Category: Just The Bits

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Township – Will O’ The Wisp EP (2014)

township will o the wisp ep
Township
Will O’ The Wisp EP
2014

With the Will O’ The Wisp EP, Township wraps up a summer of fantastic releases. The band have put out 4 EPs these dog days. Their latest starts with a title track of prog-epic proportions. Phase-shifted guitars and pensive melodies yield to big harmonies, a snarling riff and a grand outro at the 3:02 mark. “The Beggar’s Doubt” is a standout track, painted in shades of Zeppelin folk and Fleetwood Mac. The EP wraps up with the stomping “U”. Township bring out the big riffs and guitarmony one more time before walking off into the autumnal sunset.

Where to get it:

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Sinnet – “Pink Flamingo Hotels” (2014)

sinnet pink flamingo hotels
Sinnet
“Pink Flamingo Hotels”
2014

Another smart, catchy, dramatic, slightly off-kilter indie pop gem from Sinnet? You had me at Sinnet.* After a moody extended intro, “Pink Flaming Hotels” kicks in with the stop-start rhythms and clever guitar interplay I’ve come to love from this band. The imagery, harmonies and changing moods play out like a film. It all builds to a climactic guitar solo before crashing back into the surf, washed away and ready to be played again.

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* Yes, I know Sinnet was at the end of the sentence. Cut me some slack.

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Spirit Kid – “Severance” (2014)

spirit kid severance
Spirit Kid
“Severance”
2014

Emeen Zarookian is moving to LA. Before we get all bummed out that there won’t be regular Spirit Kid shows around these part, check out this parting single he’s leaving us with. Like all Spirit Kid tunes, it’s likely to be the catchiest, most joy-inducing audio romp you hear all day. Fuzzed-out guitars, kaleidoscope organ and sped-up tape effects all put a smile on my face, but in the end it’s Emeen’s knack with a hook that makes this one timeless. We’re gonna miss him.

Oh, there’s a cool video for the song, too.

Where to get it:

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Pale Hands – Fanatic EP (2014)

Pale Hands - Fanatic EP
Pale Hands
Fanatic EP
2014

Pale Hands is a new project with history. The band is made up of Jen and Mike from Velah (and Static Of The Gods before that). On the understated and enchanting Fanatic EP, the duo shed their indie rock band duds for a spiffy synthesizer dream pop cloak. This is electronic chill-out music that never gets boring thanks to ever evolving soundscapes, controlled changes in dynamics and poppy melodies. Pale Hands are here.

Where to get it:

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Eddie Japan – “First Of The Gang To Die” (2014)

eddie japan - first of the gang to die
Eddie Japan
“First Of The Gang To Die”
2014

I’m not a big Morrissey fan. I do, however, quite enjoy Eddie Japan’s cover of Morrissey’s “First Of The Gang To Die.” Whether that says more about me, Eddie Japan or Morrissey, I’m not sure, but it does say something. EJ’s laid back approach puts the song’s narrative front and center, backed by the type of nuanced arrangement that has become the group’s trademark. It’s a fitting statement from a band paying tribute to one of their influences.

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Township – A.L.A.N. EP (2014)

township alan ep
Township
A​.​L​.​A​.​N. EP
2014

Township are looking to make this summer a memorable one by releasing a bunch of EPs, the first of which came out just in time for Memorial Day weekend. A​.​L​.​A​.​N. EP kicks off with the epic space jam that is the title track before kicking up a massive dust cloud on “Where The Sorrow Lies.” Two-for-two out of the gate without looking back, “Oh, Mother (Where Art Thou)” launches into guitarmonies that fall somewhere between Iron Maiden and Thin Lizzy. That’s a perfect place to be. Let me know when the next EP comes out. I’ll be right here.

Where to get it:

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Yellabird – Little Brother (2013)

yellabird - little brother
Yellabird
Little Brother
2013

Big riffs with groove and soul. Yellabird channel the ghost of early Sabbath and marry it off to a Southern rock bride. This unholy union spawns some devastating offspring. “This Old War” pummels its way to the front of the pack. “Darlin, Sugar” and “Johnny Law” stomp and snarl. “Breather” offers a momentary respite from density while maintaining its weight. “Little Brother” is a slow burn, but burn it does. Leave nothing but ashes.

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Goddamn Draculas – “Jenny” (2014)

goddamn-draculas-jenny
Goddamn Draculas
“Jenny”
2014

“Jenny” was the song of the 2014 Rock ‘N’ Roll Rumble. I can’t get it out of my head. It’s punk tough and Thin Lizzy cool. It’s got killer harmonies and singable guitar melodies. “Jenny” has it all. There’s even a ‘scuse-me-while-I-kiss-this-guy level misunderstood lyric. Goddamn Draculas had me grinning ear to ear every time they played it. I can’t thank ’em enough.

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Doom Lover – “Under The Alders” (2014)

doom lover under the alders
Doom Lover
“Under The Alders”
2014

Haunting and intimate, “Under The Alders” is one of the songs that really stuck with me during the 2014 Rock ‘N’ Roll Rumble. Released just before the start of the event, Doom Lover conjure ghosts with theremin and guitar delay on this track. An eerie groove underscores the delicately intertwined harmonies. There’s an intensity to “Under The Alders” that is present even in the quiet parts. It stays with you. Close your eyes. You’ll dream of Doom Lover tonight.

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The Easy Reasons – “Piece” (2013)

the easy reasons - piece
The Easy Reasons
“Piece”
2013

“Piece” introduced The Easy Reasons as a band to watch last fall. A roughed-up riff and the opening line “If you loved me I don’t know what I would do” stick immediately. The verses are simple and effective, leading to the big payoff — that chorus. Listen as The Easy Reasons serve up thick guitars and fiery vocals from the days of smoky bars and muscle cars. Shades of “Gimme Shelter” color the sound. It’s dark. It goes for the gut. That’s a rock ‘n’ roll hook, right there.

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