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.
![image](https://66.media.tumblr.com/c1dd22fc85ac56a20594d76d16cefe4e/tumblr_inline_pk8e7iSzeK1ri9fyr_540.jpg)
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.
![image](https://66.media.tumblr.com/0ceffb7024b40a4d00dbdc2161103e4d/tumblr_inline_pk8e7jwjGI1ri9fyr_540.jpg)
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.
![](https://66.media.tumblr.com/2df19615de23a1ab7785e18134df4e99/tumblr_inline_pk8e7juTUN1ri9fyr_540.jpg)
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!