American Ocelot - "Dropped" and "Invisible Lines"

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Photo by John Soa

It's been a couple of years since we last heard from American Ocelot, but now the Boston band is back with a pair of new singles. "Dropped" and "Invisible Lines" are the kind of indie rock meets pop that we tend to go crazy for here at If It's Too Loud... The songs have strong roots in the 90's Boston alt-rock scene back when it was almost the next Seattle. It's that post-grunge/bubblegrunge sound where the guitars are still distorted and loud, but pop is starting to weasel its way in (not that we ever would have admitted that back then). American Ocelot still keep some of the indie rock grit on "Dropped" and "Invisible Lines," and you know those bands you bought a 7" from and then never heard again, but still love? That's what these songs sound like.

Joanie Lynch (vocals, keyboard, and rhythm guitar) says of her band:

“Band is family. I really love playing with people who are happy playing together! I also love all of our songs, and when playing out live isn’t fun anymore, it will be over; but for now it is SO MUCH FUN!”

You can listen to "Dropped" and "Invisible Lines" below. For more on American Ocelot, check out the band on Instagram and Facebook. If you still need Valentine's Day plans, they'll be playing The Middle East with Girl with a Hawk, Happy Little Clouds, and Galaxy Cake.

On Repeat...

Sean Thomas Gerard - "Bright Side"

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Photo by Heather DeFoggi Gerard For his upcoming album, Sean Thomas Gerard recorded in the corner of his garage which is also a playroom for his two daughters. Somehow, you can hear that vibe in his latest single, "Bright Side." The song just feels like home. It's a laid back indie folk/singer-songwriter track that is overflowing with warmth. The sing is on the mainstream side of its genres, but when you nail a sound like Gerard has, there's certainly nothing wrong with that. This is the type of song that is pleasant and enjoyable when you first start it, and then you end up liking it more and more as it goes. By the time it's over, you're going to want to listen again. By the third or fourth listen, "Bright Side" is going to end up one of your favorite songs of this young year. Sean Thomas Gerard says of his music: “I think about some day when I'm gone, my kids will be able to put on my records and feel like they can spend time with me again....
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DJ Haram featuring Bbymutha, SHA RAY, & August Fanon - "Fishnets"

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Photo by Sultana Garritano Brooklyn's DJ Haram has a new single out that shows off her trademark boom bap sprinkled with Middle Eastern instrumentation sound. "Fishnets" features verses from Bbymutha, SHA RAY, and August Fanon, and has an intense and almost menacing vibe, despite being an absolute banger of a track. It's hypnotic and immediately grabs your attention, and if you're unfamiliar with the trio of rappers on the song, you're sure to start pulling up their bodies of work. "Fishnets" is one of those songs that just feels cool and makes you need to hear more from all of the artists involved.  DJ Haram says of her latest single: "‘Fishnets’ is for the eclectic bad bitches. The people united will never be defeated." You can listen to "Fishnets" below. Beside Myself is due out July 18 on Hyperdub, and is available for pre-order here . For more on DJ Haram, check out the artist on Instagram and Twitter . Upcoming tour dates a...
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Yawn Mower - "Rascal"

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Photo by Mary Dorsi Asbury Park's Yawn Mower had two goals for their upcoming album. First, after playing their hometown's Sea.Hear.Now festival, they wanted to write songs that worked on a larger stage. Second, they wanted the album to be their Pinkerton , "A raw, rough around the edges, noisier follow up to [their] debut album." The first song from that album is "Rascal," a song partly about the kids of their friends and family. It's a fun track that includes lines like "Here he comes now what a little asshole." It's a quirky and noisy indie rock track that reminds me of an edgier Fountains of Wayne. As anti-kid as the song may seem, you can tell it's not done seriously and there is a ton of love behind the track. Vocalist/guitarist Mike Chick says of the band's upcoming album: “While Dana Yurcisin (bass), Rudy Meier (guitar),  and Nicole Scorsone (violin) have certainly helped fill out past releases, this was the first time that ...
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