Get into the fresh synthy pop effervescence and hazy shoegaze vibrations of new track “Saw the Light” from Seattle-based indie-pop band Seapony who’s new album A Vision is out on July 31st. Reviewed by Erin Shay.
Seapony 
(Soundcloud)
Get into the fresh synthy pop effervescence and hazy shoegaze vibrations of new track “Saw the Light” from Seattle-based indie-pop band Seapony who’s new album A Vision is out on July 31st. Reviewed by Erin Shay.
Seapony (Soundcloud)
New B3SCI artist find Pisa Low (Japan) poetically rocks the brazen instrumental grunge vibe on new fast-paced guitar-driven garage rock diddy “Sonic Youth” which is top on our list of favorite tracks for the week. Reviewed by Erin Shay.
Pisa Low 
(Soundcloud)
Two years ago, I got to see and interview The Strypes for the first time at The Great Escape. In their mid-teens at the time, they were conquering the UK in 2013 and then made great strides in the US last year with their fast-paced garage and r&b flavored indie. Many of their best songs were covers and thus begat the question: Great band, amazing live, but how would they evolve? Here’s our first hint an an answer: “Scumbag City” slows down the pace a bit, adds some intriguing layers, and shows lead singer Ross in finer form than ever on this well-written tune. If they keep this up, they will be just fine and have a serious shot at a long-term career. Their UK album drops late July. As of this writing, there is no specific release date scheduled for the US but we know that will come. Check out our chat from TGE 2013 right here. Reviewed by Bruce Rave.
Hear Bruce’s “Go Deep With Bruce Rave” weekly new music show on Indie1031/Los Angeles, KX 93.5-FM/Laguna Beach, and WSUM-FM/Madison. Details and archived shows can be found on his blog and be sure to follow Bruce on Twitter too!
The Strypes 
(Facebook)
Australian band I Know Leopard come into new track “Close My Eyes” riding a hot streak of buzzy singles (like “Picture Perfect” and “Hold This Tight”). On “Close My Eyes”, the band turn to a cinematic frame fixing a spiraling vocal tune to whirling strings and high drama drums. “Close My Eyes” is out now.
I Know Leopard 
(Facebook)
Chess Club band Sundara Karma premiered a new single on Huw Stephens’ Radio 1 show last night entitled “Flame”. “Flame” finds Sundara Karma aiming a bit more for accessibility as the tunefulness is more refined here and the arrangement steadier. “Flame” is not lacking for crossover and anthemic quality and with the band slated for a number of big festival dates this summer; the band’s arrow appears to be decidedly pointed up.
Sundara Karma 
(Soundcloud)
The great Velvet Teen return on June 30th to release 4th LP All Is Illusory (the band’s first records, Out of the Fierce Parade, Elysium, and Cum Laude! are stone-cold classics). “Eclipses”, the second stream from All Is Illusory is punchy number run around frontperson Judah Nagler’s thin whip-driven frenetic guitar stabs and melodic riffing. Stream it below.
The Velvet Teen 
(Facebook)
Hibou is the project of former Craft Spells drummer Peter Michel. Signed Barsuk Records, Hibou will release a self-titled debut LP in September that will feature “Dissolve”, a shimmery serving of romantic rhythmic shoegaze-y pop.
Hibou (Soundcloud)
Faves MISUN have a new EP out now titled “Feel Better”. You’ve heard “After Me” and “Justice” from the five song release already on B3, now stream summery piano-driven “Nobody Knows” available below for your listening pleasure.
Misun 
(Facebook)
UK band Kins return on July 6 with a new EP “Cyclical” on East City Records. “Young” is a clattering, inventive, urgent bit of well-constructed guitar rock centered thematically on an immediate real quality that is very refreshing in the context of current independent music.
Kins (Soundcloud)
B3’s Bruce Rave headed Brighton earlier this month to take in UK breaking artist festival The Great Escape. Sample below Bruce’s notes on some selected bands to keep tabs on the in nearest future.
The Bohicas are blistering live with huge guitar hooks.
Dutch Uncles are very precise with some songs hookier than others.
Aquilo have immense talent and played a pretty set that endured sound problems.
The girl band Pins reminds many of Best Coast (and they’ve toured together), but they do what they do well with good songs and tight playing.
Boxed In is a band that was unfamiliar to me and they nicely blend electro and rock.
Hippo Campus had only played live in Minnesota until this March, and this UK gig impressed the crowd.
Rat Boy attracted a bevy of high-end industry types. He’s considered hip hop but to me his high energy set was much more on the rock side.
Slaves was one of the most buzzed bands. If you like it hard, heavy, and humorous with some punk anger mixed in, this set would have been right up your alley.
On the other hand, Rhodes was equally effective in a soft and sweet way.
Spring King are a fun guitar band that plays fast with melody.
Blossoms matched their buzz with a good set in the very difficult Green Door Store venue.
The surprise closing set was by Maccabees. This was my first experience where most people in the hall were fans, since UK industry peeps know this band real well. While staid reactions were the norm, this set resulted in animated fans singing along.
Lots of bands I would have liked to see, time permitting, including The Vaccines, Alabama Shakes, Bully and The Strypes.
Check out Bruce’s “Go Deep” show on Fridays 1-3 pm Pacific, 4-6 pm Eastern, 9-11pm GMT. Also listen to past shows at Bruce’s blog and follow Bruce on Twitter.
Scottish band Man of Moon will release “The Road” through UK label Melodic Records on July 17. “The Road” as a track is simply excellent where percussive but economical muted guitars create the ballast for a controlled chaos of riffing and hypnotic groove in constant motion. Well done.
Man of Moon 
(Facebook)
