The Head And The Heart‘s latest album Let’s Be Still is so many good things, and all of them good. Rarely will you find a more infectious band, with as much down home likeability and seemingly boundless talent. It is easy to think of each song as a kind and familiar face with a such lovely disposition. Check out a live performance shot back in August. And naturally, get your mitts on their latest album, Let’s Be Still out now via Sub Pop Records. Peace. Continue reading “the head and the heart // let’s be still lp”
warpaint // warpaint lp + full album stream
Warpaint is four individuals. Emily Kokal, Theresa Wayman Jenny Lee Lindberg and Stella Mozgawa. Yet, they stand as a single force of sound.
From the needle drop to records end, Warpaint’s sophomore and self-titled Warpaint release sounds like a mature whiskey, perfectly aged and just a potent. The brimming and haunting vocals of Emily Kokal enter your belly and spreads something intoxicating throughout.
This is a collection of stirring songs, which are perfectly suited for the spiritualistic and the sensualistic, so imbibe responsibly.
The verdict. Get it now. Warpaint the album is poignant and evocative; difficult to ignore or forget.
Pre-order Warpaint, Warpaint over at Rough Trade store. I love vinyl and the color red, so the double-lp is heading my way i-mmediately.
Catch the full Warpaint album stream at NPR and The Guardian at your leisure. Peace. Continue reading “warpaint // warpaint lp + full album stream”
midlake // the young & the old + video premiere
Your favorite Denton, Texas-based band Midlake is premiering the visuals for the astounding song The Old and The Young directed by Ollie Murray. Making an already great song all the more astounding. If you haven’t already, check out Midlake’s recently released Ahtiphon LP out now courtesy of Bella Union and under exclusive license in North America via ATO Records. Peace. Continue reading “midlake // the young & the old + video premiere”
drift wood miracle | my condition
Drift Wood Miracle make the holiday very merry and especial indeed. The young men of music hailing from Durham, NC break out another sonic boom birthed from the echo chambers of their combined hearts. The Earology Dept is thrilled to premiere the band’s Christmas present to their dear fans (me included). My Condition, is the equivalent of a pound of osmium wrapped around a beloved’s velveteen and feather soft kisses.
As a band, comprised of Jack Chapman (lead guitar), Keir Schwarze (bass), Alex Phillips (drums, vocals) and Bryan Diver (rhythm guitar, vocals and keys), they find ways to mix their unique brand of subtle indie pop rock with a nuanced bitter-sweetness, it stirs up the conventional milieu of songcraft and replaces it with surprise aplenty and benevolent lyricism.
On first listen the high-energy on display will draw you in and lead vocalist Byran Diver’s emotive tone seals the deal. And with the palpable and totally tectonic drum-work and enough bootylicious bass play to warrant an NG-17 rating this single will do things to you you’ll want to hear (and feel) again.
So, if your ears were converted by the Cuidadé EP (2011) and The 21st LP (2013) then with My Condition they’ll remain faithful followers of DWM well into 2014 and beyond. And yes, it’s a gift, i.e., FREE DOWNLOAD. Peace.
Continue reading “drift wood miracle | my condition”
mumblr // bang bang ep
If you find yourself gravitating towards music with a decidedly gritty and fuzzed out post-punk vibe then more than likely Mumblr is gonna’ do it for ya’ and rock your eardrums inside out. Get a hold of their latest Bang Bang EP out now from Fleeting Youth Records. These Philadelphia boys know how to make some noise. Peace. Continue reading “mumblr // bang bang ep”
hospital // secret place + video
Hospital is a задира Moscow-based band. Check out their Max Nikonov directed video for their song, Secret Place. The track is taken from the band’s debut When The Trees Were Higher out now. It’s no surprise that this has received a great deal of attention, and you just may hear them in conversations discussing the best new bands of 2013, if not then we no better. We’ll be hearing more from this band in the near and dear future. Peace. Continue reading “hospital // secret place + video”
vladimir // come over
If guitar ridden melancholy is your bag then Scottish rock quartet Vladimir is for you. These young pistols have done their homework too, sounding at once like Joy Division (one can even spell Ian Curtis from amongst the band members’ names, coincidence?) conjoined at the hip of modernity. The band’s first single release Come Over is a pure antidepressant downer, it’ll turn your smile upside-down (and you’ll like it) soon after the swirling riff catches your attention. It rocks in all the low places. I am thinking 2014 will be their year, but not their best. No, I suspect the best is yet to come. Peace.
laura groves // pale shadows
Laura Groves does this thing with her voice where she weaves her tender vocals through the vulnerable temperament of your ears and she doesn’t let go. On her latest, Pale Shadows taken from her Autumn release Thinking About You (via DEEK Records) picks up where she left with her 2009 solo debut as Blue Roses. This release sounds like 80’s light rock but with an extra dollop of easy does it and fiery sunsets. Peace. Continue reading “laura groves // pale shadows”
warpaint // warpaint
The band Warpaint is a Los Angeles based quartet comprised of Emily Kokal (vocals/guitar), Jenny Lee Lindberg (bass/vocals), Theresa Wayman (guitar/vocals), and Stella Mozgawa (drums). To say that this follow-up is “highly anticipated” is an understatement considering the reception that their debut received when it was released at the end of 2010.
Warpaint was recorded and mixed by Flood, aside from two songs that were mixed by Nigel Godrich (Radiohead, Atoms For Peace). The album was conceived after some truly inspirational writing and recording sessions that took place in The Joshua Tree late last year. The band was joined there by visionary director Chris Cunningham, who has partnered with them for many of the album visuals including the cover. He spent two years filming and photographing the band as they made new music.
Warpaint is a well-oiled machine. They weave intricate guitar lines, hypnotic vocals and driving post punk rhythms into gorgeous, sprawling songs that skirt the line between psychedelia and intimacy. Both live and on record, Warpaint sound like they’re channeling something truly otherworldly, and mystical. They are also a band that truly enjoys playing together. Emily and Theresa have been friends since they were kids, and the bond that the four of them have is truly special. Peace. Continue reading “warpaint // warpaint”
midlake // antiphon = our sunday best
I discovered the Texas-based band Midlake yesterday whilst driving through the northern environs of Ohio listening to NPR. This band has a sound as varied as the November landscape I sped through. And like the colors of the vibrant falling leaves, robust in multihued sound. This is music that’ll till the fields of one’s soul, all you have to do is sow wisely. I will keep it short, but for more check out the band on NPR’s First Listen. Note to self, the band drops their album Antiphon November 5th courtesy of Bella Union Records/ATO Records. Peace. Continue reading “midlake // antiphon = our sunday best”