CHROMEWAVES RADIO: 2013

Thursday, September 12, 2013

[on repeat] JACUZZI BOYS by Jacuzzi Boys

Domino Moon

This blog is only a little over three years old, but if there has been one constant since the beginning it's been my immediate love for Jacuzzi Boys. In fact, they were the third post on here...but fast forward to 2013 and the trio out of Miami that released their debut LP, No Seasons, in 2009 as just another band in the burgeoning garage scene has branched out with the release of their third LP, which is self-titled and released yesterday from Hardly Art Records. Their excellent 2nd LP, Glazin', from 2011 polished up the lo-fi sounds from the debut and maintained the high level of vintage garage energy, but the new LP sees them setting their dependence on the standard garage pop hook to the background to highlight a more crafted cleaner, focus on the songs, sounds and tempos. There's no denying that Jacuzzi Boys are associated as a fun, energetic party sound, but on this record in particular there are more moments where they ease up on the throttle a bit with varied grooves, a cooler laid back pace, and slick production that clearly sets a focus on the mood of each song. The 'Boys' are clearly growing up and it's turning into a wonderful thing. It was clearly obvious after the entrancing lead single, 'Double Vision,' was released a couple months ago in advance of the LP. They will be coming to L.A. on October 15 with King Tuff at The Echo, which is definitely a show that should not be missed (tickets).

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

[on repeat] MOZES AND THE FIRSTBORN by Mozes and The Firstborn

Bloodsucker

Mozes and the Firstborn are a four-piece out of Belgium that are currently on tour in support of their eclectic and addictively fun self-titled debut LP released this past spring. The tour just recently brought them through three stops in L.A. and O.C. last week where fans were treated with their creative blend of indie psych rock that blends influences ranging from The Beatles and The Stones to 90's college favorites The La's. The release is available on cassette via the mega-cassette folks over at Burger Records where a domestic vinyl release is supposed to be in the works and definitely worthy of your time. Europe's vinyl release has already been taken care of through TopNotch Records, but you're better off waiting for a domestic release. If you're more of the digital persuasion get over to their Bandcamp where the LP is currently 'Name Your Price' and really shouldn't be (...and probably won't be for long). Check out their remaining U.S. tour dates through the southwest, Texas, and along the east coast at their website.

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

[on repeat] WEIRD SISTER by Joanna Gruesome

Secret Surprise

Sugarcrush

It's rare for a band name to mimic its expression of sound. 'Joanna' seems innocent enough, and 'Gruesome' requires no real explanation. Together, Joanna Gruesome are a Welsh quintet that take a piece of the vocal style and melodies of Veronica Falls, masking unscrupulous lyrics, and then crushing into blasts of some of the nicest noise pop you've ever heard that blend influences from Riot Grrrl, C86, and K Records. The band's debut LP, Weird Sister, comes out September 10 on Veronica Falls home of Slumberland Records (Fortuna POP! Records in the UK). 'Sugarcrush' is a track off the LP that fully exemplifies this description. From the beginning you're listening to some sweet, sugary, indie pop that will lead you down the path of assuming you're listening to another ol' twee album...before it explodes into a purgative of guitar force and agression that may leave you wondering if the track didn't accidentally skip over to another LP. However, it's a good thing. Once you get a taste of Joanna Gruesome, the melding of seemingly opposite forces makes more sense than most would think...for the perfect blend of ying and yang. It's a MUST for any fan of fueled-up, indie rock. Pre-order it here and check out previous 7" and EP releases at Bandcamp.

BUY IT HERE!

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

[on repeat] THE BLACK TAMBOURINES by The Black Tambourines

Ghost At A Party

Bodies

There is so much good stuff out there at the moment and I just can't get around to posting about it often enough. Case in point with the debut self-titled LP from Cornish four-piece The Black Tambourines, which is set to be released on September 2 from Art Is Hard Records (pre-order). The rocking, scuzzy retro sound of the band was highlighted on a handful of releases since 2010, one of which being their fantastic third EP Chica featured here in early 2012, so it's no surprise to hear the scouring and piercing surf punk melodies that make up the majority of the debut LP. 'Bodies' is the only track off the LP released to the public to date, and is the only real 'mellow' track on the LP. 'Ghost At A Party' is another track off the LP showcasing the fun addictiveness of their sound. Overall, the LP is a high energy affair with plenty of wailing psychedelic guitars that take a back seat to some of the jangliest, bouncy, sun-laden retro garage that you'll find. It's one that grows on me more and more with every listen and definitely should not be missed. Be sure to check out their previous releases over at Bandcamp.

BUY IT HERE! (first 50 orders come with a free hand-numbered screen print)

(previously on CWR)

Friday, August 16, 2013

YOU GOT ME WONDERIN' NOW by Parquet Courts

Borrowed Time (previously on CWR)

Parquet Courts released their debut LP,Light Up Gold, last summer and after a short period of some 'normal' basic coverage across the internet, the LP eventually blew up sending the four-piece across the country on a flurry of tour dates and heightened popularity over the last 5 months. Yet, we really haven't heard much of anything new since the release of this year-end list staple...until now where we get a taste of a new tune, 'You Got Me Wonderin' Now' that was secretly included as the last track of a cassette mixtape made by the band and mailed out to 250 very lucky fans. The news gets better...In between touring, the boys have been writing and recording for a new EP, Tally All The Things That You Broke, slated to be released on October 8 (pre-order) from What's Your Rupture? and will also feature this new track, which shows Parquet Courts stretching out and continuing their catchy blend of energetic, ramshackle rock. Stream the new tune above, and if you haven't listened to Light Up Gold yet, you really need to remedy that.

You might recall that Parquet Courts is made up of some acclaimed talent...Andrew Savage, Austin Brown, Sean Yeaton, and Max Savage. Andrew (vocals, guitar) is half of the fantastic experimental rock duo Fergus & Geronimo, and Austin (guitar) is a part of The Keepsies while also spending time touring with Fergus & Geronimo. These guys are busy and they continue to put out some quality, diverse pop, rock, and punk tunes.

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

COME ON by Death Valley Rally

Come On

This four piece out of Virginia are set to release their debut EP, The Stars Shine Brighter After Midnight, on August 27 from Planting Seeds Records. The lead track, 'Come On,' was featured on a Planting Seeds sampler earlier this year and gets the fine EP started off in the right form with an adrenaline rush of guitars, C86 style vocals, and endearing melodies.

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

ANY PORT IN A STORM by Scott & Charlene's Wedding

Scott & Charlene's Wedding are another force that come to us from Australia. The band's second LP, Any Port In A Storm, was released by Fire Records on July 22 and deals with his difficulties in moving to New York, the troubles with a personal relationship, loneliness, and his able persistence in coping with it all and moving forward. There are fragile songs with outward lyrics that are easy to relate to and delivered with a vocal style reminiscent of Lou Reed. As you can expect with many Australian outputs these days the LP is packed with enjoyable slacker-filled jangle, fuzz, and upbeat rhythms that make you feel safe in the simplest of ways. It's not perfectly crafted musically or poetically, but therein is where most of its charm lies.

BUY IT HERE

Monday, July 29, 2013

[on repeat] HELLO GRIEFBIRDS! by The Shine Brothers

The Shine Brothers are a Los Angeles based band that I had the pleasure of coming across while perusing one of my favorite blogs over at Proper Yarn. You may recall the man responsible for Proper Yarn from the awesome guest mix provided here last year. Anyways, The Shine Brothers features Nate Ryan and Colin Ryan who were in Black Angels and Woven Bones, respectively. The band just released Hello Griefbirds! and it's a mind melting collection of garage psych with grime and harmoney that shouldn't be missed. It comes to us in cassette from the folks over at Burger Records and you can stream more at their Bandcamp.

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

[on repeat] THE LONG HAIR OF DEATH by Quailbones

This 5-piece out of Kentucky has a new 7" titled Lord Dion's House of Discovery and it follows the same fantastically spastic and high energy post-punk displayed on last year's debut 7" for Crane Wilbur. Quailbones sophomore 7" contains three full-throttle tracks brought to us by Ghost Orchard Records on a run of 300 copies (buy). You can sense immediately from the frantic drumming at the start of the opening track, 'We're Good Men,' that it's going to be a short, fun ride that necessitates holding on to your hats for the entire 7", but a real highlight for me is when things get shaky, quivvery, and echo-y on the manically melodic and fierce closing track 'The Long Hair of Death.' After you realize how much you love this 7' be sure to check out their Bandcamp to stream all three tracks from the 7" and to grab some free downloads of earlier material, but don't be cheap...cop a buck or two.

BUY IT HERE

Thursday, July 18, 2013

NO EXPRESSION by The Sufis

The Sufis are a duo out of Nashvillle and they are following up last year's self-titeld debut LP, with Inventions...brought to us from Burger Records (US) and Ample Play Records (UK). Inventions is another wonderfully dreamy collection of 60's tinged psychedelic pop that is masterfully simple pop at its finest. Inventions will be out Aug. 6th. In the meantime, stream two tracks off the LP above.

Monday, July 15, 2013

NO WAVES by The Shivas

The Shivas new LP, Whiteout, is their second full-length cassette release, but it's ther first full-length vinyl output that occurred courtesy of K Records this past spring. The LP opens with the epic 'Swimming With Sharks' that gets things kicked off with a serious BANG! Things mellow out quickly after that with songs like 'Thrill Yr Idols' and 'Baby I Need You' highlighting a lovely penchant for retro 60's style British pop and twee (when Kristin graces us with her vocals). The Shivas sound is hard to pin down in just a few simple adjectives since the songs widely vary in energy, style, and emotion and successfully incorporate jangle, melody, laid-back acoustic guitar, and Cramps style twang in this must listen to collection. These two songs don't paint the full picture of this band so go listen.

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

[on repeat] AMERICAN LOVE by Heavy Times

(previously on CWR)

I've steadily enjoyed each Heavy Times release more than the previous and this progression definitely doesn't stop with their 3rd LP, Fix It Alone. These true rock 'n rollers infuse fuzz and melody with their driving forceful guitar hooks that make for the perfect recipe of modern era punk. As with their previous LP, Fix It Alone, comes to us from the band's fellow Chicago-resident label HoZac Records and copies are shipping as we speak. There might even be some gold editions left so you'd better get right on it (buy), but I'm sure it'll sound just as satisfying on good ol' black wax. These guys really seemed to begin to flourish on last year's 3-track 7" EP, which featured the title track 'I'm Single' and on the tunes contributed to Windian Records Subscription Series #1 box set...and Fix It Alone continues down this path and is a clear force to be reckoned with in this year's list of great releases. I've described them previously as scuzzy, slacker garage rock that makes you move and the description still applies. I posted the tune 'Kidnapped' from Fix It Alone in a playlist last week and couldn't resist sharing another as part of this post. Enjoy.

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

[on repeat] SO LET'S PINCH by The Go

I'm dumbfounded as to why I haven't posted about Fiesta yet. The bright orange sherbet LP has been spinning regularly on my turntable since its release in January and has been the impetus for many impromptu living room dance sessions, but for whatever reason it's slyfully avoided my desire to share with the world. Well, if you've been fortunate enough to have listened to The Go's album, Fiesta, then you know what I'm referring to. If you haven't, then you should give this Detroit band's 7th album a listen. The band isn't new to the scene...amassing 15 years of working together and it shows on this Burger Records release. Besides the beautiful artwork, the album crosses over an abundance of influences highlighted on their previous releases and focuses on the upbeat tendencies of 60's psychedelia, classic 70's swagger, and the uplifting jangle of 80's college rock. They've put together the uncharacterically large collection of 20 songs on the double gatefold LP that is full of some truly great moments. The choruses will get stuck in your head, the general playfulness of the record will lift your spirits, the simplicity will appeal immediately, and the range in diversity will leave you in awe. It's one of those albums that has already made a mark on me for this year...FIESTA!

Listen to the whole album over at Bandcamp.

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

[on repeat] MOUNTAIN by Ghost Wave

(previously on CWR)

I've been waiting for Ghost Wave's debut LP since my ears first got wind of their energy-laden single 'Hippy' in 2011. The time has arrived and their Ages LP will be released from Flying Nun Records on August 27th as the labels first new release since announcing its partnership with Captured Tracks. This New Zealand band appears more than capable of catching on to a wide mainstream audience once it falls into the right hands. The LP features the first single 'Here She Comes' along with plenty of other highlights such as 'Country Rider.' The band will start touring the US closer the LP release date.

by Ariel

RIYL: The Clean, Sea Pinks, Surf Club

Friday, June 28, 2013

SHINY AND NEW: THE MALLARD, JACUZZI BOYS, HEAVY TIMES, WYATT BLAIR, THE EVERYWHERES, SUPER WILD HORSES

Wyatt Blair - Banana Cream Dream LP from Burger Records (buy)
Heavy Times - Fix It Alone LP from HoZac Records (buy)
The Everywheres - Self-Titled LP from Father/Daughter Records (buy)
Super Wild Horses - Crosswords LP from Dot Dash/Remote Control Records (buy)
Jacuzzi Boys - from Self-Titled LP out 9/10 from Hardly Art Records
The Mallard - Finding Meaning In Deference LP out 7/25 from Castle Face Records

by Ariel
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Tuesday, April 30, 2013

[on repeat] FOREVER UNTIL YOU ARE BONES by Unwed Teenage Mothers

(previously on CWR)

This 4-piece out of Oxford, Mississippi have released three EPs up to this point, and Unwed Teenage Mothers latest EP, Forever Until You Are Bones (buy), ramps up their power pop sound to a whole other level. The four tunes on this release are all great, catchy, dirty garage rock tunes that hit just right. There's furious drumming courtesy of Colin Sneed (from Bass Drum of Death), and infectious melodies behind a clear punk backbone that gets the blood pumping. It's a complete mess of fun all the way around, and the only bad thing I can say about it is that it ends all too quickly with all the songs clocking in at less than 2:30. We can thank Hiss Lab Records for releasing the EP on April 2, and you can thank them in return by picking up your copy of this exemplary step in the band's continued evolution. This is something to be excited about.

Monday, April 29, 2013

CLIMB DOWN by Shape Breaker

Philadelphia band Shape Breaker have me asking the question, 'What happens when you take your take your guitar, drag it through the mud, play it to death, add a driving undercurrent of shoegaze-y reverb, and top it with a layer of hazy vocals?' Simple answer: Shape Breaker's new album Eyes Wide is what you get for your work. And this

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Friday, August 16, 2013

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Monday, July 29, 2013

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Monday, July 15, 2013

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Friday, June 28, 2013

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Monday, April 29, 2013

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

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Thursday, April 18, 2013

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Wednesday, April 10, 2013

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Thursday, March 28, 2013

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Thursday, February 28, 2013