If It's Too Loud...

Photo by Shervin Lainez Since the release of Let Me Do One More way back in 2020, Sarah Tudzin has been a recording engineer and producer on albums from artists like boygenius, Weyes Blood, Speedy Ortiz, and more. She's back to releasing her own music, which means a new single from Illuminati Hotties! The new single, "Didn't," has that perfect blend of indie rock and pop music that has made us fans of the band since we discovered them. It's an upbeat and fun track that also sounds like it might have snuck a little country twang in at times. In other words, it's the perfect song for the start of the summer, and is just begging to be played on drives to the beach or just hanging out by a pool. You can watch the video for "Didn't" below. POWER is due out August 23 on Hopeless Records, and is available for pre-order here . For more on Illuminati Hotties, check out the artist on Instagram  and Facebook . Upcoming tour dates are below the video. 09/25 ...

Artist : Liz Lawrence Album : The Avalanche Quick Thoughts : Liz Lawrence writes extremely catchy songs, and this album is a loud, brash collection of 'em. If you were lucky enough to trip up on "USP" a few years back, you know what you're getting into here. Criminally underrated, if there's any justice this will be a mainstream hit. Songs of Note : "Down for Fun," "Babies," "I'll Go On," "Where the Bodies are Buried" Artist : Christo Graham Album : Graham's General Store Quick Thoughts : Ken sent this one over, and, man, I really enjoyed my time with this. It's got an earnest appeal that hits me right in my small town-loving heart. The album might not work for everyone, but if you like roots-tinged folk, you'd do yourself a favor in listening to this. Songs of Note : "Phone a Friend," "Nothin' Works" Artist : Molly Payton Album : Slack Quick Thoughts : Probably my favorite...

Artist : Samantha Crain Album : A Small Death Quick Description : Latest from the folkie. Why You Should Listen : Crain has established herself as one of the best... Overall Thoughts : ...I just don't know why she isn't huge on the scene. She has such a great tone, and she's settled into a really great spot where she churns out better and better records, but I don't hear her name out and about a lot. This is more than worth your time, and is absolutely one of the better folk records of late and the best one this week. Dive in, then go into her back catalog - if you're not on the bandwagon, you're missing out. Recommendation : Mandatory listen this week. Artist : Illuminati Hotties Album : FREE I.H.: This is Not the One You've Been Waiting For Quick Description : New micro-album from an indie favorite. Why You Should Listen : In terms of quarantine content, this is good. Overall Thoughts : If we're being true to ourselves, this is a bit of...

Photo via Facebook Our love of covers is well documented here at If It's Too Loud..., and we have a special love for covers that completely change the meaning of the song. Whitney Houston's beyond classic "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" is a celebratory song. The message seems to be happiness equals wanting to dance with somebody. In the hands of Los Angeles's illuminati hotties the song takes on a more somber and depressing feeling. Instead of celebrating the joy of wanting to dance with somebody, this new take is more about sitting alone and wishing you had somebody to dance with. Whitney Houston and 80's pop purists won't enjoy illuminati hotties's version, but the rest of of will. You can listen to illuminati hotties do "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" below. The single is available via Tiny Engines. For more on illuminati hotties, check out their Facebook .

Illuminati Hotties has the best band name in the world right now. It doesn't hurt that the debut from the Sarah Tudzin-led project (Tudzin has production credits ranging from Macklemore to Hamilton ) is one of the most refreshingly fun listens of the year. “(You’re Better) Than Ever,” the song that got me interested in the act, is a perfect blend of indie and pop and punk, and songs like "Cuff" and "Pressed 2 Death" show a range of ideas that even the most popular acts fail to replicate. This is a crazy fun record, perhaps moreso than anything else out this year. It catches a lot of the current millennial zeitgeist without being completely cringey, and the result is a listen that I continually went back to since its release. As someone addicted to alt-rock styles and who doesn't mind a good laugh now and again in his music? This absolutely works. Songs of note: "(You're Better) Than Ever," "Pressed 2 Death," "Paying Off t...

A slightly calmer week. Artist : Illuminati Hotties Album : Kiss Yr Frenemies Quick Description : Alt-indie debut from a buzzworthy act. Why You Should Listen : You wish your indie music was a lot more fun than it has been lately. Overall Thoughts : This is one of my most anticipated releases of the spring, having been addicted to “(You’re Better) Than Ever” since I first heard it. The album is a fun, raucous debut with plenty of alt-rock notes to go with an indie, almost DIY sensibility. The band isn’t breaking any new ground, but it’s good to hear a band come into the conversation seemingly fully formed. And they have maybe the best band name I’ve ever heard, so there’s that, too. Recommendation : My favorite this week. Artist : Aiden Moffat and RM Hubbert Album : Here Lies the Body Quick Description : An artsy collaboration from some Scottish music icons. Why You Should Listen : You're a fan of Arab Strap or contemplative folkish stuff? Overall Thoughts : This...