My Heart To Joy, Reasons To Be EP

“I can’t help but smile when you say goodbye.”

Topshelf Records probably said it better when they called My Heart To Joy Connecticut’s premiere pop-sensible twinkle daddies, but I am just happy that one of my favorite post-punk outfit have swapped some of the screams and ambient jams for a bit of pop-punk gloss. And this isn’t to say that they have lost their signature grittiness, either, because its still alive and well.  They’re just trading up.  Following in the wake of the band’s acclaimed full-length Seasons In Verse is the three-track Reasons To Be, which is available now as a digital download or in physical form by late January.  Featured below is my favorite.

My Heart To Joy – Farewell to a Raincloud

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You Animals, “What You Want What You Need”

“You’re never going to fall in love.”

What else is there to say about You Animals that I haven’t said before?   I like this band.  I really, really like this band. Every track has been gold – my only complaint is that there aren’t enough. It has been about two years now and I have only amassed a total of five tracks. Consider this my plea via blog for the full length to come as soon as possible.  An alternate versions EP,  Same Sky, Different Sea, has arrived just in time for the holidays, and the band is willing to exchange four tracks for an e-mail address.   The tracks will be featured on the bands forthcoming debut. Sign up on the band’s official site.

You Animals – What You Want What You Need

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Monument Valley, “No Air” EP

“I finally hit my stride.”

You don’t know that they are doing right by you, but they are.  In fact, Communion Music doesn’t do much else but right.  Though they don’t formally have much of a roster, the informal crew of bands and artists that they have assembled is pretty remarkable. London’s Monument Valley, which is actually just one startlingly talented man, is the latest to be subsumed into the circle.  If you’re willing to give up your email address, his 3-track No Air EP is available as a free digital download, with physical copies to follow, from the Communion Music website. Go do right, go do right.

Monument Valley – B of the Bang

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Ute, “The Gambler” EP

“They all fell at the hands of the innocent tailor.”

It’s strange and unexpected.  It’s strange and eccentric. It’s strange, and its perfect.  I have long been waiting for some new tracks from Oxford’s Ute.  After spinning “Brother” on repeat from the Alcopopular 4 disc, I was expecting more of the same – beautiful indie folk melodies with charming lyrics and the vocals to match.  So to say that The Gambler came out of left field is an understatement. I’m fit for surprise, though, and send a big thanks back to Alcopop! Records for once again catching hold of some of the UK’s finest talent and assembling a fantastic roster that extends far beyond their Oxford home base.  The new EP came out a few weeks ago and, if they weren’t snowed in like the rest of the UK this weekend, I am sure they would be out and about it support of it.

Ute – The Innocent Tailor

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