Guache "A People’s History of Gauche (Merge)"
D.C.’s Gauche is here with their latest, People’s History of Guache (Merge). What they’ve done is make your tattered copy of Howard Zinn’s book A People’s History Of The United States the second most exciting People’s History in your collection. Bouncy, angular, funky, spindly power post-punk pop excitement is the name of this game. The kind of rock music you could (and should) be dancing to. Are their themes weighty? You bet! Will you notice? Well, if you pay attention, sure you will silly. But also, these anxious tunes could just as easily wash over you if you let them. Check out the Joy Division meets B-52’s sounds of “Flash.”
Imperial Teen "Now We Are Timeless (Merge)"
As a people, we’ve been lucky enough to be listening to Imperial Teensongs for over 20 years now. I mean, you HAVE been listening to Imperial teen, right? After all, their confessional, frank, indie-leaning electro-pop tunes are the stuff late-nights are made of. Now We Are Timeless(Merge) is exactly what you want it to be (and that is a very good thing to be after all). Total songwriting magic–with an emphasis on the craft of pop songwriting that is (ahem) all too absent from a lot of music these days (damn kids and their Soundcloud…). In fact, we should make this album a masterclass in songwriting chops that should be mandatory for all bands 30 and under. Professors Roddy Bottum, Will Schwartz, Jone Stebbins, and Lynn Perko Truell will be handing out your syllabi soon! You like earworms? Who doesn’t (besides dogs), well don’t you dare walk away from “Walkaway”!
Versus "Ex Nihilo EP (Ernest Jenning Record Co.)"
If you would have told me 25 years ago that in 2019 (25 years in the future at the time) I would be listening to new EPs from Versus I would have said “Sure, why not? I’m gonna live forever!” Ok, so follies of youth aside, turns out I was right as 2019 is bringing us Ex Nihilo (Ernest Jenning Record Co.), a new EP from Versus! Will this accompany a new forthcoming album? Probably, that’s how they always worked and I’m not expecting that to change here. Check out “Invisible Love.”
Walker Lukens "ADULT (Modern Outsider)"
Walker Lukens’ unique funky, soulful rock sound is back in full effect on his latest release, ADULT (Modern Outsider). There is a reason he has been referred to in the press as a “non-sexually intimidating version of Prince,” and that’s because it’s a rather apt comparison to make. His songs are–like I said before–soulful and funky, but still reside in the rock area of the record store if you are hoping to find one of his releases on your next crate digging expedition (don’t forget the dollar bins, there are always treasures in there!). Full of crooning vocals, synths, danceable beats, quirky touches, it really is a sound like no other. Check out the singular “Tear It Out My Heart.”