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The Runnies: You Can’t Win

Valerie — Wed, 22 May 2013 13:01:55 +0000

Exploding with a raw rock sound that echoes a lofi version of Juliette Lewis and the Licks crossed with the swagger of The Doors; The Runnies have that likable dirty rock sound that makes them difficult to ignore.

This Chicago trio knows how to capture an audience. Mixing 60s garage rock with a church revival feel isn’t easy but they nail it sweetly thanks to front woman Mary McKane’s strong vocal presence; some really sweet guitar riffs from partner, Russ Calderwood and drummer Brett Swinney’s steady pace. Armed with a Farfisa, The Runnies create tracks that are raw, a bit out of touch and quite danceable in an indie rock kind of way.

Contrary to the title, You Can’t Win is actually a winning EP that was recorded from August to November 2010 and completed by March 2011. Instead of going full digital, the entire set was done on reel-to-reel tape resulting in a pretty raw and textural performance.

Although Mary McKane has since been a staple in other bands (Outer Minds and Lover!) The Runnies was her first band. Joined by her fiance, Russ and drummer, Brett; they create something authentic and set apart from all the sugarcoated pop stuff we’re bombarded with today.

Opening single, Easy, entices with its danceable beat. Strong, almost exasperated vocals mold the song and transforms it into an easy hit among listeners. There’s also Sweetness, which deserves to be sung in an intensely cool church somewhere. Mary’s Joplin-esque vocals hold center stage yet again but the guitar and drums that accompany her resound in beautiful melancholia as well.

You Can’t Win is easily one of the best EPs around and it’s exciting to see which direction the band takes after this. They have a very distinct sound for modern indie rockers and its definitely something worth paying attention to. The best part though is that the compilation is offered for free download. You won’t regret grabbing this one.

Either/or Records: Either/Or and More Vol. 3

Valerie — Thu, 09 May 2013 13:01:01 +0000

We’ve featured tons of compilation records here on the blog before.�Adding one more can’t hurt, right? So here’s a little something from indie label, Eitherorrecords.

The company is described as a label created by musicians for fellow musicians. Specializing in a variety of indie rock, punk, emo and summer rock bands, the label is the perfect haven for new artists.

This is the third compilation from them and it’s a nice venue to discover brand new groups to add to your regular playlist.

Either/Or and More Vol. 3 is �one hefty compilation. It’s composed of about 30 tracks from the independent label, Eitheror Records.

The compilation is made up of bands that were part of their roster since they formed back in 2009. It’s�a big list to go through but luckily there are plenty of great picks on here.

For instance, opening single from Turnover, is pretty good. It’s a standard pop punk track from the Virginia-based band. Fast, chanty vocals, distorted guitars and overall, fun beat; it’s a perky start for the record. There’s also a nice Beach Boys cover from Michigan band, Citizen. They did a pretty good job creating a slightly updated version of Barbara Ann.

A few other tracks worth the mention include Alison Weiss’ Fingers Crossed,�Beast Makes Bomb’s 1,2,3,4 and final track from His Day Has Come, Where I Belong. You’ll find a ton of other great tracks on here. It’s a great album to sort through so take a listen and enjoy!

Aaahh Records Presents The Braaahhlitz Compilation

Valerie — Sun, 05 May 2013 13:01:56 +0000

For the last two years, the Aaahh Record’s crew gathered up several musicians and holed up in a small village called Bralitz (somewhere near Berlin.) With nothing but music, plenty of time and some fresh air, they’ve been creating wonderful music and have been churning them out in little compilations like this one.

This Braaahhlitz Compilation is the result of last year’s mini gathering. It’s comprised of 8 tracks filled with guitars, flutes, a whole lot of handclaps and just simple music that makes your hearts flutter or gather up that book and curl up in the corner.

With guitars and some neat whistling, Angela opens up the record. Armed with trumpets and sweet singing, the song has a nice “loungey,” laid-back folk feel to it. It makes you wonder who Angela is by the end of it all. Following closely is Easy to Say. There’s the same jaunty tune and beautiful guitar playing. Flutes decorate the background and complement the somber, low-key vocals.

Balkan Chameleon, on the other hand, is� a gypsy folk number the guys probably recorded while gathered around the night campfire. Meanwhile, Mono and Horsemen, drag down the tempo and create an atmosphere of mystery, tension, misery and reflection. Both tracks are quite rich lyrically and musically. They’re the kind you can leave on as background music while you drift off into your dreamland.

If you love these tracks, you’ll have something to look forward to this year as the guys prepare for Braaahhlitz 2013 this August. They’re also giving people a chance to drop by. You can check out more at their site. For the meantime, don’t miss out on this one. You’ll find a track to love on here, that’s for sure.

Related Links:
Aaahh Records Official Website
Aaaahh Records on Facebook
Aaahh Records on Twitter

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported License.

Farmertan: Needed Would Be Nice

Valerie — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 13:01:04 +0000

Making their second appearance here on the blog, Farmertan is back with their latest effort. It’s been some time between and they’ve been busy cooking up and releasing several records (about 9 compilations to be exact). This latest compilation, Needed Would Be Nice is a 9-track album released late last year.

Like their previous records, the bands characteristic garage sound is displayed proudly throughout the compilation.� Punchy and dirty guitars with upbeat drumming and catchy hooks remain a staple; entertaining to listen to as always.

If you love the 90s alternative pop rock scene, you’d reckon Farmertan belonged in that category. Needed Would Be Nice opens with HemiCuda (yes, Nash Bridges’ car!) The track is simple but features all the hooks and instruments at the right spot. Again, if you hunger for a time when bands just plain rocked out and created catchy hooks, you’ll adore the track.

Other cuts worth checking out include Bank Rolled which has a slight Foo Fighters touch; there’s also Dressed to Kill and World War 6 as well as the final track, Let Them Sleep Tonight which is a tad slower compared to the others.

Farmertan may not be a household name but they’re definitely doing something right. They’ve been in the business for 20 years or so and there’s no signs of stopping yet. Their sound brings a nice nostalgia from a time when playing music mattered more than being popular. Take a listen. You might like this one too. You can also grab their previous album Brace for Decline here.

Track list:
1. HemiCuda
2. Tidal Wave
3. (not) The Midwest
4. Bank Rolled
5. Captains of Industry
6. English Summer
7. Dressed to Kill
8. World War 6
9. Let Them Sleep Tonight

Related Links:
Farmertan on BandCamp
Farmertan on Jamendo

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.

Tiger Bones: Go Over Here

Valerie — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 13:01:15 +0000

Here�s another Chicago band that�ll satisfy your craving for lofi-post punk and shoegaze ensembles.

Tiger Bones is a four piece self-described �weirdo surf rock band.� They might sound �weird� but they definitely know how to catch the listener�s attention. Go Over Here is the group�s debut compilation and it�s filled with hazy vocals, some funky 70s style rock and an overall great mood.

The record is produced by Jered Gummere from Pony and features four tracks that�ll easily get you grooving or if not, will make a convert of you in no time.

Built up with dreamy distortions and non-prominent vocals, Go Over Here is a treasure trove for lofi indie pop punk lovers out there.

Starting out the album is Kill Them. Easily one of the best cuts from the record, the song echoes the band�s style best. Native, meanwhile, treats listeners to a set of deft guitar strumming and a post punk, ominous feel. The first parts of the track feature an indistinct sample of people noise.

Fourth track, Eyeliner, is more new wave pop oriented. Those catchy rhythms and hazy vocals that the band has come to master are ever present here. Meanwhile, closing single, Transmission, gives a nod to a band that certainly shows a hint of influence on the group�s sound, Joy Division. It�s a cool cut that rounds off the album experience nicely.

Go Over Here captures your attention and makes sure it doesn�t let go. For some, it might sound weird but overall, it�s a great find. If you like this kind of music, make sure to grab the download. It�s for free!

You can also show your support for the band by grabbing the 7 inch vinyl version.

Stellar Young: Everything at Once

Valerie — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 13:01:06 +0000

For a debut record, Stellar Young definitely places their best foot forward in Everything at Once. This indie alternative rock record might have traces of a bedroom recording but it’s more than enough to satisfy the senses.

Stellar Young (known before as The City Never Sleeps) are based out of Albany, NY. These boys aren’t exactly new in the business, in fact they’ve managed to share the stage with the likes of Paramore and Badfish to name a few.

After years of playing together, Everything at Once marks the boys’ first studio album. From the sound of it, there’s plenty of promise up ahead for this five piece crew.

Everything at Once is comprised of tracks that exude charm and charisma from the moment you listen to it. Opening with upbeat indie pop track, Playing With Guns; the song has a nice catchy rhythm that’s coupled with good guitar riffs and a catchy chant chorus.

Second and third track (Restless and The Universe is a Bully) are both upbeat numbers designed to keep the listener’s attention. They do the job quite well since both tracks are easily likable. In contrast, Speak Now (Good Man) and Dorothy are mid-tempo to slow melodic rock affairs showcasing the bands’ capacity to slow down while still engaging the listener.

Final track, Animals, seals the deal with awesome guitar work running throughout the track as well as some really good rhythm to accompany it.

Overall, the album provides a nice catchy set of tracks that will easily complement any music lover’s taste. Yes, some tracks do sound a bit too much alike but there’s still no denying this is a compilation worth enjoying. It’s the kind you put on and leave on without worrying of one horrible track to grace your ears.
If you love indie rock with touches of pop and good harmonies, Everything at Once will be quite a treat. Enjoy!

Track list:
1. Playing With Guns
2. Restless
3. The Universe is a Bully
4. The Misses
5. We Own Nothing
6. Alright
7. As You Go
8. Speak Now (Good Man)
9. Dorothy
10. Animals

The Laureates: Spells

Valerie — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 13:01:20 +0000

The Laureates began cultivating their sound as far back as 2005. Vocalist Chad Preston initially compiled a set of tracks for his lo-fi album but knew that it’s more fun to have other people join him.

All Eyes Open by The Laureates

By the time they released their self-titled EP, the now quartet have found a good sound. So far, they’ve released several singles and mini compilations while continuing to dazzle in their indie rock garage sound.

Spells is the band’s second album and was released back in 2011. It deviates a bit from the 3-minute pop formula of their previous tracks and entertains a more blues, vintage style garage rock sound.

The album combs through the band’s 80s and 60s style rock influences and gathers catchy tracks that seem destined for some low key bar room.

Most of the cuts carry that fun pop style that’s easy to jive along to. Check out the single, Life of Leisure and you’ll capture that 60s feel-good pop rock that makes the track easily enjoyable. Guitar work is quite consistent while the stompy beat and harmonizing vocals sound very inviting.

Worry, Worry, Worry on the other hand, flow with a nice Byrds vibe while Moon Bitch, explores the group’s psychedelic side. Starting out as a mellow yet moody piece with chorus singing before transforming into a piece with droning guitars.

The Laureates have this characteristic sound that’s quite reserved but listeners can tell there’s something brewing that’s waiting to get out. It’s this capacity to create intense, easily likable music that makes this band stand out.

For more of the band, you can visit their homepage. For the meantime, grab the download, it will serve as great company for those moody nights.

The Cosmos Kids: Volume One

Valerie — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 13:01:51 +0000

Heavily influenced by the classics, expect to get some lo-fi psychedelic pop rock from this little compilation. Volume One comes complete with upbeat dirty strumming, fun singing and handclaps.

The threepiece is made up of�Mike Kmiec on guitar/vocals/bass; Matt Eisle on vocals; and Tim Fassnacht on drums.

The Kinks, The Walkmen, Bob Dylan and John Lennon�count as those among their diverse influences.

Proudly carrying that 60s and 70-style rock badge coupled with some gorgeous psychedelic touch, the band can easily convince listeners to enjoy their dream world.

Volume One carries tracks with a lo-fi garage style rock and a loose Midwestern feel. You’ll see this in title track, Cosmos and Desert Song best. With the chorus singing and the acoustic blues guitars, it’s easy to imagine yourself in some Western bar tapping your feet or head bobbing to the song while downing that classic mug of beer.

Fight for Your love, on the other hand, is �a real throwback to the early days of rock. You can bury this in a vinyl set of classic rock and you wouldn’t know the difference. The track comes with handclaps, slightly warbled vocals, melody and boxy guitars.

It seems Chicago has been brewing some of the best lo-fi garage rock bands as of late. (This is the third one I’ve come across in a month). The Cosmos Kids may have no interest in conforming to the mainstream but their sound is still beautiful and easily likable, especially for classic rockers out there. Grab the download.

Remington Beach Club: My Trivial Pursuit of Happiness

Valerie — Sun, 10 Mar 2013 13:01:52 +0000

My Trivial Pursuit of Happiness might be a few years old but the years haven’t robbed it from its unique sound. Delivered by Bremen based quintet, Remington Beach Club; it features a mix of old school, indie and even slightly surfer rock.

The band is composed of “Pretty Gridschneider, Michael Meraklis, J.R. Rip-Off, Schmidtrock, and Vuk Voltage.” My Trivial Pursuit of Happiness serves as the group’s first official album after debuting with an EP titled “Welcome To…” back in 2007.

It contains 10 available tracks that are absolutely free for download. However, if you like the band and feel like supporting them you can also purchase a copy of it over at Amazon.

Okay, for starters, the album might be a bit too jangly for some people. You’ll also hear that “hipster indie rock influence” and the band expanding to showcase what other stuff they have up their sleeves.

Tracks like Remington Beach, deliver a more raw, rock and roll feel, complete with gutsy singing/part wailing. Plus, the groove is catchy and no doubt a real crowd pleaser when played live. Another cool track to check out if you love uptempo beats is Heavyweight Champion of Love. There’s something easily likable about this one or maybe it’s because it’s so damn catchy and perfect for dancing. You easily just sway without even realizing it.

Overall, the record isn’t super spectacular but there’s a nice balance of catchy tracks, awesome instrument work and just a fun vibe. The guys do get serious on some tracks (those aren’t my favorite) but they’re there for those willing to listen. There’s a little bit of everything for sure. Check them out to see if this will be worth it for you.

Related Links:
Remington Beach Club Official Website
Remington Beach Club on Facebook
Remington Beach Club on Myspace
Remington Beach Club on YouTube
Remington Beach Club on BandCamp

Kid Runner

Mona — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 14:01:01 +0000

Kid Runner transcends the traditional structure, conventional tempo and the usual instrumental in its genre. Radio-friendly choruses and mainstream pop themes are still evident but expect more of the pulsing dreams, swing beats and gospel choirs thrown around here and there from time to time.

The opening track to Kid Runner�s self-titled album, Flash Fashion, frenetically shifts from a sweet ballad to a full blown show-tune number, a stomp along head banger and finally to a euphoric marching band anthem.

Capes worked out as a somewhat Broadway musical inspiration wherein stories were told, characters were created, multiple voices were heard and the harmony of vocals and instruments painted a flamboyant picture.

Gold Teeth is both powerful and versatile. Its over the top feel can sometimes become tiring but it still delivers the right groove. Lastly, Sleepytown tops it off which is the album�s victory lap. It worked so hard to create a pop masterpiece and it sure did succeed.

Kid Runner stands out from the crowd through various experimentation and by being fearless in embracing new standards in the pop genre.