Sneaks "It’s A Myth (Merge)"
Sneaks DIY debut Gymnastics was one of my favorite albums of 2016. Super short songs. Drum machines. Bass. Dry vocals from Eva Moolchan (the only member of the solo band). It invigorated me in a way that hasn’t happened in a long time. So singular. So simple. So how is her follow-up? Thankfully It’s A Myth (Merge) is another post-punk dose of brevity and brilliance. Recorded by Mary Timony, this is still Sneaks thru-and-thru. Wry, stream of consciousness lyrical playfulness, I cannot get over how much Eva is able to achieve with such a small palette. I guess Orson Welles was right when he said the “absence of limitations (is) the enemy of art.” He also said “bring me the Steak Au Poivre” but that’s getting slightly off topic. Check out the blistering “Hair Slick Back.”
Tall Ships "Impressions (Fat Cat)"
The 2012 stunning debut from Tall Ships was both a blessing and a curse for the band. After all, Pitchfork described their sound as “the more swashbuckling strains of Okkervil River and Modest Mouse, M83’s downcast glimmer, and Sigur Rós’ misty yawn.” Expectations were high. Plus, some personal turmoil and a falling out with their label left the band with two options. Persevere or give up. Thankfully, they did the former. Retreating to their keyboardist’s country home to regroup. And regroup they did. Each song on Impressions (Fat Cat) is an anthemic, build-y wonder. Patches of beauty only outdone by patches of even more joyous beauty. Seriously. This one is a keeper. Check out “Road Not Taken.”
Coco Hames "Coco Hames (Merge)"
Coco Hames, of The Ettes fame, is here with here debut solo record. But this isn’t the same garage-pop that her band was known for. Sure, I could spend hours coming up with influences heard when listening to her lovely new self-titled album (Merge) or I could copy and paste this succinct sentence from the press for the album, a direct quote from Ms. Hames herself: “I grew up listening to ’60s pop like Dusty Springfield, but also classic country music, like Patsy Cline, and things that bridged both worlds, like Bobbie Gentry.” Thanks Coco! Check out the first single from the album, the jangly “When You Said Goodbye.”
Goldfrapp "Silver Eye (Mute)"
Goldfrapp are back. Wait. That’s an understatement. Goldfrapp are blissfully, amazingly back. Silver Eye (Mute) is a joyous, future-leaning, otherworldly dose of electro-pop. As Alison Goldfrapp says in the press release for the album, “We’ve never liked repeating ourselves,” and that is an obviously true statement once you’ve heard the new album. A healthy dose of ‘90s electronica, Radiohead-esque shifts, modern EDM nods, and even hints at Thrill Jockey noise metal bands like Borders. But all these strange influences lead to an infinitely listenable dance-pop album that’s just as home in a club as it is at an art gallery opening. Check out “Anymore,” the first single from the album.