aren’t afraid of their poppier side, which we see on “Here We Go,”… Continue reading Notable Album Release: The Spring Standards – yellow//gold

[MP3] Arc in Round: “Hallowed”

What’s with this thematic time of the year thing being totally off with artists’ releases? A couple days ago we got some new tracks from Wintermitts, and now we’re getting a helluva dark song from Arc in Round called “Hallowed.” This would have been a perfect release on, say, October 31. But noooo, indie musicians… Continue reading [MP3] Arc in Round: “Hallowed”

Wintermitts’ Océans is in my head and heart

You tricky Wintermitts! Leaving us cold all winter to finally appease us near summer time. Better late than never, though. Wintermitts’ most recent album, Océans, technically dropped in late February, but they recently were able to send the songs our way for review. The bilingual Vancouver sextet thrives on orchestral pop and intense melodies, which should… Continue reading Wintermitts’ Océans is in my head and heart

[MP3] Inspired and the Sleep: “Take Pills (Instructed Bliss)”

Max is bax. Check out his latest single, “Take Pills (Instructed Bliss)” the third off of the forthcoming album, Teenager. It was created, according to Greenhalgh, through “a series of live recorded percussion loops, a drum machine setting from my toy Casio keyboard, flute, uke, and bass.” The single is brought to us in partnership… Continue reading [MP3] Inspired and the Sleep: “Take Pills (Instructed Bliss)”

Jonquil & Keep Shelly in Athens (but mostly Jonquil) @ Glasslands

By superstar contributor Caitlin White  [photo by Tom | GoldFlakePaint] It seems that everything Hugo Manuel touches turns to gold. From Chad Valley to Jonquil, I am head over heels for this man’s voice, in its myriad of forms. Manuel switches effortlessly between a soft lullabye vocal and the lovable British yell singing that still… Continue reading Jonquil & Keep Shelly in Athens (but mostly Jonquil) @ Glasslands