If It's Too Loud...

Photo by Ebru Yildiz Wilder Maker continue to make some of the most interesting indie rock out there today. The Brooklyn band's latest, "Letter of Apology," has that perfect mix of indie rock and Americana that we're obviously going to adore in these parts. It's also as catchy as a pop song despite being planted firmly in the world of rock. It's kind of like if Tom Petty collaborated with Rilo Kiley, and who on this planet doesn't want to hear that? Long time Wilder Maker fans will also be thrilled to hear that it features ex-member Katie Von Schleicher on backing vocals and guitar! Gabriel Birnbaum says of his band's new song: "'Letter' is a hooky pop song about apocalyptic depression.  It’s been a part of the live set for years but it took us a while to get that manic edge it needs on record. I remember bringing a pile of songs I’d lost perspective on over to Katie’s apartment to see if they were any good, and as soon as we started singi...

Photo by Annette Wong Will Graefe has been known as a guitarist for Okkervil River, Landlady, Petra Haden, and more. His solo work truly stands out, and he's set to release his second solo album. The latest single from that album, "Coral Court Motel" (which features vocals from Katie Von Schleicher), edges close to the mainstream end of the singer/songwriter spectrum, but the dense feeling of the song is what is going to set it apart from others. "Coral Court Motel" just feels heavy. The melancholy of the song threatens to weigh down the listener. It's the beauty of the song that lifts it up. As sad as it may feel, you just can't resist a song that is filled with the kind of beauty that this one is. You can listen to "Coral Court Motel" below. Marine Life is due out on April 30. You can pre-order your copy here . For more on Will Graefe, check out the artist's Bandcamp .

Photo by Annie Del Hierro The latest single from New York's Wilder Maker appears to be a transitional one. The first song, "Love So Well," is referred to as singer Katie Von Schleicher's swan song, which means it's fairly safe to say this release marks the departure from the band. "Love So Well" is a country rock song in the vein of Neil Young's ballads. Sure, I may be taking that directly from the press release, but it's impossible not to hear that in the song. The b-side, "Rose Room," sees Gabriel Birnbaum taking over lead vocals with Von Schleicher in more of a backup vocal role. "Rose Room" is swankier rock, with just enough quirk and humor to keep things interesting. You can listen to "Love So Well" and "Rose Room" below. You can get your copy of the single via Bandcamp. For more on Wilder Maker, be sure to check out their website . Love So Well b/w Rose Room by Wilder Maker

I spent most of my Sunday at a wrestling show instead of working on a new music post, so this has to be abbreviated. That’s a shame, too, for some reasons to note. Anyway: Album of the Week : Arcade Fire - Everything Now : Album of the week, album of the quarter, and probably my frontrunner for album of the year if it holds up as well as the first listen did. Maybe their best effort even if it won’t be iconic the way their first album is or so universally praised like Neon Bible . If you’re avoiding this for any reason at all, don’t. Great Listens This Week : Little Silver - Somewhere You Found My Name : Features members of Hem in some form, this is a really brilliant listen and one that throws some folksy curveballs. Mr. Lif and Akrobatik- Resolution : Absolutely the rap album of the moment for me. Katie Von Schleicher - Shitty Hits : Tongue-in-cheek title, but this is much better than it lets on. Japanese Breakfast - Soft Sounds From Another Planet : Technically ...