Birdmonster

“I want to get my revenge on the place that took from me everything I had”

In honor of San Francisco’s 2006 NoisePop festival going on this weekend, we’re featuring a great 49er band that has already been written up by every music journalist not named Nick Sylvester (he said he interviewed them but it never actually happened). Birdmonster, a straight-up rock band out of the San Francisco scene is set to release their first full-length album, No Midnight on April 11th. Zach and the guys from the band have been kind enough to let you and us preview two tracks off the album. Totaling thirteen songs, twelve new and one hold over from the self-titled EP, the album varies its pace and spacing but never loses the attitude and edge the band ties so closely to its sound. The band plays mostly no-frills rock music with a splash of blues for the kind of people who wouldn’t find the use of “splash” as an adjective appalling. The record will probably end up on a share of year end lists so you can either buy it when it comes out ten days from now or end up feeling really out of the loop in eight months. The choice is yours.

Birdmonster – Spaceman
Birdmonster – Balcony

Band Website

Band Blog

Band MySpace

Iko, again…for your sake.

Don’t worry. I’m not going to develop a bad habit of re posting. In fact, I’m backed up with loads of new stuff I want you all to hear. However, I love Iko. They’re getting ready to release their new disc “I Am Zero.” So, the time is right for some pre release promo from a wonderful band.

“These are all I have/Rich dreams that I can’t afford”

These lads (and lady…) are from the UK. The sound you’re about to hear coming out of your speakers is very atypical compared to the region’s regular stock. In esssence, Iko is a breath of fresh air from the over-stylized and often over-produced music that has been so prevelant as of late. Kieran Scragg, the band’s songwriter and vocalist, is on a mission to push out the now perfunctory sounds of bands like Franz Ferdinand or The Strokes (who I am by no means knocking, just making a point) in favor of timeless songs that can endure far longer than the radio’s current trends. Kieran’s light and seemingly effeminate vocals complement perfectly the band’s sometimes, but not always, delicate acoustic arrangements. You can’t help but be drawn in by this band who, on the verge of their European release date, has a lot to look forward to.

Hologram

more info…
Official Site
Myspace (head here to listen to additional tracks)
Purchase!

left too soon

You won’t find any Buckley tracks here. Why? They should be bought. Anything that I could give you here just simply wouldn’t be enough anyways. Someone got me into Jeff about 2 years ago, and I’ve been crazy about him ever since. I’ve got tons of tracks that remind me of him, but while I was doing this, the three I’m posting especially stood out. The first track in particular just screams Buckley; it’s immediately apparent.

Munkster – My Blood
I’m almost positive that this band has since changed their name, but for the life of me, I can’t remember it. Let me know if you really have to know, and I’ll dig it up.
Cameron Meshell – Exit Signs
This is one of Cameron’s earlier demos. His band, Forever Like Red, is going to be huge. I suggest you get to know them soon…
Owen Beverly – Stillborn
Also, this is one of Owen‘s earlier demos…so keep that in mind. His last release, The Drunk Lover EP, is definitely up high on my list. You should buy it here, I think you’ll love it.

Envelopes

“What will you do when you’re out of you favorite glue?”

Sorry I’ve been such an asshole about posting lately. I don’t like to miss that much. Anyways, I’ve returned with a great band. I’m usually not one to fall into the newest hyped indie pop/folk band, but Envelopes is just too good. Also, they’re pretty young. Word on the street is that the average age is about 19. I only wish I was so musically inclined. The band is from Sweden and their newest disc drops on April 4th. It’s called Demon, so be sure to pick it up if you dig the 3 tracks I put up. I see big things for them…

Envelopes – Glue (my favorite)
Envelopes – Sister In Love
Envelopes – Your Fight Is Over

more info…
Official Site
Myspace
Purchase

such is life

Today is the day I unload my mailbox. But seriously, I really really do have some great stuff to share. Some of the stuff is new, while others I have been into for awhile. Let me know what you like, and i’ll see if I can get some more stuff to you.

I seriously LOVE these boys. Nizlopi is becoming quite big over in UK. In fact, I think their track “JCB” may have even hit some #1 spots over there. As I’ve said a million times before, I’m such a sucker British accents…especially when it is apparent in song. They play some great English folk/pop music and I really can’t get enough. I bought their disc Half These Songs Are About You quite awhile back. The reason I haven’t shared any with you is because it was an iTunes purchase and the tracks are locked. However, I’ve got loads of places to send you to get some more info. You may have even heard the band’s breakthrough hit “JCB” seeing as though it floated around the internet awhile and garnered some great press. They’ve just come up with their single “Girls”, which is equally as likeable. I’m posting some links to hear the tracks along with some great little animated videos they made to accompany them. Also, we’ve got some great live tracks as well. This band is completely independent, and the fact that they were able to grab the #1 single slot is an amazing feat. I suggest their newest album as well, it will surprise you, I promise.

“JCB” single and video
“Girls” single and video

Nizlopi – Wash Away (demo)
Nizlopi – JCB (live)
Nizlopi – Girls (live)
Nizlopi – Freedom (live)

more info…
Official Site
Myspace
iTunes purchase link
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We’ve got another great artist from the UK as well. I myself am fairly new to Stephen Fretwell, but I have definitely really liked what I’ve heard. Looks like his new disc Magpie is on its way, so look for a more formal review sometime soon. As for now, I’ve got a stream of his new single. All you alt-country folks will love, I promise. Over at his official site, hes got some more full length tracks up. Make sure to check that out. Sounds like a really promising disc.

Stephen Fretwell – New York

_I realize that absolutely every other blogger in the world has made a post about SOUND team. However, I’ve really been enjoying their Work EP lately. Also, someone passed along to me a new track that is going to be on their debut album, and I wanted to share it.

SOUND team – Your Eyes Are Liars

more info…
Official Site
Myspace
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Low Lustre

Crazy, mesmerizing, rough-and-tumble indie rock. Might sound to you like a strange combination, but Low Lustre has perfected it. The guitars are loud, the vocals are rough – but the music is good. Really good. The boys are from the Minneapolis area, and one of my favorite local critics, Chris Reimenschneider, likened them to NYC’s the Walkmen. The comparison is pretty dead on. However, to be honest, Low Lustre keeps me interested way longer than Hamilton and his boys were ever able to.

Low Lustre – Dancing Blind
Low Lustre – Vampire

more info…
Official Site
Myspace
Purchase

Elias

“I close my eyes, shut my mouth, before I make things worse”

Thanks to my new buddy Chris (who himself is in a great new band, check them here), I’ve got some new talent for you today. Those of you that have been hanging around here for awhile will hear this band and know they’re exactly what I’m into. Canadian band Elias has absolutely everything it takes to catapault themselves to indie stardom. The songs are pensive and thoughtful. Yet, this doesn’t detract from the band’s ability to assert themselves through some heavier, layered guitar arrangements. Steady, rhythmic verses allow for the band to really take flight in their choruses. Keep your eyes peeled, I think Elias might do some pretty considerable things in the near feature. As far as I know, the band already has one disc under their belt and seems to be in the process (or nearly finished) of recording a new EP.

Elias – Sinking Ships
Elias – Get Some
Elias – Before I Make Things Worse

more info…
Official Site
Myspace

I must say, Canada has been pretty impressive lately. Other great new Canadian bands you’ve been digging? Keep me covered, please.