Hibou "Halve (Barsuk)"
Peter Michel is back as Hibou, and Halve (Barsuk) is another dose of electronic-tinged dream pop. A little new wave, a little ‘90s indie, a touch of punk, and a dash of salt and you have some delicious cookies! No… wait… that’s not right. Music! You have delicious music (salt optional!). Spindly guitars ring, bass drives the chords forward, as Peter oscillates between whisper-delivered vocals and something definitely more throaty and present. Check out the nostalgia-fueled “Inside Illumination.”
Karyn Kuhl "Hey Kid EP"
If you are looking for some ripping guitar, and a modern take on classic-ish sounding rock, then get ready for Hoboken’s finest! The legendary Karyn Kuhl is back with another collection of hot riffs and cool tracks on Hey Kid, her latest EP. From the Petty-esque title track to the zeitgeist-y, anthemic “It’s Over,” to the positively groovy “The Wheels” to the working woman’s blues of “Strong Woman Blues” this collection of 4 jams has something for everyone! Unless you’re looking for directions on how to build a shelf-sorry. No shelf tips on here. Only rock. Give the aforementioned “The Wheels” a spin!
PAWS "Your Church On My Bonfire (Ernest Jenning Record Co.)"
For a band that has never shied away from their emotions, Paws’ Your Church On My Bonfire (Ernest Jenning Record Co. ) is particularly emotive. The guys in the band have had some hard times in their lives, but they aren’t letting that hold them back. They are, however, gonna let you know how they feel. And more than ever, their vocals and lyrics are given the chance to shine here as producer Andy Monaghan of Frightened Rabbit has brought out a softer, gentler Paws, one that has less distorted guitars, and way more string arrangements. This record is a revelation–exposing Paws for what their fans knew they were all along. Sensitive lads who can write a great song. Check out “Honoured To Be Honest.”
Reigning Sound "Abdication…For Your Love (Reissue) (Merge)"
You love the Reigning Sound, right? Of course you do. Memphis’s king of garage rock – what is not to love. Originally “released” in 2011 as a promo only giveaway (huh?), and co-produced by that one guy from the Black Keys, Abdication…For Your Love is a killer collection of killer tunes with some of the most fun guitar/keyboard work I’ve heard since the Specials debut (not that it sounds like that but…..). Wanna rock? Check out “Watching My Baby”.