Category: Reviews

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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.

Where to get it:

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

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Watts – “Flash Of White Light” b/w “The Mess Is The Makeup” (2014)

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Watts
“Flash Of White Light” b/w “The Mess Is The Makeup”
2014

I had this 7″ ordered as soon as I heard about it. Why not? With Watts, you know you’re gonna get some fine rock ‘n’ roll. That’s exactly what this release is. “Flash Of White Light” is instantly recognizable from their live shows and it rips with blazing guitars and a flash of… wait a sec. I got a little wrapped up in the tune there. How can you not like a song that name drops The Dirty Truckers, The Shods, The Dents and The Abbey Lounge? So good. “The Mess Is The Makeup” follows up with harmonies and handclaps. I’m a sucker for handclaps. Have I mentioned that Watts are good at the whole rock ‘n’ roll thing?

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As for the vinyl itself? It’s white, obviously. Small hole. 45RPM. Full color jacket. Good stuff.

Where to get it:

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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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Junior Communist Club – Freedom Of Speed (1999)

Junior Communist Club - Freedom of Speed
Junior Communist Club
Freedom Of Speed
1999

Junior Communist Club was a one-off collaboration between Jack Drag’s John Dragonetti and producer Master Cylinder (Pete Ducharme). It was full of lo-fi-meets-hi-fi mid-tempo grooves and minimalist vocals.

Freedom Of Speed opens with the seven minute instrumental “Ultrabollywood.” The song is built around a Jack Drag-esque bass line and sounds like it could have been an outtake from the band’s Unisex Headwave album. “Tidal Wave” is up next, with its cool, effected drum loops and catchy yeah yeah yeah backing vocals. “Ultrasound” brings back that Jack Drag bass sound, this time with Master Cylinder’s remixing playing a more prominent role. This one also has a great hook in the chorus and more nonsense word backing vocals (this time with a bop bop). Mellow keyboard permeates “76 Place.” “I’ve Been Shot” has distorted guitars and is full of rhythm shifts. The title track wraps things up with another great chorus hook and Beach Boys-like backing vocals.

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.

Where to get it:

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Razors In The Night – Never Give In (2014)

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Razors In The Night
Never Give In
2014

Truth. Honor. Loyalty. Pride. Community. Stand together. Sing along. Have fun. Live. Laugh. Vent. Rage. Stay grounded. Raise a fist. Us against the world. Hated by many. Misunderstood by most. Never give up. Never Give In. Razors In The Night. Respect.

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This record is flat-out fantastic. Die cut cover. Cool splatter vinyl. 12″ record played at 45RPM. A big-time record gets the big-time treatment. It’s good to see hard work pay off.

Where to get it:

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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.

Where to get it:

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Spirit Kid – Is Happening (2014)

spirit kid - is happening
Spirit Kid
Is Happening
2014

Instantly familiar and blowing in like a breath of fresh air, Spirit Kid Is Happening has quickly found a place in my heart. Take a listen below. “Slow It Down” flat out smokes. “Is This Heaven” is a slow dance suckerpunch. “Making Excuses” would make The Raspberries proud. Singling out a few songs isn’t doing the rest of them justice. They all find their sweet spot and deliver the goods. Is Happening is a garage pop masterpiece.

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Is Happening is available as a 12″ black vinyl record with a beautiful full cover jacket. You can also pick it up as a CD or digital download.


Where to get it:

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