Land Of Talk "Life After Youth"
It has been 7 years since Land Of Talk released their last album, 2010’s Cloak and Cipher. What was planned as a break consisting of months turned into (as it so often does) years for bandleader Elizabeth Powell. A hard-drive full of demos crashed, post-tour fatigue, and taking care of her father after a stroke in 2013. It all added up to what could be described, at best, as a rough patch. While caring for her father, however, she turned to the therapeutic effects of classical and ambient music. So when she got back into the studio, she didn’t write the songs on guitar, but rather built synth loops to form songs around. Sure, this is no Eno-aping record (though you will find contributions from Roxy Music bassist Sal Maida, as well as Sharon Van Etten), but rather rock tunes that exist somewhere between waking and dreaming. Hazy, therapeutic tunes that helped Elizabeth through her hardest times are here to help you do the same. Check out “Heartcore.”
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.”