The Mynabirds- What We Lost in the Fire We Gain in the Flood
What We Lose in the Fire We Gain in the Flood
WORD, this is my new jam. I am always a sucker for female vocals, and ta-boot, she is the woman from Georgie James! This album has an older feeling, reminiscent of the Dusty Springfield era. A mixture of soul and country makes this album extremely hard to put down. Infectious R&B numbers filled with blues and country influences soaks up all your feelings like a sponge, and when it’s over it squeezes everything out of you and you feel so much better for having experienced it.
[youtube width=“425” height=“25”]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPJ-GZ2Vv9Y
Kings Go Forth-The Outsider’s Are Back
This is exhilarating. You start instantly sweating listening to this, your heart beats faster, your feet start tapping, your body starts moving. Kings Go Forth bring a 70’s soul band sound and an extremely happy vibe all around. I don’t know what else I can say about this but enjoy!
[youtube width=“425” height=“25”]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvemEJGo8Dc
New Young Pony Club- The Optimist
The Outsiders are Back
There is a clear distinction between this album and their first. Both include dance-able rock music, an evolution of the almost forgotten new wave genre, but this album feels much darker. There is a more mature feeling in the music and in their lyrics. Regardless, this will keep your ass moving!
[youtube width=“425” height=“25”]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wwXLkpwt58
Sarah Jaffe-Suburban Nature
Remember Cat Power back in the day, all she had was her depressing lyrics and a guitar? That is pretty much Sarah Jaffe, except Jaffe includes musical compositions that resemble Neutral Milk Hotel. I know, right? Awesome.
[youtube width=“425” height=“25”]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPOnh6R1cOA
Trampled by Turtles-Palomino
Suburban Nature
Now this is for the people who like to bring the house down with BLUEGRASS. Extremely frantic, upbeat bluegrass music that is so damn catchy I needed to get tested after listening to this album. If you enjoy listening to those Avett guys you will probably enjoy listening to this band.
[youtube width=“425” height=“25”]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVaonoikASA
Mantler-Monody
Monody
Hmm, now this was the only album I listened to that I just didn’t get. Sounds like mixture of Chromeo and Kings of Convenience. Sort of has an 80’s retro R&B theme to it, but sometimes that doesn’t translate as well as he wanted it to. However, there are some catchy tunes so take a listen and judge for yourself!
[youtube width=“425” height=“25”]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWkQ4a-o9Bs
The Radio Dept.- Clinging to a Scheme
This dreamy pop album cues light synths at the best moments possible and relies on a steady drum beat. This is alongside distorted, atmospheric vocals that have you feel like you’re walking on air.
[youtube width=“425” height=“25”]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsuLsb-jrt0
Inlets- Inter Arbiter
Singer/songwriter baroque pop that layers vocals and incorporates more fanciful instruments in a way that distinguishes themselves from the typical lounge act.
[youtube width=“425” height=“25”]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2RSoJn-DN4
Family Cactus- Come Howling
Slower, darker vocals match on top of faster paced rock songs. They range from light to heavy in sound, and this breaks the album away from what could have been rather mundane.
[youtube width=“425” height=“25”]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwdWnmqAYzM
Kate Nash- My Best Friend is You
More relationship enraged pop. This time Nash diversifies her sound well. She mixes high energy pop songs with cynical and jealous lyrics to create another fun experience.
[youtube width=“425” height=“25”]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqV-embx_tA
The Pack A.D. – We Kill Computers
We Kill Computers
Think White Stripes. Garage rock duo who are unapologetic and take no prisoners especially on their instruments. A showcase of spill out your guts vocals, distorted guitars, and relentless drumming that rarely lets up.
[youtube width=“425” height=“25”]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VV0cYFjULmw&feature=related
Sally Seltmann – Heart That’s Pounding
Heart That’s Pounding
Verging on FROU FROU, this album is a JEM and pretty FEIST-y. Sally is a bright and sunny Australian who warms your heart from the start and invites you to listen to the rest of her album. I feel like she was in wistful love when she wrote all these cheerful pop melodies. Play on a pretty day!
[youtube width=“425” height=“25”]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mYUAh0WdTk&feature=related
Wesley Wolfe – Storage
Storage
A very short and seamless collection of acoustic songs played mainly by Wolfe himself. The lyrics and melodies contradict themselves somewhat – introspective vs upbeat and it totally works! You might think he’s just another songwriter making music to complain, but check it out and you will be pleasantly surprised.
Cate le Bon – Me Oh My
This album creeps up on you. Beginning with a slow bass line and then added dark layers of crystal clear vocals and psychedelic guitar riffs, Cate really likes to mix things up but the albums main sound is folky. A Welsh version of Nico, even looks wise, Cate’s sometimes weird and awkward vocals have created a hauntingly beautiful album.
Two Door Cinema Club – Tourist History
Me Oh My
This could quite possibly become the anthem for your summer. Catchy, upbeat, synthy… could be categorized as electro-pop. You can’t help but bop your head and pretend to know the lyrics when listening to this. Not quite sure if these guys have their own sound just yet, but this debut is very promising.
[youtube width=“425” height=“25”]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcmlshqyQ_s