More new bands discovered at Austin Psych Fest. Brigit came out digging The Holy Drug Couple, who was one of “those new bands that maybe you didn’t come into the festival knowing but came out of loving.” Kristen was there too, and raved about the effulgent future ahead for Canadian rockers Elephant Stone. To me they have a similar power pop sound to Teenage Fanclub, so I’m listening.
In other news, Oakland Cali’s Shannon & the Clams premiered a second single from Dreams in the Rat House, “Into a Dream.” There’s a little bit of lo-fi garage, pop, doo wop, psychobilly, and a lot of rock n’ roll in it, making it a tune that combines so many things I like into one track.
Small Black released a new single, “No Stranger,” announced a tour, AND joined forces with brewery Stillwater Artisanal to craft their very own black saison beer, using their song “Breathless” as inspiration. I wish there were more collaborations like this.
Singer/songwriter Melissa Ann Sweat, otherwise known as Lady Lazarus, released her second album, All My Love In Half Light back in January, but none of the tracks floated by me until now. “Gleam” is a super hypnotizing minimalist piece, and the video is even more hypnotizing.
Texan folk rockers Baptist Generals have announced a tour with The Mountain Goats, and shared a new video for an unreleased track, although they do have a new album too. The track on our mix, “Dog That Bit You,” is on the album.
When Saints Go Machine is gearing up to release their new full length, Infinity Pool, with “Love & Respect” featuring Killer Mike as the lead track. This particular cut has already remixed by Teengirl Fantasy and Unkwon, but the original is pretty bangin as it is.
This month will lead to a new King Tuff release, and also this complete randomness happened.
Throwback psychedelic folk from White Fence is being reissued – specifically, their self-titled album will be out again through Drag City. Not a bad call, as it’s a good one to re-discover or discover for the first time.
And Brooklyn-based Bootblacks have announced the release of a 12-inch vinyl version of their sold out cassette EP “Narrowed.” You can also stream the whole thing at their bandcamp. They do dark 80s new wave post punk, and they do it well.
Tracklist:
Lady Lazarus – “Gleam”
King Tuff – “Sun Medallion”
Shannon & the Clams – “Into a Dream”
Elephant Stone – “Hold Onto Yr Soul”
Baptist Generals – “Dog That Bit You”
Holydrug Couple – “Long Rain”
Bootblacks – “Birds”
White Fence – “Who Feels Right”
When Saints Go Machine – “Love & Respect” ft. Killer Mike
Small Black – “No Stranger”
