If It's Too Loud...

And here's the rest of one of the better new release weeks in recent memory: Artist : Yumi Zouma Album : Yoncalla Quick Description : First album from the 90s-ish synth-rock lovers. Why You Should Listen : When they're on, they're absolutely on, and have a sound readers here will love. Overall Thoughts : I first learned of this group via Discover Weekly and "Song for Zoe and Gwen." While that song from their second EP isn't on this album, there's more than enough good stuff here instead. They have a bit of a retro-vibe in a few ways that I absolutely loved. I'm assuming individual songs will poke out in future listens, but for now, a solid listen. Recommendation : Definitely worth the time this week. Artist : Big Thief Album : Masterpiece Quick Description : Some truly special alt/indie rock. Why You Should Listen : One of the better releases of the week, if not recently overall. Overall Thoughts : Big Thief reminds me a lot of Hop Al...

As we inch closer to the debut album from Vow, they've made another song available to listen to. "Green Light" continues their move away from the synth pop of their first two Eps into more indie rock territory. That's not to say it completely gives up all electronic elements, as there is a strong resemblance to a sunnier New Order here, with just a hint of vocals that remind me of Mazzy Star's Hope Sandoval and Steven Malkmus. Vow's debut album, Kind Eyes, will be out May 27 on The Native Sound. Be sure to listen to "Green Light" below. For more information on Vow, check out their website . You can also pre-order the album on Bandcamp .

For their debut album, Los Angeles based Vow decided to drop the synthesizers for a more indie rock sound than their previous releases. The sound isn't quite as grimy or edgy as the press release likes to claim, which is perfectly ok. Instead, it's a brighter, more cheerful version of shoegaze. You get the drone and reverb of a band like My Bloody Valentine mixed with the power pop of Letters to Cleo, with maybe a bit of Superchunk. If you've been reading this blog with any regularity, you'll know that may be the perfect mixture for me. Vow's debut album will be released sometime in the spring on The Native Sound. For now, you can listen to "Withdraw" below and check out their website and Bandcamp .