Jesse Marchant "Brightest Of Feathers EP (RTP)"
Alvvays "Antisocialites (Polyvinyl)"
When I asked Derek, the office’s biggest Alvvays fan, what song he thought the focus track of their newest album Antisocialites (Polyvinyl) should be, he listed 8 songs. Not very helpful in narrowing down the selection, but a great vote of confidence for the record! The 10 tunes on their sophomore followup to the much-beloved 2014 self-titled debut are full of ups and downs, break-ups and break-ins. Shimmery, beach-tinged new wave vibes here, art-punk vibes there, full of clever Scot-pop turns and Molly Rankin’s melodious vocals. It’s like Camera Obscura covering The Smiths, which sounds just as lovely as that sounds. As for the focus track (no thanks to Derek) check out “Dreams Tonite.”
Antietam "Intimations Of Immortality (Motorific Sounds)"
Comparisons between in-office favorites Antietam and Crazy Horse abound, and it doesn’t just stop at their sound. Tara Key and Co. certainly rock in a very specific, classic way. But also, every time you fear you may have heard the last from them, they come blistering back to remind all the kids how to rock. This time they do it in the form of Intimations Of Immortality (released on their very own Motorific Sounds label). Forward chugging drums, the best expressive guitar noodling this side of Mr. Young himself, and building block bass lines are all the keystones of Antietam. Or should I saw “key”stones? (Get it!?! Tara Key!) Eh, maybe I shouldn’t say it after all. But I definitely should say: check out the rock-fueled chug-a-lug of “Right Between Your Eyes.”
Mogwai "Every Country’s Sun (Temporary Residence)"
Fans of majestic, towering post-rock beauty are always excited when word of a new Mogwai album is released. Well guess what? Those fans are excited. Because here we have Every Country’s Sun (Temporary Residence), the newest album from (you guessed it) Mogwai! Full of the stunning synth-rock beauty we have come to love from the band for these last 20 years. Look, we already know you are champing at the bit to get your ears around these blessed sounds, and no amount of hyping from us is gonna get you more hyped. It’s a new Mogwai album! Check out the first Mogwai song with vocals (!!!) “Party In The Dark.”