First Listen: New Releases for 19 May 2023

Artist: Hannah Jadagu
Album: Aperture
Quick Thoughts: Hannah Jadagu is likely to become your new favorite. The fact that she's only 19 and has strung together such an awesome collection of indie rock tunes is stunning. It's absolutely informed by the indie music of the last few decades (which means dear god we're old here), but it absolutely feels like it's its own thing, and that's what sets it apart from anything else as of late. You'll love this album if you give it a shot, it's as close to a guarantee as I can give.
Songs of Note: "Say It Now," "Dreaming"

Artist: Lauren Early
Album: Don't Take My Dream Away
Quick Thoughts: Ken sent this over and I didn't know Lauren Early prior to now but I'm glad I do. Her sound is reminiscent of early Colleen Green with a little more drum programming and a little less retro flair. I liked this quite a bit, and it's worth the time.
Songs of Note: "Never Knows Best," "Good Girl Bad Boy"

Artist: The Milk Carton Kids
Album: I Only See the Moon
Quick Thoughts: The Milk Carton Kids keep putting out classic roots albums that are awesome, and what I didn't expect was to see the duo lean more heavily into the grittier bluegrass elements. There's a certain sheen of dirt on this one that is missing from previous efforts, and it makes this album feel a little more special.
Songs of Note: "Will You Remember Me?" "Running on Sweet Smile," "Body & Soul," "One True Love"

Artist: PONY
Album: Velveteen
Quick Thoughts: "Sucker Punch" ended up on some Spotify playlist for me a while back, and I loved it just as much for its brutal earworm of a hook as I did the production value. The rest of the album? It's all killer, with a pop-infused fuzz that carries its own weight. Don't miss this one, it's power pop done right.
Songs of Note: "Peach," "Who's Calling," "Sucker Punch," "Haunted House," "Haircut"

Artist: Alex Lahey
Album: The Answer is Always Yes
Quick Thoughts: Alex Lahey felt like she arrived on the scene as a fully formed musical revelation, and her third album provides more of the consistently great indie rock she's known for. Still anthemic, still angsty, and still deserves to be spoken of in the same breath as the boygenius women. Check it out.
Songs of Note: "Good Time," "Congratulations," "The Sky is Melting," "Makes Me Sick," "Shit Talkin'," They Wouldn't Let Me In"

Artist: Paper Bee
Album: Thaw, Freeze, Thaw
Quick Thoughts: This was a surprise for me this week. Paper Bee offers the sort of stark, lower-fi indie confessional that resonates with everyone even with many of its specific messages and intentions. The Philly-based band is definitely likely to make a splash with this full-length debut, and I am glad I tripped up on it. A true highlight of the week.
Songs of Note: "Body of Water," "To be Mud," "I don't Talk to You"

Artist: Lisasinson
Album: Un Año de Cambios
Quick Thoughts: In a busy busy week, I didn't want to lose track of Lisasinson, which is Spanish-language grunge with a whole lot to love. Don't be dissuaded from any language barrier you might have here, because this is a super fun record and one of the better listens of the week.
Songs of Note: "Se Me Ha Mureto Una Flor," "Mochi," "Turquesa Marquesa," "Ya Me Di Igual"

Of note:

* Whitney Rose - Rosie (Awesome classic-sounding country.)
* Jealous of the Birds - Hinterland (Brutally honest indie rock in all the right ways.)
* Cinema Stare - The Things I Don't Need (Solid emo-adjacent rock.)
* Emma Hewitt - Ghost of the Light
* The Parlor - You Are Love and I Am You
* Cathedral Bells - Everything at Once
* The Cavves - Settle Down in a Guest Bedroom
* Leith Ross - To Learn
* Califone - villagers
* Sir Chloe - I Am the Dog
* Leaving Laurel - when the quiet comes
* Pozi - Smiling Pools
* Allie Crow Buckley - Uptopian Fantasy
* The Murlocs - Calm Ya Farm
* GracieHorse - L.A. Shit
* The Telescopes - Of Tomorrow
* Blue Mena - Multi Adolescence
* Smoke DZA - Worldwide Smoke Session, Vol. 2
* La Femme - Paris-Hawai
* Kicking Bird - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
* Stella Rose - Eyes of Glass
* Daniel Avery - More Truth
* Helvetia - Everybody Come on Man
* Foyer Red - Yarn the Hours Away
* Mandy, Indiana - i've seen a way
* Mega Bog - End of Everything
* bar italia - Tracey Denim

EPs:

* The Downhauls - Scream Into the Void (This is awesome.)
* The Dare - The Sex EP (If LCD Soundsystem were hornier, this might be what it would sound like.)
* Nora En Pure - Wholehearted EP
* psykhi - Forest People
* Ghost - Phantomime
* Karen Took the Kids - Career Pulp
* HotWax - A Thousand Times
* Lucy From the Internet - Lucy From the Internet
* Julez and the Rollerz - Is This Where the Party Is?
* Blawan - Dismantled into Juice
* Brian Eno - Kazakhstan

Also out:

* Tinariwen - Amatssou
* Horse Jumper of Love - Heartbreak Rules
* Estee Nack - Nacksaw Jim Duggan
* Sufjan Stevens, Timo Andres, and Conor Hanick - Reflections

Alex Lahey - "The Sky is Melting"

Photo by Pooneh Ghana

We tend to get into everything Alex Lahey does in these parts. However, there's just a little extra something in her songs lately. The Australian singer/songwriter has always leaned into pop, but the last few songs lean a little more into rock while still being pop. Her latest, "The Sky is Melting," stays pop, but just barely. This song sounds kind of like a hybrid of Lucy Dacus and Courtney Barnett. It's an epic mid-tempo power pop song that is just begging to be played in large festivals. It's catchy, but in a not completely obvious way. You're pretty much guaranteed to be humming the melody to "The Sky is Melting" in the back of your head even after just one listen, and you'll be completely ok with it.

Alex Lahey says of her new song:

“I went to the desert and did a bunch of edibles and wrote a song about it. Definitely not the first person in the world to do it. But maybe it’s the first song to reference both Michael Bolton and an unnamed verified AirBnB host in the same verse.”

You can listen to "The Sky is Melting" below. The Answer Is Always Yes is due out May 19 on Liberation Records, and is available for pre-order here. For more on Alex Lahey, check out the artist's website. Upcoming tour dates are below the song.

Fri. May 19 - Santa Ana, CA @ Constellation Room
Sat. May 20 - Los Angeles, CA @ Zebulon
Sun. May 21 - San Francisco, CA @ Bottom of the Hill
Tue. May 23 - Portland, OR @ Polaris Hall
Wed. May 24 - Seattle, WA @ Madame Lous
Fri. May 26 - Salt Lake City, UT @ Kilby Court
Sat. May 27 - Denver, CO @ Lost Lake
Tue. May 30 - Minneapolis, MN @ 7th Street entry
Wed. May 31 - Chicago, IL @ Schubas
Fri. June 2 - Columbus, OH @ Ace of Cups
Sat. June 3 - Cleveland, OH @ Mahalls
Sun. June 4 - Toronto, ON @ Velvet Underground
Tue. June 6 - Boston, MA @ Crystal Ballroom
Wed. June 7 - New York, NY @ Baby’s All Right
Fri. June 9 - Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brendas
Sun. June 11 - Washington, DC @ Songbyrd
Mon. June 12 - Durham, NC @ Motorco Music Hall
Tue. June 13 - Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade Purgatory
Thu. June 15 - Houston, TX @ White Oak Music Hall Upstairs
Fri. June 16 - Austin, TX @ Parish
Sat. June 17 - Dallas, TX @ Club Dada
Tue. June 20 - Phoenix, AZ @ Rebel Lounge
Wed. June 21 - San Diego, CA @ Soda Bar

Alex Lahey - "They Wouldn't Let Me In"

Photo by Pooneh Ghana

Alex Lahey has always skirted the line of being too pop for my own personal taste, but has stayed just barely on the right side for my inner music snob to enjoy her music. Her latest single, "They Wouldn't Let Me In," might just be her more rock yet. It's still a pop song by far, but there are some strong elements of early 80's more rock based New Wave, and even some post-punk guitars to keep things interesting. It's like a bizarre mixture of Blondie, The J. Geils Band, and Mission of Burma, but... you know... pop, that should not work at all, but does in a spectacular fashion. As with all Alex Lahey songs, "They Wouldn't Let Me In" is an absolute auditory blast that won't even require you to check your snobbery at the door.

Alex Lahey says of her new single:

“After watching the brilliant tv series ‘Heartstopper,’ I spent a lot of time thinking about my own experiences growing up as a queer teenager. Although I was extremely lucky that the majority of my experience was filled with joy, acceptance and love, it wasn’t always smooth sailing. This song is inspired by those tougher moments - not being allowed to attend my high school girlfriend’s school formal, being excluded from conventional romantic rites of passage, moments of isolation and feeling like I couldn’t relate to anyone around me. ‘They Wouldn’t Let Me In’ is by far the most direct song I’ve ever written about this time.”

You can watch the video for "They Wouldn't Let Me In" below. The Answer is Always Yes is due out May 19 on Liberation Records, and can be pre-ordered here. For more on Alex Lahey, check out the artist on Facebook and Instagram. Upcoming tour dates are below the video.

Fri. May 19 - Santa Ana, CA @ Constellation Room
Sat. May 20 - Los Angeles, CA @ Zebulon
Sun. May 21 - San Francisco, CA @ Bottom of the Hill
Tue. May 23 - Portland, OR @ Polaris Hall
Wed. May 24 - Seattle, WA @ Madame Lous
Fri. May 26 - Salt Lake City, UT @ Kilby Court
Sat. May 27 - Denver, CO @ Lost Lake
Tue. May 30 - Minneapolis, MN @ 7th Street entry
Wed. May 31 - Chicago, IL @ Schubas
Fri. June 2 - Columbus, OH @ Ace of Cups
Sat. June 3 - Cleveland, OH @ Mahalls
Sun. June 4 - Toronto, ON @ Velvet Underground
Tue. June 6 - Boston, MA @ Crystal Ballroom
Wed. June 7 - New York, NY @ Baby’s All Right
Fri. June 9 - Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brendas
Sun. June 11 - Washington, DC @ Songbyrd
Mon. June 12 - Durham, NC @ Motorco Music Hall
Tue. June 13 - Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade Purgatory
Thu. June 15 - Houston, TX @ White Oak Music Hall Upstairs
Fri. June 16 - Austin, TX @ Parish
Sat. June 17 - Dallas, TX @ Club Dada
Tue. June 20 - Phoenix, AZ @ Rebel Lounge
Wed. June 21 - San Diego, CA @ Soda Bar

Alex Lahey - "Good Time"

Photo by Pooneh Ghana

Australia's Alex Lahey have always leaned pretty heavily into the pop side of power pop, and her latest is no exception. But "Good Time" starts leaning heavily into some fairly unexpected territory. This new song perfectly captures Lahey's humor. It also has a little of fellow Aussie Courtney Barnett's vocal delivery, but instead of a retro 90's indie rock sound, "Good Time" has a 70's power pop meets funk vibe, but filtered through Sheryl Crow. That may sound like too many genres all crammed into one song, but Lahey pulls this one off expertly. At this point she's becoming a veteran songwriter that we're always thrilled to hear new music from.

Alex Lahey says of her new song:

“This song was inspired by a night out I had at the pub with my friend soon after Melbourne came out of lengthy lockdowns. We were watching all these strangers around us have this ‘whatever it takes’ attitude towards making the most of the night (aka getting lit). It was a bit of a shock after being cooped up for so long, but also kind of invigorating.”

You can watch the video for "Good Time" below. The Answer is Always Yes is due out May 19th on Liberation, and can be pre-ordered here. For more on Alex Lahey, check out the artist's website. Upcoming tour dates are below the video.

Fri. May 19 - Santa Ana, CA @ Constellation Room
Sat. May 20 - Los Angeles, CA @ Zebulon
Sun. May 21 - San Francisco, CA @ Bottom of the Hill
Tue. May 23 - Portland, OR @ Polaris Hall
Wed. May 24 - Seattle, WA @ Madame Lous
Fri. May 26 - Salt Lake City, UT @ Kilby Court
Sat. May 27 - Denver, CO @ Lost Lake
Tue. May 30 - Minneapolis, MN @ 7th Street entry
Wed. May 31 - Chicago, IL @ Schubas
Fri. June 2 - Columbus, OH @ Ace of Cups
Sat. June 3 - Cleveland, OH @ Mahalls
Sun. June 4 - Toronto, ON @ Velvet Underground
Tue. June 6 - Boston, MA @ Crystal Ballroom
Wed. June 7 - New York, NY @ Baby’s All Right
Fri. June 9 - Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brendas
Sun. June 11 - Washington, DC @ Songbyrd
Mon. June 12 - Durham, NC @ Motorco Music Hall
Tue. June 13 - Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade Purgatory
Thu. June 15 - Houston, TX @ White Oak Music Hall Upstairs
Fri. June 16 - Austin, TX @ Parish
Sat. June 17 - Dallas, TX @ Club Dada
Tue. June 20 - Phoenix, AZ @ Rebel Lounge
Wed. June 21 - San Diego, CA @ Soda Bar

Alex Lahey - "Spike the Punch"

Photo by Nick McKinlay

We've been big fans of Alex Lahey for a few years now. Her ridiculously combination of indie rock, pop punk, and straight up punk is basically perfect even if two middle aged dads are probably not her target audience. Her latest single, "Spike the Punch," drops a lot of the indie rock and pop punk and just straight up pop rock. Knowing my musical taste I should truly hate this, but Lahey pulls off the near impossible and gets me to love a pop song. If there is such a thing as a song that is too catchy, "Spike the Punch" may very well be it, but since there isn't it's just a great song.

In a press release, Alex Lahey says of the new song:

“‘Spike The Punch’ is a song about the fun that comes with self-sabotage and reckless abandon. It's big, it's loud, it's fun, it's its own beast. There are some super sinister tones in there rubbing up against really bright anime style guitar harmonies (guitarmonies, anyone?..) and shout choruses. Spike feels like a raucous bookend to navigating these cruelly unpredictable times. Touch wood.”

You can watch the video for "Spike the Punch" below. The song is available as a single via Liberation Records here. For more on Alex Lahey, check out the artist's website.

Alex Lahey Covers The Ramones

I had made an agreement with myself that I wasn't going to post any more Christmas music until after Thanksgiving, but I couldn't wait with this one. Alex Lahey has been a blog favorite since her 2017 album I Love You Like a Brother. When I first saw she was covering the Ramones' classic holiday song "Merry Christmas (I Don't Want to Fight Tonight)," I knew it would be good. But, this cover? It's so good! Lahey has always skirted the line between pop and alternative/pop punk, and her cover definitely goes on the side of pop, but the Ramones were always a pop band, just faster and heavier. This cover is an absolute delight, and the perfect choice for Lahey!

In a Facebook post, Alex Lahey explains her choice of covering this Ramones' Christmas classic:

"A fun fact about me is that I love Christmas songs. I’ve always wanted to do one and I’m pleased to say that I’ve finally dipped my toe into the pool of yule and have created my very own version of the Ramones festive classic ‘Merry Christmas (I Don’t Want To Fight Tonight)’! This one goes out to the kid in high school who made fun of my HEY HO LET’S GO tshirt I wore on casual clothes day in year 8."

You can listen to Alex Lahey's cover of "Merry Christmas (I Don't Want to Fight Tonight)" below. You can get your very own copy of the song here. For more on Alex Lahey, check out her website.

Alex Lahey - "Sucker for Punishment"

Photo by James Hornsby

We've been huge fans of Melbourne's Alex Lahey's huge pop rock sound ever since we first heard "Every Day's the Weekend" back in 2017. She has a new single out, and while "Sucker for Punishment" is a huge pop rock song, it changes the style up a little bit. The first thing you'll notice is the gigantic guitars reminiscent of 90's alt-metal like Helmet or Quicksand. And then there's Lahey's New Wave Talking Heads/DEVO vocal delivery. And this is still a pop rock song. Somehow Lahey has combined alt-metal, New Wave, and pop rock into one cohesive, kick ass song.

If you're wondering about the subject matter of "Sucker for Punishment," Lahey explains:

“We're living in an era we're the micro has become the macro. I don't think there has ever been a time where our actions and attitudes as individuals have had such an impact on broader humanity and the planet. Whether it's a ‘think about it later’ attitude towards climate change, the undemocratic consequences of sharing personal data to big business online, a lethargicness in the face of political engagement or the need to be validated as a worthwhile individual through obtaining arbitrary units of engagement on social media -  we need to catch ourselves out before we suffer greater consequences.”

You can watch the video for "Sucker for Punishment" below. For more on Alex Lahey, check out her website. Current tour dates are below the song.

Fri. March 13 - Nottingham, UK @ Rescue Rooms ^
Mon. March 16 - Glasgow, UK @ The Garage ^
Tue. March 17 - Manchester, UK @ Gorilla ^
Wed. March 18 - Birmingham, UK @ O2 Academy2 Birmingham ^
Thu. March 19 - London, UK @ Electric Ballroom ^
Sat. March 21 - Amsterdam, NE @ Paradiso Noord ^
Sun. March 22 - Antwerp, BE @ Kavka ^
Mon. March 23 - Hamburg, DE @ Molotow ^
Tue. March 24 - Düsseldorf, DE @ Zaak ^
Thu. March 26 - Mainz, DE @ Kulturklub schon schön ^
Fri. March 27 - Paris, FR @ Nouveau Casino ^
Wed. April 15 - Adelaide, AU @ Thebarton Theatre *
Fri. April 17 - Fremantle, AU @ Fremantle Arts Center *
Mon. April 20 - Sydney, AU @ Enmore Theatre *
Wed. April 22 - Brisbane, AU @ The Fortitude Music Hall *
Fri. April 24 - Melbourne, AU @ Forum Theatre *
Sat. April 25 - Melbourne, AU @ Forum Theatre *
Tue. April 28 - Hobart, AU @ Odeon Theatre *
Sat. May 30 - San Diego, CA @ Casbah
Sun. May 31 - Costa Mesa, CA @ The Wayfarer
Mon. June 1 - Los Angeles, CA @ Moroccan Lounge
Tue. June 3 - San Jose, CA @ The Ritz
Fri. June 5 - Oakland, CA @ Starline Social Club Crystal Cavern
Sat. June 6 - Sacramento, CA @ The Starlet Room at Harlow’s
Mon. June 8 - Portland, OR @ Mississippi Studios
Tue. June 9 - Seattle, WA @ Barboza
 
* = w/ City & Colour
^ = w/ The Regrettes

First Listen: New Releases for 17 May

A slower week, but with two heavy hitters.

Artist: Carly Rae Jepsen
Album: Dedicated
Quick Description: Latest album from the pop star.
Why You Should Listen: There is a lot riding on this follow-up to her last effort.
Overall Thoughts: For those who are not choosing between Taylor and Katy, this is probably the pop event of 2019. E*MO*TION was so good that it’s unrealistic to believe that Jepsen could top it, and to be clear, she does not. With that said, there is a nice throughline of the sort of 80s/early 90s pop that continues here that Carly Rae does so well, and songs like “Real Love” could end up being one of her long-term classics. If you’re not on the bandwagon yet, I don’t know if this will change your mind, but I am a happy fan.
Recommendation: A great listen.

Artist: Alex Lahey
Album: The Best of Luck Club
Quick Description: Indie favorite with a brand new album.
Why You Should Listen: Her solo debut was amazing, this is probably better.
Overall Thoughts: It’s weird to praise the glossy pop stylings of Carly Rae Jepsen and then lead into the new Alex Lahey album with a complaint about the production value (and specifically how heavily produced it sounds), but considering how good a musician she is and how great these songs are, it is very frustrating to feel as if the production is an exhausting affair in some regards. To be clear, this is a great album and I’ll go as far to say that this is possibly better than her debut (“Interior Demeanour” is going to be an underrated classic, in my opinion), I just question the choices made in some regards.
Recommendation: A great listen in spite of the flaws.

Artist: Kelly Hunt
Album: Even the Sparrow
Quick Description: Great bluegrass music.
Why You Should Listen: Kelly Hunt knows how to craft a song.
Overall Thoughts: This is basically the bluegrass record I’ve been waiting for. There’s a grit to this, a sort of skewed approach, that just absolutely nailed it for me on a whole, and the full album, on first listen, feels cohesive and complete. I can’t recommend any single songs because so much of it just works, but if you like the roots stuff that features around here, and if acts like Sarah Jarosz and the Punch Brothers do it for you, you’ll find a lot to like here.
Recommendation: A favorite this week.

Artist: Lafawndah
Album: Ancestor Boy
Quick Description: Left field R&B.
Why You Should Listen: Reminiscent of Spellling, FKA Twigs, and so on.
Overall Thoughts: I’m unsure if this record exists without FKA Twigs, but I am happy it exists overall. This came out a while back, and gives the sort of off-kilter approach to R&B made famous by FKA Twigs and allows for a wide variety of structures and outcomes. This is a deep and heavy record that I want to spend a lot more time with, as it has some serious growth potential for me.
Recommendation: An excellent listen.

Of note:

* Olden Yolk - Living Theatre (Pretty solid effort.)
* Ioanna Gika - Thalassa (For fans of Marissa Nadler.)
* Injury Reserve - Injury Reserve (A great nerdcore-meets-Clipping effort.)
* Worshipper - Worshipper
* Com Truise - Persuasion System
* Ellen Allien - Alientronic
* Siobhan Wilson - The Departure
* The Head and the Heart - Living Mirage
* Mr. Tophat - Dusk to Dawn Part II

7 Song Albums:

* Michael Christmas - Baggy Eyes
* Kelly Moran - Origin

EPs:

* Elton John Cena - All Rats Go to Heaven (Fun EP.)
* The Jins - Death Wish (They listened to too much Nirvana, but that's more than okay.)
* Keep Shelly in Athens - Sunny Day
* Interpol - A Fine Mess
* Undeworld - Drift Episode 3: "HEART"

Also out:

* The National - I Am Easy to Find
* Kofi the Spiderman - Adventures in NumbNumb Land
* Christone "Kingfish" Ingram - Kingfish
* Josephine Wiggs - We Fall
* Lucette - Deluxe Hotel Room
* Palmistry - Afterlife
national

Alex Lahey - "Am I Doing It Right?'

Photo by Callum Preston

Now this is what we love about Alex Lahey. Her latest single, "Am I Doing It Right?," dances right along the edge of pop and alt-rock. It's huge hooks, fuzzy guitars, and a perfect shout along chorus. It somehow lives in both the worlds of mid 90's alt-rock/power pop and the pure pop of the early 2000's. Normally something this centered in pop wouldn't appeal to me, but that's the joy of Alex Lahey: Even us curmudgeonly old guys that hate pop can't help but get sucked into the song. 

Lahey says about "Am I Doing It Right?": "Being a musician is considered a weird job without any explanation necessary, but one of the strangest parts about being a musician is that there is absolutely no set pathway you’re supposed to follow to get where you want to go. This song reflects on being thrust into a lifestyle and going with it while feeling like others are looking over your shoulder to make sure you’re doing all the right things by you and everyone else. It’s like fighting a losing battle while loving every minute of it.”

You can listen to "Am I Doing It Right?" below. The Best of Luck Club, the new album from Alex Lahey, will be out May 17 on Dead Oceans. You can pre-order a copy here. For more on Alex Lahey, check out her website. Current tour dates are below the song.

Mon. May 13 - Glasgow, UK @ Broadcast

Wed. May 15 - Belfast, UK @ Empire Music Hall

Thu. May 16 - Dublin, IR @ The Grand Social

Fri. May 17 - Liverpool, UK @ Arts Club

Sun. May 19 - Leicester, UK @ The Cookie

Mon. May 20 - Cardiff, UK @ Clwb Ifor Bach

Thu. May 23 - London, UK @ Oslo

Thu. June 6 - Adelaide, AU @ The Gov

Fri. June 7 - Perth, AU @ Rock Rover

Thu. June 13 - Brisbane, AU @ The Tivoli

Fri. June 14 - Canberra, AU @ The Basement

Sat. June 15 - Sydney, AU @ Metro Theatre

Sat. June 22 - Melbourne, AU @ Forum Melbourne

Fri. Aug. 9 - Sun. Aug. 11 - San Francisco, CA @ Outside Lands

Tue. Aug. 13 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Troubadour

Wed. Aug. 14 - Phoenix, AZ @ Valley Bar

Thu. Aug. 16 - Austin, TX @ Antone’s

Sat. Aug. 17 - Dallas, TX @ Deep Ellum Art Co.

Mon. Aug. 19 - Atlanta, GA @ The Earl

Tue. Aug. 20 - Nashville, TN @ Exit / In

Thu. Aug. 22 - Washington, DC @ U Street Music Hall

Fri. Aug. 23 - Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg

Sat. Aug. 24 - Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brenda’s

Sun. Aug. 25 - Allston, MA @ Great Scott

Tue. Aug. 27 - Chicago, IL @ Lincoln Hall

Wed. Aug. 28 - St. Paul, MN @ Turf Club

Sun. Sep. 1 - Vancouver, BC @ Biltmore Cabaret

Tue. Sep. 3 - Portland, OR @ Doug Fir Lounge

Alex Lahey - "Don't Be so Hard on Yourself"

Photo by Callum Preston

Alex Lahey's 2017 album I Love You Like a Brother was beloved by both me and Jeff, which is surprising since it was more poppy than I normally like. Last week she started teasing new music, and we're thrilled that we now have "Don't Be so Hard on Yourself." If you loved I Loved You Like a Brother, we've got some great news for you. "Don't Be so Hard on Yourself" is more of the same, but possibly better. It's almost unbearably catchy, with these huge fuzzy guitars, and a saxophone solo that might be trying to outdo "Careless Whisper." Even if you hate music more on the pop side, you owe it to yourself and everyone you know to check out "Don't Be so Hard on Yourself."

You can watch the video for "Don't Be so Hard on Yourself" below. The Best of Luck Club, Alex Lahey's second album, will be out May 17 on Dead Oceans. You can pre-order your copy here. For more on Alex Lahey, check out her website. Tour dates are below the video, but unfortunately only in her home country of Australia. 

Thu. June 6 - Adelaide, AU @ The Gov
Fri. June 7 - Perth, AU @ Rock Rover
Thu. June 13 - Brisbane, AU @ The Tivoli
Fri. June 14 - Canberra, AU @ The Basement
Sat. June 15 - Sydney, AU @ Metro Theatre
Sat. June 22 - Melbourne, AU @ Forum Melbourne

Jeff's Top 10 of 2017 - #6: Alex Lahey - I Love You Like a Brother

Every so often an album comes along that nearly encapsulates everything you're looking for from an album at a given time. In a year with so much solid female-fronted alt-rock coming out, Alex Lahey takes the model and turns it into something that pops into focus in a way artists like Mitski and Courtney Barnett (both of which who are excellent) do not. This is part alt-rock, part power pop, part soul-bearing singer-songwriter stuff, but the bombast of "Lotto in Reverse" or just the way the title track sets up the entire mood is just superior to most of what came out this year. Ken hopped onto this bandwagon early, and I'm glad some room was left for me, because I haven't been able to get enough of this one since it came out.

Songs of Note: "Lotto in Reverse," "I Love You Like a Brother," "Every Day's the Weekend"

First Listen, Part One: New Releases for October 6

A busy week, so we're splitting this in two:

Album of the Week:

Artist: Alex Lahey
Album: I Love You Like a Brother
Quick Description: Debut full-length from someone who we've come to love very quickly here.
Why You Should Listen: This is the best mix of indie, alt-rock, and an older aesthetic I've heard in a while.
Overall Thoughts: Ken’s spent a lot of time raving about Lahey, and both of us had very high expectations for her debut full-length. Somehow she didn’t just meet them, she exceeded them easily. Sing-along choruses, a nice wall of sound that both hits hard and doesn’t overwhelm, an instrumental aesthetic that seems fully rooted in current times while still borrowing heavily from 80s and 90s soundscapes? There’s no flaw in this record at all, and it’s easily my favorite of the week. Unless you’re really, really anti-alt-rock, this has to get into your rotation this week, because Alex Lahey will probably end up being your favorite new musician on the block.
Recommendation: Best of the week, a best of the year candidate, and maybe your new favorite.

Artist: JD McPherson
Album: Undivided Heart and Soul
Quick Description: Latest from the rocker with a classic sound.
Why You Should Listen: His last album was great and he knows how to craft a tune.
Overall Thoughts: JD McPherson had one of my favorite songs in recent memory in “Head Over Heels.” This new album kind of leans into that song a bit, with a lot of well-structured pop rock to go along with everything. This isn’t a bad thing at all in this case, as McPherson has found a unique (to this era) sound that works for him. But if you’re looking for a little more variety, it might not be here as you might expect. This is a good listen, it’s simply surprising that it doesn’t take as many chances as one would expect.
Recommendation: Worth your time.

Artist: Ane Brun
Album: Leave Me Breathless
Quick Description: The oddest covers album of 2017.
Why You Should Listen: Ane Brun's voice is unique and has offered a number of great songs.
Overall Thoughts: A singer I’ve enjoyed for a while, this is an interesting-yet-puzzling collection of cover songs ranging from the classic to the confounding – no one is asking for a version of Mariah Carey’s “Hero” as far as I know, but if you were, there’s one here. Her voice is so unique and interesting that the takes on these songs is enough to give this a listen, but for me, this was just one of those weird curiosities rather than a really solid album.
Recommendation: Listener beware.

Artist: Best Girl Athlete
Album: Best Girl Athlete
Quick Description: Genre-hopping sophomore indie effort.
Why You Should Listen: You don't mind surprises in your indie music.
Overall Thoughts: This was an album I picked out solely due to the title of the act. Within the first song I was first impressed by the way the songs were structured, but then there was a rap break. The approach here appears to be to confound expectations whenever possible, and the result is an album that I definitely liked, but found myself questioning a lot of the choices more than really just being able to enjoy what I was hearing. This isn’t to say this is a bad album; it’s just a weird listen with a lot of strangeness seemingly baked in.
Recommendation: I’m not 100% sure it works.

Artist: Silver Torches
Album: Let It Be a Dream
Quick Description: new album from an indie folkie.
Why You Should Listen: You're a fan of the more quiet side of indie music.
Overall Thoughts: This album reminds me of an old band, Fuck, that hasn’t been heard from in a very long time. Quiet, kinda weird, kinda folky, very unexpected. This album is good, but almost too unassuming, and it’s an album I put on and then it ended and I could barely remember much else except the overall tone. I’ll come back to it, but in a busy week you absolutely want to be more memorable than this.
Recommendation: Not essential in a busy week.

Artist: Kele Okereke
Album: Fatherland
Quick Description: Bloc Party lead singer with an introspective effort.
Why You Should Listen: This is not what you expect at all.
Overall Thoughts: If you asked me what direction a proper Kele Okereke solo album would go, I do not think chamber pop would make it anywhere in the top 30. But here we are, with a very introspective, gentle chamber pop record that would probably be a lot more enjoyable if the Bloc Party baggage wasn’t being towed behind it. Look at it on its own, however, and it’s an interesting album with a lot of positives going for it. The songwriting is great and the musicality behind it impressive. It’s just hard to shake where this is coming from given how long Okereke has been in the musical consciousness.
Recommendation: A weird listen that I didn't love, but didn't hate.

Artist: Dhani Harrison
Album: IN//PARALLEL
Quick Description: George Harrison's son's first proper album.
Why You Should Listen: You're a Beatles completist, or just curious.
Overall Thoughts: George Harrison’s only son doesn’t sound like what I expected him to sound like, and that might be a positive in his corner. On the other hand, when we’ve had the “famous kids” albums in recent years, like Harper Simon or Liam Finn, they’ve offered some truly memorable moments both to strike away from their heritage and to make their own names. Harrison appears to be keeping it a little closer to the chest, and that’s fine. It just might not land for everyone as a result.
Recommendation: Not great, but not bad either.

Artist: Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith
Album: The Kid
Quick Description: New album from the indie electronic act.
Why You Should Listen: Smith is getting significant buzz over the last year.
Overall Thoughts: I didn't get to write about it, but I loved her last mini-album. This is definitely in a more pop(ulist) direction, and it's a little off-putting on first listen, but I was hooked by the end and simply can't wait to dive back in. This is a solid listen for anyone, but especially those who like the sort of indie electro stuff I've featured here lately.
Recommendation: Should be something on your list this week.

EPs of note:

* Mirah - Sundial
* Surf Rock is Dead - We Have No Friends

Also out:

* Pearl Jam - Let's Play Two
* The Darkness - Pinewood Smile

Alex Lahey - "I Haven't Been Taking Care of Myself"

Photo by Giulia McGauran

We've been loving every track from Alex Lahey's upcoming debut full length album, and for good reason. The Australian singer/songwriter specializes in the type of pop rock that used to be called alternative back in the mid-90's. Her latest, "I Haven't Been Taking Care of Myself," is this pleasant happy medium between her previous two singles from I Love You Like a Brother. It's not quite as poppy as "Every Day's the Weekend" and it's not as grungey as "Lotto in Reverse." Instead, "I Haven't Been Taking Care of Myself" fits snugly in between both of the previous songs. It has the insanely catchy pop hooks and upbeat chorus along with fuzzed out guitars. It's reminds me a ton of Letters to Cleo's Go! Plus, there's Lahey's amazing lyrics. I'm not usually much of a lyrics guy at all, but hers always just suck me in. "I Haven't Been Taking Care of Myself" centers around a possibly obsessive relationship and poor lifestyle choices, both of which tend to go hand in hand. Despite the negative subject matter, the song doesn't dwell on the negative and seems to be a declaration to turn things around, much like Colleen Green's I Want to Grow Up.

You can watch the video for "I Haven't Been Taking Care of Myself" below. Alex Lahey's debut album, I Love You Like a Brother, will be out on October 6 on Dead Oceans. You can pre-order a copy here. For more on Lahey, check out her website. Her upcoming tour dates are below.

Tue. Oct. 26 - Brussels, BE @ Botanique Witloofbar
Fri. Oct. 27 - Rotterdam, NL @ V11
Mon. Oct. 30 - Cologne, DE @ Blue Shell
Tue. Oct. 31 - Hamburg, DE @ Molotow Musikclub
Wed. Nov. 1 - Berlin, DE @ Privat Club 
Wed. Nov. 3 - Munich, DE @ Kranhalle 
Sat. Nov. 4 - Stuttgart, DE @ Keller Klub 
Sun. Nov. 5 - Fribourg, DE @ Espace culturel Le Nouveau Monde 
Mon. Nov. 6 - Paris, FR @ La Mécanique Ondulatoire
Wed. Nov. 8 - London, UK @ Boston Music Room 
Tue. Nov. 9 - Bristol, UK @ The Louisiana 
Fri. Nov. 10 - Leeds, UK @ Brudenell Social Club 
Sat. Nov. 11 - Manchester, UK @ Deaf Institute 
Sun. Nov. 12 - Glasgow, UK @ King Tut's Wah Wah Hut 
Wed. Nov. 15 - Allston, MA @ Great Scott
Thu. Nov. 16 - Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg
Fri. Nov. 17 - Philadelphia, PA @ World Cafe Live
Sun. Nov. 19 - Washington, DC @ DC9
Wed. Nov. 22 - Toronto, ON @ The Drake Hotel - Underground
Fri. Nov. 24 - Chicago, IL @ Subterranean
Sat. Nov. 25th - Minneapolis, MN @ 7th Street Entry
Wed. Nov. 29 - Dallas, TX @ Club Dada
Thu. Nov. 30 - Austin, TX @ Barracuda
Sat. Dec. 2 - Denver, CO @ Lost Lake Lounge
Sun. Dec. 3 - Salt Lake City, UT @ Kilby Court
Tue. Dec. 5 - Phoenix, AZ @ The Rebel Lounge
Wed. Dec. 6 - San Diego, CA @ The Casbah
Fri. Dec. 8 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Echo 
Sat.Dec. 9 - San Francisco, CA @ Bottom of the Hill
Mon. Dec. 11 - Portland, OR @ Mississippi Studios
Tue. Dec. 12 - Vancouver, BC @ The Cobalt
Wed. Dec. 13 - Seattle, WA @ Chop Suey

Alex Lahey - "Lotto in Reverse"

Photo by Giulia McGauran

While I absolutely loved Alex Lahey's last single "Every Day's the Weekend," it was despite how much of a pure pop song it was. With her latest, "Lotto in Reverse," I don't have that slight problem.

"Lotto in Reverse" is a pop song, sure. But it's a pop song the way most of my beloved mid-90's post grunge alternative music was pop music. It's incredibly catchy, and Lahey's voice is far too melodic to ever be anything but pop. However, there is just enough angst and noise in the music to keep it from being too sugary. The guitars are just crunchy enough with the slightest hint of 90's aggression to keep it interesting. Not to mention that Lahey is quickly becoming one of the best lyricists of her generation. (Must be something in the water down in Australia.) It's an absolute perfect noisy power pop song.

You can watch the lyric video for "Lotto in Reverse" below. Alex Lahey's debut album, I Love You Like a Brother, will be out on October 6 on Dead Oceans. You can pre-order a copy here. For more on Lahey, check out her website. Her upcoming tour dates are below.

Tue. Oct. 26 - Brussels, BE @ Botanique Witloofbar
Fri. Oct. 27 - Rotterdam, NL @ V11
Mon. Oct. 30 - Cologne, DE @ Blue Shell
Tue. Oct. 31 - Hamburg, DE @ Molotow Musikclub
Wed. Nov. 1 - Berlin, DE @ Privat Club 
Wed. Nov. 3 - Munich, DE @ Kranhalle 
Sat. Nov. 4 - Stuttgart, DE @ Keller Klub 
Sun. Nov. 5 - Fribourg, DE @ Espace culturel Le Nouveau Monde 
Mon. Nov. 6 - Paris, FR @ La Mécanique Ondulatoire
Wed. Nov. 8 - London, UK @ Boston Music Room 
Tue. Nov. 9 - Bristol, UK @ The Louisiana 
Fri. Nov. 10 - Leeds, UK @ Brudenell Social Club 
Sat. Nov. 11 - Manchester, UK @ Deaf Institute 
Sun. Nov. 12 - Glasgow, UK @ King Tut's Wah Wah Hut 
Wed. Nov. 15 - Allston, MA @ Great Scott
Thu. Nov. 16 - Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg
Fri. Nov. 17 - Philadelphia, PA @ World Cafe Live
Sun. Nov. 19 - Washington, DC @ DC9
Wed. Nov. 22 - Toronto, ON @ The Drake Hotel - Underground
Fri. Nov. 24 - Chicago, IL @ Subterranean
Sat. Nov. 25th - Minneapolis, MN @ 7th Street Entry
Wed. Nov. 29 - Dallas, TX @ Club Dada
Thu. Nov. 30 - Austin, TX @ Barracuda
Sat. Dec. 2 - Denver, CO @ Lost Lake Lounge
Sun. Dec. 3 - Salt Lake City, UT @ Kilby Court
Tue. Dec. 5 - Phoenix, AZ @ The Rebel Lounge
Wed. Dec. 6 - San Diego, CA @ The Casbah
Fri. Dec. 8 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Echo 
Sat.Dec. 9 - San Francisco, CA @ Bottom of the Hill
Mon. Dec. 11 - Portland, OR @ Mississippi Studios
Tue. Dec. 12 - Vancouver, BC @ The Cobalt
Wed. Dec. 13 - Seattle, WA @ Chop Suey