Past Releases

Ume "Other Nature (Modern Outsider)"

Ume is back! The Texas based-rockers, as led my frontwoman Lauren Larson, have returned with Other Nature (Modern Outsider). These songs were written not because Lauren wanted to, but because she “had to.” Showcasing her at times hauntingly beautiful, and at times Joan Jett-esque power scratch of a voice, with the band sounding a bit like the Pixies if the Pixies were catchier (I know, right?) and also sounding like a modern band cutting out a space for themselves in DIY-esque, indie rock. All the while Lauren making every “top 100 guitarists” list that doesn’t include her name incomplete. Check out the dramatic shifts of “Fire In Your Hands.”

Laura Jean "Devotion (Chapter Music)"

Oh Australia – when will I ever take the 232 hour flight to taste a real John Dory or hang out with Mel Gibson? Until then, Laura Jean’s Devotion is better then any trip to Outback Steak House.  Imagine the XX with the stepchild of Lana Del Rey and Florence (without the machine) and you can start to imagine the downtempo beauty of Laura Jean.  If you need a female empowerment jam (sans over the top bravado), check out the winning “Girls On The TV”.

M. Ward "What A Wonderful Industry (Merge)"

OH, WHAT? Is this what the kids call a surprise drop? An unexpected rain shower (oofa) or the new record from M. Ward. Look, you know you love Mr. Ward and What A Wonderful Industry continues in the fine tradition of Transfiguration Of Vincent and Post War. Sure he is sounding a little obsessed with sharks (sorry Jets), but either way, I’m cranking up “Motorcycle Ride” or perhaps the best “we are really broken up” jam “Kind Of Human.” Wanna hear an instrumental that mixes Joe Meek and surf? Give “Return To Neptune’s Nest” a spin. I wish every day had a surprise like a new M.Ward album (maybe then I wouldn’t be so scared of Twitter), but for today I’m happy to dig into What A Wonderful Industry.

The Get Up Kids "Kicker EP (Polyvinyl)"

If you know anything about BRMer AJ, you know that he is seeing a band live nearly every night. If you know two things about BRMer AJ, then you also know that he has a pop punk streak that would likely make back issues of Alternative Press blush. So when our pals at Polyvinyl announced the signing of The Get Up Kids, well… I bet you know who was excited, and why not? After all, this is THE GET UP KIDS! Kicker, the new EP from them, is a return to form if ever there was one. I mean, sure, these are Get Up Men writing these songs (they are probably older than you at this point) but they sure don’t sound it. I mean, they are confident in their songwriting, but they still rock, they are still snarling, angsty, and a blast. I’m not gonna try and compare them to another band here, I respect you too much. I’ll just recommend that you check out “Maybe.”