It’s been awhile since we’ve had a Weekly Roundup. This one is different than installments past since I’m working through a huge backlog, but the spirit remains the same: it’s a set of songs and videos I like that I want to share with you. Let’s do it.
When I say “ukulele covers,” “Skulls” by the Misfits probably is not what first comes to mind. But as NYC trio Prettiots show, it makes for an incredible match up, somehow both lovely and a little terrifying. I’ve been enjoying what I’ve heard from the band. Here’s another song that’s filled with vivid, interesting lyrics and is catchy as hell called “Dreamboy.”
We’ve shared some music from Wise Girl before. This NYC band has a throwback pop-punk / alt-rock sound going, which speaks pretty well to the lizard brain version of my musical taste developed around ages 13 to 15. Love the huge chorus hooks. But don’t mistake that for immaturity. This song “Little White Lies” is about getting away from dishonesty. Another song that just came out, “I’m a Freak,” gives voice to those moments when we doubt ourselves and wonder whether we’ll get out of our own way. Both come from You’ll Just Have to Wait, and the band plays Arlene’s Grocery thisThursday the 20th.
If you make a music video that involves the Amalfi Coast and Rome, chances are good I’m going to share it because of my fond associations with those places. And when the video is for a cover of a Tom Waits song after which we’ve named a feature here at Those Who Dig, well, it’s basically inevitable. So no big surprise NYC’s Imaginary People‘s “Picture in a Frame” is below, but guess what? They also have a brand new song from a 7″ you gotta hear too. It’s called “Scarlett Duval,” and it’s as raucous as the cover is lovely. Two interesting sides of a talented band.
Our friend David Shultz has a new track with his band Valdosta, “Nowhere No Way.” It kicks off what should be a series of several singles for 2014. It’s a nice start. The musicianship is understated but assured, and I like how the groove of the bass anchors the whole track. I’m excited to hear more from these guys for sure.
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Let’s shift into a whirling dervish of a track called “In the Mend” by Brooklyn duo Nomads (the O is supposed to be crossed out diagonally). It’s just drum and fuzzed out bass (well, maybe a keyboard?). It pulverizes but it also soothes. An album will be out in April called Free My Animal and you can catch them 2/28 at Spike Hill.
This next band breaks my typical rule of having to be either based in NYC or someone I shared in the past on TWD before I made the NYC-only rule (my grandfathering provision, essentially). But I’ve seen them live and I’m digging the music they’ve shared from their forthcoming album The Drop Beneath. So who am I to deprive you of Eternal Summers? Watch the video for “Gouge” below, listen to new single “Never Enough,” and bask in the band’s wistful, jangling, shoegazey goodness. The album’s due out March 4th, plus they play a show at Baby’s All Right that same night.
Sometimes music has an amazing ability to trigger memories of long ago. In the case of NYC’s Snowday, all I needed to do was read the name of their single to be transported. It’s called “Prickerbush,” which were the plants that surrounded the backyard at my grandparents’ house where I spent so much time with my brother and cousin while growing up. I don’t think my specific associations relate too much to what the song might have made me feel otherwise, but it’s really a fine example of indie pop you should check out. You can see the band live 3/9 at Piano’s.
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On the other hand, some music takes you to places you have never been. An example of that is “Dark Light” by NYC duo Weeknight, which is hazy and a little sinister but still magnetic. The video has some elements of spooky ritual and an almost Day of the Dead look to it, which heightens the otherworldly element. What really gets me is the strong interplay of the male & female vocals. This comes from debut album Post-Everything, due out March 4th. They’ll be at Baby’s All Right March 25th.
By now, you might be feeling a little overwhelmed by this barrage of excellent music. Like you’re in a place called the City of the Dazed perhaps? Ok, ok, that was forced, but it does happen to the name of the last great song I want to leave you with. “City of the Dazed” by Fielded. This is the project of Brooklyn artist Lindsay A. Powell. Over an atmospheric and affecting track, she unleashes a powerful and imploring voice. An EP is due out later this spring and I look forward to it.