Tag Archives: indie rock

Single Release: Hold Up Girl {NGHBRS}

Posted on June 10, 2013 by | Leave a comment

NGHBRS-promo-photo-low-res-2‘Hold Up Girl’ by NGHBRS   (Long Island, NY)

 
 

‘Hold Up Girl‘ is the latest single released by NGHBRS off their highly anticipated debut, full-length album Twenty One Rooms set to release July 16. True indie pop-rock, this track has all the right elements of a dancey, guitar driven rock tune and pop sensibility in every passing moment. To record their debut album, NGHBRS moved into an abandoned mansion, the former estate of famous American poet and journalist, William Cullen Bryant, on the North Shore of Long Island in the fall of 2012. The estate was later turned into a museum and eventually shut down, leaving behind exhibits and historical pieces still in tact. For over 2 months, the band lived with no Internet, no television, and in a house that was rumored to be haunted. Ain’t that some shit.  @thinknotsleep

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Posted in A: Egan, T: News, T: Single

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Hands’ EP

Posted on May 9, 2013 by | 1 Comment

1696615218-1Hands’ EP by The Top   (Brooklyn, NY)*

 
  
 
 

The fact that most of you have probably never heard of The Top is an unfortunate and curious reality. As the Hands’ EP runs its’ course, I acknowledge that reality and write this to you, with hopes of turning the music onto even one more fan, one more pair of ears to then share with their friends. The overall production is hot; most noticeably the vocals peak with a warmth we all crave as lovers of Nick Drake and The Beach Boys, but also from the crispy sound of the drums that groove and break up perfectly amongst the piano, acoustic guitar and electric guitar chinks on the 2 and 4. The band certainly accomplishes their retro pop ambitions and there is no reason they shouldn’t already have toured the US with bands like Dr. Dog and The Walkmen. This is the sort of band that fans will without any hesitation take under their wings and deliver to other music lovers with glee. It’s one thing to be told by hyped up music blogs and taste makers that you should be following a cool new band, and it’s another altogether to hear a band like The Top and pass them along out of sheer disbelief that they haven’t hit it big yet. I hope this EP finds you well and that you will pass it along like a peace pipe. @thinknotsleep

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Posted in A: Egan, C: Staff Favorites, T: LP/EP

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Marry Me Annie

Posted on May 8, 2013 by | Leave a comment

2154987564-1Marry Me Annie by Modern Merchant   (Brooklyn by way of Connecticut)

 
 

I wasn’t sure how I felt about the latest EP by Modern Merchant upon first listen until I reached track three, a slow grooving, dreamy pop song called ‘Marry Me Annie‘. The song is in the vein of Grizzly Bear and Local Natives, no question, but the delicate horn based rhythm section at the top is infectious. Blankets of harmonized vocals swoop in shortly after and the lead melody immediately had my head bobbing in a Jim James fashion, entrancing in style. The song dynamically moves from section to section, sonically telling a tale for those who stumble on the play button. I’m glad to provide that button today and I hope you’ll download their EP right after. @thinknotsleep

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Posted in A: Egan, T: Single

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Single Release: We Are Alive

Posted on May 7, 2013 by | Leave a comment

Golden-YouthWe Are Alive by Golden Youth   (Sacramento, CA)

 
 

From the opening chirps of woodwinds to the whistles of other orchestral instruments, ‘We Are Alive‘ the new single from Sacramento indie-pop duo Golden Youth, flows forth with positivity and youthful energy. The two songwriters, Stephanie Lauren and Kyle Monroe are currently promoting the May 28th release of their debut album Quiet Frame; Wild Light that has already begun gathering a ton of hype from the likes of Nylon and more. The song is light and poppy but also packed with intricate layers of drums, vocals, strings, keyboards and more to make the song come alive. This single has come at just the right time with numerous Fun-esque youth anthems climbing the charts, it is likely that we will hear this track pouring from car windows and backyard parties with the approaching warm season. @thinknotsleep

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Posted in A: Egan, T: News, T: Single

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The Broadcaster EP

Posted on May 7, 2013 by | Leave a comment

2337280925-1The Broadcaster EP by Charles Keith Sztyk   (Union, NJ)

 
 
 
 

Music Monday for me begins at home in New Jersey, both physically and musically. Fighting off a cold due to inconsistent Spring weather and sifting through music to feature today brought me to one of my favorite songwriters, Charles Keith Sztyk. He has been featured here in the past but now with a full 4-song EP to push, more praise from the DIY Dingus council is only appropriate. Knowing the many sides of Charles makes me approach his recordings with a bias but also very open to where production can take his music in alternate directions. This EP is full of distorted lo-fi vocals and dirty guitar, where as I’m used to the angelic voice displayed at live shows. This is only more reason for fans to experience the music not only digitally but at their local venue too. The songs are dynamic and all have their own strengths, flowing from one to another and speaking for themselves with powerful lyrics, melody and performance. I guess that is easier to maintain when you record every instrument yourself as did Charlie. This is a dark yet uplifting batch of songs that a broad demographic can and will relate to but certainly an EP to be embraced by fans of M. Ward and other indie-folk modern icons. @thinknotsleep

 

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Posted in A: Egan, T: LP/EP

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Operator

Posted on May 7, 2013 by | Leave a comment

UnknownOperator by The Fleeting Ends   (Philadelphia, PA)

 
 

Soaring pop strings aligned with oohs, ahhs, piano stabs and a snare drum that sounds like a mallet taken to a cardboard box, The Fleeting Ends are the butterflies you had on the first date with your significant other. Their latest track ‘Operator‘ is a sound depiction of where their collective head is at; groove based, 60′s retro rock carried gracefully by lead vocalist Matt Vantine and a wall of harmonic arrangements to allow every chorus to take flight. This Philly band is clearly following in the footsteps of pop greats before them like Dr. Dog, The Beatles, and Sufjan Stevens; undeniably a tried and true style but also a hard shoe to fill. Pressure is on and chances are these dudes can hang. @thinknotsleep

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Posted in A: Egan, T: Single

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…On The Heart

Posted on May 1, 2013 by | Leave a comment

1004747893-1…On The Heart by Wildlife   (Toronto, Canada)

 
 
 

…On The Heart is very well done. It sounds clean and clear, it sounds like they’re giving it their all. There is a loud passion echoing behind each song, behind each guitar and each pound on the drums. You can feel it pulse through your veins and enter into your heart. Your heart beats faster and for 40 minutes or so, you feel something wonderful. @LeahLovecat

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Posted in A: Lovecat, T: LP/EP

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Moonlight (Best New Music)

Posted on April 29, 2013 by | 1 Comment

301653226-1‘Moonlight’ by Napoleon   (Brooklyn, New York) *

 

Ohhhhhh Napoleon- you move like the wind.  New York City’s most passionate lovers are coming back strong with a new single in, preparation for their new album, titled ‘Moonlight’- ladies, be warned.  It’s the kind of rock music you can’t help but sway to.  It’s the kind of rock music that transcends the oligarchy of what fuzzed out rock music is supposed to be.  It rolls as long as it rocks and keeps moving, one foot in front of the next, begging to be replayed.  Perhaps I’ve heard this one a few times live and that’s why there’s some in depth connection- but the truth of the matter is that ‘Moonlight‘ is a structurally sound first floor to lay on top of ‘Curtains‘.

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Posted in A: Dingus, C: Best New Music, C: Staff Favorites, T: LP/EP

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Daydream

Posted on April 25, 2013 by | Leave a comment

the-new-regimeDaydream by The New Regime   (San Diego, CA)

 
 

Things are happening very fast for Ilan Rubin aka The New Regime. With his latest album still awaiting release, this once working drummer is quickly realizing sometimes it is better to take things into your own hands. Having spent a lot of time and energy playing for groups like Paramore and Nine Inch Nails, this solo endeavor is clearly a true representation of the real Rubin. Heavily produced with electronic instruments among many others, every decibel of sound was created and delivered by Ilan, who has also proven himself as a solid frontman. Sample what this guy has been brewing here today, an eerie pop electronica track that makes me want to throw on some Depeche Mode. @thinknotsleep

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Posted in A: Egan, T: Single

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Hold Tight

Posted on April 25, 2013 by | Leave a comment

209548463-1Hold Tight by Barkhouse   (Brooklyn, NY)

 
 

One band that I gotta give a shout out to is Barkhouse from Brooklyn. I met these great dudes a few times during events for Wreckroom Records and they have just recently dropped a new EP recorded there with engineer Brian Koerber. The EP is consistent in style and production, channeling old school Brit pop with some more modern sounds reminiscent of The Walkmen or Interpol. Luckily you can download these 4 new tracks right off of bandcamp and enjoy a classic faux live session courtesy of Wreckroom.tv. @thinknotsleep

 
 

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Posted in A: Egan, T: LP/EP

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