If It's Too Loud...

I think we can all rejoice in receiving new music from Archers of Loaf, especially since this is the first single off a new album. "In the Surface Noise" is an absolute epic of a song. Archers of Loaf always had a smaller indie rock sound throughout their history, but this new one is a monster of a song. There is almost a power ballad feel to it, especially as it builds and builds just waiting to explode. It's the kind of song that is such a departure from classic Archers of Loaf that I can see old school die hards rejecting it, but that will truly be their loss. "In the Surface Noise" may be a little more tuneful and melodic than we're used to, but the band has hardly lost a step. You can listen to "In the Surface Noise" below. Reason in Decline is due out October 10 and can be pre-ordered here . For more on Archers of Loaf, check out the band's website . Reason in Decline by Archers of Loaf

Back in my hipster college years, if I had seen that Archers of Loaf were covering a Rolling Stones song, especially if it was a b-side, I would have assumed it was an ironic cover. Two decades later and my youthful snottiness has dissipated enough for me to recognize how great the Stones are, so I can accept Archers of Loaf covering "Street Fighting Man" for the greatness it actually is. I think the only surprise here is just how straightforward the cover is. Sure, Archers of Loaf go more 90's alternative than the original's psychedelia, but Archers of Loaf do bring some 60's style psychedelia in towards the end, just to show they can. Somehow, they even sound bigger than the Stones did, but middle aged me is completely fine with all of this. You can listen to Archers of Loaf's cover of "Street Fighting Man" below. The song is available as a b-side to the previously released "Raleigh Days." You can get a copy here . For more on Archers...

Here are words I never dared to believe I would actually type out: Here is a new song from Archers of Loaf! This isn't a forgotten B-side or an outtake, but an actual newly recorded song! The North Carolina indie rock legends recently reunited for some touring, and decided to hit the studio for new music. "Raleigh Days" is their first new song in over twenty years. It's a little more straightforward rock than their more classic material, and maybe a little less noisy and quirky. In other words, exactly what we should expect from a reunited 90's indie rock band. It's catchy as hell, and has a little twang to it that I wouldn't have expected. "Raleigh Days" is a solid track that holds up with the best classic Archers of Loaf, and let's all hope we get more. You can listen to "Raleigh Days" below. It's available now via Merge Records on Archers of Loaf's Bandcamp . For more on Archers of Loaf, check out their website . Ral...

Photo by Kim Smith-Miller There seems to be a deluge of female folk duos lately, so let me bring you one more: Portland, OR's Lenore. Lenore. are described as "witch-folk," which I can't really argue. When Rebecca Marie Miller and Joy Pearson harmonize, the effect can only be described as haunting. It's still a fairly pop folk style, with a strong Stevie Nicks feel to it. It does have just the slightest hint of an eastern European feel to it, so it's more like Stevie Nicks meets Rasputina. Plus, they add in Eric Bachmann (Archers of Loaf, Crooked Fingers) who takes over lead vocals about a third of the way in, and you add some of the best indie cred you could possibly have. You can listen to "Sharp Spine" below. Lenore.'s debut self-titled album (which also features Paul Rigby and Dan Hunt from Neko Case and Dave Depper from Death Cab for Cutie) will be out September 15. You can pre-order the album here . For more on Lenore., check out thei...