L.A.-based songwriter Miya Folick releases honest rhythm-driven second track “I Got Drunk”. The song’s percussive base (with the drum track, repeated vocal loops, and chugging guitars) is the visceral terra firma for “I Got Drunk”s open, genuine lyrical content; “How am I supposed to hold in words need saying, etc”.
Miya Folick 
(Soundcloud)
“Say You Will” is the second single from Oakland band Trails and Ways’ debut Pathology LP for Barsuk Records. Constructed on a rhythmic base of varying instrumental strata and layered syncopations, “Say You Will” finds T&W exploring a bit more beefed up side to their sound which we dig.
TRAILS AND WAYS (Official)
Birmingham UK band Jaws bulk up to a Smashing Pumpkins meets shoegaze sound on June 8th-due new track “Bad Company”.
Osca 
(Soundcloud)
Fall into the warmly receptive clutches of new beauty track “Hideaway”. With its engrossing tempo, upbeat dreamy vocals and layered staccato beats the catchy indie rock gem provides a great introduction to Kingston, Canada band Ten Sleep who recently released the song as part of their No Place Like House EP. Written By Erin Feathers
Ten Sleep 
: (Bandcamp)
Unknown Mortal Orchestra share “Can’t Keep Checking My Phone” from forthcoming LP for Jagjaguwar Multi Love. Featuring vast and roomy production and enough funkified syncopation to get James Brown “up offa that thing” and “feel good”, “Can’t Keep Checking My Phone” marks yet another high water mark for the New Zealand band.
Unknown Mortal Orchestra 
(Facebook)
“Smoke” is the next forward step toward superstardom for UK band Osca. The new single from the London band, blends the group’s penchant for undeniable melody and anthemic hooks with forward thinking production and an overall artful pop quality that echoes in scale some of the country’s most successful arena draws. “Smoke” is out June 1 on Duly Noted.
Osca (Soundcloud)
West London band Saltwater Sun debut first track online, the strongly melodic and vaguely HAIM-esque “Habit On My Mind”.
Saltwater Sun 
(Soundcloud)
“Bros” is the latest stream from favorite band Wolf Alice’s forthcoming major label debut My Love Is Cool. Constructed of phlange-driven whirling guitar and chanting sort of hypnotic vocal phrases, “Bros” manages a melodic consistency and magnetism despite the track’s cool chaotic quality. We are most definitely into it. Hear “Bros below”.
Wolf Alice (Facebook)
Excerpted here is the sweeping cinematic “Easy Way Out” from L.A. band Other Lives’ upcoming Rituals LP, out May 4.
Other Lives (Soundcloud)
What do you get when you mix Franz Ferdinand with Sparks (FFS)? You get something that makes a whole lot of sense. Franz leader Alex Kapranos has called Sparks “a huge influence” and what you get in this collaboration is a real party. “Piss Off” sounds mostly like Sparks back in the 70’s when they were recording songs like “Angst In Your Pants”. It’s got those choppy vocals and tempos along with the familiar Sparks harmonies. It’s a win-win that brings an overall energy infusion to Franz Ferdinand and brings Sparks back to the forefront. Look for the “FFS” album to drop in early June. 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!
FFS Official
