The romantic balladeer Freddy Monday provides us with “Passing By Hours,” a sublime and melodic single that I can’t resist. Check it out on Apple Music—next, a shout-out to Stonedog, with a freebie that hits the sweet spot on its opener, “Time Machine,” and the late 70s guitar riffs come out on the impressive “Hourglass.” The always-interesting Michael Slawter has an EP with experimental power pop, and it’s worth your time. All the songs are cool, but check out the jangling “Down to Witness” and rocking “Little Mind” to get a taste. It’s Karma It’s Cool are back with some summer music and we get those buzzing “Autumn Recruits.” The Stone Souls have a few singles out, and this is the latest, a surf-styled tune with horns on “No Sense of Time (It’s Alright).” Enjoy that summer sun and the music, it’s June!
Category: Singles Only
May singles and more: The Martial Arts, Speedfossil, Goodman, Vanilla, Sad About Girls, The Fuzzy Berries
The Martial Arts‘ new album, is due in August of this year. The Martial Arts is Paul Kelly, who for over 15 years has been a mainstay of the Scottish music scene as a member of BMX Bandits (nice pedigree). “No Victory” is the first big single. Speedfossil is also back with a cool EP, all good songs, so check out “Magic Trick.” NYC’s own Goodman also returns with a new single, “Only Testimony,” from his 7th album. Vanilla continues to grow Pish Posh, and I enjoyed the yacht rock groove of “She Loves Me Not.” Another crunchy EP is Sad About Girls, check out the Keith Moon drum rolls on the epic “As Another Minute Passes By,” Finally, Melbourne kids The Fuzzy Berries will simply charm you with those melodies. Listen to “Clarence In Wonderland.” A great start to May!
Spring singles, EPs: Yoasobi, Lolas, Red Dwarf Star, Daz & The Demons, Sam Evian, The Armoires
I’ve been a fan of J-pop (it’s a guilty pleasure), and I’ve enjoyed YOASOBI since I first heard their “Monster” about three years ago in the Netflix Beastars anime. They are poised to break out since their English songs are just as good as the Japanese language versions. “Adventure” is a great example of that sunny J-pop melody loaded with catchy hooks. E-Side-3 is the very latest from this talented artist. Next, the criminally underrated Lolas have been very active lately, and they deserve props for the rich jangling melody, “Work is the Blackmail of Survival.” Red Dwarf Star is something I don’t always feature (psychedelic heavy rock), but I just love this deeply atmospheric track, that reminds me of Pink Floyd and Soundgarden. Daz & The Demons have a great power pop sound, check out “You Wait For Something” and “Barcelona.” Sam Evian‘s new LP is only 9 tracks (so it’s like a big EP), and it embraces a spontaneous spirit; listen to “Wild Days” and my fave here, “Jacket,” with its “la la la” drops. Don’t look now, but The Armoires are back, and they “Absolutely Mean It.” A great advance single – enjoy!
Tax day singles: Lindsay Murray, Orbis Max, Fallon Cush, Tony Marisco,The Krayolas, Tommy Keene, The Blusterfields
Retro-feelin’ Singles: Frank Royster, Bryan Estepa, Super 8, Jamie Turner, Solitary Bee, Wifey
Retro influences are all around. It’s been a long time since I heard from Frank Royster, and this song is great. It’s a perfect mix of Beach Boys-Beatles with gorgeous chord shifts. Love it! I can’t wait for the album! Another winner channeling the past is Bryan Estepa. “Is There Anybody There?” is a beautiful single that recalls yacht rock classics. Super 8 delivers a little sunshine pop with “Keep Doing It” from his upcoming album. Jamie Turner turns back the clock a little further with “Ordinary Song.” The boys from It’s Karma It’s Cool have a side pop project called Solitary Bee with an early ’80s feel. It’s not all soft sounds, as Wifey channels ’90s rockers like Bowling For Soup, with the freebie “Mary Ann leaves the Band.” Enjoy!