New Music Tuesday - January 27, 2015

Be sure to view a list of upcoming releases here!

New Full-Length Albums

Amason - Sky City Amason is a Swedish band made up of members of a number of other Swedish acts (Idiot Wind, Little Majorette, Dungen, Miike Snow). The group met each other thru a mix of school, early collaborations, and seeing each other live. They officially came together in 2012, selecting the name Amason from a car brand popular in Sweden during the 1960s (which itself was named for Amazonian warriors). Sky City is the band's debut album. Watch: "Duvan" Listen: "Elefanten"

Aqualung - 10 Futures Aqualung, real name Matt Hales, has been on a bit of a hiatus for the past several years. It's been five years since his last album, Magnetic North. He has stayed active as a songwriter and producer, though. He contributed songs to Diane Birch, Jason Mraz, and Sara Bareilles, and has also provided produced for Laura Jansen, Diane Birch, and For King & Country. In 2012, he cowrote and produced Lianne La Havas' Is Your Love Big Enough?. She returns the favor on his latest record, with guest vocals on "Eggshells." Watch: "Eggshells" (featuring Lianne La Havas) Watch: "Tape 2 Tape"

Björk - Vulnicura Bjork's latest release came out of a place of pain; it was written following her split from artist Matthew Barnet. It wasn't meant to be released quite this early. The album was announced last month with no official artwork and no release date (it was set for sometime in March). Unfortunately, the album was leaked online not long after it was announced. Since the album was complete, and due to the emotional nature of the record, Björk made the decision to push up the digital release. Physical copies of the album are still set to be released in March. Listen: "Atom Dance" Listen: "Stonemilker"

The Body/Thou - You, Whom I Have Always Hated This is the second collaboration between these two sludge metal bands in as many years. Last year, they teamed up for the EP Released from Love. The Body is no newcomer to collaborating, having worked with The Haxan Cloak, Sandworm, and Braveyoung in the past. This may not be it for the two bands to collaborate, they will likely be touring together later this year. We'll just have to see if that leads to any more new music! Listen: "Her Strongholds Unvanquishable" Listen: "Lurking Fear"

The Dodos - Individ While I enjoyed The Dodos' 2013 album, Carrier, it didn't quite strike me as strongly as their previous release, No Color, had in 2011. After just a few listens through this latest offering, I feel this one may be, for me, a more worthy sonic follow-up. The album is a more polished one from the band, as well. They've gotten rid of the acoustic guitars in favor of electric and brought in one of indie rock's greatest producers, Phil Ek. While the result may be more polished, the album still hearkens to their earlier sounds. Watch: "Competition" Listen: "Goodbyes and Endings"

The Lone Bellow - Then Came the Morning Members from The National are beginning to become a reliable source for great new music from other bands. One of the band's twin guitarists, Aaron Dessner, helped Sharon Van Etten to gain a following and now he's giving his "bump" to folk band The Lone Bellow. This is the Brooklyn band's sophomore album, and it was produced by Dessner. Watch: "Fake Roses"

Natalie Prass - Natalie Prass Natalie Prass got her start as a member of Jenny Lewis' live band, a gig she got after auditioning demo recorded on an iPhone. She's also spent some time developing as a solo artist over the past couple of years. Her debut album, recorded with Matthew E. White as producer, has a bit of a throwback sound, with some comparing it to that of a vintage record. Her work and experience have paid off in one of the most highly-rated debut albums I've ever seen. Watch: "Bird of Prey" Watch: "Why Don't You Believe in Me"

Pond - Man It Feels Like Space Again Despite being a side project from members of Tame Impala, Pond has managed to become a significantly more prolific band, to the point that Tame Impala is pretty much the side project. This is their sixth album in nearly as many years together. It was originally intended to be their fifth album, it was written before 2013's Hobo Rocket, but the band instead chose to record and release Hobo Rocket first. At least this one wasn't a scrapped record, as it's another incredible release from the band. Watch: "Elvis’ Flaming Star" Watch: "Zond"

Punch Brothers - The Phosphorescent Blues This is the fourth album from, Punch Brothers, the folk/bluegrass supergroup. The band starting writing the record during the Telluride Bluegrass Festival in 2012, on the heels of Who's Feeling Young Now?, and were working on it almost right up until its release. It's their first album recorded with superstar producer T Bone Burnett and they will soon be touring in support of the release. Listen: "Julep" Listen: "My Oh My"

Twerps - Range Anxiety With a name like Twerps, it's easy to imagine a bunch of young musicians just learning to play their instruments, but these guys have been together for awhile. The Australian lofi/pop band formed in late 2008 and released their debut self-titled album in 2011. They spent the next few years touring and performing at some major festivals, and released an EP, Underlay, to tide fans over in 2013. Their sophomore album is their first on the Merge label. Watch: "Back to You" Watch: "Stranger"

Other New Releases

The Babies - Our House on the Hill Outtakes It's been a little while since we heard from this collaboration between Cassie Ramone and Kevin Morby, though they both released solo albums last year. They're making sure fans don't forget them with a couple of outtakes from their last record, 2012's Our House on the Hill. Listen: "Got Old" Listen: "All I Know"

The Body/Thou - Released from Love Reissue In addition to their new collaborative album, The Body and Thou are also reissuing their first collaboration. Initially, the album was released only on vinyl, but on its reissue, has also been made available via CD. Listen: "In Meetings Hearts Beat Closer" Listen: "The Wheel Weaves as the Wheel Wills"

Mike G - Award Tour II Mike G is one of the many members of Odd Future, and the first to release new music this year. This is a follow-up to his 2011 EP of the same name and features production and guest spots from other Odd Future members, including Left Brain, Tyler, the Creator, and Earl Sweatshirt. Watch: "Archer" (featuring Larry Susan) Listen: "James Bond"

Operators - "Ecstasy in My House" The latest project from former Wolf Parade member Dan Boeckner released their first EP, EP1, in August of last year. They've got just a little bit of new music to follow that up, but there's always hope for more from them this year! Listen: "Ecstasy in My House"

TRU Jack City The Real University is rapper 2 Chainz's new record label, which he announced just last month. Currently, Cap. 1, Skooly, Fresh, and 2 Chainz himself are signed to the label. As an introduction, he is releasing a mixtape featuring his artists. Listen: 2 Chainz - "Trap House Stalkin'" Listen: 2 Chainz - "Road Dawg"

Young Ejecta - The Planet The perpetually-naked Ejecta recently had to change their name due to a legal notice from DJ Ejecta (this seems to be happening a lot lately). This is their first release with the new name, a follow-up to 2013's Dominae. Listen: "Welcome to Love" Listen: "Into Your Heart"

Future Islands in Indianapolis

When: August 9, 2014
Where: The Vogue Theatre in Indianapolis, IN

The Show:

Future Islands made their network television debut in a now-famous performance on the David Letterman show back in March. The video of that performance, along with an NPR interview soon after turned me into a fan of the band almost overnight, and convinced me that their live performances could be nothing less than amazing.

I got my opportunity when the band announced their summer tour with dates in Indianapolis and Columbus. The morning of the Indianapolis show, I bought my ticket and planned for a evening drive to one of my favorite cities.

I drove to a friend's house who lives just a couple of miles from the venue. I decided to walk the rest of the way to The Vogue (get my steps in)! Though there had been many bands who played there in the past that I'd wanted to see, it was my first time actually being inside. The venue doubles as a dance club and had some lounging space to either side of the floor and two floors of bar and viewing space.

I was able to meet up with a friend at the concert who I only discovered was there when I Facebooked my presence at the show. His wife commented that I should look for him since he was there as well. It's always great to have a concert buddy!

The opening act was a new band named Operators, the new project of Dan Boeckner (of Wolf Parade, Handsome Furs, and Divine Fits). They performed a short set of songs from their debut EP. Boeckner seems to hit gold wherever he goes; this new band was incredible. Boeckner has a fairly distinctive voice that made their sound obviously his, but with synthpop undertones to replace the more guitar-driven sounds of his past bands.

Next, the main act came on. Sam Herring and company put on one hell of a show. He showed off some of the dance moves debuted on late night, and introduced some new ones, as well. I've also never seen a singer as interactive; he talked paragraphs to us, shook hands, and placed hands on shoulders. He was a joy to watch

The band primarily performed from their most recent, Singles, but also played songs from their back catalog.

Mini Setlist:

Operators - "True" (from EP1)
Future Islands - "Balance" (from On the Water)
Future Islands - "Fall from Grace" (from Singles)

New Music Tuesday - August 5, 2014

Be sure to view a list of upcoming releases here!

New Full-Length Releases

Bear in Heaven - Time Is Over One Day Old Time Is Over One Day Old is Bear in Heaven's fourth album overall, and second with the Dead Oceans label. For their latest, the band strove to rid themselves of what they've become over the years and create something new. Of course, they've always done something a little different with each record and this one is no different. There are elements that remain the same; they keep their unique mix of percussion and electronics, mixed with John Philpott's somewhat nasally vocals. Watch: "Time Between" Listen: "Autumn"

Owl John - Owl John Owl John is the new side project of Frightened Rabbit's lead man Scott Hutchison (I guess he likes his woodland creatures). He decided to focus on the solo act following nearly ten years as a part of his main band. With the help of his record label, Atlantic, he was able to avoid the common trap of writing and recording for his primary act after their tour ended. They allowed him to focus on and record this solo album; and do so in such a way that prevented it from sounding too much like his previous work. Watch: "Hate Music" Watch: "Red Hand"

Partynextdoor - Partynextdoor Two Partynextdoor is the stage name of Jahron Brathwaite; one of the latest performers of the indie subset of R&B. He is signed to Drake's record label, OVO Sound; and enlists his help on a few tracks. This is the young performer's first studio album, but with friends in such high places, he's sure to have a good career ahead of him. Watch: "Recognize" (featuring Drake) Listen: "FWU"

The Rosebuds - Sand + Silence The Rosebuds are another act with friends in high places. For this album, they got some help from indie rock's ombudsman Bon Iver (aka Justin Vernon), who performs on a track from the record. Think of it as a bump, the indie folk band, who have been performing for well over a decade, are seeing a new level of attention and acclaim for this latest release. Of course, we well know by now that Vernon has a good ear, and this band is worth a listen! Listen: "Blue Eyes" Listen: "Esse Quam Videri"

Spoon - They Want My Soul It's been a little while since we've heard from this iconic Austin-based indie rock band. Spoon released their last album, Transference, way back in 2010. In the time since, lead Britt Daniel released albums with two new bands; 2012's A Thing Called Divine Fits (with Divine Fits) and 2014's Fragmented World (with Split Single). Both of those were great, but it's even better to see him back with his main act and proving that he still has some great work to put out with them! Watch: "Do You" Watch: "Inside Out"

Tuatara - Underworld Of all of the former member's of the now-defunct R.E.M., Peter Buck remains the most active (at least musically). Since the 2011 split of his most-known act, he has released two solo records, and now is putting out a new release with (once-) side project Tuatara. The band also includes members of The Minus Five, Critters Buggin, and the Screaming Trees. Listen: "Even Demons Fall in Love" Listen: "Snake Charmer"

Other New Releases

Jessie Ware - "Tough Love" Jessie Ware released an absolutely incredible solo record, Devotion, in 2012 (2013 in the US). She will be releasing a follow-up in October, but first, we're getting the album's amazing title track as a single release. Watch: "Tough Love"

Kevin Morby - "My Name" Kevin Morby seems to be trying to slim things down for himself. He started his career as a member of Woods, which includes three other members. In 2009, he joined up with Cassie Ramone (formerly of Vivian Girls) to form The Babies. Now, it's just him. He released his solo debut, Harlem River, earlier this year. Listen: "My Name" Listen: "We Did It All Wrong"

Lil Silva - Mabel EP Lil Silva is a young, but prolific, producer and musician who has made a name for himself in working with a number of other up-and-coming musicians. Perhaps most notably, he has worked with the vocalist Sampha; but has also lent his work to BANKS, who is featured on a couple of tracks on his latest EP. Watch: "Mabel" Listen: "Don't You Feel" (featuring Banks)

Operators - EP1 Britt Daniel's Divine Fits bandmate, Dan Boeckner, has also been busy since the 2012 release of their record. With Daniel presumably busy getting back together with his main act, Boeckner is exploring new avenues (all of his other former bands are broken up). He has teamed up with Divine Fits drummer Sam Brown and Devojka for his latest project. Listen: "True"

The Secret Sisters - Put Your Needle Down Deluxe Edition The bluegrass sister act released an incredible sophomore album in April of this year. This deluxe edition includes a couple of extra tracks from the duo. Watch: "Lonely Island" Listen: "Black and Blue"

Teenage Fanclub - Manmade Reissue Teenage Fanclub have been together for twenty-five years and released nine albums. They've been quiet since 2010, but are re-releasing their last two records. Manmade was originally released in 2005. Watch: "It's All in My Mind" Listen: "Cells"

Teenage Fanclub - Shadows Reissue Shadows was the last Teenage Fanclub record, released in 2010. The album was well-received when it was initially released. Perhaps the reissue of their two most recent records means something new is on the way. Listen: "Shock and Awe" Listen: "The Fall"

Wild Beasts - "Mecca" Wild Beasts released their fourth album, Present Tense, earlier this year. "Mecca" is the latest single release from the album. It is accompanied by a few remixes of the track. Watch: "Mecca" Listen: "Mecca" (Juan Atkins Remix)

Zero 7 - Simple Science EP It's been a pretty long while since Zero 7's last album, 2009's Yeah Ghost. They've released a few singles and EPs since. This latest sees them straying a bit from their downtempo roots and going for something more club-ready. Listen: "Simple Science"