If It's Too Loud...

Artist : The Boy Detective Album : Exhibition Quick Thoughts : The ska revival is alive and well as long as The Boy Detective are on the case. This gives me big mid-1990s Less Than Jake vibes in all the right ways, and it's a great ska throwback without feeling like a throwback, if that makes sense. Plus, the Fall Out Boy-style long titles kind of make the complete package. A great listen this week. Songs of Note : "Some Drakkar Noir Wearing Dexter With a Boner," "Replacement," "The Secret Life (And Tragic Death) of Richard T. Owl," "It's Not About the Horniness, It's About the Loneliness," "She Only Dates Astronauts (So What on Earth is She Doing With Me?)," "My Figurative Heart" Artist : Thank Album : I Have a PHysical Body That Can Be Harmed Quick Thoughts : Post punk is in a heyday all its own right now, and while Thank isn't quite as melodic as Viagra Boys or as angsty as Idles, it's near-im...

We adored "Kristin Stewart" from Sassyhiya when we heard it back in July, so we're thrilled that the quartet are back with another single. "Boat Called Predator" is that bouncy yet edgy style of indie rock that defined our listening experience back in the 90's. It starts off with a swirl of feedback and electronic noise before switching to the bulk of the song. It's slightly quirky and sounds like everyone involved is having a ton of fun. "Boat Called Predator" sounds like a version of Pavement that are heavier on groove and melody. Based on the first two singles we've heard, Sassyhiya sound like they're going to end up being a favorite of ours. Kathy Wright (vocals and guitar) says of the band's latest single: “ This song was written while travelling through Scotland, near Skye. In the car we were passed by someone towing a boat with the name ‘Predator’. A lot of the woodland there is dominated by rhododendrons, an invasive species...

Sassyhiya are real life partners Kathy Wright and Helen Skinner, who met at a rollerderby game where Wright was skating for the Ultraviolent Femmes. Their latest single, "Kristen Stewart," was inspired by Skinner seeing the actress and queer icon filming a scene for Spencer at a local Kentucky Fried Chicken. The resulting song is a joyous indie rock song that has the bounciness of punk but with the upbeat sound of indie rock and alt-pop. It's a wonderfully melodic track that still keeps the DIY spirit alive with its unique vibe. Plus, it has the bassline of your favorite post-punk tracks.  Helen Skinner says of the band's latest single: “I wanted to do a song about her because I think she’s ace and makes great choices when it comes to roles. She’s grown up in the public eye and has still managed to become the person we absolutely hoped she would - someone proud of her queerness plus she's really cool and fun.” You can watch the video for "Kristen Stewart...