Indie pop/rock project Dutch Party (Ken Franklin) has been on a roll, nabbing critical acclaim left and right for its musical prowess. Now, there is an official music video for the first song off of the upcoming EP Combat Pop, and we wanted to share it with you since it seems the entire industry has been buzzing about it. For good reason, as the mellow track really flows with the “summer to autumn” feelings we’ve been having, while giving our nerd selves a little boost with roller blades and futuristic, steam punk looking garb in Chinatown. (Yup. You gotta see it to believe it.)
Combat Pop, the self-produced second EP is set for release fall 2017. Keep up with Dutch Party here.
Los Angeles based alt rocker DAVIS recently premiered the music video for his track “Welcome to Los Angeles” with idobi Radio. The song itself blends whirring guitars and a laid back vibe to produce a low key “driving with the windows down in your car” visual, even without the video.
DAVIS curated a playlist exclusively for Imperfect Fifth to celebrate his new music video. Check it out below.
Bleachers:
This is the best song he’s done in my opinion. It’s got great lyrics, great production. And a bit of Springsteen in there, which is always a good thing.Blood Orange:
Dev Hynes is incredible: a true artist. He has an amazing way of creating a context to his music that welcomes the listener into his world.Cage The Elephant:
This is a Wreckless Eric song. I used to cover it all the time at The Sayers Club in Hollywood. Great tune. Cage The Elephant did a great version.QOTSA:
Queens is hands down the best rock n roll band out there right now. This song is insanely good. It’s got the best groove ever and the guitar parts are perfect.Michael Kiwanuka:
I first heard this song on the radio while stuck in terrible traffic on the Hollywood fwy. It somehow turned what was a drive through hell into a Tarantino movie. Epic.
Mikes Kane:
Classic. Emotive. Real.
Catfish and the Bottlemen:
I was obsessed with this song when it came out. Instantly brought me back to the early 2000s when you had amazing bands like The Libertines and Razorlight coming out.
Gorillaz:
Damon Albarn is a genius. Everything he does I’m a fan of. Incredible songwriter, incredible lyricist, and his melodies are always so angelic. This remix is great because it reminds of the early house music that came out of Manchester in the late 80s.
The Horrors:
This band gets better every single record. They are one of the few bands I can safely say that their best album is always their latest.
Beck:
Insane. Production is next level.
Hamilton Leithauser & Rostam:
Hamilton Leithauser’s voice is next level. He’s always been an inspiration on me vocally, ever since I heard him in The Walkmen.
Experimental electronic musician Keith Rich operates under the moniker MemCave (when he’s not busy rockin’ out with his band Druids). In August, he released his solo album on local Kansas City label Intelligent Sound, and has been busy entertaining the midwest with show after show, adding his blissful sound to the summer heat.
How Beautiful To Be takes you on a journey through whirring, 80s tinged soundscapes, through tense sounding tempo changes, and into a world of mystery and magic, to be honest. From the beginning of “Pink Sky (ft. White Flashes)”, you can feel an almost enchantment to the music. “Ex” brings us into easy listening/lounge music territory, and “Fantasy Peel” picks up the pace and brings you into an almost alien soundscape for a line or two.
By the time you reach fourth track “Sukeban”, you realize you could play the music MemCave has created behind almost any scenario, and it would only enhance the world around you. Tense in places, his tracks have a smoothness to them that almost reassures you that these songs could be played both in a yoga studio and at a rave simultaneously. Luckily – with its predecessors – you don’t spend one moment thinking “Better Days” will be any type of Sublime remake (Though we wouldn’t hate on it, Think on it, k?), the crispness that almost bounces off the track is almost refreshing. “Glass Belgium” continues at a similar pace, keeping tempo up enough to make you want to dance out of your chair. (Yes, I know. And the chair I have been sitting in is damn comfy.) “Monya” brings a bit of a different – shall we say “adult” – sound with it, playing with quirky sound effects and maintaining a rhythm that just sticks with you.
While “Glaring” hits with staccato sound effects and notes, “Above Water” takes on more dissonant sounds and dramatic, long notes. “School Gloss” rounds the album out with a jazzy, almost offbeat, feel. You can certainly detect – and appreciate – the dubstep influence in the track, but there is a point in the song when you just realize you want to hear more.
(Hey, MemCave, did you hear that?) How Beautiful To Be is available now. Keep up with MemCave here.
Tomorrow, Kalamazoo, Michigan’s indie/folk americana duo Gifts or Creatures – comprised ofBrandon John Foote + Bethany Foote – releases their third full-length, a ten track piece of work titled Fair Mitten. But while we wait (not so patiently) to own a copy of it for ourselves, we’ve actually got the whole thing streaming for you.
From the lengthy, beautiful instrumental intro on first track “Pontiac’s Rebellion”, to the soft, simple but detailed storytelling in “Trout of The Pines”, to the soulful and rock-tinged “Green Gold”, all the way until the last chords of final track “Conquest Of The Old Northwest”, the entirety of the album offers an almost earthy vulnerability to its sound, making each one of its listeners feel as though they are connecting with the land around them. It’s an absolute breath of fresh air, and the band seems to have had that in mind from the beginning. Explains Brandon Foote:
Ever since I was a child, I have been enamored by the boundless blue water and thick north woods of Michigan. The striking and stunning combination of wooded land and freshwater seascapes has a rich history that is often overshadowed by the coastal cities and towns of North America. I have traveled around the country and always miss the north woods when away. The Great Lakes region has always felt like a secret undiscovered jewel to me.
Do yourself a favor and take a journey over the lush and textured soundscape Gifts or Creatures has provided your ears in our exclusive album stream premiere!
Fair Mitten is out September 22nd via Earthwork Music. Keep up with Gifts or Creatures here.
In The ValleyBeloware a socially conscious duo that are on the forefront of raising awareness of important issues through their music. Consisting of married couple Jeffrey Jacob and Angela Gail, the indie rock infused dream pop sound created by In The ValleyBelowis aesthetically pleasing on all levels. They have a new project coming out (today!) called The Elephant EP, and it is both socially aware and sonically satisfying.
“Bloodhands (Oh My Fever)” is the first – and one of the most impactful songs – on the five song EP. It was inspired by the Michael Brown shooting in Ferguson, MO and racial tensions between people and the police. Second track “Pink Chateau” brings with it lighter instrumentals and more of a springtime vibe, as it begs you to “slow down” and “simmer down” which aren’t bad bits of advice, if we’re being honest. “Hold On Tight” has more of a whirring, pop sound and then breaks down into some insane old school guitar solos to really throw you off guard.
But we’ve come to expect the unexpected from In The Valley Below, as they blend so many genres and weave show stopping tempo and key changes that should throw you for a loop, but really make their tracks that much more intriguing. The same can be said for fourth track “Break Even”, which has such intricate percussion parts that it completely changes what we had begun to think was the established vibe of the EP. Fifth and final track “Elephant” is the standout ballad, slowing the tempo to a crawl and really allowing you to revel in the lush, vibey vocals.
With so much going wrong in the world today, there are a plethora of songs inspired by the darker side of life. The uniqueness of In the ValleyBelowis that they do not phone in the music or the message when they create their art. They believe that in order to have the most effect, they must reach the largest audience with genuinely good music, and it shows. This EP comes from a authentic mindset, raising awareness for important issues, and it doesn’t hurt that the songs are great to listen to.
For more information about In The ValleyBelow, you can visit their website at inthevalleybelow.com.
For those of you living under rocks, everyone’s favorite turn of the century alt rock band continues to put out killers. The most recent gem – a music video for their track “Over And Over Again” (published September 7th) – is as quirky as the cowbell that introduces the song. And Bert McCracken’s signature vocals dance in a strangely melodic and ethereal way – as his range truly surprises people every single time – over the instrumentals, which are pure pop rock at their core. The simple video filled with blank space for much of it really gives your eyes a lesson in contrast, while the guys dance and act out absurd and visually pleasing storylines.
The video for “Over And Over Again” is a true amalgamation of The Used’s wide range of talent, continually catapulting them into the bright future of alt rock.
There aren’t many feelings better than that of curating the perfect soundtrack. I’m not one to gloat, but I did a pretty good job of it myself at the tender age of 18. In our religion class – yes, I did the Catholic school thing – our teacher asked us to make a soundtrack to our lives, with descriptions on why we chose the songs, etc. Not a lot of people took the assignment very seriously (I had a friend asking me to draw his CD art five minutes before class started. Casual.), but I went all in.
Because music.
I chose 18 songs for 18 years of life, and my explanations were memories and thoughts etched into my mind because of the songs. So I want to celebrate the launch of Imperfect Fifth with my soundtrack in full, with as many of the details (minus the photos) that I can include. So take a peek inside my 18 year old mind, and then perhaps make a playlist that reflects your world. (AND DON’T FORGET TO SUBMIT IT FOR CONSIDERATION!)
“I always said, ‘Don’t mess with the young girls at this school.'” – My geometry teacher
Proclaimers – 500 Miles // “500 Miles” is one of the first songs I ever remember singing and dancing to in my life. (Of course, there was Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” also.) Erin and I used to dance in our living room to this song when we were really little. It is on the Benny & Joon soundtrack and it’s an amazing song. Erin and I shared this song as a favorite in common with Rosie Campbell, one of our friends since we moved to Missouri in 2nd grade.
Spin Doctors – Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong // “Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong” is another tune that I remember listening to when I was very young. It was also my ringback tone last year and, according to my mother, it should be my anthem.
Tracy Chapman – Fast Car // “Fast Car” is such an amazing song. Not only did I listen to it in the early 90’s, but it also became mine and Michelle Verstraete’s song the summer after freshman year. We were listening to my iPod while laying out at her pool and that is when we discovered that we both shared a passion for 90’s music. Every time I hear it, I think of her. Also, it is a song that I listen to when I am in a rut. It reminds me to strive for my dreams and that they won’t just be handed to me.
Sugar Ray – I Just Wanna Fly // I chose this song solely in honor of the Ferguson family. Vincent was my first friend in Missouri. On the way to my first Liberty Blue Jays game with him and his family, his big brother Billy made us listen to this song. It was his favorite. It reminds me of 2nd grade and my amazing friends.
Sisqo – The Thong Song // When I was younger, I took karate. In 5th grade, this song was on every Saturday morning on our way home from class. My dad always turned it up and rolled the windows and sunroof down. It was a joke for our family. It reminds me of my dad. Also, when people started noticing his gray hair, he told them that he dyed it silver to look like Sisqo. **This party trick still works. Sometimes.
Hanson – Broken Angel // When I was in 8th grade, I was obsessed (again) with Hanson. This song is about someone who has the ability to fulfill their dreams but just can’t seem to get it right. I listened to this song every single night before I went to sleep from 8th grade through 10th grade. It reminds me a lot of me.
The Starting Line – Best of Me // This song begins slow and sweet and then changes tempo. It reminds me of several events in my life, like Warped Tour ’07 with Jenny Newcomer. It also reminds me of Jenny’s boyfriend, Troy, who played this song upside down on Erin’s left-handed guitar. But, more than anything, it was my “pump up” song for every big event in cheer over the past three years. It got me through competition and losing games.
Hawthorne Heights – Ohio is For Lovers // This song is fun to sing in public. When I started wearing black nail polish during sophomore year, people began to ask me if I was emo. I would just sing the chorus of the song to them. Hawthorne Heights was MY band of the summer after sophomore year. Also, I saw them four times in concert before my favorite member of the band died tragically this year.
The Rocket Summer – Save // I was told this song fits my personality. It is off of The Rocket Summer’s most recent album. The song really does make a lot of sense… when people “amaze” me, I invest more emotion into my efforts. Even though things frustrate me when I take chances and they prove fruitless, I question it and then move on to something more inviting. I want my life to count.
Spin Doctors – Two Princes // This is supposed to be on Erin’s CD. I didn’t really mean to put it on mine, but now that it is on here… this is yet another song that I listened to frequently as a child. I remember the music video/ I am pretty sure it was my first glimpse at a true grungy outfit on a guy. I think of my childhood when I listen to it.
LFO – Summer Girls // I hated LFO when they were popular. I always fought with people saying they were poseurs of NSYNC and Backstreet Boys. They made me angry. Freshman year, I was at Jenny’s birthday party and she had a dance to this song. She made me love this song. It is just so random and completely reminds me of her. Also, Matt Loehr was in my Spanish class freshman year and sang this song for us.
Saving Jane – Girl Next Door // This song is catchy and was fun when it was popular. It came out and I laughed because I was a cheerleader and I felt like the “girl next door” anyways (because SPX doesn’t like cheerleaders). My mom and my sister sang it to me when I made prom court.
Imogen Heap – Goodnight and Go // This song was on the first season of The OC, my favorite tv show ever. My friend and I used to sing it sophomore year all the time.
Aaron Carter – Saturday Night // This song reminds me of cheer tryouts sophomore year. Actually, it was the spring of freshman year. It was the last song I heard before tryouts, and it was (unfortunately) stuck in my head the entire time… and then I made varsity. So, I always think of cheer when I hear it. I put it on my camp CD this year.
Jeff Cunningham, Danny Cunningham, Billy Q – Moonbounce (Go Dumb) // This song makes me giggle so much! Jeff has been my neighbor and one of my best friends since 7th grade. He signed to a Canadian rap label in 8th grade, but it never really went anywhere. This summer, Jeff, his brother, and our friend Billy recorded this song in Jeff’s room as a complete joke. It is actually one of the worst songs I have ever heard, but they are complete hams and I listen to it all the time. I am going to miss them next year. Also, it reminds me of the moonbounce at prom. **Sadly, this song does not exist anywhere but my iTunes library.
The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus – False Pretense // I love this band! “The world’s got a funny way of turning ’round on you/When a friend tries to stab you right in the face/Losing faith in everything I thought I hope I know.” These lyrics truly hit home for me. No matter how much I invested into my friendships over the past three years, my true friends pulled through this summer. This song reminds me that I could not have changed what happened with my estranged friends. I listen to it sometimes when I am angry.
The Rocket Summer – Brat Pack // This song has been my high school anthem since sophomore year. I have always wanted to get out of high school, but I love my friends and we really are like our own little Brat Pack. Shout out to my oldest friend, Allison Bacchini!
Rod Stewart – Forever Young // This is the song that my mom chose for my segment of the 8th grade graduation video. I love this song. I will always be young at heart, even when I grow up and have a job. This song reminds me constantly to keep the childlike qualities with me.
18 songs for 18 years of life.
BRING ON THE NEXT CHAPTER.
**Photo courtesy of my friends TPing the neighbors’ house and trailing it to our house so we had to clean it up. But that’s my little brother cleaning it up.
For those of you living under a rock, America’s favorite groove/soul/genre-blending indie collective Portugal. The Man put out a stunning release with their album Woodstock earlier this year, from which their well received single “Feel It Still” comes to their admiring public. With all of the madness surrounding the release, Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival was actually able to play host as a platform for the new album, as they performed there and even a small album listening party congregated in the hot hot heat of the weekend. Now Woodstock is available to the general public, and we definitely have some thoughts.
Like the lead track “Number One”, which features Richie Havens and Son Little. Beginning with a bit of b-roll white noise with a crowd talking, the track actually sets up with a hard beat and more of an 80’s soulful groove. Second track “Easy Tiger” actually explodes with synth – but in a contemporary pop way – before the sound kind of shatters into a crackling, frantic song with its layers of sound effects and high energy. Third track “Live In The Moment” is driven by its percussion, framing personal anecdotes in its lyrics. It’s definitely the anthemic type of song, providing an energy that encourages pursuing your dreams. It almost feels like you can’t get better than that, as your ears are enveloped in this positive, fun sound. And then, of course, they one up it all with “Feel It Still”, which we FEEL doesn’t necessitate an explanation. Just wow.
The rough guitar that brings “Rich Friends” into the fold really provides an edge the album hasn’t previously explored. References to “wonderwall” and lines like “livin’ life like we’re the only ones that know we’re famous” provide a commentary on living life like a rockstar. “Keep On” is an upbeat track, but its lyrics further confirm the struggle between persistence for the sake of it to maintain momentum and acting out of actual passion. “So Young” takes on a different feel than its predecessors, a moderate tempo track that really exudes a matter-of-fact, sit back and relax vibe. (Something Portugal. The Man isn’t averse to doing, thankfully. These tracks are smooth like butter and – in our opinion – standouts in their previous work as well.)
Eighth track “Mr Lonely” (ft. Fat Lip) maintains a similar tempo and instrumental vibe to “So Young”, though they continue in a similar vein to prior social commentary tracks, with lyrics like “There’s glitter falling/and a banner that says/Welcome to Hell/Make yourself at home/Leave behind free will/Can you feel me now?” Haunting and conversation-inducing, this is the outstanding beauty that Portugal. The Man is known for.
But they’re not done yet.
“Tidal Wave”‘s composition screams “SUMMER!”, especially with the vision of a wave in your mind. But it’s so much more than that if you delve into the lyrics, really focusing more on “the aftershock,” highlighting that “the rest of you’s born to lose… worst of you’d born to lose/Bet on the winners,” which comes right back around to societal expectations. (But we’re always betting on this band, if anyone’s wondering.) They round it all out expertly with tenth track “Noise Pollution” (ft. Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Zoe Manville), a song that echoes the title’s sentiment. Layers of instrumentals create this frenzied feeling, but somehow it all blends perfectly into this sound that perfectly defines what the band is all about.: the energy, the social awareness, the experience.
Woodstock is available now. Run, don’t walk. (Or speed type your CC into that order form!)
Allston, MA is home to Black Lodge which is an underground punk club that houses two favorite bands: Nice Guys and Black Beach. Now, the two bands have created a new album Nice Guys/BlackBeach Split 7”. The album, released later this month, will have a limited press of 250 copies, half of which will be in a Coke bottle green vinyl, the other half in black vinyl.
Black Beach – whose members are Ben Semeta, Steve Instasi, and Ryan Nicholson – made a name for themselves throughout 2016. They played the Boston Calling Music Festival and debuted their first full-length album Shallow Creatures, which led to touring dates. Their music is self-described as “loud, dirty, rock n’ roll”. Their two cuts on the split, “Poor Posture” and “Fever Dreamin” have an angst ridden sixties feel to them (not Summer of Love sixties) with a punk crescendo that is not to be denied. Black Beach recorded their part of the split at Converse’s Rubber Tracks Boston studio by Paul Kolderie.
Nice Guys – Alex Aronson, Jake Gilbertson, Matt Garlick, and Pete Bayko – have also achieved notoriety in the Allston area. The past five years have brought several releases, including splits with bands like Free Pizza, Miami Doritos and The Fagettes. Nice Guys have also been steadily touring. The four tracks from Nice Guys, “Grodello”, “Pissing Dirty”, “Condos” and “$94”, were recorded at Love Magnet Studios in Roxbury, MA by Ian Doerr. Their music is pure punk with delirious rhythms and tireless lyrics. This is music at home in any punk club in the world.
Tracklist:
Grodello by Nice Guys
Pissing Dirty by Nice Guys
Condos by Nice guys
$94 by Nice Guys
Poor Posture by Black Beach
Fever Dreaming by Black Beach
NiceGuys/Black Beach 7″ is available to order now. Keep up with Black Beach here and Nice Guys here.
