Connecticut’s The Willow & The Builder is technically Richard Miron and Adrian Simon, but they’re joined by a whole slew of musicians on their debut s/t record. The ever-changing dynamic of the debut is impressive, as Miron and Simon’s exuberant youthfulness is on full display. But there’s also a keen sense of sorrow, and the… Continue reading The Willow & The Builder
Tag: Indie Pop
[MP3] Tiger Waves: “I Hope You’ll Feel Alright”
After much blog success with their first couple singles, Tiger Waves (the Chicago/Austin duo) are back with “I Hope You’ll Feel Alright,” a lulling, soft pop tune with easy, falsetto vocals. If this song doesn’t calm your nerves and make you at peace, then you may be in more trouble than you’re letting on. “I… Continue reading [MP3] Tiger Waves: “I Hope You’ll Feel Alright”
Jethro Fox
It’s imperative that we start our weeks off right following the long Thanksgiving break (for many of us). Jethro Fox, out of Liverpool, fits the bill with this bouncy pop gem, “Before.” I can’t find much negative to say about “Before,” actually, except that it leaves me wanting more. In today’s hypercritical society, that is… Continue reading Jethro Fox
Oriel Joans
I used to talk about Swedish bands nonstop around here, discussing their “born-with-it”, innate quality of producing catchy, melodic indie pop. Lately, though, I feel like I’ve dropped the ball. No mention of the Swedes, no songs posted from Swedish bands on the rise. Let’s change that, shall we? (It’s always funny to me when… Continue reading Oriel Joans
[MP3] Spacecamp: “Miko D.T.B.”
People are loving the no spaces before “camp” these days (no pun intended, promise). Spacecamp, way to play off the popularity of Bandcamp. You know I’m kidding, but the more I think about it, the more I realize I was actually inclined to check out Spacecamp’s music because of their name. If the name doesn’t… Continue reading [MP3] Spacecamp: “Miko D.T.B.”
Brick+Mortar
Finally some upbeat indie rock I can get behind. The music scene has been diluted lately with an overabundance of experimental electronic sounds, and one of the reasons is because of the lack of quality indie rock with those familiar jangly guitars and frenetic vocals (stay tuned for a forthcoming Hype Hype Hooray, written by… Continue reading Brick+Mortar
Powers
You’re right. I am power hungry these days. So sue me. After getting in a good listen to Power Player, I heard word of a new power band, this time titled, well, simply “Powers.” A four-piece from Toronto, Powers plays mind-numbing electro pop awash in synthesizer and 80s style vocals. They’re set to release their… Continue reading Powers
Power Player
The baritone should remind you of someone. If it doesn’t, you may need to read this blog more often. But we’re okay with first-timers and newbies. Welcome! Power Player is the project of Ryan Ross Smith, based out of Oakland, CA, who occasionally records with others. The music will not make you jump out of… Continue reading Power Player
Races
You know what I like about CMJ? It lets me talk about bands I’ve missed and should have written about in the past. One of those bands is LA’s Races, whom I saw the final night of CMJ before Hands (who rocked, by the way). Races had charisma and chemistry on stage, and their psychedelic,… Continue reading Races
Future Islands use sounds of 25 years ago for On The Water
On the Water, the latest album from Baltimore’s Future Islands, is the most interesting indie-dance record released this year. Wait, it’s not really a dance record, maybe I meant indie-rock record. Well, it’s not really rock either. Is it chill-wave? I’m thinking not. Honestly, On the Water doesn’t deserve to be shoved into any one… Continue reading Future Islands use sounds of 25 years ago for On The Water