Naturally, with a new recording of their debut single, “The City,” it would only be a matter of time until The 1975 put out a second video for the track as well. Filmed in their trademark seductive monochrome, the video is a fine addition to the Manchester outfit’s ever-expanding CV. Watch it above.
You can catch The 1975 on tour this summer with The Neighbourhood. Dates here.
STREAM: The 1975 – “The City”
What’s not to like about Velociraptor? Not only are we fans of their party-starting, beach-ready garage rock, but this Brisbane outfit is comprised of not three, not five…but twelve Aussies. Yes, TWELVE. We can’t help but feel like that’s the coolest thing ever. Velociraptor: you are hereby certified rad. Strap on your swimming shorts and stream their track “Walk On By” below.
“Walk On By” comes off Velociraptor’s self-titled EP, which comes out May 20th via Heart Throb Records.
STREAM: Velociraptor – “Walk On By”
Buzz and fuzz are in full effect from the get-go on Loon Lake’s “On Fire”, but the 8-bit bursts and wailing vocals make me feel like this is what Cold War Kids would sound like if they were still good and played with more fun toys. The entire song from his Melbourne outfit shimmies along with an energetic, carefree vibe that by the time the tom-heavy breakdown hits, the quick chance to catch your breath is appreciated. The subsequent ramp-up brings the energy right back up to rebellious levels in time to close out this short and sweet spring jam.
While the quintet’s earlier catalogue boasts thrashed out garage rock like “Into The Office“, they’re also able to pull off covers of The XX’s more morose tracks, which isn’t an easy task in the slightest; a band with talent and range like this is a pretty deadly combo. Stay tuned for their debut album, out later this year.
Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon has a bug for collaborations, which is evident from his work with artists varying from Peter Gabriel to Kanye West. Now he’s gotten together with Brain Moen (Peter Wolf Crier) and Phil Cook (Megafaun) to write some good ol’ blues rock as The Shouting Matches. Though the group’s debut record, Grownass Man, still features delicate, pretty songs like “I Need A Change” and the Bon-Iverish “Gallup, NM,” it’s tracks like the lazily rocking “New Theme” that are the heart of the record. The tune is light and easygoing with drums and keys enough for mid-afternoon toe-tapping and swaying in the summertime shade. The group’s Coachella set (up on YouTube in three parts) clearly demonstrates the new aesthetic as the trio lays down some smooth riffs under a pavilion in what looks to be uncomfortable heat. It’s a record that plays best with the sun high in the sky, and a cold drink in your hand.
Meet Gnarwolves, a trio of fun-loving skater punks from Cornwall. Now based in Brighton, Gnarwolves have breathed new life into pop-punk with their mish-mash brand of skate punk, punk rock, hardcore, and emo, minus the straightened hair and theatrics. Constantly playing shows, it is no surprise why the band has been taking the UK by storm — these guys are the real deal. Their music is emotive, melodic, bright, oozing with passion and so much fucking fun to listen to. Think Brand New (keep an ear out for those vocal harmonies) meets Dune Rats meets Dookie/Insomniac-era Green Day.
Only days after putting out “Wallow,” Coasts are following up their latest single today with a video to match. The visuals are simple and straight to the point; a no-holds-barred performance video to match this hard-hitting number. Watch it above.
STREAM: Coasts – “Wallow”
It’s been a hot minute since we’ve heard from Middle Distance Runner, but DC’s finest are back with “Cherry Blossom Bop,” an explosive rock ‘n’ roll ode to their hometown. Clocking in at just under two minutes, “Cherry Blossom Bop” is both a celebration of springtime in the District as well as a lamentation of “the arrival of hordes of blissfully oblivious tourists.” In the band’s words, the track is a “catchy and upbeat meditation on nativism, isolationism and horticulture.” Couldn’t have said it better ourselves. Grab a copy of the song below.
“Purple Yellow Red And Blue” is the latest cut to emerge from Portugal. The Man‘s upcoming Danger Mouse-produced LP, Evil Friends. The track proudly bares Mr. Burton’s midas touch, the same classy pop style that has pushed Electric Guest, Gnarls Barkley, Broken Bells and pretty much everything else the producer has touched into the national spotlight. Stream it above.
Coasts‘ gloves come off on their latest offering, “Wallow.” The Bristol five-piece toss pop considerations aside here, instead opting for a hard-hitting five minutes of sonic, guitar-heavy rock. “Oceans,” “Stone,” and now this — it seems Coasts can do no wrong. Stream “Wallow” below.
STREAM: Coasts – “Wallow”
The National are back with another cut off of their upcoming full-length, Trouble Will Find Me. Unlike “Demons“, which had slow, brooding echoes of 2010′s High Violet, “Don’t Swallow The Cap” is more direct, driving and urgent. The quickened pace of the drums and the desperate tone in Matt Berninger’s deep baritone recall the group’s Boxer days while quick hits of strings give the tune a frantic, slightly menacing undertone. Brothers Aaron and Bryce Dessner are two of the most evocative songwriters in the industry, constantly turning out rich and textured work, and this is no exception. It’s full of hard-edged longing amid dark, sinister rhythms. Stream it above.
Trouble Will Find Me drops May 21 on 4AD Records.
