Propellers/Bad Vibes by The Frowning Clouds (Spain)
I think I just found my summer pick. The Frowning Clouds’ garage rock single, Propellers/Bad Vibes, is 100% warm weather material. This almost reminds me of what the Beach Boys would sound like if they were a band established in 2013. Tell your boss you can’t go to work today, you’re way too busy going to the beach and going on drives in convertibles. @LeahLovecat
Posted in A: Lovecat, T: Single
Tagged DIY Recording, Garage, propellers/bad vibes, Spain, surf, the frowning clouds
The Ballad of Lawrence Wilson by Coal Bed Duet (West Palm Beach, Florida) *
Listening to The Ballad of Lawrence Wilson makes you feel like an outlaw. You envision yourself in leather chaps, riding a horse named Bronco, dust flying behind you as the Sheriff chases you down. But you cannot be stopped. You ride on through the night until you find the nearest saloon, you stop, have a quick drink and then ride on. We may not be in the west but I’m sure going to play make believe. [Free Download] @LeahLovecat
Creatures by El Toro! (Liverpool, England)
Creatures are one part surf, one part garage and three parts rock. Does that make sense? If it doesn’t then try to think a little less. Creatures is full of fast pace numbers guaranteed to spice up your evening. Who doesn’t love a good rock song? It’s albums like this that makes me remember that there is a ray of hope out there for the future of music. [Free Download] @LeahLovecat
Posted in A: Lovecat, C: Free Music, T: LP/EP
Tagged creatures, DIY Recording, el toro!, England, Garage, Liverpool, surf, UK
The Shones EP by The Shones (Boston, Massachusetts)
My first listen of the day came in the form of a surf rock EP, self titled, The Shones. It’s hopefulness in the form of music. Is that the sun I see peeking through the sky? No? Well, maybe it’s the music that’s giving me this sunny disposition. Having reinvented their sound within the past couple of years, The Shones have found, what I think is perfect for the upcoming denim short weather. Pull out your headphones and download this sucker. [Free Download] @LeahLovecat
Posted in A: Lovecat, C: Free Music, T: LP/EP
Tagged blues, Boston, dirty feeling, DIY Recording, Garage, surf, the shines ep
Beat Machine by X-Ray Fiends (Auckland, New Zealand)
X-ray fiend serves up fast paced anxious surf tunes that echo early garage pop. The repeated guitar chords and frantic lyrics add an almost post-punky feel to music I would otherwise categorize as garage. They’re going back to beginning here recalling early garage rock bands with song titles like “witch” and shouting ghoulish howls. Overall, they synthesize these styles into a cohesive style that flows between these two songs quite well–working well separately and together. Carlblom
Massenger by Massenger (Ventura, California)
Massenger’s self titled album is west coast surf rock at it’s very best and I mean, very best. Massenger is a tightly recorded album, almost as if Interpol and Best Coast had a psych rock love child. It’s time to crank up your stereo and dance like nobody’s watching. @LeahLovecat
Posted in A: Lovecat, T: LP/EP
Tagged burger records, DIY Recording, massenger, rock, surf, ventura
Where To Lie by Twist (Toronto, Canada)
New. New. New. New. New. You can’t get any more new then Twist. The Canadian duo consisting of Laura Hermiston and Brian Borcherdt have written a hauntingly beautiful track to introduce us to their style. It’s simple, solemn and alluring. I’m already emotionally attached to this one song and can’t stop myself from hitting repeat a million times over. Get acquainted and lets humbly and patiently wait for more. @LeahLovecat
Posted in A: Lovecat, T: Single
Tagged DIY Recording, fuzz, haze, pop, psych, surf, Toronto, twist, where to lie
Eyes Like The Sky by King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard (Melbourne, VIC)
With a newfound appreciation of surf and spaghetti western instrumental music amongst indie artists worldwide, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard comes correct with a unique and bold approach to their writing. Theatrical and dramatic, the album reads like a book or movie, literally with a profound narration from Broderick Smith speaking over guitar riffs and atmospheric scores like the narrator of a 1960s Eastwood film. Upon listening to their previous albums, fans will appreciate this release even more coming from a full time surf-punk band that went somewhat out of their realm to do this record. This is as authentic as you’re going to get with this sort of stuff so if you’re looking for some Tarantino background vibes, this is the move. I doubt I would often find myself in the mood to sit through an entire pass of this album, but absolutely worth checking out and demands attention. Give me a film like Jim Jarmuschs’ Dead Man to go along with it and my feelings will no doubt change. @thinknotsleep
Without Country by Different Skeletons (Toronto, Canada)
It does sound like Brians Jonestown Massacre! (Thanks Luisa). This is sweeeet stuff. Music for that scene everyone’s always talking about from pulp fiction. Makes me wanna be driving a hot rode up a long empty Los Angeles aquaduct. Being chased by the coppers, firing Tommy guns, with the remnants of the last rain churned out from the hot rubber leaving long dramatic trails behind, as you hurdle through a barricade, off a cliff, into the darkness. @TheSnakeRecords
Posted in A: Spinrad, C: Free Music, T: LP/EP
Tagged country, Garage, psychedelic, Punk, rock, surf, Toronto
Surfs Up, Hoe’s Down by The Bennys (Roselle Park, NJ)
I don’t envision myself doing many features on new, DIY surf bands often because frankly the majority of it is trash. The issue at hand is that most people forget the level of proficiency necessary to really revive the chunky, fast, rippin’ riffs of Dick Dale or The Ventures. Songwriting duo Andrew Santora and guitarist Chris Meagher are veterans of the NJ music scene and have played together in various projects over the years. The Bennys — a freshly dressed, surf punk quintet, formed sometime in 2011, quickly took to stages in the tri-state area and made everyone’s girlfriends sweat profusely and twist uncontrollably. Though the band had a flash in the pan run of shows taking place in less than one years’ time, they quickly fell into other projects and slowed down what seemed to be a rapid climb to popularity. The band does turn up every now and then when the time is right and with an approaching Summer season, it’s likely you’ll see them in action at a Bushwick block party near you. Though the live performances may be seasonal, recorded music is forever and I recommend you close your bedroom door and put on their free EP Surfs Up, Hoes Down for a solo dance party lasting all of 7 minutes and 38 seconds. [Free Download] @thinknotsleep
Posted in A: Egan, C: Free Music, T: LP/EP
Tagged Dick Dale, DIY, free music, Garage, indie, New Jersey, New Music, Punk, rock, surf, The Bennys, The Ventures
