Split Single "Metal Frames"
Oh boy! New Split Single! That means that the hooks, the power-pop, the sexy elbows, are all back. Ok. Full disclosure. Jason shot a video in the Bank Robber offices, along with Todd Barry and some other exciting celebrities, so we were destined to fall in love with Metal Frames either way. Thankfully we hitched our wagon to a songwriting machine. Stadium sized melodies, the ever fantastic drumming of Jon Wurster, and this time on the bass is Wilco’s John Stirratt. See, we aren’t the only crew that loves Jason. What’s not to love? A funny dude that writes songs that fall somewhere between his day job bands as bassist for both Bob Mould and Superchunk. Really, right between those two amazing sounds you find Jason’s own amazing sound. Ok, we’ll stop gushing and suggest you check out “Still Invisible.”
Exit Verse "Grant No Glory"
Grant No Glory (EJRC), the second album from Exit Verse is everything you want it to be. If you somehow missed their debut 2 years ago, allow me to fill you in. After all, this is the new band of ex-Karate frontman Geoff Farina. Yeah. This is some straight up rock and roll. Sure, there is a pop-punk hint here and there, but there is also some Rolling Stones at their most anthem-y. Which is admittedly a combo I don’t normally put together in a blurb. But then again, bands don’t normally sound like this. Check out the math-y syncopation and the Kieth Richards-esque riffage of “Skulls Don’t Sing.”
Twin Rains "Automatic Hands"
Everyone, please welcome Twin Rains to the Rough Trade Publishing fold. This Toronto dream pop duo have been making music together in some capacity since 2009, and were the founding members of the Toronto indie band Make Me Young. As Twin Rains, the pair are crafting a beguiling mix of delicate, poetic vocals and modern, mid-tempo electronic music. A bit like the sound from our pals from Galaxie 500, some keyboard sounds not unlike Au Revoir Simone, a smattering of Portishead vibes, all the while very modern sounding, skipping over the complete ‘80s fetishization that many other modern dream pop bands rely on, and instead mixing those flavors with something very new and modern. Probably with some turmeric. Everything seems to have turmeric in it these days. So drink some turmeric tea and check out the sexy groove of “Flash Burn.”
Title Tracks "Long Dream"
If you’re looking for some power-pop perfection, then you are looking for the latest from Title Tracks, Long Dream (EJRC). It does everything power-pop should do: remind you of how much you love rock and roll, remind you a little of The Beatles, and then remind you a little of Cheap Trick (who also remind you of, of course, The Beatles). The choruses are big, the verses are sing-a-long-able, guitars are jangled, the drums never end, and the bass player is likely exhausted. Check out the Matthew Sweet covering The Cure sounds of “Don’t Start.”