Tanners just released her debut single “Holy Water.” The New York based songwriter/producer has already engineered several artists’ records and is taking music into her own hand with “Holy Water, which resides in the world of synth psych-pop. With the help of Tanners’ sweet voice, “Holy Water” exudes sensuality. She pulls you in with lyrics like “I can be your Jesus if you let me” and “Come with me and swim into my daydream.”
“Holy Water” is inspired by Tanners’ childhood fondness for the beach. It revolves around of being born again by water in the purest form. Tanners comments on the track: “It’s a thank you song to the ocean for teaching me to embrace vulnerability.”
Fresh off the presses, Jaunt‘s new 5-track EP Cue is ready for your waiting ears. Launched on Friday the 13th, there’s nothing spooky about this release, though it does play with dissonance and ambient sounds to bring you into a whole different soundscape than what you might be used to. While first track “Machined” feels like a slight machine interaction – small noises that lend themselves to its overall 70s-inspired feel -,second track “Best Case” continues at a slow tempo, the occasional guitar riff lending itself to a far more groovy sound.
“Intimate Sunset” exists in a soundscape similar to what the title infers. Beachy vibes almost drop from the speakers, and we’re already feeling like we’re on a much needed vacation. “Faster Interactions” is chill, groovy and psychedelic. With the use of a keyboard organ, soft high pitched vocals, and a variety of electronic sounds “Faster Interactions” stays true to its name. The video for “Faster Interactions” also really displays the band’s creativity with a psychedelic feel of fast paced iridescent lights and unexpected visuals.
Of “Faster Interactions” Jaunt says:
“Faster Interactions” is probably our zaniest track to date! It was one of the first written for Cue, but also took the longest to complete. We quickly knew that it would be a single, and playing it repeatedly live has helped us finesse it’s nuances. Caitlin and Eliza really helped bring a new energy and dynamic, ultimately making the song more joyous. We’re also trying very hard to bring back the sound of cheap keyboard orchestra hits in pop music.
They round out the magic with “Cued”, a slower track with more of a vibey, enchanting sound to it all. It’s the perfect bookend to what we have just experienced, and we’re enthralled enough to hear more.
Krantz is a group of heathens from all over the US who congregated to Nashville, and teamed up to make a melodious sound. Check out their newest single, “Run Away With Me” off their upcoming EP, The Pennock Tapes.
This is a playlist of what I think would be playing if you turned on pop radio back in the mid-late 60’s, as you’re sitting in Golden Gate Park smoking a doobie. Having not been alive at the time, I obviously can’t say, but it’s a bunch of rad tunes by some of my favorite artists from my favorite era in music as things were starting to get psychedelic. Tune in and turn on man….
Also, check their site www.krantzmusic.com for upcoming dates as they hit the road this spring. Dare ya to not sing along.
Brooklyn-based indie quartet RANN just released the second track from their upcoming EP, Renegade Holiday. RANN’s sound has been described as indie rock, dream pop, and psych punk which all seem fitting as their latest release, “Renegade Holiday,” has a variety of musical elements creating the perfect eclectic mix.
“Renegade Holiday,” the album’s title track, starts with a heavy drum rhythm that eases into an electronic synth instrumental. When the vocals appear, the song takes a dreamy, ethereal direction that is both calming and exciting at the same time. The song’s pounding rhythm and uplifting instrumental propel the song forward as the airy vocals create the perfect indie atmosphere. RANN’s “Renegade Holiday” cohesively blends instrumental and vocals to create an impeccably constructed track that makes the perfect edition to any playlist.
Since they announced their debut album in January, fans of FRIGS have been waiting with baited breath for its release. Now, after countless hours of work and recording sessions, this sludge-pop band is finally ready to show the music world what they have to offer. Their album Basic Behavior features their signature stark sounds and diverse influences. Led by Bria Salmena, this Toronto-based group has banded together with all of their individual thought and emotions in order to produce an all encompassing sound that is unique and interesting. With this particular attribute, once you listen to their work, they become impossible to forget and you find yourself wanting to hear more.
Even more impressive is that this album was completely self produced and was written and recorded within a 16-month period. During this time, all who were involved were able to explore their sound and solidify lyrical subject matter without the outside pressure that might have come from a producer. Thus, they were able to create a psychedelic element within their sons that contains aspects of emotional depth and immerse their listeners in hypnotic rhythms. Without a doubt, this new release will propel them forward and bring them even closer to finding where they fit in the music community.
Basic Behavior is out now. Keep up with FRIGS here.
Starting out in 2014 from Chicago Illinois is the recently signed road warriors and psychedelic rockers Post Animal. No joke while checking out their Facebook page, I was scrolling and scrolling through posts that were all tour stops throughout the U.S. dating back more than a year.
Hitting the road and pounding the pavement with their signature brand of music you swore you’ve heard before dominating radio waves in the 80’s, this 5 piece has been gaining attention, entertaining the masses, and will be hitting the road yet again in support of their debut full length album, When I Think Of You In A Castle appropriately available on 4/20 through Polyvinyl Records.
“Ralphie”, the band’s first single from the album, begins with an 80’s commercial pop synth line that becomes layered with a scale familiarly reminiscent of 70’s classic rock guitar riffs. Even with its commercial appeal, the first 21 seconds are a very technical and dynamic attention-grabber.
Originally a 6 piece group, Post Animal released an EP in 2015 and a collection of singles in 2016. Given the success and demands of Stranger Things, drummer Joe Keery, “being a member since the bands’ inception”, his role is stated as being “and inactive touring member”. He does still contribute and you can hear his vocal talents on “Ralphie”.
Post Animal has indie pop rock-ish hooks in their chorus lines, specific and clear-cut bass guitar and drum contributions, meticulously classic rock constructed guitar riffs that utilize delay to ad that psychedelic significance and verb usage that should land Post Animal into the Reverb Hall of Fame.
To sum it up, get out your blender and grab an 8-track of The Byrds’, a summarized memory from Woodstock, a record from Kansas, a cassette from Gary Numan, a VHS copy of an 80’s Revlon commercial and a Police CD. Post Animal have the ingredients that make aqua net girls bop their heads and smack their gum in unison, and make the high school douchebags lift the Firebird’s T-Top, roll down the windows, crank it up and squeal tires pulling out of the parking lot.
It’s not A Midsummer Night’s Dream, but Oberon Rose might just fulfill all your musical dreams. New England-based Oberon Rose is gearing up to release their sophomore album, Tell Me All About It on their own imprint, ThouART Records, and are dropping their single, “No Stranger” off the record. The trio is composed of Mike Keyes’ drums, Chris Listorti on bass/keys and Tommy Oberon providing guitar and vocals, with songwriting by the band’s namesakes, Tommy Oberon and Rebecca Rose. Says Rose of her writing: “As a lyricist, I want the listener to bring their own experiences to the song, so I like to keep it open. Let the listener decide what it means.”
Between the musical ideas of the trio and Rose has evolved what many call psychedelic pop/rock – but no matter what you want to call it, you’ll like it.
“No Stranger” is a bit of a retro track, with a 70s feel to it. Oberon’s vocals are accompanied by the the evident talent of his band. If Oberon Rose has got one thing down, it’s teamwork – you can tell how well all the members play together from the first notes. “No Stranger” is just a bop, period.
Check out the track below, and continue the fun with our exclusive interview below!
In your online bio, it relates Tommy and Rebecca to Elton John and Bernie Taupin as both have similar song writing relationships. Have you ever seen these two idols as role models?
I wouldn’t say role models but we are fans. To be clear, we are in no way comparing ourselves to them, it’s just that our method of collaboration is similar.
In order to give your lyrics and song writing the space to allow for people to relate, do you base the lyrics off of personal past experiences?
We like to base the lyrics around universal experiences. Generally, the experience of being human.
What kind of dynamic exists in the creation of music in Oberon Rose?
The dynamic is always different. Sometimes I’ll bring music to Rebecca, and sometimes she’ll bring lyrics to me.
What are your goals for Oberon Rose? Where do you see the band in the near future?
We’re looking forward to playing out as much as possible. We’re currently playing shows in New England, but we hope to do some touring in the near future.
Have you ever thought about expanding your performance locations to the more central or western areas of the United States?
Absolutely. We’re looking forward to getting out that way soon.
Has there ever been a time where you felt connected with an audience above any other time that you have performed in the past?
Connecting with the audience is what it’s all about. With each show, we try to make that connection stronger.
Is there an experience that brought the band together? Or did it just seem to form effortlessly?
I don’t believe anything in music happens effortlessly. Only after a lot of hard work and determination do things start to fall into place.
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Tell Me All About It is out March 30th. Stay connected with Oberon Rose below: Website – Facebook – YouTube
Last year, I got the insane pleasure of hanging out with Austin-based rock outfit The Cuckoos at SXSW. This year, they’re taking immense strides into the forefront of the industry, nabbing attention from some of the hottest music outlets in the world. Their brand of rock gives off this soulful, vintage vibe, while their style and attitudes reflect that same laid back comfort that has gone missing from so much of our modern music.
Don’t believe me? Check out their latest track “Heartbreak Paradise” below, then sidle on down to a playlist the quartet curated exclusively for Imperfect Fifth, which includes a look into their inspiration and taste. (Descriptions provided by Kenneth Frost.)
Heartbreak Paradise – TheCuckoos
Just a little shameless self promotion. This is our new song we just released on Valentine’s Day.
The Dude – Quincy Jones
This is just a funky, feel-good track with a little bit of rap, some horns, and Mr. Quincy Jones layin’ it down.
Uptown – Prince
I love the production of this record– Super funky and raw sounding. This song has some of my favorite lyrics as well.
Do I Make You Feel Shy? – Connan Mockasin
I’ve been listening to a lot of Connan Mockasin lately. I love the lyrics and the simplicity of this track. It’s very catchy and he always puts off such a watery, seductive vibe with his music which I really dig. It’s romantic.
Dinosaur Carebears – Ariel Pink
My favorite example of a song that makes you feel like you’re on drugs without actually being on them. It’s pretty much a 3-part psychedelic jam that goes into this weird ‘toy train from hell’ sounding bit before mellowing out into a pretty cosmic sounding groove.
Stay – Maurice Williams and The Zodiacs
It’s a lovey dovey old school tune with great falsetto vocals. It’s only about a minute and a half, so it makes you want to play it on repeat.
Redbone – Childish Gambino
This is probably my favorite track of 2017. Gambino made a dope funky 70s funkadelic Prince-y sounding pop song with some heart and it did really well. So not only do I dig the song, but I also feel like it was pretty ballsy and cool of him to do that style of music and also make it on to pop radio. It reminds me of the next few songs.
Do Me Baby – Prince
Another Prince tune. Super slow, super romantic. Great lyrics and dynamics. It has this bass pop that just gets me every time. Gambino did it in Redbone too. Both of those really influences TheCuckoos‘ song, Heartbreak Paradise.
I’d Rather Be With You – Bootsy Collins
A classic.
I Wanna Roll With You – Connan Mockasin
Another Connan song. The intro is genius and I love the backup vocals on this track.
Orange County Suite – The Doors
A kind of deep cut. Morrison wrote and recorded a version of himself singing and playing this song on piano before he passed. It wasn’t released until the remaining members of the doors recorded the instrumentals to the tracks. I found it on an old bootleg record, but I think they put it out with a deluxe L.A. Woman and on a compilation too. One of their most haunting songs and a personal favorite of mine.
Billie Jean – Michael Jackson
Bass Line. Production. Music Video. Moonwalk.
Ego Tripping Out – Marvin Gaye
Marvin Gaye getting funky as hell and telling everybody why he’s the best.
Mary Jane – Rick James
Rick James was cool as shit. The clavinet at the end is gnarly.
China Girl – Iggy Pop
I love ‘The Idiot’. To me this track is just melancholy gothic post punky perfection. Iggy’s screams are godlike.
Something About That Woman – Lakeside
One of my favorite songs. The guitars, the bass, the synths, the vocals. Everything is so tight.
The Wedding List – Kate Bush
The first song from Kate Bush I heard. She’s one of my biggest influences and I love her music dearly.
True Blue – Dirty Beaches
Sounds like Dirty Beaches doing The Ronettes. I feel like I’ve really been influenced by Dirty Beaches’ vocal style.
A Little Bit Funky – TheCuckoos
Us again 😉 I feel like this was the first song of ours we got people to dance to and that makes me proud.
This Night Has Opened My Eyes – The Smiths
What’s there to say? The Smiths are cooler than cool. I like the moody stuff.
Little Dark Age – MGMT
Their new track and album are dope. I dig where they’re going with this new record and I’ve been listening to this a lot lately.
Keep On Lying – Tame Impala
Probably my favorite Tame Impala song. The guitars and keys just put you in a trance. They’re one of the reasons why I started making music.
Into The Groove – Madonna
Keyboard lick (ugh). How could you not dance? Just an all around banger from the moment you put it on.
Ontario-based fourpiece The Crowleys have just dropped their brand new EP, Colours Change Their Tone. The Crowleys is made up of high school friends Cohen Wylie providing lead vocals and guitar, drums and backing vocals from Stuart Downie, Kaulin Horlick’s bass, and Justyn Horlick on keys and guitar.Recorded at Threshold Recording Studio, Colours Change Their Tone represents a big step into the future for the Crowleys. Known for their signature psychedelic pop, The Crowleys have a unique sound that fits well into the evolving soundscape of the 21st century.
Colours Change Their Tones starts off with the mellow, inescapable attraction of “Pink Rainbows”. After “Pink Rainbows” is “Midnight Blue”, the namesake for the album. A psychedelic, synth-packed track carries the EP well and provides a smooth transition into the next track, “Stargazer”. Midway through Colours Change Their Tones is “Girl What”, a groovy, sassy track that indubitably shines on the EP. Laced with even percussion and Following “Girl What” is “L.A. Sunsets, which again highlights the psychedelic aspects of The Crowleys while maintaining an approachable sound. Colours Change Their Tones closes out with “Pansy Party Extravaganza”, which sounds just as the name implies.
The Crowleys on their new EP: “The title comes from a corny little line in Midnight Blue, “The colours change their tone when I hear her on the phone”. It’s about how a significant person or event can change how you perceive everything around you. Small or dull things that you never notice are suddenly bright and very much in the foreground. Or like a character in a film that falls upon tough times and has literal storm clouds roll overhead. Related to that is how terrifying it is that sudden and small things or occurrences – in the grand scheme of your life – can have huge impacts.”
We are thrilled that Colours Change Their Tone is out in the world, and you should definitely give it a listen.
