CHROMEWAVES RADIO: August 2013

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.