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Interview: Albert Hammond, Jr.

My SXSW intention this year was no interviews and to just focus on seeing bands. When I was invited to interview Albert Hammond Jr, well you don’t turn down a Stroke. Besides, he’s been turning out wicked solo stuff. For those of us who loved the Strokes’ early sounds, Albert has preserved much of that feel on his albums and shows how he’s influenced countless bands over the past fifteen years. He’s a down to earth, upbeat guy and his live show was a top SXSW highlight this year.

Hear Bruce Rave’s weekly new indie jams on three stations, with show announcements on his Go Deep With Bruce Rave facebook page. Archived shows available on the KX 93.5 site, where you can also subscribe to receiving the weekly two-hour version as an iTunes podcast at no charge.

Stream the best new songs in emerging music with our Top 12 of the Week playlist

reviewed by
03-31-18

(B3SCI RECORDS) Laura Jean Anderson – Silence Won’t Help Me Now

Here at B3SCI we’re very pleased to announce(!) “Silence Won’t Help Now” by L.A. via Olympia, WA Laura Jean Anderson as a single on B3SCI Records. Written in part as a response to the 2016 election, Anderson describes the record “as an anthem to speak up” and “a personal pep talk to stand up for the things I believe in.” For more information on “Silence Won’t Help Me Now” (which is available now digitally and major streaming platforms) and Laura Jean Anderson make way to B3SCI Records.

reviewed by
03-30-18

Annabel Allum – RASCAL

Annabel Allum streams first follow up track from last year’s great “All That For What” EP in the form of “RASCAL”. Fitted with a big disto-driven chorus and anthemic main melody, “RASCAL” is strong step forward from the Surrey-origin artist.

Stream the best new songs in emerging music with our Top 12 of the Week playlist

reviewed by
03-29-18

Tyde – Can’t Help It

We’re digging the just-released “Mosaic” EP from UK duo Tyde. Our pick from the strong four-track release is “Can’t Help It”, a breezy dance-able number set with just enough French influence (read warm tones) to stay fixed to your playlists into the summer months.

Stream the best new songs in emerging music with our Top 12 of the Week playlist

reviewed by
03-29-18

Puma Blue – Moon Undah Water

Puma Blue, the South London cognoscente of rough-hewn jazzy pop boots another A+ track through the buzz frame on “Moon Undah Water”. Surrealistic, scattering, jarring, hypnotic “Moon Undah Water” in its diverse arrangement touches off many seemingly disparate points of feeling in shaping what is a duly unnerving but magnetic course. We’re into it. Stream “Moon Undah Water” from the excellent Blue Flowers label below.

Stream the best new songs in emerging music with our Top 12 of the Week playlist

reviewed by
03-29-18

Raven King – Armilla

Raven King has been hailed as an eerie grunge rock fusion between Nirvana and Queens of the Stone Age, but my favorite track off their self-titled release is a bit more subdued. “Armilla” is a dreamy stroll through the woods with babbling creeks, sweetly tender guitar, soft vocal harmonies, and the echoes of sliding metal. It’s a bittersweet collage that both bends and bolster’s the group’s creative sound.

Stream the best new songs in emerging music with our Top 12 of the Week playlist

reviewed by
03-28-18

Bronze Whale – Warm

Looking for an upbeat springtime single? Bronze Whale’s “Warm” is a golden little number skating in on warm pop-y synths, expertly mixed and mashed vocals, and some groovy drum and bass. Time to add this to your good vibes playlist and picture yourself in that special tropical getaway you’re always dreaming of.

Stream the best new songs in emerging music with our Top 12 of the Week playlist

reviewed by
03-26-18

Agency – I Can’t Think of Anything But You

Agency’s “I Can’t Think Of Anything But You” is a new track off their recently released LP, Philosophies. With satiny acoustic guitar, wonderfully raw neo-soul vocals, and laidback percussion, I can’t help but compare it to early Frank Ocean and his whimsically enticing R&B atmospheres. The song ends with a masterfully arranged web of flutes. The polyphony is heaven and I’m melting.

Stream the best new songs in emerging music with our Top 12 of the Week playlist

reviewed by
03-21-18

Kainalu – Folds Like Origami

Kainalu’s consistent production shines through on his latest track, “Folds Like Origami.” After hitting number one on Hype Machine with his last track, “Finding Peace Of Mind,” my expectations were pretty high for his next single. Luckily, they were greatly exceeded. This track is bouncey, dancey, and perfect for chilling with friends.

Stream the best new songs in emerging music with our Top 12 of the Week playlist

reviewed by
03-16-18

Simon Jefferis – Easy (Feat. Benedict Cork)

Simon Jefferis has put out the silkiest single of the last few weeks. Collaborating with friend and fellow musician Benedict Cork, the South London artist has brought us some mellow indie pop on “Easy”. The track surfaces effortlessly with ambling piano, cloudy static, and jazzy fingerpicking that takes me back to some old George Benson.

Stream the best new songs in emerging music with our Top 12 of the Week playlist

reviewed by
03-13-18