As if the cover art weren’t enough to draw you in – HELLOOOOO Earle Rock Studios -, Holy White Hounds‘ sophomore full-length release is absolutely extraordinary. Blending in the signature “eff you” style that they established with 2016’s Sparkle, Sparkle, Say It With Your Mouth is an established alt-rock adventure, with high stakes energy from beginning to end. While first track “Thirsty” insists that “I’m not excited,” the intense lead-in would say otherwise, as “Lucid Kid” establishes an energy that we’re ready to bump from now into the summer months. “Perpetrator” feels like the perfect addition to “Guitar Hero,” catchy as all get out with a visual that will keep your mind reeling.
The quirky name of the project can be found in the lines of “No Teeth”, while “Big Heavy” boasts the perfect sound to be played during an NFL game. (Shameless plug.) While Dean struggles with his perspective in “Trifection”, the attitude continues – complete with a whole different level of percussion – in seventh track “Violence”. This one is a real banger, so make sure to allow plenty of space to move around when you press “play” on it.
Dave Keuning joins in on the fun with “What I Am”, and “Burnt Tongue” speeds things up even more than originally anticipated, guitar licks and a beat that doesn’t just pull you in, but drags you in by your shoelaces – or bootstraps, or whatever gets you going – and does not let go. The drums set the scene for “The Void”, coming in with bass that sets one of those “walking like a badass” vibes for the remainder of the track. (AKA add this to your life soundtrack and when you’ve got to raise that confidence, play it and strut your stuff!)
If you are really paying attention to the lyrics instead of just the mood the soundscape sets for you, you’ll notice a variety of emotions, stemming from personal anecdotes that have been woven throughout the work as a whole. Dean’s vocals drag more of that emotion out of us, highlighting moments of darkness and a questioning mentality while we all learn how to feel through it. “Tracy Free” is one of those introspective tracks that really entices you to think, though the title of its follow-up, “Aids Chimp”, kind of detracts from the weight of the words.
But that’s what we’ve come to respect and love about this band. They can sing about some dark, dark shit and keep this weightless feel to it all, and you can tell that they are a ton of fun live simply from listening to a few lines from Say It With Your Mouth, if you haven’t yet been graced by their live performance tactics. “New Blood” will further enforce the theatrical nature of the band, though they may be the last to admit it. With bits of comedy mixed in with self realization and that clear, gorgeous edge, we’re big fans of this album as a journey, and are stoked you get to hear it from beginning clear through “Thirsty Outro”.
Say It With Your Mouth is available now. Keep up with Holy White Hounds here.
Immigration Unit – formed in April 2017 – is comprised of four musicians that are sporadically located between Basel, Torino, Geneva, and Caracas. In such a short amount of time, they are already independently releasing their debut EP Sofa Heroes on June 29th, 2018.
This premiere – which we are hosting exclusively – will absolutely shake your soul to its very core.
Let’s get this straight. I’m not telling you to go out an do drugs. You don’t need to. Save your money. “Immigration Unit” is not only the drug itself, they are the trip, the atmosphere, the sights, and the sounds. Their brand of experimental psychedelic alternative unpredictably teases and borderlines loungey, intense, melodic stoner rock. In a way they’re comparable to Beck, but less spastic. Way less spastic. You could actually chill to Immigration Unit even though there are at times just so many sounds and things going on.
The title track, “Sofa Heroes” is subtly electronic and dreary. Its start may seem abrasive and noisy but just wait. The bass line has an off-key groove while the vocals just slowly weave in and out. From a spoken word to an overdriven noisy pre-chorus. Capturing every emotion the way a year holds 4 changes of season.
“Wasting Mornings” travels an unknown winding road. Anticipatingly frightening as without warning turning the corner and sustaining a bumpless cruising speed. Unblemished vocals radiate so delicately. being accompanied by a droning silky smooth guitar line. The only predictable aspect of “Immigration Unit” is their unpredictability. as another abrupt change from subtle becomes overtaken by a drab tone that sees the vocals evolve like the wind commanding the storm to commence.
The remixed version of “Sofa Heroes” hesitantly departs from the trippy original and has a much darker texture. A trap beat is later consumed by an almost industrial feel with the utilization of thicker electronics and dirty percussive sounds.
Overall the EP is a manic mix of an unmedicated rollercoaster, This has got to be one of the better releases I’ve heard this year. Why? Well, it’s original. It’s obscure. It’s not thrown together. It literally has a directional purpose and allows you to travel with it.
Get all the details about the official release of Immigration Unit, “Sofa Heroes” by visiting their website and don’t forget to follow them on Facebook.
Billie Eilish brought her own brand of alternative to Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival 2018. While we were out in Centeroo for Day 3, we got the chance to catch a glance. Here are some highlights.
Portland-based art-folk musician Michael Charles Smith is hitting a high note with the soundscape provided by his often ambient melodies and soft – yet assertive – vocals in his new 12-track release, In The Shadow. Bathed in a raspiness that is both emphatic and ethereal, Smith’s lyrics are apt to tug at the heartstrings of many, as they paint him as a vulnerable, masterful lyricist.
Beginning with the upbeat track “Hello Hello”, the album establishes a true journey for the listener, pace changing with each no track, and mindsets shifting from one end of the spectrum to the other, as he repeats, “I’ll die alone” in third track “Angel, and then softly croons, “I must have fallen in love” immediately following, in fourth track “One Word”.
The variety in the soundscape of In The Shadow makes sense, when the album is put into context. Inspired by his past struggles with addiction, Smith has come to terms with his circumstances, transforming that energy into a beautifully well-rounded body of work that you might never turn off. We’ve got the exclusive streaming premiere below.
Founded in 2013, this up and coming L.A. alternative indie rock band Goon is celebrating their recent singing to Partisan Records. Success is coming quickly for these guys and the reason why is easy to grasp. Their latest single “Choke Throat” plays like a soundtrack to a suspended gaze to the skies. Vocalist Kenny Becker has said the song revolves around a surgery to correct a sinus condition and the after effects that followed. A feeling of throat closure led to what we get to hear as “Choke Throat”.
Starting out with an acoustic sway “Choke Throat” is joined by vocals that echo down a long hall and drone with melancholic subtleties. What has started as sad converts into eerie as sounds in reverse are inserted and a percussive sound picks up the pace and ads texture. The gentle abstract sway also features a touch of saxophone that progressively rises from the distance and takes center stage. If joined by an orchestra the song would have taken the direction of cinematic, the use of the saxophone takes the mood to a jazz induced eye opener. If I hadn’t told you what the song was about, the music alone would make it sound like a more introspective moment about the pondering of life. “Choke Throat” is one of those songs that can be interpreted in many different ways. A benefit of this is that it will affect many people as they will take what they need from it. When the chorus section becomes more full and robust the song doesn’t seem so sad. It feels like the light at the end of the tunnel.
Partisan will be re-printing Goons two self-released E.P.’s Dusk of Punk and Happy Omen, pre-orders are being taken now and are set to ship out July 13th. You can secure your copy, which will also feature “Choke Throat”, through the band’s Bandcamp page and more order details can be found on their website. Don’t forget to follow them on Facebook.
If you happen to reside in one the town Goon will be touring, defiantly grab some tickets as they are one of the few “must see” bands that are rising fast. This could be a rare opportunity to see them in a smaller environment before they end up arena giants.
July 13th – Brooklyn, NY
July 15th – Washington, DC
July 16th – Richmond, VA
Jul 21st – Dallas, TX
Following up on their debut EP For The Light, alternative duo Foreign Air just released their latest single “Loud Magic.” The duo has toured with the likes of Phantogram, BORNS, X Ambassadors, and currently Bishop Briggs. Now they are excited to release “Loud Magic,” an alternative electronic track that grabs onto you. The track begins with a haunting intro, and incorporates synth sounds and a powerful buildup. Right as the beat drops, Foreign Air shows off their vocal skills at the perfect moment, filling the song with intensity.
The lyrics are equally as powerful as vocalist Jesse Clasen hits with lines like, “I know that you want to be seen, I know that you want to be queen…every one wants to be king,” “I know that you want to believe someone broke your trust,” and “I’m screaming out loud, I’m reaching for the clouds- will they listen to me now?” Interestingly enough, the track’s hook is inspired by Michael Jordan. “I grew up watching the Bull’s as a kid in the 90’s. I had giant inspirational posters of him on my wall,” Jesse explains. “I wanted to capture that spirit in the chorus, that moment when the score is tied, you’re exhausted, and you just put up the last shot at the buzzer.” “Loud Magic” is powerful, inspiring track that will have you feeling lifted and ready to tackle anything.
As a well known actor for 25 years on TV, film, and Broadway (receiving praise for the role King George in Hamilton) Jon Patrick Walker has leapt in the music scene of songwriting and singing after the release of his first album The Guilty Party . Soon after Walker released his second album People Going Somewhere. Now, the multi-talented artist is thrilled at the release of You & I, his latest EP. The EP is composed of six tracks, including the title track “You and I.” The first track “Your Open Hand,” is an innocent love song. Jon is joined by actress and his wife, Hope Davis. Their voices blend perfectly together and the lyrics are touching as Hope and Jon sing to each other “Your open hand- and in your open heart, a brand new start.”
“I Can’t Not Do the Robot (When I’m Dancing With You)” is drastically different from “Your Open Hand,” as the song pays homage to early rock and is a funky bop. “I can’t not do the robot when I’m with you!,” Jon enthusiastically shouts. Some tracks take a somber more reflective note like “I Won’t Sit Around & Cry.” Singing on the love that he wishes he had, Jon realizes that while he waits- he won’t be sulking in the meantime. “I want a real love…I want to feel love- but I won’t sit around and cry,” laments Walker. My favorite line is “Say it’s not the destination, it’s the journey no matter how lonely I am.” The folky song will have you feeling wishy washy but a little lifted as you listen to Jon patiently wait, with no tears in the meantime.
My favorite track is “You and I.” This jazzy title track has a little bit of everything; Jon’s soft airy vocals, love infused lyrics, the feeling of a live jazz band in a coffee shop, and even some whistling. “Raise the flag, just so long as it is black- I’ll make it green for earth, blue for sky, red for love- for you and I,” Walker sings on “You and I,” as his beautiful use of imagery shows not only his knack for writing but also for creativity. The EP holds a variety of folk, alternative, and jazz and has something for all music lovers alike.
You & I is available now. Keep up with Jon Patrick Walker here.
With the news of their second album DARE which will release July 13th, The Hunna is excited to share their latest single “NY to LA.” The alternative rock track tells the story of infatuation that may have an expiration date. “From New York to LA I don’t wanna forget girl the way this feels tonight, but we’re running out of time.” To me the song felt vaguely reminiscent of the best boy band rock day- think All-American Rejects, and Boys Like Girls. The Hunna had me in my feelings as they put down a fresh twist to an old sound, the sound I grew up with (20 something’s you know what I’m talking about.) “NY to LA” is definitely a song worth jamming to whether you’re alone or hanging out with friends on a summer night, the track has something for every one.
Courtship. recently released their debut album, Denial in Paradise. I had the pleasure of being acquainted with Courtship. earlier this month as I interviewed them. It was then that I fell in love with the first single off their album, titled “The Kind of Woman.” I was lucky enough to have a chance to listen to all of Denial in Paradise, an album where the tracks flow effortlessly to create a one-of-a-kind pop sound. “The Kind of Woman” is just the start and enters with a groovy 70’s feel. Courtship. sings “…the kind of woman I want to be with, you know I’m going to put a gold plated watch on her wrist,” on their idea of the ideal woman. The track even incorporates French. Listening to it made me feel like “the kind of woman.”
Following up “That Kind of Woman” is “Nice Guy.” The infectious track has Courtship. and me wondering as they sing “Why is it so hard to be a nice guy?/Could have had a nice life, friendlessness could never stop…I can’t even fake a smile,” Courtship. declares. “Nice Guy” is the perfect anthem not just for guys, but for a world that struggles to be nice from time to time. “Nice Guy” isn’t as somber as it sounds, the song stays upbeat with its synth and funky sounds.
“Perfect People” has a different, misunderstood and creepy feel to it. The vocals are emphasized here and Courtship. makes another great point “We’d do anything just to be perfect people, blonde and beautiful on the beach.” They are not far off, candidly calling out the societal pressures to look, be, and have “perfect things.” “Live! with D+J” remains the quirkiest track. The track is only 34 seconds long, but samples the band as if they were on a radio station with a DJ. It give the pop album a unique twist. Of course Denial in Paradise is more than just Courtship.’s latest album; it is an array of feel good, wind in your hair, summer night, love sick anthems.
