If It's Too Loud...

Photo by Daniel Dorsa The latest single from Olden Yolk, "Vital Sign," is a little more mainstream than "Takes One to Know One." That's not to say it's not still a little odd, but it's not quite as freak folk based as their previous single. Most of "Vital Sign" stays fairly mainstream neo-folk, although as far to the edge of mainstream that a band can go. Musically, it's straightforward. Vocally, the styling is a bit too monotone like a Nico sung song from The Velvet Underground. The late period Sonic Youth influence is all but missing, until we get to the bridge. That's when the song gets into a strange, high pitched organic feedback sound. It could be a guitar, but it could also be a flute or a harp. I'm not 100% sure, but it adds some intrigue to an already great song. You can watch the video for "Vital Sign" below. Olden Yolk's debut self-titled album will be out February 23 on Trouble in Mind. You can pre-or...

Photo by Daniel Dorsa We were huge fans of Quilt's 2016 album Plaza . While we wait for something new from Quilt, we can at least bring you something Quilt adjacent. Shane Butler, of Quilt, is about to release the debut album from his project with Caity Shaffer, Olden Yolk. Right now we have one song from that album. "Takes One to Know One" melds a few different genres. It has a definite folk feel to it, but has far too much noise and psychedelia to be considered folk, even freak folk. It reminds me a lot of late period Sonic Youth, where there were some jam elements to their noise, which had taken a decidedly more chilled out approach. The eight minute length of the song doesn't hurt any Sonic Youth comparisons. It also has a bit of James Jackson Toth's various incarnations of Wooden Wand. It's an intriguing sound that makes us look forward to February. You can watch the video for "Takes One to Know One" below. Olden Yolk's self titled deb...

Normally we post about new releases and music you might not have heard. We don't usually cover live performances of music we've already reviewed. But this is a pretty special recording. Quilt did their official release show for Plaza  at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. The album is ridiculously good, so you should really check it out. Shows at the MFA are always unique and special, and based on these videos they shared, this one was no exception. Three performances (for "Padova," "Hissing My Plea," and "Your Island") have been posted as a series on YouTube. It's going to make you wish you were there, or at least immediately check to see the next time they're playing near you. The videos also include some really good interview footage with the band, or you can just skip forward right to the performances.  You can watch Quilt's video series below. After that are their current tour dates. For more information on Quilt, including the...

And here's the rest! Co-Album of the Week : Artist : Quilt Album : Plaza Quick Description : Third album from the indie folk/rock act. Why You Should Listen : Solid songwriting and musicianship from an act that's not breaking new ground but is making some awesome music. Overall Thoughts : Ken highlighted "Roller" earlier and I think we're both in love with it, but the whole album is just so good and right along those same lines. It's strange without feeling weird, the musicianship is second to none, and it's just an airy, sunny, gorgeous record that has parts that I can't wait to revisit. Recommendation : A must listen this week. Artist : Wakey!Wakey! Album : Overreactivist Quick Description : Chamber-style orchestral indie pop. Why You Should Listen : It's absolutely the most different thing out this week. Overall Thoughts : I don't recall exactly when I first got into Wakey!Wakey!, but I'm terrible at keeping up with the ...

Photo by Daniel Dorsa I have no idea how I've gone so long without hearing Quilt. Usually when a Boston band gets up to third album territory, I'd have heard a song or two. I've heard the name Quilt a bunch of times, but just never listened. Luckily for me, I finally got around to them and checked out "Roller." It's not quite folky, and not quite poppy. It's this great chill, slinky track that is the exact opposite of whatever I decided they were in my head. Instead, it lives in this great territory with Jenny Lewis' The Voyager and Liz Phair's Whitechocolatespaceegg.  Quilt's third album, Plaza, will be released on February 26th on Mexican Summer. Be sure to listen to "Roller" below. You can find them online here , and their current tour dates are below the video. Feb 26 - Boston, MA @ Museum of Fine Arts Mar 2 - Brooklyn, NY @ Baby’s All Right Mar 4 - Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brenda’s Mar 5 - Washington, DC ...