If you’re looking for new music on this fine Tuesday, head directly to your music outlet of choice and pick up The Lone Bellow’s new album, Then Came The Morning. This second album from the folk-indie trio from Brooklyn really hits the musical spot. This band won me over when I saw them perform at The Way Over Yonder Fest and this album does an amazing job at capturing the band’s incredible energy and genuine emotion. The album’s title and opening track sets the tone with its gospel-esque choir and powerful blending of vocals. Other highlights include the build-up to the exclamatory chorus in “Take My Love”, the quiet beauty of “Call to War”, and the rockin’ guitar in the foot-stoppin’ “Heaven Don’t Call Me Home”.

Here’s a taste with the band’s live performance from Letterman:

~ Kristen

Here’s what I got in the way of new music this week…

 

Empires – Orphan

Empires is the kind of band that can give you chills as they did last week when I saw them open for Augustines at The Troubadour. The intensity of the band’s tunes translates well on the album, especially on tracks like “How Good Does It Feel”

 

We Were Astronauts – Artificial Light EP

This EP had me going straight to the like button on fb. These Boston pop/rockers have crafted a rousing collection of toe-tappers that has me looking forward to hearing more.

 

Fierce Bad Rabbit – Living Asleep

This album paired perfectly with my afternoon of writing. It’s an easy listen with some intriguing rock accents. Solid sophomore effort from this folk/pop quartet.

I particularly enjoyed this live version of the title track (one of my favorites):

 

Others worth a listen

• The Future Laureates – Here and After EP
• Alt-J- This Is All Yours
• Purfume Genius – All Too Bright
• Sondre Lerche – Please
• Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga – Cheek to Cheek
• Lights – Little Machines
• Julian Casablancas + The Voidz – Tyranny

~ Kristen

I’ve been a bit out of it with album releases, but here’s what I’ve got for your new music craving ears this week:

Sir Sly – You Haunt Me

All I can say about this release is FINALLY! From their mysterious beginnings and buzz-tastic videos to their local residencies, festival dates, and national tours, I’ve been keeping my eye on this electro-rock outfit from California. Their songs have a creative flair that is both compelling and distinctive and their live performance grows more dynamic with every viewing. I am thrilled that the band finally has a solid product to offer the world. This is a must listen!

Still my favorite Sir Sly song:

 

Fever Fever – Aftermath

I found the stream for Fever Fever’s new album in my inbox. I clicked play and twelve songs later, I wanted to press play again. I think that’s a good sign. The music kind of swells around you and feels a bit like that comfy sweater you don’t want to take off. It just feels good!

 

Sleepwave – Broken Compass

I enjoy a straight up, solid rock band. Sleepwave, the new band from the front man of Underoath, has potential to be just that.  I’ve only heard this one song, but it made me want to hear more.

 

 

Other albums I’m hoping to check out:

• Mike Doughty – Stellar Motel
• Paolo Nutini – Caustic Love
• Train – Bulletproof Picasso
• The Wilderness of Manitoba – Between Colours
• The Henry Millers – Posies
• Somebody’s Darling – Adult Roommates
• Hands Like Houses – Reimagine EP

New music recommendations as follows:

Red Wanting Blue – Little America

The newest album from Midwestern rockers Red Wanting Blue is an enjoyable listen. At the forefront are the vocals of Scott Terry with their grainy texture that gives the tunes an instant sense of comfort whether they are slow and contemplative or more light and humorous. My favorite aspect of this album is the lyrics which relay both a depth and humor and have really given me something to latch onto, making me both smile and think.

Little America starts with the celebratory “Halleujah”, setting the tone for the album with a lightness betrayed by words like “We’re lost I’m sure of it. I don’t know if we’ll ever be found. So we’ll run from town to town to make our way home.”  Themes of being on the road, change, and relationships impacted by the musician’s life make the album feel very personal and give it an emotional charge. The heart of the album is found in the three tracks I’ve been playing on repeat. “The Rest of Our Lives” is an inspiring and reflective tune packaged in a compelling rock melody. “Leaving New York” is a slow and yearning lament that speaks to anyone who has had to leave a place they’ve fallen in love with. “Black Canyon” is another bittersweet anthem about life on the road, but it does the best job at pulling at my heartstrings and contains my favorite line in the album, “children don’t look down, count on the ground being there every time”.

Before you think the album is too heavy, turn to songs like “Dumb Love” or “Drawing Board” which is a song about figuring out life, but sung as country-ish knee slapper with cute lines like “success requires one of us to bring home the bacon.”

Little America is an album for contemplation, but enjoyable on several levels. Here’s the video for a fun little ditty “You Are My Las Vegas” which features the mothers of the band members.

 

Other albums to look into:

• NONONO – We Are Only What We Feel
• Bad Suns – Language & Perspective
• Seether – Isolate and Medicate
• Old Crow Medicine – Remedy
• Air Dubai – Be Calm

~ Kristen

New week, new music! Check out what we’re listening too:

K.Flay – Life As A Dog

K. Flay is like none other. She crafts lyrics like a hip hop artist and has no problem conquering the straight up rap style, but she couples this with slowed down indie synth beats and adds a punk-rock edge to create a unique sonic experience. Life As A Dog is her newest album, self-released with the help of a Pledge Music campaign. This is the kind of record that is easy to get lost in with its lazy beats and K. Flay’s laid back, transfixing vocal. My favorite tracks are the somewhat more punchy “I’m Good” and the single, “Thicker Than Dust”, an anthem of friendship which feels lyrically relevant and has me singing along by the second chorus.  I’m always in the market for something refreshing and compelling, and this album is just that. I highly recommend you checking it out!

Watch the video for “Thicker Than Dust” here: http://music-mix.ew.com/2014/06/24/exclusive-music-video-k-flays-hook-filled-thicker-than-dust/

 

My Goodness – Shiver + Shake 

I’ve been looking forward to more from this band since I heard their single, “Cold Feet Killer” last year. Listening to the stream of this album, I hear everything you might want from a promising rock band.  They’ve got the punch, the guitars, the bluesy accents, the howling vocal, the beats that make you want to bang your head and move your feet…more of this in my ears please!

You can stream the album here. Listen to “Sweet Tooth” to get a good taste

 

Other albums we hope to listen to soon:

• Ed Sheeran – X
• Carsie Blanton – Not Old, Not New
• SPEAK – Pedals
• Anberlin – lowborn
• Rachel Taylor – Come Alive EP

I haven’t gotten a chance to listen to much coming out today, but here’s what I’m most excited about

The Pretty Reckless – Going to Hell 

Has it really been four years since I had “Zombie” on repeat after seeing The Pretty Reckless at Warped Tour? I wonder what Momsen and co. have been up to lately…

Sam Smith – In the Lonely Hour 

Sam Smith has the voice of an angel. When I first heard the acoustic version of “Latch” I knew I had found my new favorite artist. This was confirmed after I caught half of a set at SXSW. In the months in between then and now, I have grown more skeptical as I kept hearing Sam’s voice covered by overly produced dance beats (not my favorite thing to listen to). I haven’t yet listened to In the Lonely Hour. I’m actually quite nervous to do so. You listen and tell me if I’d like it…

Also

• Miniature Tigers – Cruel Runnings
  Ballyhoo! – Halo
• Stars in Stereo- Leave Your Mark
• The Felice Brothers – Favorite Waitress
• Linkin Park- The Hunting Party
• Nothing More – Nothing More
• David Grey – Mutineers
• Trampled by Turtles – Wild Animals
• The Collection – Ars Moriendi

Well, here’s what I’ve been listening to…

Jack White – Lazaretto

Jack White is one of the innovators of contemporary music. Although I can’t say I’m a fan of everything he does, I’m always keen on tuning in. I found myself really enjoying Lazaretto. It has a fun mix of quirky humor, skilful musicianship, and serious beat busters.  I think my favorite tune might be the title track, a funky rocker that gets me moving with its playful beats.

Passenger – Whispers

Whispers is a series of lyrical gems encased in gorgeous melodies delivered by a unique voice that is instantly compelling. It’s the kind of record that goes straight to the heart. I’ve been listening to closing track, “Scare Away The Dark” on repeat. The whit and relevance of the tune, which seems to be about the saving power of music, make me smile with every listen. This album is deep, so dig in.

Blacklist Royals – Die Young With Me 

I first heard “Righteous Child” doing my SXSW research, and I was hooked. It was both catchy and edgy, with a feel of a Gaslight Anthem or Against Me! song. I haven’t heard Die Young With Me in its entirety, but the rest of the songs seem to follow suit and I would recommend checking it out if you’re into this genre.

Also On my “to listen” list:

• Anathema – Distant Satellites
• First Aid Kit – Stay Gold
• Imogen Heap – Sparks
• Chrissie Hynde – Stockholm
• O.A.R. – The Rockville LP
• Umphrey’s Mcgee – Similar Skin
• Say Anything – Hebrews
• This Wild Life – Clouded

~ Kristen