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RAVE’S FAVE: Trapdoor Social – Out Alive

trapdoor social

By Bruce Rave

I’ve been spending some time with a young LA based artful alt band by the name of Trapdoor Social. The group has received kudos for their songwriting, harmonies, videos, and dedication to environmental causes. This final track on their ‘Science of Love’ EP is unique to this band in the same way that “Supermassive Black Hole” is unique for Muse. Trapdoor is typically cleaner with higher notes, which is part of what makes this harder and darker song stand out for them. It kicks off with a magnetic low-end synth hook that repeats throughout. This driving song was developed on top of that hook and is a band favorite of many who have heard it.

Trapdoor Social california (Facebook)

* Links and playlists from Bruce Rave’s weekly new music show can be found on his blog and be sure follow Bruce on Twitter too!

reviewed by
09-07-14

The Barr Brothers – Love Ain’t Enough

barrbrothers

“Love Ain’t Enough”, new from Canadian band The Barr Brothers, is quite a special track. “Love Ain’t Enough” is the sort of tune that breaks out bands, that’s propels them into new and bigger levels of success. “Love Ain’t Enough” is a major moment for The Barr Brothers, do not miss it. Look for The Barr Brothers Sleeping Operator LP which is out October 4th on Secret City Records.

The Barr Brothers canada (Facebook)

Rating: 8.7

brown8

reviewed by
09-05-14

COMPNY – Something to Give

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The anthemic yet restrained (a very potent combination) “Something to Give” is the second half of COMPNY’s debut AA-side single with “Begging Me to Come Back”. The melodic quality and high-level caliber of arrangement mark of “Something to Give” again mark COMPNY as a band with considerable talent and promise. “Begging Me To Come Back/Something Had To Give” sees a release September 15th on 203 Recordings/Believe Recordings.

COMPNY england (Soundcloud)

Rating 8.2

brown93

reviewed by
09-03-14

WIN TIX to All Things Go Fall Classic with Future Islands, Tove Lo, Panama Weddings and More!

FallClassicFinal724

District of Columbia music fanatics make note because you are in for a treat this coming September 13, as ATG presents the All Things Go Fall Classic! This mini-festival in Washington DC at Union Market boasts a killer line-up featuring Future Islands, Tove Lo, HAERTS, Bear Hands, Panama Wedding, U.S. Royalty, Sun Club, and Young Summer. Sample a playlist from the show as well as get more info on the show and tickets below. *OR* you can try your luck to win a pair of tickets to the show that we’re giving away! To win just email us HERE and let us know you’d like to be entered in the ‘All Things Go Fall Classic Ticket Giveaway’. Our winner will be picked at random from the pool of submissions on Friday, September 12, so keep an eye on your inbox (one entry per person). Good luck!

All Things Go Fall Classic (Info and Tickets)

reviewed by
09-02-14

She Keeps Bees – Radiance

shekeepsbees

“Radiance” is single #2 from She Keeps Bees (following-up the great Sharon Van Etten-featuring “Is What It Is”) upcoming Eight Houses LP for Future Gods Records. Vocalist Jessica Larrabee’s many-textured alto is again standout; as each melodic ache and twist on “Radiance” is believably and dynamically phrased. September 16th is the street date for Eight Houses.

She Keeps Bees (Facebook)

Rating 8.5

brown8

reviewed by
08-29-14

Fiance – Ivy

fiance

The modern ‘gaze of “Ivy” is the single from Delaware band Fiance’s aptly-titled debut EP “EP1”. The EP is out October 7th on SQE Music and you can stream the very good “Ivy” below.

Fiance (Facebook)

reviewed by
08-28-14

Premiere: Osca – Illume

osca

“Illume” is the second track to originate from UK newcomers Osca. The follow-up to the Zane Lowe-approved “Blood”, “Illume” is a rather huge song; blending anthemic melodic hooks with artful arranging, poignant lyricism and that je nai se quoi of British-styled yearning that on which major chart crossover success is constructed. Stream our U.S. premiere of “Illume” below and if you’re in London look for the band supporting Walking on Cars at Electrowerkz on September 10.

Osca (Soundcloud)

Rating: 8.8

brown8

reviewed by
08-27-14

Oslo Parks – The Night

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“The Night” is the sophomore single from Brighton UK’s Oslo Parks. The new track is dark modern rhythm pop in the style of Metronomy or “Golden Skans”-vintage Klaxons. The X Novo band will be making their live debut in their Brighton home hood October 2nd at the Green Door Store.

Oslo Parks (Soundcloud)

Rating: 8.8

brown8

reviewed by
08-26-14

Rave’s Fave: Johnny Marr – Easy Money

johnnymarr

Johnny Marr returns this October with his second solo album Playland. He has said this effort will be a bit more raw. “Easy Money” is the first single and it’s killer! It starts with that signature Marr guitar sound and blasts into a rocker with a full-on bass grove and a chorus that just might be all over the radio in coming months. Following October dates in the UK, he returns to the US and will be hopefully be hitting a venue near you before year’s end.

Johnny Marr england (Official)

* Links and playlists from Rave’s weekly new music show can be found on his blog and be sure follow Bruce on Twitter too!

reviewed by
08-22-14