If It's Too Loud...

Artist : Young Ejecta Album : Ride Lonesome Quick Description : Latest effort from the synthy electronic duo. Why You Should Listen : Part art project, part musical project, all awesome. Overall Thoughts : I've enjoyed everything musically that we've gotten from Young Ejecta, and Leanne Macomber (perhaps better known for her work with Non Indian) exudes a presence in this project that just works really well. This is decidedly more mainstream sounding than the previous efforts, and while it's been a while, it's clear the overall conceit behind the project (think of an alien observer) has taken a backseat, the musical efforts have not. I really enjoyed this, and it's absolutely an interesting take on what many might think is a tired subgenre. Recommendation : A favorite this week. Artist : Gordi Album : Our Two Skins Quick Description : Sophomore singer-songwriter effort. Why You Should Listen : While her first effort was more direct, this is more succes...

Busiest week in a while, so we're splitting this up a bit. More tomorrow! Album of the Week : Artist : Kitty Album : Miami Garden Club Quick Description : 90s-tinged electro-pop. Why You Should Listen : This is an unexpected delight. Overall Thoughts : I don’t know how I tripped up on Kitty however long ago, but while the rest of the musical universe is tripping over itself for their take on the new Taylor Swift song (short answer: it’s not great, but it's catchy as all get out), here’s Kitty doing some really interesting indie electro-pop with a 1990s-era sensibility that I fear is going to be completely ignored. Kitty isn’t reinventing the wheel at all here, but she is doing a good job working within the existing tropes to develop something worth your time whether you’re a fan of the genre or not. I love this album quite a bit, and I keep thinking about it long after I first heard it. Recommendation : Absolutely worth it this week, one of the best listens of the m...

A pretty solid week this week: Co-Albums of the Week : Artist : Kaia Kater Album : Nine Pin Quick Description : Latest album from the Canadian folkie. Why You Should Listen : Kaia Kater has been good so far, but this is a big step forward. Overall Thoughts : I liked her previous album, Sorrow Bound , and I did end up continuing to spend time with it and enjoyed it. Nine Pin , as a comparison, feels like a significant step forward both in terms of songwriting and in sound. The album really grabbed me from the start and it's the rare album that, once I finished it, I just wanted to fire it up again immediately. If you like folk music in any form, this is a must-listen, but I'll go as far as to say this might be one of my favorites in this space since Leyla McCalla's a couple years ago. Just absolutely brilliant. Recommendation : A must listen for everyone. Artist : Adia Victoria Album : Beyond the Bloodhounds Quick Description : Blog favorite finally has an ...

I don't really get a lot of the pop music out nowadays. I honestly can't tell the difference between Katy Perry and Robyn. That might be why I'm so shocked at how much I like this new single from Gordi. The stage name of 22 year old Australian Sophie Payten, "Can We Work It Out" is far more rich and lush than your typical pop song. It's less bubble gum and more dream pop. It's a mixture of old fashioned vocal layering with more organic sounding guitars blending with electronic elements. Although it is rare to find unique pop music, it's a very welcome sound. Gordi's debut EP, Clever Disguise , is due out on May 13th on Jagjaguwar. You can watch the video for "Can We Works It Out" below, and pre-order the EP on iTunes and Amazon . For more info on Gordi, check out her Bandcamp and Facebook . Her current tour dates are also below. Thu. Apr. 28 - Brisbane, AU @ The Tivoli (w/ Of Monsters And Men) Fri. Apr. 29 - Brisbane, AU ...