If It's Too Loud...

Photo by Travis Gillett Built to Spill and Blood Lemon bassist Melanie Radford has one new single out before her solo album is due tomorrow (June 26). "Sink & Swallow" takes a bit to get going, but once it does it turns into the most lovely single we've heard from her to date. The songs starts off with an extended ambient opening, and then turns into a compelling and engaging song that borders on folk and Americana. As laid back and relaxed as "Sink & Swallow" may seem at first, there is an intensity lurking beneath the surface. The twang lingering in the song is almost foreboding, but somehow makes the song even more immediate and beautiful. We're sure to be checking out Radford's full album once it is released tomorrow. Melanie Radford says of the video for her new single: “The video is a dreamy depiction of 3 inner selves. I'm a firm believer in people containing multitudes of selves that need attention and care. However, not one singularl...

Photo by Travis Gillett While touring with Built to Spill, Melanie Radford began going on long walks through cities and neighborhoods, making field recordings as she walked. Those field recordings became the basis for her upcoming solo album with melodies and rythyms being built based on the recordings. Her latest single, "Philadelphia," has its field recording taken behind Union Transfer in Philadelphia. The song is a stunning ambient folk track that commands attention by being so quiet. Despite being so quiet, the song has a certain tension to it based on the drone building behind Radford's vocals and bass. It can work on the level of being just a good song to listen to, and it also works on being an experimental piece of art. "Philadelphia" is a unique and engaging track, and we're thrilled to bring it to you. You can watch the video for "Philadelphia" below. For the Sake of Stillness is due out June 26 on Jealous Butcher Records, and is availab...

Photo by Travis Gillett You probably know Melanie Radford from Built to Spill and Blood Lemon, but now the bassist and vocalist is releasing a new solo album. The first single from that album is "Hangin' On," and it's a complete departure from her other two projects. The song is quiet and stripped down, and sounds like it is comprised mostly of vocals, bass, and cello (provided by Lori Goldston, known for her work with Nirvana). What the song lacks in volume it certainly makes up for in beauty and a certain captivating quality. "Hangin' On" captures your attention by being so quiet, and it's magical how its warmth washes over you. If you love Built to Spill and/or Blood Lemon, you're going to also love Melanie Radford's solo work. You can watch the video for "Hangin' On" below. For the Sake of Stillness is due out June 26 on Jealous Butcher Records, and is available for pre-order here . For more on Melanie Radford, check out the...