Image

Track Reviews

Rare Monk – Drumhead

Portland band Rare Monk announce debut album Sleep/Attack and debut single, the crunchy riff-heavy hook-heavy “Drumhead”. “Drumhead” sounds a bit, at least melodically, of the Jack White school of writing. The comparison and similarity ends there, though, as there’s a definite uniqueness about the mix of sounds and palette of influences Rare Monk employs. Under a different instrumentation “Drumhead” could be an indie pop song, it’s not difficult to picture the track’s chorus on top a Cults or Sleigh Bells track. Give the excellent “Drumhead” your ears below and look for Sleep/Attack February 26th.

Rare Monk oregon (Bandcamp)

Rating 8.4

reviewed by
01-29-13

Chlöe Howl – Rumour

The great Chlöe Howl, who’s breakout “No Strings” killed the blogosphere at the end of last year, returns with a track that arguably surpasses her breakthrough track in quality. “Rumour” turns up the drama, tension & minor keys for an expertly crafted and paced (and we don’t claim this lightly) nearly perfect pop song. Do not miss.

Chloe Howl (Soundcloud)

Rating 8.7

brown8

reviewed by
01-29-13

Giraffage – Close 2 Me

“Close 2 Me” is the latest release from b3 fave Giraffage from the SF CA producer’s upcoming Needs LP and also marks (we think) Cathy Dennis’ debut appearance on b3sci.

Giraffage (Facebook)

Rating 8.3

brown8

reviewed by
01-29-13

The ACB’s – Record Store

Little Leaves will be the second LP from KC indie guitar band The ACB’s. The melodic buzzsaw that is second single “Record Store” is a definite must listen. Each of the song’s component melodies (verse, prechorus, chorus) could each be a really great chorus on three really great different songs; but meld and combine the three as The ACB’s have so brilliant done here and you’re faced with a juggernaut of a track that will render your faculty to resist toe tapping, humming along, and nodding your head completely useless.

The ACB’s – Record Store

The ACB’s missouri (Bandcamp)

Rating 8.2

brown8

reviewed by
01-29-13

Dear Blanca – Havana Tonight

Anytime a band can mix in harmonica with a “Besame Mucho” reference as South Carolina band Dear Blanca do on new track “Havana Tonight”, they’re going to (at the very least) have our attention. The Columbia, SC band dial up the grit, rawness, and soul and do indeed “Dance to Besame Mucho” in the track’s irreverent singalong-inviting hook. Dear Blanca have a new album due in a couple weeks called Talker and you can count the b3 team as among the psyched. Spin “Havana Tonight” below.

Dear Blanca (Facebook)

Rating 8.4

brown8

reviewed by
01-29-13

Laura Stevenson – Runner

“Runner” is new from Long Island songwriter Laura Stevenson. The bouncy jittering indie pop track will appear on both Stevenson’s upcoming April-due debut LP Wheel as well as a three-song 7″ out next month. “Runner” earns its bread on its giant, singalong-inviting chorus “This summer hurts! This summer hurts!”; expect that refrain to eat your heart, brain, and eardrums out (in that order) with each repeated listen.

Laura Stevenson – Runner

Laura Stevenson (Official)

Rating 8.0

brown8

reviewed by
01-28-13

Crash and the Coots – Don’t Kill Bugs

Here’s a free download from the young and enthusiastic Crash And The ‘Coots taken from their forthcoming EP Hill Rise – named after a housing estate where their dad grew up and recorded in a bedroom at their mums house. “Don’t Kill Bugs” sounds like they’ve borrowed Scroobious Pip’s moral compass and vocal delivery and altogether exudes an array of flamboyant childhood influences. Hill Rise EP will be available from 25th March on One Upon A Time. By Nathan Hetherington

Crash and the Coots – Don’t Kill Bugs

Crash & The ‘Coots (Facebook)

Rating 8.3

brown8

reviewed by
01-28-13

Pixel Fix – Rosa

Oxford’s Pixel Fix mark a strong debut with blissed-out ambient pop of “Rosa”. The guts of “Rosa” are squarely sunsplashed and dreamy but underneath (and what makes the track especially interesting and re-listenable) is that track’s sharp rhythm track and hooks; atmosphere and cinema with a pop consciousness.

Pixel Fix – Rosa

Pixel Fix (Facebook)

Rating 8.4

brown8

reviewed by
01-28-13

Tegan and Sara – Closer (The Knocks Remix)

Previewed below is the latest mix from The Knocks, a bright, uptempo, killer electropop rework of Tegan & Sara’s “Closer” single. Look out for The Knocks debut full length later this year.

The Knocks (Facebook)

Rating 8.1

brown8

reviewed by
01-28-13

Misun – Battlefields (produced by Nacey)

“Battlefields” is the next offering from DC crew Misun and producer Nacey. A jangly rocker with just the right touch of surf. Get familiar below.

Misun – Battlefields (produced by Nacey)

Misun maryland (Facebook)

Rating 8.2

brown8

reviewed by
01-28-13

The Black Angels – Don’t Play With Guns

Preview below is “Don’t Play With Guns” the first single from Austin psychedelic fuzz rockers The Black Angels’ April-due LP Indigo Meadow. The “Don’t Play With Guns” sports an infectious, hypnotic groove and plenty of the genre’s requisite crunch. Get into it below (and don’t play with guns, kids).

The Black Angels – Don’t Play With Guns

The Black Angels (Official)

Rating 8.3

brown8

reviewed by
01-25-13

How To Dress Well – & It Was U (Blackbird Blackbird Remix)

Seeing as the artists styles are complementary as they are, seems like our man Blackbird Blackbird could remix How To Dress Well in his sleep. BB brings it here, though, adeptly texturizing and layering “& It Was U” for the weest of the AM’s early hours.

Blackbird Blackbird (Facebook)

Rating 8.3

brown8

reviewed by
01-25-13