If It's Too Loud...

Artist : Tropical Fuck Storm Album : Fairyland Codex Quick Thoughts : Tropical Fuck Storm gives me the feelings a lot of weird, angular indie acts in the early 2000s did in that they're provocative and undefinable and yet compelling no matter what. This new album is more of what I expect, with what might be considered a more polished approach than their previous efforts. Either way, when the songs hit hard they hit hard and I'm glad we have a new album from them. Songs of Note : "Irkandji Syndrome," "Goon Show," "Bloodsport," "Moscovium," "Bye Bye Snake Eyes" Artist : Lukas Nelson Album : American Romance Quick Thoughts : I don't know on first listen whether ditching The Promise of the Real was purposeful, but I do know that this feels more traditionally country than Lukas Nelson's full-band efforts, and songs like "Ain't Done" are truly some of his best work so far. Worth your time. Songs of ...

Photo by Oscar O'Shea There are a lot of Stooges covers out there. Most bands tend to focus on "I Wanna Be Your Dog," "Search and Destroy," "TV Eye," etc. This may be the first cover of "Ann" that I've ever heard. "Ann" is from The Stooges' 1969 self titled debut, and it kind of has that filler feel to it. It's a slow, plodding song that shows off Iggy Pop's Jim Morrison influence and then ends in a psychedelic freak out. In other words, it's perfect for Tropical Fuck Storm to cover. TSM deliver a surprisingly straightforward cover. It may be a little prettier and start off almost pop, but the psychedelic freak out has been replaced by this noise rock tantrum that feels destructive. This one is a ton of fun. You can watch the video for Tropical Fuck Storm's cover of "Ann" below. Moonburn , the new maxi-single cassette, will be out August 26 on Joyful Noise Recordings. Moonburn can be pre-ordered her...

Artist : Lorde Album : Solar Power Quick Thoughts : Lorde has made some seriously iconic songs over the years, which makes Solar Power largely a confusing affair. It's not that the album is bad - in fact, on first listen, I might like it more than Melodrama - but that it's very unassuming. It gives a definitive inluenceresque summery vibe, and that was somewhat unexpected from someone who presents as a more oddball dark pop star. Regardless, this album is likely to be divisive, but put me fully on team Solar Power . Songs of Note : "Solar Power," "Stoned at the Nail Salon," "Secrets From a Girl (Who's Seen It All)" Artist : Warp Trio Album : Warp Trio's Pandemic Disco Fantasy Quick Thoughts : I'm pretty sure this contemporary classical act hit my radar thanks to the amount of Attacca Quartet I've been listening to, and this is apparently a concept record that goes along with a multimedia effort. The music, for what it...

Just a lot out this week, so we'll do highlights. Artist : Skating Polly Album : The Make It All Show Quick Description : New album from the indie rockers. Why You Should Listen : Skating Polly is similar to Speedy Ortiz in some regards, and they are poised to break out. Overall Thoughts : I liked Skating Polly’s last effort, which was a sort of car crash of musical sounds and styles that had me hooked. Even still, it wasn’t without its flaws, but that was more than okay – it was still a great listen. This new album feels a lot more organized and structured, and the result (while a little less chaotic) is something that really shows growth as a band without losing the sort of manic quality that sets them apart. Recommendation : A favorite this week. Artist : Parker Milsap Album : Other Arrangements Quick Description : New album from a favorite here. Why You Should Listen : You're looking for a little more adult alternative in your life. Overall Thoughts : We’v...