The Rebel Set // How to Make a Monster!
Those 60s surf/garage rock sounds that are oh-so-popular these days, plus some campy special effects stuff, like screams and “haunted house” organs (think Wampire). Super upbeat, impossible not to tap your foot/bob your head to this while daydreaming about how you’re totally gonna chat up that girl/guy you like at that hip surf party next weekend.
Surf City // We Knew It Was Not Going to Be Like This
Don’t be fooled by the name – this is actually not surfy at all. It’s also probably not named after Surf City, NC, since these guys are from New Zealand. Presumably in a field, amidst a flock of sheep, they make relaxed, “slacker” psych rock. Dreamy and wistful, you know how it is.
Bhavana Reddy // Tangled in Emotions
I don’t even know what to call this. Like, the Indian Fiona Apple. She is the daughter of a famous Indian dancing couple and is a dancer herself. Consequently, the theatricality of Indian dance comes across in these 4 tracks, which are dominated by Reddy’s alluring voice and backed by a jazzy, psychedelic, east-meets-west sound.
Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks // Wig Out At Jagbags
A guy as old as your dad but way cooler (no offense). This is nothing radically different from other Stephen Malkmus solo albums (characteristic wordplay that alternates between clever and nonsensical; sprawling, relaxed beats), but it’s still a really good listen.
Native America // Bad Weed / But Still Weed EP
Yeah, I rolled my eyes at the album title, too, but then I listened to it cause that’s my job. Energetic, wide-eyed, poppy, and sunny. Described as “flower punk,” which I think is a pretty apt description. This one was actually released last summer but somehow slipped through the cracks…anyway if you’re dreaming of sunnier days, then you should play this!
