We've got some hot tunes and videos in our latest Weekly Roundup, check them out.
This past week, I reviewed the new album Habit Shackles from Desert Stars, interviewed Blue & Gold, and shared the song "Fowl and Foe" by Old Monk. My show picks are over but you can enjoy the new video from Beat Radio for "Hurricanes, XO" in the post.
I don't know I've ever mentioned this before, but I've been known to dig some emo music on occasion. That's right. The energy, riffs, and emotional directness appeal to me, so it's been fun to check out the new EP Post Stadium Era from Help Me Help You. "Nice To See You Too" is a highlight for the vocal interplay.
Sometimes a parenthetical doesn't add much to a song title, but in the case of Ducky and her new single "Air (Night Version)," it makes perfect sense. This track has nocturnal written all over it. It places you in a dark room that slowly reveals itself in flashes of light. The raw honesty of the second verse into the handclap & hi-hat chorus is especially killer.
ARMS is a duo of Todd Goldstein and Tlacael Esparza. They will be releasing their second EP, EP2, on 9/10 via Paper Garden Records. The lead single "Comfort" is out now. Though it will certainly be comforting to hear for fans of indie rock, its message seems to be more about a lack of it. A delightful contradiction. They play Saturday at Glasslands.
Here's a neon-soaked video for "Johnny Smash" by French Horn Rebellion. I like to think of Johnny Smash as a character that's all about good times on the dance floor. The song has an electronic and disco vibe, and even a touch of classical with what appears to be a French horn (just like the name!). You'll be grooving to this one for sure, and if you want to live, check the band out 8/24 at Glasslands.
Sometimes you're in a room with True Blood on way too loud and you just need some fucking guitars. Enter Grooms and their new single "I Think We're Alone Now." It's the kind of beautiful noise that takes you away from all distraction. Which, in a way, is what the song is about: it channels that moment of jittery connection. Looking forward to their new album Infinity Caller, out 9/3. The band plays Knitting Factory TONIGHT and there's a release show 8/31 at Death By Audio.
Turnpike Glow made a very cool video for their song "Heels in Madrid," made from clips of Antonioni films. The choices of scenes match the dynamics of the song in interesting ways. I particularly like all the destruction as things get heaviest. Sweet tune, it's emotionally charged in the best way and I'm digging the verse bass riffs.