We present new work this week from:
- Queens of the Stone Age
- Big Hush
- The Effects
- SHEHEHE
- Jason Isbell
- The National
Enjoy!
Queens of the Stone Age
Palm Desert, CA
“The Evil has Landed” from Villains, due Aug. 25.
I don’t know, I see people bitching about the Mark Ronson production of the new QOTSA album, but the lead single grew on me, and I’m currently a little obsessed with this 6 and a half minute desert/psych rock gem. Man, that last minute and a half really grabs me. Anyway, I’m looking forward to the new album.
tom
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The Effects
Washington, DC
“Back and Forth”, from Eyes to the Light, out Sept 29th on Dischord Records.
I’ll be honest, I have a weak spot for late era Dischord mathy/emo/post rock. Off kilter rhythms, angular guitars and clear, articulate vocals from a band featuring a dude from that one band that released that one record I liked 25 years ago? Yeah, I’m in. Dischord is pretty discerning about what they release anymore, and I flat out trust them at this point.
tom
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Big Hush
Washington, D.C.
Spirit/Wholes
After years of EPs and singles, D.C.’s Big Hush has released their debut album, Spirit/Wholes on Robotic Empire Records. In the vein of Creepoid, Spirit/Wholes is a lush, occasionally heavy, shoegaze album with pop and punk sensibilities sprinkled throughout. Following the reunion of shoegaze titans Slowdive, and the release of a new album, it’s probably safe to say this genre, which peaked in the ‘90s, is getting a reboot of late. You won’t hear any complaints from me. — Joshua
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The National
Cincinnati, Ohio
“Carin at the Liquor Store”
The National released the third single from the forthcoming, seventh LP, Sleep Well Beast. The National does some its best songwriting in ballad form. This new single is no exception, hitting with the same emotional satisfaction of older tunes like, “Pink Rabbits,” “I Need My Girl,” and “England.” Matt Berninger’s melancholy baritone helms a sugary piano-based score (reminiscent of his other band El VY), completed by subtle strings, and a watery guitar solo at the end. A lot of The National’s music can be a downer if you’re flying high on life, but behind intimate and introspective lyrics, and exceptional musicianship, there is nigh another band that can speak to you in the darkest moments of life like this band does. Well, in my experience, anyways. — Joshua
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SHEHEHE
Athens, GA
Endless Summer out now on Laser Brains Records
Technically, summer’s almost over, but if SHEHEHE has their way, the party won’t be ending anytime soon. Endless Summer is packed to the gills with catchy riffs and is a total blast from start to finish. A bit retro-rock, a bit modern day punk, Endless Summer is a scorcher through and through. It’s just like a summer kegger packed into CD form and can you really go wrong with a party like that? – Petey
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Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
Muscle Shoals
“If We Were Vampires” from The Nashville Sound, out now
OK, maybe a little corny, but this animated video for a lovely song from Isbell’s rocking new album tackles themes of aging, love, loss, and mortality. It’s a testament to Isbell’s sheer talent that he can do so much with so little. – bill