Summer is already starting to feel like it’s blowing up, as we’ve had a busy week with new breezy tunes to chill in your beach chair by, as well as some fresh jams to sweat it out to. In live reviews, Zach Klassen was up at Sasquatch! Music Fest, where DIIV took all his doubts about them away, Indians displayed some of the most pure musicianship he saw at the whole fest, and Michael Kiwanuka laid out “an ideal soundtrack for the sun-baked inhabitants laid out on the Bigfoot lawn.” Check his complete festival coverage here. Meanwhile, Northwesterners Wooden Indian Burial Ground blew my mind over on the east coast at Grand Victory. Brigit reviewed the new Yellowbirds album, the latest from Sam Cohen & co, who also just released a video for the beautifully dreamy jam “The Ceiling.” Katrina reviewed Crystal Fighters’ sophomore release, and sounded like she was pretty much on the same “Wave” (da dum chh) with it. I can claim the same with the new Secret Colours’ record I reviewed, since I’m still jamming to “Faust.” Katrina also had a chat with The Golden Grrls, who recently released a freewheelin’ romper of a debut on Slumberland.
The Dig release their Tired Hearts EP today, June 4th, which is full of gems produced by Bryce Goggin (Pavement, The Apples In Stereo, Swans, Antony & The Johnsons). “Over You Again” is another cut that needs to be on repeat.
Upstate New York rapper/producer duo The Doppelgangaz have been gaining a lot of traction, and this past week they debuted a video for their head bobbing track “Sun Shine,” where they showcase some slick dance moves, funny faces, and sick beats.
Los Angeles’ Thundercat is like the modern Herbie Hancock of bass. Blending indie rock with jazz, soul, and electronic funk, along with Flying Lotus on co-production, this guy is taking it to the next level.
Deep digging songstress Doe Paoro has a video for her new track, “New Lows,” and as usual it’s packed with a powerful message.
The Mohawk Lodge made a video for “Hard Love” that’s worth checking out. Shot on frontman Ryder Havdale’s phone last December in Peer, Belgium, the video chronicles a night of revelry with Belgian trucker “Ber The Devil.” Because apparently he only drinks Duvel beer. As legend has it, the guys got wild in a pool hall, and then the next morning Ber was back out on his way in his truck.
On the heels of their new album release, Born Ruffians have now unveiled a unreleased track, “With an Ax,” which they thought too special to be grouped with anything else. It is pretty singular.
London folk rockers Treetop Flyers have a forthcoming album to be released later this month, recorded at Rick Rubin’s studio w/ producer Noah Georgeson (Devendra, Joanna Newsom, Bert Jansch) directly following a Gram Parsons pilgrimage to Cap Rock plus a roadtrip down to Joshua Tree. These experiences are extremely evident on new track “Houses Are Burning,” showing that despite their faraway upbringing, sun-drenched 60s California rock is where their heart lies.
Tracklist:
Yellowbirds – “The Rest of My Life”
The Dig – “Over You Again”
DIIV – “How Long Have You Known”
The Golden Grrls – Past Tense”
Crystal Fighters – “Wave”
Thundercat – “Oh Sheit It’s X”
The Doppelgangaz – “Sun Shine”
Doe Paoro – “New Lows”
Secret Colours – “Faust”
Wooden Indian Burial Ground – “White Bats”
Treetop Flyers –“ Houses Are Burning”
The Mohawk Lodge – “Hard Love”
Born Ruffians – “With An Ax”
Indians – “I Am Haunted”
Michael Kiwanuka – “Home Again”
BONUS: Radiation City shot a new live video on GoPro cams at Austin’s cathedral of Junk for a special perspective:
