Paper Bear
“We Can Still Dance”
Japan’s Paper Bear makes patient glitchy synth dance pop a touch reminiscent of Gang Gang Dance. Not too aggressive, but bouncy enough to keep you listening. Love that synth bass lick…this almost sounds like a modern version of “Genius of Love.
Pajama People
I was pretty blown away by Allston, Mass. Pajama People when I heard their I Like Your Rugs EP this morning.
First- the songs are fantastic…haunting yet uplifting while hitting all their marks dipping and swerving like they were reading your mind. The EP flips between male and female vocal leads. Handmedown touches on pop moments a la Ariel Pink and late 70’s AM while female fronted mid-tempo Human and Getaway have a Widowspeak/Mazzy Star thing happening and may just be the true gems of this EP.
Second- the sound…damn. As a mixer and lover of the sounds of records for the mixing alone, this is one of the coolest sounding lo-fi records I have heard in a while. The closest thing to compare it to would be the Unknown Mortal Orchestra stuff with a dash of Coco Rosie. Bedroom-y but luxurious.
***PREMIERE***
Art Imperial
“The Inbetweener”
There is is something quite familiar about Arthur Imperial’s voice…Surfer Blood? Animal Collective? I just haven’t been able to figure it out since I stumbled upon this fun slice of surf pop last week from Toronto’s Art Imperial.
After getting some blog buzz last year with his group Strider Hero, Arthur decided to transport himself from his cold suburban surroundings and go tropical. Two weeks later, The Surf Suburban EP had been written and recorded in his mom’s basement. While the whole EP stands up on first listen, the non-stop pulse of standout The Inbetweener is the perfect accompaniment to yet-to-be-enjoyed high energy summer nights.
The EP will become available on bandcamp on 5/14 but until then you can download The Inbetweener exclusively here! Thanks Art Imperial!!
YARDGAMES
“Everyone Should Know”
LCD Sound who?? Lovin’ the bounce.
YARDGAMES’ Last Picnic in Limbo has a ton of charm. Between them, Pajama People, and Salvador Jolly there is some serious experimental pop going down in Allston.
Clubglove
“Moxxy”
Brooklyn’s? Clubglove says that this was …”recorded over two days in my living room listening to Washed Out and Jeremy Lee“…Lo-fi-ness aside…there is a lot of charm here, and a lot of potential.
Work Drugs
“Ice Wharf”
Lovin’ this hook.
Dir. by Karl Shoes
Love everything that these guys put out.
****SUBMISSION****
Native Slacker
“Native Slacker”
What is going on in San Diego? Or what is going on with me liking everything I hear from there? Let’s make a list:
1. The weather is outstanding.
2. San Diego means whale’s vagina.
3. The Mission Cafe has awesome Huevos Rancheros Verde.
Also, the band Native Slacker is from there and if you like drone-y punk’d fuzzed out slackerable tunes, then you might dig this. You might even dig San Diego. Get it.
The Heurs
“The Best Thing”
Here is a really odd track. The first 2 min are like some really catchy demo of an early 90’s radio ready/sitcom theme pop song and then it abruptly changes… I just keep listening to it. I just keep listening. Get it.
TV Girl
“Benny and the Jetts”
San Diego strikes again! I have been loving on TV Girl’s new Benny and The Jets EP.
While slicing up breakbeats over some classic soul and R&B isn’t new, Benny comes off pretty fresh, fun, and super listenable. You can snag the EP for free just in time for the weekend.
Pajama People
“Shoes”
Last Thursday whilst hanging with one of their Allston compatriots, I got a message from Pajama People that they had dropped a new EP. Being a fan of the first EP, I was certainly excited to hear the new stuff.
The 7 track After The Gold Rugs, is much sleepier than the previous I like Your Rugs EP. And while the there are a few less catchy tunes, it’s a more cerebral and cohesive experience than ILYR. Check out the AM radio gold of “Shoes” to slide into Pajama People’s mood.
De La Montana
“Golden Soul”
I first heard De La Montana a month or so ago. While I dug the music, the tracks were not quite there yet. Well, I guess they just hadn’t finished it because it’s pretty dialed in now. “Golden Soul” is modern pop meets 80’s pop.
Inspired by one American’s relocation to Chile, the full LP, Post Modern Whirled, is worth grabbing at bandcamp. You can also get a free copy by liking their facebook page.
Gotye
“Somebody That I Used To Know (feat. Kimbra)”
Here is a bit of lo-fi gold from Australian singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist/recordist/labelist? Gotye (pronounced Gau-ti-yea). But you can just call it awesome, that’s what I do. Man does that hook get ya.
Check out his new record Making Mirrors on Soundcloud.
Posted by _TMDS_ for The PhotoSynth Blog.
