Discoverer 156: new indie findings

August is a month of recoveries, so today is the turn of our discoverer series. And we do so with three stunning proposals (look for some of them at the end of the year lists) with some of the latest bands that have gotten us excited. Indiepop all over!

Eyelids. Supergroup alert, supergroup alert! This collective (the regular cast is a quintet) hails from Portland, Oregon and includes current and former members of (take a deep breath, this is ridiculously stunning) Robert Pollard's bands as well as Guided By Voices, Stephen Malkmus and The Jicks, The Decemberists, Elliott Smith, Sam Coomes of Quasi, Jason Lytle of Grandaddy, Loch Lomond, Damien Jurado and even Peter Buck solo adventures! Main songwriters John Moen and Chris Slusarenko started "making waves" in 2014, but the first, proper release of the combo arrived in 2016 with the 7" 'Seagulls Into Submission'. It was followed by the debut album '854' a month later, plus the 'Eyelids' 12"EP. And now, after another EP, it's time to celebrate the arrival of sophomore LP 'or'. What can I say? You hear Flying Nun, Paisley Underground, Big Star, Teenage Fanclub, an Athens band that might be familiar to you (guess who produces the record)... If you are a little familiar with this Blog you should know this is not just another discovery. THIS IS A MUST!!!

Hideout. Based in Manhattan, NY, singer-songwriter Gabriel Rodriguez, alongside drummer Cory Stier, who is based in San Diego, began his recording & just for fun project on the road, as the two longtime friends are part of Cults (happily back after what can qualify as a hiatus, by the way) live band, tracking the tracks that would become debut album 'Rookie', out via Thrill Me Records in November 2014, there and there, as the tour kept going. Now, in this 2017, Rodriguez has come out with his sophomore release, mostly cooked at home and again with the help of Stier, 'So Many Hoops/So Little Time' is due out February 3rd 2017 via Small Plates Records. A rich second take of unabashed, very diverse (from jangle-pop to glam-rock) and emotionally charged (heavy stuff inside, dealing with a tough loss) indiepop tunes. It might have been hiding, but we have found a pop master craftsman here...  

Rat Fancy. And we end in Los Angeles, CA, to meet this trio of effervescent twee punk. Formed just a year ago when Diana Barraza (a former Sweater Girls) and Gregory Johnson recorded some tracks in their bedroom. The duo quickly recruited friend Gavin Glidewell and the completed band was ready to debut live at at 2017´s SXSW. Songs have been surfacing online during the year, but since late May the group has its proper debut release, the EP 'Suck a Lemon', out via our dear friends at Happy Happy Birthday To Me Records. A small yet very promising collection of six indiepop tunes, with enough sugar and catchiness to knock you out immediately, but also an edge, a sharpness, and a sourness (very apt title) that endures and demands for more soon. Check them out! 

Discoverer 134: new indie findings

And here's another round of our discoverer series, this time devoted to three stunning indie rock proposals. Getting heavy, getting awesome, let's hear!

Cayetana. We begin our music trip in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with this trio formed in the fall of 2011 by Augusta Koch, Allegra Anka and Kelly Olsen. Their first release came in the form of a self-titled EP at the end of 2012. Two years later, after signing with Tiny Engines they came out with 7" 'Hot Dad Calendar', which was followed by debut album 'Nervous Like Me', that appeared in September 2014. Now they are back with stunning 7" 'Tired Eyes', out via Asian Man Records, featuring two new tracks: the original 'Freedom 1313' and a cover of New Order’s 'Age Of Consent'. Please hurry and check their music, intense and affecting indie rock with traces of punk, heavy in guitars and stomping rhythms without losing the knack for melodies, but even heavier in something much more important that any genre label: the honesty, the energy, the undeniable feeling here's a real great band with a lot to say. A lot to say to you. Not to be missed. 

Halfsour. Ian Gustafson, Matthew Mara and Zoë Wyner hail from Boston, Massachusetts, and the legend says they started playing together as a Guided By Voices cover band for a Halloween party in 2013. A self-titled, short-run demo tape that May and digital single in December was followed by split 12" EP with Reports, out on Ride The Snake Records in September 2014. All steps towards 'Tuesday Night Live', debut album just released by our friends at Jigsaw Records. Instant indie rock echoing Mr.Pollard, of course, but also a bit of Replacements or New Grenada, quick, effervescent songs full of punch, melody and lasting fun. Winning combination, band to watch for!

WALL. And we end in New York City to introduce you a hype that really deserves all the attention is getting. A four-piece leaded by the fierce vocals and presence of Sam York and literally coming out from nowhere, that doesn't have much information available on the Internet. Yet. Because with the release of their self-titled EP, just now via Wharf Cat Records, this is about to change. Immediately. Pylon, Mission of Burma, The Fall, an uncanny, mind-blowing and energetic blend of post-punk and no-wave, where urgency and rawness, delivered in the frantic vocals, the loping bass or the machine-gun guitar lines collide with an in-your-face melodic power. All in all, such an impressive debut to keep you thrilled with what comes next. All eyes (and ears) on WALL.

These Go to 11: interviewing The Persian Leaps

After recovering the section last week, here's another chapter on our interview series. This week we have to pleasure to count with Drew Forsberg from our dear The Persian Leaps and the excellent Land Ski Records label answering our questionnaire. A little bit of old-school-noise-pop in our blog today. These Go to 11! 

Ready for the jump

Drew Forsberg, The Persian Leaps 

Hailing from Saint Paul, Minnesota, this trio was formed in 2012, when Drew Forsberg decided to transform his originally solo project into a full band. A year after, they released via his own label Land Ski Records debut EP 'Praise Elephants', followed by 'Drive Drive Delay' in September 2014. Now the circle of EPs has been completed with 'High & Vibrate', out just now. Direct, shiny, infectious songs, somewhere in between noise pop and power-pop, recalling the brightest side of Sugar and our beloved Teenage Fanclub, ready for making your day immediately. Alive and kicking tunes! Here we go!

Second hand news: this record was huge

1. First record that you bought (be honest)
I believe I got several albums at once because I joined the Columbia House record club (8 records for a penny!). But I’m pretty sure that Fleetwood Mac – 'Rumours' and an ABBA greatest hits album were in there.

2. First and last concert you have attended (be honest too!)

My first concert ever was Pete Seeger and Arlo Guthrie at the Minnesota State Fair in 1985. My first real rock and roll concert, though, was Echo & the Bunnymen and New Order in 1987. These days, I mostly go to shows by local bands. The awesome shoegaze band, Ringo Deathstarr, was the last larger show I went to.

The fast, furious & hairy 80s, MTV style

3. Guilty pleasure (song/band you shouldn’t like but you do, yes, it’s the embarrassing question)
I have a weakness for Def Leppard, especially 'Photograph'.

4. Most precious music item you own (collector mode on)

I’m not into vinyl, and although I have stacks of CDs, I just listen to music on my phone these days. My oldest, most precious music-related item is a songbook for The Smiths – 'Meat is Murder' that I bought around 1986. I basically taught myself to play guitar using the chords in that book.

The father of lo-fi, hearing the voices...

5. Favorite lyrics (not yours)
Just about anything by the Smiths or Guided By Voices. Morrissey and Robert Pollard are amazing lyricists, although very different. If I had to pick just one example, I’d choose 'The Headmaster Ritual' by the Smiths just because it so perfectly captures a bleak, miserable school experience.

6. Musician/s you would like to meet (should be alive, for obvious reasons, but you can choose a dead one too)
Robert Pollard from Guided by Voices.

7. Favorite artwork album (not yours)
My Bloody Valentine’s 'Loveless'.

8. Books or movies? Depending on your answer recommend us one (trick: you can choose both) 
My favorite movie is 'The Godfather'. My favorite book is 'The Crying of Lot 49' by Thomas Pynchon.

Elephants going noise-pop

9. Song (of yours) you are most proud of
They’re all my children. That said, I’m still very proud of the song 'Sleeples' from Praise Elephants. It’s about my father and so far, is the only time I’ve written a song with direct, personal content.

10. What does it mean indie for you? (yes, the “serious question”)
I’m biased and have a certain sound in mind when I hear that term (guitar-driven indie rock from the 80s and early 90s). But in general, it makes me think of musicians who are passionate enough about music to keep making it, even when they have little chance of commercial, popular success.

11. Where do you see yourself in 10 years? 
Still making music, with any luck, releasing the five best Persian Leaps songs we have ready every fall.

                                                                                     Zillion thanks Drew, thanks The Persian Leaps!

Discoverer 112: new indie findings

Oh what a triplet of bands we have gathered in our discoveries' series this weekend! You're going to love it, enjoy!

Surf City. You can't do wrong going down under. Formed in 2004 in Mt Roskill, Auckland, this New Zealand quartet was quickly hailed as a "band to watch", releasing their s/t debut EP in 2008 on Arch Hill Recordings/Morr Music, with full-length 'Kudos', arriving two years later. But the best was yet to come. First with sophomore album 'We Knew It Was Not Going To Be Like This' out on Fire Records and, arriving in just a couple of weeks, 'Jekyll Island' that should propel Surf City to indiepop's stratosphere. Psychedelic pop with twists of fuzz, echoing our Flying Nun heroes while taking a ride as well with American heavyweights like The Velvet or The Feelies. Influences aside, this is catchy as hell, ridiculously engaging. Serious contender for addictive record of the year. Not to miss.

American Culture. Hailing from Denver (the press release says "they live out in the desert near four corners where Arizona, Colorado, Utah and New Mexico meet"), there's very few information on a band that, back to the press release, "don't really want the world to know who they are, personally. Just the music. We even had a hard time tracking them down for this. The tracks and art come to us on a CDR in an envelope with no return address. We have only e-mailed with them. Never spoken. They ask (politely) for no photography during their rare live shows, usually in houses or basements". They define themsleves as "pop music for introverts". Which is kind of ironic, in a way, because the majority of 'Pure American Gum', their first record (as far as we know), out next week on Jigsaw Records, is expansive, pure, unadultered, 90s indie-rock. Guided By Voices meeting Dinosaur Jr, Pavement on stereoids, Jesus and Mary Chain high on Coca-Cola. Pop hits.
Diet Cig. Alex Luciano and Noah Bowman of Earl Boykins (Forged Artifacts) hails from New Paltz, NY. With a very short background, only a handful of shows after the duo started out las summer, we began to hear first, promising tunes, late last year. Now five songs have seen the light of day via Father/Daughter Records, on the debut EP 'Over Easy', out since February. An incredible, flawless litte dose of efervescent pop-punk, irresistibly catchy and energetic, with shouty, sing-along lyrics (Tiger Trap? Don't want to point that glorious name in vain but...). Make no mistake, Diet Cig are here to make you dance, yell, smile and love them. Instant crush...

These Go to 11: interviewing Me and the Bees

Next band answering our questionnaire is... Me and the Bees! You know when a band is more than just their tunes, more than how they sing & play their instruments, more than how they hide & show their influences, more than what they say in the lyrics, more than the sum of their members... When a group, just HAS it. That something, that special, genuine, something that makes you go back to their tunes. Once and again... Does it makes sense? Love them. These Go to 11!

Me and the Bees

The Bees conquering SXSW

A band named after a The Softies' song surely was going to catch my attention. Friends Esther Margarit and Eli Molina began this story by middle 2000s around their personal adventures and day-to-day life. The amateurish, unpretentious affair kept evolving until 2008, when two videos uploaded on MySpace got the attention of Hans Krüger (Montreal Studios), immediately asking them to record some tunes. Next turn of events came that same year when Artur Estrada (Nueva Vulcano, Aina) convinced them to play at a show at Sant Adrià. Demos were recorded, and the increasing gigs demanded a more stable line-up, so Verónica Alonso and Carlos Leoz (Half Foot Outside) completed the band. The quartet signed with La Castanya in 2009 and, in a meteoric jump, only a year after arrived debut LP "Fuerza Bien", with gigs, critic praise and single "Cleopatra" following. Think on K and Sarah Records, Guided by Voices, Pavement, vital, carefree, golden lo-fi indiepop. Although Eli left the band to focus on her also exciting project Fighter Pillow, the now trio of Bees are back in this 2014 with sophomore album "Mundo Fatal" scheduled for this May. Needless to say, dying to hear it. Here we go!

1. First record that you bought (be honest)

Carlos Leoz: "Master of Puppets", Metallica.
Esther Margarit: Honestly, I'm incapable of remembering the first record I bought, but for sure one of the first was the Vértigo compilation, the original.
Verónica Alonso: Michael Jackson's "Dangerous". I had to order it by catalogue. No record shops in my hometown...

2. First and last concert you have attended (be honest too!)

C: First concert...don’t remember, probably Jugos Lixiaviados. Last concert was Red Kross.
E: Jajaja! Can't remember first concert either, but I do remember the 98' Dr. Music Festival where I got blown out with Beastie Boys, Pulp, Bod Dylan... among many others. Last one was just a couple of days ago, Furguson and Traams at Sidecar.

Ouch! Ouch! Ouch!

V: First one was...Celtas Cortos, and last one has been, thank god!, Dead Meadow

3. Guilty pleasure (song/band you shouldn’t like but you do, yes, it’s the embarrassing question)
C: Army of Lovers “We Stand United”
E: Wouldn't know where to begin...
V: Linkin´ Park....I am sorry

4. Most precious music item you own (collector mode on)

C: Spectrum's ”Soul Kiss (Glide Divine)”, transparent gateofold edition with green liquid.
E: Have a special fondness for a Triffids singles compilation (early singles) that was a gift a friend gave me years ago.
V: My L supraphonic snare drum!

Las Ruinas, heavy-pop & killer lyrics

5. Favorite lyrics (not yours)

C: Las Ruinas lyrics.
E: I'm more of devastating verses, but if I had to choose one of my favourite bands because of their lyrics i would be Las Ruinas without a doubt.
V: “Going Blind” but if Melvins are performing it much better

6. Musician/s you would like to meet (should be alive, for obvious reasons, but you can choose a dead one too)

C: Thurston Moore.
E: Jad Fair, Kim deal, Robert Pollard, Kim Gordon, Calvin Johnson, Georgia Hubley, Beyonce, etc..
V: Neil Young, Steve Albini and PJ Harvey

7. Favorite artwork album (not yours)

C: Arthur Lyman “Yellow Bird” album.
E: I'll tell you just the one that comes to my mind right now: "Beat Happening", from Beat Happening.
V: The Make-up, "In Mass Mind".

8. Books or movies? Depending on your answer recommend us one (trick: you can choose both)

C: Movie: Marco Ferreri’s “La Grande Bouffe”
E: Fanzine: "Chilena Comando".
V: Both! Last book I read was John Waters, "Role Models!", and film...maybe the one I am never tired of "The Great Gatsby" (but the old one!!! no remakes could be better )

9. Song (of yours) you are most proud of

C: "Fun in summertime (the Watterparties)"
E: "Spiderman (Silly Walk)"
V: Maybe..."Love and Fun", new one in the new record

10. What’s does it mean indie for you? (yes, the “serious question”)

C: Indie=not mainstream music.
E: The one that wants to be a cowboy but prefers dancing (literally "El que quiere ser cowboy pero prefiere bailar", the blogger is completely speechless after this answer).
V: It means an independent way of expression in all types of art.

11. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

C: No need to know...
E: I'll have a puppy.
V: I will be 43 so I guess doing the same but having ten years more of experience : )

Zillion thanks Bees!

Stop Awful Covers 11

The eleventh chapter of the Awful Covers Series is here... in all its glorious bad taste. Another round of atrocious sleeves to show you how a musician can ruin and disrespect his/her work. Please stop...

ARTWORK ATROCITIES

 Wampire:  Curiosity

The only curiosity is knowing which kind of drug they took when they decided to this sleeve.

Jai Paul: Jai Paul

Definition of kitsch or tacky? Poor animals, is not their fault.

Shannon and the Clams: Dreams in the Rat House

There's at least one hobbit missing here... plus some good taste.

Guided By Voices: Noble Insect

More about animals from a band that repeats here. The insect can be noble, but the sleeve designer...

Brooke Waggoner: Originator

More on Lord of the Rings. This must be an homage to Galadriel without the 281 million $.

  Niagara: Otto

Or regular dose of zero work comes punctual to its date. Now in pink.

Pintandwefall: Be My Baby

What the hell is that? Wouldn't be your baby even if there would be the only chance to mankind to survive.

Deep Purple: Now What?!
Now what? My advice is retirement.. or at least change the artwork, please (this one is dedicated to my dad).  

Stop Awful Covers 6

It's been a while since our last chapter of artwork horrors, but unfortunately here's a new dose of deplorable taste and lack of care for your own music and your fans. Please stop...

ARTWORK ATROCITIES

Aimee Mann: Charmer
This one hurts, because I love Aimee's music, but the cover is plain ugly.

Yeasayer: Fragrant World

I can look one million times, and independently of what I see each time, it's always awful

The Slaves: Spirits of the Sun
A work of .... little effort

 Bonaparte: Sorry, We're Open
A very weird couple of party-goers? For sure a couple full of bad taste

Dog Day: The Scratches
At least the band's name is appropriate. It had to be a dog day when they chose that cover

Spider Bags: Shake My Head
Yes, I shake my head with consternation. How can someone choose this as a cover?

Guided By Voices: Jon the Croc
The genius of Robert Pollard is completely absent on this cover....

Juliana Hatfield: Juliana Hatfield
Pretty in pink? No... zero work in pink...

Anthony Green: Beautiful Spring

All I can say I'm happy Autumn has arrived

Primavera Sound 2012, still hoping

Right after the Primavera Club 2011 ends, the organization announces new names for the forthcoming festival, and in a double round. So the line-up in Barcelona has now 27 names... and I'm still looking for at least one to make me eager for the Festival to begin.

Don't get me wrong, the additions of Veronica Falls and Beach House (especially if the latest have new record) are great, but they aren't exactly exciting, in the sense I saw both bands recently (at the aforementioned Primavera Club and at the Fly Me to the Moon). And the rest of confirmations... with all due respect of course, and admitting there are some great names... the majority of them are simply not "my cup of tea". And it pisses me off that The Walkmen, a band that I don't mind "repeating" as many times as possible (two times this 2011), are only going to Oporto.

Really hoping (I'm sure it will) the line-up shapes into something more similar to my "PS12 sweepstake" (only two hits by now) or my "wish-list"!

CONFIRMED ARTISTS FOR SAN MIGUEL PRIMAVERA SOUND 2012

30th May – 3rd June, Barcelona

Archers Of Loaf, Beach House, Björk, Codeine, Death Cab For Cutie, Death In Vegas, The Dirty Three, The Drums, Godflesh, Guided By Voices, Jeff Mangum (Neutral Milk Hotel), Josh T. Pearson, Lisabö, Mudhoney, Neon Indian, Numbers Showcase (Jackmaster, Redinho, Spencer, Oneman, Deadboy), The Olivia Tremor Control, Other Lives, SBTRKT, Shellac, Siskiyou, Spiritualized, Veronica Falls, Washed Out, Wilco, The xx, Yo La Tengo.

Green- Definetely seeing them. Absolute must
Orange- If there are no overlaps (in particular with the green ones), I'll be there for sure
Yellow- Curious about it/"on research mode"

First confirmations for Primavera Sound Festival 2012

The 2012 Festival's rumble has officially started. Benicàssim Festival shot first with The Stone Roses, and today the Primavera Sound organization confirmed the first seven line-up names for the twelfth edition of the Festival in Barcelona, from the 30th May until 3rd June, and first in Porto, the following week.

Honestly, for me this initial round has been a bit disappointing, especially if compared with last year. No offence, the seven names are great indie proposals, some cult artists indeed, but Björk and Neon Indian are not my taste, Codeine's slowcore is not very appealing in principle, and with Yo La Tengo I have never been capable to maintain my interest further than a few songs. On the good side, I'm intrigued with Guided By Voices, that I'll hear thoroughly and Other Lives, on my Discoverer radar the last months. Sure, I should be excited by the confirmation of Jeff Mangum, but as it has been announced in the PS forum, he will play at the auditorium twice, like Sufjan Stevens did on May. So having the chance to see him seems unlikely... I was hoping for Mazzy Star, Feist or Beirut. Umm my PS12 sweepstake hasn't started in a very promising way. Well, no worries, so many names have to be announced... it will get better! 

Discoverer 21: new indie findings

Back with the weekly proposals!

Elephant Stone. Checking the great Indiecater label, I heard the song "Bombs Bomb Away", and then "I Am Blind", that blow me out. What a discovery! This band comes from Montreal (thanks again, Canada!), leaded by Rishi Dhir. In 2009 they debuted with the stunning album "The Seven Seas", nominated for a Polaris Music Prize. They returned with "The Glass Box" EP in 2010, and  seems we'll have more tunes soon. That would be a blessing, because Rishi and co. are goldmisth genius of indie-pop song. From jangle to power-pop, sometimes with an Indian feel, they offer music gems. Absolute must.

Red Shoe Diaries. Since July we can enjoy "When I Find My Heart", second EP from this five-piece band hailing from Nottingham, UK. After a very well received self-released debut EP, gigs along The Wave Pictures, A Sunny Day in Glasgow or Nouvelle Vague, and playing festivals like the great Indietracks in 2010, the time has come for the Diaries to gather the attention they deserve. Because is hard to find such a perfect collection of indiepop gems. Classic, sophisticated, with a scent of epic and literary skills. It has MASTERPIECE written all over it. Run to grab your (limited) copy!

We Are Trees. James Nee and Josiah Schlater come from Virginia, USA. In July 2010 released their first EP, "Boyfriend", but their sophomore effort, "Girlfriend", out since March, is the one catching the blogosphere attention. Whispering voices, lo-fi acoustics predominates, and with the help of cello and violin, the duo creates a peculiar, intriguing, hazy neofolk that sometimes evolves to indie-rock territory (check the glorious "I Don't Believe In Love").  Reviewers compare them with Grizzly Bear mixed with Guided By Voices or Fleet Foxes. I prefer to say they have a unique and exciting voice of their own. Listen. Have your say. You won't regret it.

Discoverer 14: new indie findings

Back to Sunday's music proposals, just for you!

Mazes. This London/Manchester band formed in early 2009 in Manchester and has toured with the likes of Wavves, Deerhunter, Dum Dum Girls or Crocodiles. Part of the DIY (Do It Yourself) scene (Male Bonding, Yuck, Spectrals), this quartet has the rare talent of creating sharp, edgy tunes with an infectious pop melody in the Pavement, Guided By Voices, Television Personalities' lo-fi style. "A Thousand Heys", their 2011 debut album (don't miss surefire hits "Go Betweens", "Most Days" and "Summer Hits") has enough hooks, choruses and vitality to keep you going all summer. Exciting band.

Mazes - Summer Hits
Mazes - Most Days
Art Museums. Thanks to our beloved Slumberland records, who has just released their new "Dancing EP", I have found this delicious band. Hailing from California, they are responsible of a joyous small collection (two EPs and the mini-album, that I enthusiastically recommend, "Rough Frame" from 2010) of tunes, that recall the 60s, jangle pop, Sarah Records, 90s lo-fi, and an engaging etc. But who cares about definitions? Anyone who can comprise in 1:30 minutes a gem like "Dancing With A Hole In Your Heart" should be defined as a pop genius, period.


Fonda. 90s are back. And they are very welcomed while they have the form of music as good as this "Better Days" EP. Behind L.A.'s Fonda are Dave Klotz and Emily Cook, who made three albums and an EP between 1998 and 2003. Then, band was put on hold. They married and developed successful careers, she as screenwriter (blockbusters "Gnomeo and Juliet" and "Ratatouille") and he as music editor (famous TV show "Glee"). But now they are back recording. Dreampop, smooth shoegazing and hints of brit-pop in this great EP. Welcome back, hope this is just a (new) beginning.
Better Days - EP by fondaband