Little Reader "The Big Score"
Ross Flournoy (of The Broken West and Apex Manor) teamed up with Kate Tucker of Kate Tucker and the Sons Of Sweden to write one song. They did. Then they wrote another song. And another. And now here we are, they have a band name of their own, Little Reader, as well as a debut album. The Big Score is a beguiling combination of late ‘80s FM rock, nashville roots rock, and modern War On Drugs-esque synth lushness. It’s a little bit dancable, a little bit rockable, and a lot enjoyable (unlike the english in that last sentence). Check out the downtown vibes of “Speed of Light.”
Rival Cavves "Rival Cavves"
So you’re listening to some Magic Bronson and you say to yourself “self, I wonder what Magic Bronson would sound like if there was a woman singing” and then the RTP fairy comes in through the window and drops a DL code on your head, which is weird because it’s not a physical thing, but whatever, you don’t feel it anyway. But then all of a sudden you find yourself listening to Rival Cavves, a dancce-y/electro side-project from Matt of Magic Bronson and Marissa Longstreet of the band SLUGS and suddenly you know exactly what Magic Bronson with a lady at the helm would sound like, and you are digging it. You’re dancing, you’re swaying, and you don’t even know how it all happened. Thanks RTP fairy! Check out the M83 meets Ladyhawke sounds of “Runnin’.”
Hazel English "Just Give In/Never Going Home (Polyvinyl)"
Hazel English’s sound is a tough one to describe. Just Give In/Never Going Home (Polyvinyl) is her first LP, combining her debut EP with new songs recorded just for this collection. The difficult part comes in an attempt to keep up with Hazel. By the time she’s perfected her sound on one tune, she’s off to the next one, complete with a different set of sounds. Sure, indie-pop covers the idea, but it’s definitely a broad term. There are times where her sound might remind you of Alvvays or Best Coast, but there are definite comparisons to Grimes to be made, but maybe if Grimes listened to more Echo and the Bunnymen. You know what? I’m gonna stop now. You’re gonna like this, trust us. Check out the wistful bounce of “Fix.”
Overlake "Fall"
Well this might be a BRM first! A Jersey City band and a classic Hoboken label (Bar/None)! This is a rave spiel waiting to happen, and thankfully Overlake is not just nepotism rock. If you like your bands from Jersey (like I do), while you gaze upon your shoes (Hey look! Saucony Jazz!) this is the album for you. Produced loud and clear by Tom Beajour at Nuthouse Studios in (yes Hoboken), check out the power of the fuzz as you close your eyes and drift away to “Winter Is Why.”