It’s always a bit nerve-racking awaiting a band’s return after an amazing debut album.  There’s always the concern that they will never reach the heights they previously did, or they will strive so hard to change their sound that they are barely recognizable.  Both of these fears can be put to rest with “I’m Not Coming Back,” the first single off Husky’s sophomore album, hopefully due out later this year.  “I’m Not Coming Back” is that right mix of folk and pop to appeal to purists of both, and keeps that emotional essence that coursed through their first album, Forever So, intact.  The new album can’t come soon enough.  Enjoy.

Check them out here

Or on Facebook

Scoop “I’m Not Coming Back” here

What a shock.  Another post about Glass Animals.  But when they come out with amazing tracks so consistently, can you blame me?  The group’s combination of psychedelia and R&B is unlike anything out there and always mesmerizing.  Their recent single, “Holiest,” featuring the alluring vocals of Tei Shi, is anything but holy.  It’s slow, seductive and meant to be heard with the lights off.  Glass Animals recently released their new EP, Gooey, and my anticipation grows for their debut album, whenever that may be.  Enjoy.

Check them out here

Or on Facebook

Scoop “Holiest” here

Straight from London comes Bat and Ball, a quintet founded by brother/sister duo, Chris and Abi Sinclair.  Firing out sticky electronics, a lethargic bass and verses in a passively aggressive fashion with their debut single, “We Prefer it in the Dark,” Bat and Ball displays a sharpness even though they roll it out so nonchalantly.  Their debut EP came out a few months ago and is equally impressive, sporting some eclectic digital displays and vocals that at times are uninterested by the music playing behind them.  Enjoy.

Check them out here

Or on Facebook

Download “We Prefer it in the Dark” here

Few people were as excited as I was for Sleigh Bells’ new album, Bitter Rivals…and while I didn’t find the album to be as consistent as their previous efforts, it’s not without its gems.  As the king and queen of noise pop, Alexis Krauss and Derek Edward Miller – the duo that make up Sleigh Bells – have consistently put out tracks that are defiant and coursing with adrenaline.  However, not all of their best work can serve as the soundtrack to a revolt, as is evidenced by “To Hell With You,” off the newest release.  Using the title as a representation of being defensive to protect yourself, “To Hell With You” is a more personal song with  a defined melody that mercifully puts the brash production which dominates the remainder of the album to the side.  Enjoy.

Check them out here

Or on Facebook

Scoop “To Hell With You” here

Since their debut EP materialized in 2011, Pyyramids has taken a more ominous view of indie pop, concentrating on our less complimentary emotions and not trying to wrap them in a pretty, neon bow.  The perfect example of the shadowy music created by the talented duo – Tim Nordwind from rock group, OK Go, and Drea Smith, formerly of He Say/She Say – is “That Ain’t Right,” a track from their debut EP which found it’s way onto their new album, Brightest Darkest Day, released this past April.  Smith’s voice is downright haunting and the pace is so methodically slow, it sends shivers down your spine…which in this case, is a good thing.  Enjoy.

Check Pyyramids out here

Or on Facebook

Scoop  “That Ain’t Right” here

So what if I’m arriving late to the party?  Sure, Blonds released their ominously impressive debut album, The Bad Ones, in August of 2012, and I’m only now talking about it, but who cares?  (Please say you don’t care.)  Since you don’t, let’s proceed.  This talented Florida duo craft 60s inspired melodies tinged with a bit of darkness.  Picture your nostalgia haunted by ghosts and then recorded with a warped Kubrickian vision. Cari Rae, who sings a few octaves lower than your typical songstress, adds a depth to each track and shakes away any semblance of kitschy pop that The Bad Ones could have been victim to.  With many murky layers, it sounds like Blonds don’t always have more fun.

Best Tracks:

“Run”

“Mr. E”

“Time”

When & Where:

For a nice relaxing weekend at the Overlook Hotel.  I highly recommend the garden maze in the back of the hotel.

Check them out on Facebook

Scoop “The Bad Ones” here

Misun describes their brand of rock/pop as “aquawave,”  which, after listening to their unique style, must mean 60s west coast surfer swing style mixed with elements of funk and soul.  Now that we have a general idea, let’s dive right in.  Misun is a DC-based trio named after its lead singer, Misun Wojcik, whose pipes are fearless and more powerful than a speeding freight train.  Misun‘s sound is incredibly original and easy to become obsessed with.  Even though their songs are fun with strong and catchy hooks, the true appeal to Misun is that we are dealing with a group of seriously talented musicians with incredible range and the ability to weave multiple genres together into cohesive deliciousness.  In July of last year, Misun released their debut EP, The Sea, which, while impressive, doesn’t capture the band’s vibe as well as the random tracks they’ve released over the past year or so. Where The Sea is extremely polished, their scattered singles are grittier and have a lot more attitude.  Either way, these guys deserve your attention.  Enjoy.

Best Tracks:

“Darkroom”

“Battlefields””

“Harlot”

Check them out on Facebook

Download these tracks for free here

London’s Phoria are not new to the scene.  They released their first EP, Yourself Still, in 2010, have shared a stage with the likes of Little Dragon, and three of the five members started playing together at the age of 6.  You heard right…6.  Over this long period of time, the members of Phoria have become masters of the art of understatement.  On May 2, they released their second EP, Bloodworks, containing five mood-setting tracks that surprisingly conjure up deep emotions while remaining mostly simple in construction and delivery.  “Scopes,” the second track off of the EP, is perhaps the most complex, with breathy falsettos and a dark electronic buzzing blending into the background that is contrasted by bursts of lush synths and guitars.  Enjoy.

Check them out here

Or on Facebook

Scoop “Scopes” here

Side note: If you’ve been jonesing for music similar to The Antlers, then you are pretty much obligated to enjoy “Scopes.”

MØ, the Danish singer making waves in just about every indie music ocean, recently released a video for her fourth single, “Waste of Time.”  Short for Karen Marie Ørsted, MØ has a taste for sputtering, soulful electronics, and far-out, DIY videos.  “Waste of Time” is no different.  MØ‘s voice slings back and forth to the rhythm of finger snaps, harmonic grunts, and crackling synths, only cut by a perfectly gratuitous guitar solo overlaying the chorus.  She recently signed with RCA Victor and her debut album is due out this year.  Everyone looking for the next Purity Ring or Grimes need look no further.  Enjoy.

Check her out here

Or on Facebook

All the Colours describe their music as ‘progressive vintage pop,’ which seems almost like a contradiction.  But  all you need to do is listen to their single, “Second to None,” released earlier this year to realize opposites never attracted quite like this.  The Melbourne quartet, whose debut album should be coming out any minute now, has united two divergent styles terms into one unified experimental, classic sound.  The eclectic buzzing like an electric kazoo, the classic rock guitars and harmonies, topped with the infectious hook of the chorus make “Second to None” just that in the current pop landscape.  Enjoy.

Check them out here

Or on Facebook

Get “Second to None” here