Here is a lazy blogger’s round-up of some of the new tracks that we’ve come across and enjoyed over the past few days and weeks, some of which might tickle your ears in a good way.
The Moondoggies delivered a cracking album in 2008’s Don’t Be A Stranger and have a follow-up due in September titled Tidelands. In the meantime they are releasing a five track limited EP of songs that didn’t make the new album, and which will mostly be sold on tour or via Hardly Art. This track from it is another first-class example of their graceful, countrified Americana.
Download The Moondoggies – Fly Mama Fly mp3 (from You’ll Find No Answers Here EP)
Similarly Acorn release No Ghost in little more than a week’s time, the follow up to their much acclaimed 2008 release Glory Hope Mountain. Reviews suggest they will be delivering another gem of gorgeous harmonies, crackling folk rock and acoustic strumming. Check the subtle, swelling melodies of Restoration for proof.
Download Acorn – Restoration mp3 (from No Ghost)
By contrast Gabe Holcombe aka Vehicle Blues has a debut 4 track EP just out via Bridgetown Records and the title track is a fuzzy, lo-fi rush of swirling guitars and mumbled lyrics that is held together by a catchy rhythm that bobs and weaves just under the surface. You can get a free Bridgetown sampler here.
Download Vehicle Blues – Changer mp3 (from Changer EP)
Brother and sister duo The White Ravens draw from a variety of musical influences, ranging from The Beatles to the Fiery Furnaces, yet manage to create a distinct sonic experience for their listeners. They have a album titled Gargoyles And Weathervanes due on on July 6th, here are a couple of tracks from it.
Download White Ravens – Sparks mp3 (from Gargoyles And Weathervanes)
Download White Ravens – Tick Tock mp3 (from Gargoyles And Weathervanes)
Naked Hearts released their album Mass Hysteria earlier this month. The Brooklyn boy/girl duo offer fuzzy indie pop that suggests a lot of time listening to Sonic Youth and The Lemonheads and it is none the worse for all that.
Download Naked Hearts – Mass Hysteria mp3 (from Mass Hysteria)
The Cave Weddings final single is out on Bachelor Records (buy here) and is called Never Never Know. It is two minutes of glorious sweet-as-sugar, 60s drenched rock’n’roll that can’t fail to put a silly grin on your face.
Download The Cave Weddings – Never Never Know mp3 (from Never Never Know 7″)
Long Voyage are a folk band who evoke the backwoods and sunlight streaming through trees. They are offering their thoroughly enjoyable Spring Fair EP up for free download (get it here).
Download Long Voyage – Hot Air Balloon mp3 (from Spring Fair EP)
Similarly fans of Gillian Welch or Jenny Lewis will find much to like in Gwyneth & Monko’s 5 track EP Good Old Horse. Steady acoustic guitar, trickling mandolin and pure vocals contribute to a scaled back and earthy folk sound.
Download Gwyneth & Monko – Lexington Ballad mp3 (from Good Old Horse mp3)
I Can’t Move is a track from a new charity compilation Mixtapes for Haiti (info here). It is by Woodsman, a spacey, psychedelic four-piece from Denver and the submerged vocal drones and swelling, echoey backbeats combine to give a spectacular other-worldly presence to the song.
Download Woodsman – I Can’t Move mp3 (from Mixtapes For Haiti)
Finally The Mind Spiders have released a 7″ single on Dirtnap called Worlds Destroyed which is getting repeat plays here at MM. Reminiscent of the Ramones crossed with the Beach Boys with backing vocals from the Ronettes, it’s a soundtrack for cruising the beach with the top down, the volume up, and the sun shining.
Download The Mind Spiders – Worlds Destroyed mp3 (from Worlds Destroyed 7″)
The Mad Mackerel 