Abe Vigoda - no, not the American film and television actor. Abe Vigoda - yes, the LA-based tropical punk band. Now that we've clarified that, the band has released a new track called "Throwing Shade". While you could certainly thrash out to their previous stuff, this new track moves towards something with a more metered dance groove. This is certainly due to the addition of a new member, Dane Chadwick, on the drum kit. It seems there is more emphasis on electronic instrumentation and sampling, but even so, the off kilter vibe of AV is still there. Perhaps we will see this fleshed out more when the guys put out their forthcoming album Crush on September 20th via Bella Union.
You may remember the name Blu from a post way back. Well he's at it again, and this time he's upped his game to a whole new level. Everything is bigger and better. Entitled "Big Bag Big Boom", Blu aptly and deftly uses his constantly morphing style of art to chronicle the evolution of life here on Earth. The use of space and seemingly normal objects to convey this story is incredible and the sheer effort and time this would require are something to marvel at alone, much less the sheer awesomeness of the art itself. What we're trying to say is check this shit out asap!
When real life gets busy, sometimes you've gotta put your digital life on the back burner. So amidst moving, looking for paying work and traveling - on top of a regularly schedule jam packed with ropin' cattle, underwater frisbee, inventing new board games, treasure hunting and inciting third world countries to rebel - there's been a lack of regular content. So to make up for it, we'll be hittin' your ear drums with a sonic cornucopia of jams. We hope you'll forgive us.
To start a new single, from of Montreal - "Coquet Coquette". The single reminds us that the much anticipated release of False Priest, the next album since Skeletal Lamping (2008) is finally drawing near. Slated to drop September 14th, we can expect to see a few more singles over the course of the summer. "Coquet Coquette" shows that of Montreal's next release is likely to continue infectious eccentricity we've come to love from the group.
Speaking of infectious, there has been no end to the level of attention Swedish group Miike Snow has been getting lately since the release of their self-titled debut last year. Containing a barrage of singles with "Animal", "Silvia" and "Black & Blue" the stellar track "Song for No One" went largely unnoticed. With the catchiest little guitar riff in recent memory, old school bass and drums, and silky contemporary vocals this needs to be in your summer rotation asap.
You might have noticed we have a certain taste for things with a nostalgic vibe. Which is why we find this track from 1960's Indonesian girl group (sooo sweet!) Dara Puspita is particularly tasty. Meaning Flower Girls, the band has a lo-fi garage aesthetic in the ilk of contemporaries like Best Coast. For instance hear how Dara Puspita puts a fresh spin on the already timeless cut "To Love Somebody" from The Bee Gees. So good! Where can I get this on vinyl?! Oh wait, right here!
Back in the states, yet another band from a place I'm really starting get tired of for being so cool - Brooklyn - is Keepaway. Approaching 6 digits of views on the myspace, the band has recently started drawing attention from larger blogs, but is still on the verge of larger success. With only an EP to their name so far, expect to see these guys at some festivals next year if they can keep the hype going when their first full length drops. While avoiding the obvious Animal Collective comparisons with some indie rock stylings, the band can't entirely escape the clear Merriweather Post Pavillion-era influence. "Yellow Wings" is a great example of that synergy which is found on their Baby Style EP.
What do you know?! Another band from Brooklyn... Translations. Diverting from the electronic influences of late, Translations maintains a sound that is ostensibly rock'n'roll, albeit somewhat ecelectic. On their standout track "The Wanderer", the cooler sounds of post-punk transition nicely to the warmer classic rock inspired chorus. With only 4 digits worth of views on the myspace with this group, they are certainly on still on the rise, but like so many Brooklyn bands, the future looks bright for Translations.
Please do your best to support the artists you find here. We're all in this together.
Are you an artist who has content here or would like to? Email -7-2-S- to add or remove your art.
