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RYMO Releases Folksy Debut LP, Pinko Punk

Acoustic singer/songwriter RYMO (aka Ryan Morris) wears the DIY badge of honor proudly. Having grown up learning the spectrum of musical performance and production, Morris has now settled down in his native Nashville studio, ready to hit the ground running. Pinko Punk is the first full release from this TN wunderkind, a nine-song lesson in dynamics and delicateness, peppered with a few obscenities for good measure. LP opener “Sideways” is a lovely introduction to RYMO’s gentle acoustic folk. Laced with a plunking water-droplet-synth, the song slowly crescendos until it is fleshed out with the most dynamically appropriate of drumbeats. Perhaps most notable in this otherwise lighthearted-sounding song is RYMO’s choice of chorus – “Well, fuck me sideways…” It’s a unique (but very satisfying) juxtaposition of soft acoustic folk and foul-mouthed poetry. Despite the nautical theme, “3 Day Cruise” trades water-droplets for airy synth pads. Songs like “Cruise” and track two, “When She Leaves”[...]

Carpool – I Think Everyone’s A Cop

Rochester quartet Carpool combine the urgency and emotion of emo with the washy bliss of shoegaze. With reference-a-many to smoking, sex, and wearing your heart on your sleeve, their debut LP I Think Everyone’s A Cop perfectly captures a moment in time. It’s a seven-song offering full of strong songwriting and even stronger emotions; see below. Opening track “Cigarette Cough” opens with a short skit before launching into a sloshy, mid-tempo rhythm. Carpool doesn’t skimp on the emo; their songs are certainly full of heartfelt vocals layered over guitar-driven skeletons about love and cigarettes. What really sets this particular group apart is their tasteful use of effects. Guitars are laden with swirls, noisy fuzz tones, and echo-chamber reverb tanks. Sidenote: I think these guys really like cigarettes. Track two, “Another Song About Rachel,” has a surprisingly straightforward fuzz chorus about making love to your s/o and listening to Morrissey. Moments like this particular chorus[...]

Indoor Cats – “Bloodshot”

Chapel Hill quartet Indoor Cats hit us up with the 10th track from their self-titled debut LP; it’s a guitar pop track with hints of FIDLAR, Beach Slang, and Guided By Voices worked in. In its own right, “Bloodshot” is a succinct, pop-minded jam that finds the Indoor Cats experimenting with quick tempos, reverbed-out vocals, and jangly guitar tones. Be sure to give it a listen below. Swing over to Bandcamp where you can pick up a cassette or digital dl from the Cats. Indoor Cats by Indoor Cats

Ouster – “You Don’t Want Out”

Sometimes a mystery song will captivate us greatly – such is the case with Ouster‘s latest offering, “You Don’t Want Out.” A twangy number reminiscent of Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Neutral Milk Hotel, or Guster, “You Don’t Want Out” sounds like a true, lo-fi, down-home recording (in a good way!). Check it out below, or swing by their Bandcamp to support them to the fullest. Muted Window / Hollow Dive by Ouster

You Folk – “Nolo Contendere”

Chicago quintet You Folk specialize in sad indie rock, case in point “Nolo Contendere.” Originally a solo project for frontman Daniel Lee, the band has since been rounded out by  guitarist and back-up vocalist Travis Schuster, bassist Rebecca Young, keyboardist/guitarist Evan Lyman, and drummer Bryan Kingsley. “Nolo Contendere” kicks off with a 7/8 groove before fleshing out into something lush and swirly. Fans of Pedro the Lion, Death Cab, or Broken Social Scene will like this one. If you like what you hear, You Folk has a Bandcamp page – check them out there.

Cursive – “Under the Rainbow”

Veteran and celebrated post-hardcore indie rockers, Cursive, are back after years of silence with the raucously nihilistic anthem, “Under the Rainbow.” Found on their upcoming studio LP, Vitriola, this isn’t so much a call to action as it is the venting of anger and frustration over the current state of affairs. Lead singer and guitarist, Tim Kasher, lashes out at income inequality on this particular track and clashes with grippingly melodic car crash instrumentals. Cursive is mad as hell and you’re going to hear about it in fantastic fashion below. Vitriola will be released October 5th and supported with a US winter tour. Check out dates on Cursive’s official Facebook here.

Dangermaker – “Pressure”

San Francisco four-piece, Dangermaker, uploads the glitchy visuals for their wonderfully retro and instantly addictive electro-pop track, “Pressure.” Off their upcoming sophomore LP, Run, this ultimo dance record is stuffed with laser show synths, livewire riffs and mesmerizing vocals. Give yourself a jolt to the system and say hello to your new favorite song below. Run is out October 5th. For more magnetic Dangermaker tracks and info, check out their official site here and Spotify here.

Jesse Konrad – “Crack My Code”

Tucson, AZ alt-rock solo act, Jesse Konrad, will make you feel alive with his passionate new single, “Crack My Code.” Get ready for comfortably melodic strings, stormy drums and Konrad’s buoyant vocals that crescendo to an electrifying chorus. It will feel like lightning running through your veins and enough to lift your spirits high. Give it a listen below. For more Jesse Konrad tracks and info, visit the multi-hyphenate’s Spotify here.

The Good Few – “Nowhere”

Big Apple alt rockers, The Good Few, are back with their latest dynamite record, “Nowhere.” Vocalist and guitarist, Kevin Crowell, lights the fuse by crooning over jubilant, lighthearted tabs while drummer, Chloe Arnow, fans the flames with steady, combustible beats. As the wick burns away, the track finally explodes into genuine energy and emotion that will send shockwaves through your ears and heart. Crank it up and rock out along to this one below. For more tracks from The Good Few, check them out on Spotify here.

Sleepy Orange – “Big Fish”

New-on-the-scene indie rock quartet, Sleepy Orange, make a splash with the video for their breezy debut single, “Big Fish.” This sunny soft rock track features island riffs that lap like waves as gentle vocals rock you like a hammock. However there are a few clouds in this musical paradise with overcast lyrics that ruminate over “big dreams, small town” frustrations, which add to the song’s dynamic. Grab a coconut pina colada and check out the visuals below. Be sure to follow Sleepy Orange on Spotify here and Facebook here.

Red Ribbon – “Your Car”

Seattle’s very own Red Ribbon pulls up with the deathly catchy witch-pop single, “Your Car.” Off the just-released album, Dark Party, vocalist Emma Danner’s delicately despondent voice glides over infectious drumbeats and ominous, lo-fi synths with bruised grace. It’s haunting, lonely and one you’ll want to sulk with it for hours. Dim the lights, turn up the volume and dance around to this dark and sultry record below. Check out Dark Party and more Red Ribbon tracks on Spotify here.

Catnip Cloud – “Our Tent in the Rain”

Close your eyes and listen as Norwegian producer, Catnip Cloud, takes us on a dreamy camping trip with his latest psychedelic production, “Our Tent in the Rain.” This track mixes abstract and blissfully atmospheric tones, sounds and lyrics to create vivid hallucinations of a lush, abstract forest. The real magic is in Cloud’s choice of varied and illusory instrumentals that breathe life and nature into this spiritual odyssey. It’s peaceful and exhilarating to get lost in. If you’re looking for an escape, give it a listen below. For more Catnip Cloud, check out his SoundCloud here and watch for future releases.

Tonight: Slaughter Beach, Dog

Philly act Slaughter Beach, Dog (who you might also recognize as Jake Ewald from emo kingpins Modern Baseball) is strolling through Buffalo tonight. Full of easy-going riffs and a sunny disposition, Slaughter Beach, Dog takes the kitschy Modern Baseball approach and soaks it in indie-rock/folk sentiment. Support tonight comes from fellow Philly power-pop duo Gladie and local indie rockers Ugly Sun. Tonight, doors are at 7pm. $12 in advance. Birdie by Slaughter Beach, Dog

Winslow Newman – “Everywhere”

Attn: Fleetwood Mac fans – bubblegum popper Winslow Newman recently recorded his personal interpretation of this classic jam. The 28-year-old Nashville native is no stranger to the music industry, and has recently been using his powers for his own good. Let the singer’s light vocal delivery and bubbly synths uplift your spirit. Keep in touch with Newman via IG – check it out here.

We Were Promised Jetpacks – “Repeating Patterns”

Scottish fuzz-punks We Were Promised Jetpacks are back with a triumphant return – this time in the form of a music video for “Repeating Patterns.” We find a puppet protagonist in some sort of bizarre hell which not-so-ironically matches WWPJ’s gritty and noisy delivery. The disgusting bass tone alone should be a major selling point, but in all reality, this song/album represents a return to form for the original quartet. Check it out below and enjoy the fantastic visuals while you’re at it.