Gem Club: "Twins" Video

[mp3] Gem Club: "Twins"

Writing in the first person here - I really love this band. Not sure what the personal connection is with their meditative and down tempo music that appeals so much to me. Perhaps it's just that 3 or 4 minutes of peace that you can get out of one of their songs, or maybe it's just the initial onset of some sort of pre-seasonal depression that makes the songs on Gem Club's gorgeous new full length 'Breakers' (Hardly Art) so poignant. Whatever it is, as long as this band keeps releasing assets, I'll keep posting them. Via NPR

New Video and mp3 from Gem Club

[mp3] Gem Club: "Twins"

Today we got a 2 for 1 Gem Club press release that includes a gorgeous video for "Breakers" and a taste for new song "Twins." We wrote about our excitement for Breakers (September 27 Hardly Art) a few weeks ago, and these new assets continue to whet our appetite for the full length.

Shimmering Stars sign to Hardly Art

[mp3] Shimmering Stars: "I'm Gonna Try"

Shimmering Stars were one of those bands we posted on (wow, that video was from October?), and thought we may never hear from again. That happens a LOT, and it's always a little disheartening to see bands with promise just not being able to make it work. Yet, our spirits lifted a bit yesterday when we saw that the Vancouver band signed to Hardly Art for the release of their forthcoming debut LP Violent Hearts due Sept 13. Their lead single "I'm Gonna Try" has that nostalgic back-beat driven melody that many out there these days try and emulate, but rarely nail down. While we're not sure what the rest of the album sounds like, we're lucky to have this slice of throwback pop that stands out from the hordes of like-minded bands, who, fortunately or unfortunately may never have a real shot of making it. Also, go Canucks! (Game seven tonight).

New Dawes and Seapony Records Announced

[mp3] Dawes: "If I Wanted Someone (Live)"
Download "If I Wanted Someone (NEW)"

Nothing is Wrong releases June 7th on ATO. A self-described “American rock ‘n’ roll band,” Dawes represent everything pure and true about that fundamental delineation, four talented friends making music together, fueled by a shared belief in the power of their songs. With Nothing Is Wrong, singer/guitarist Goldsmith, his brother Griffin on drums, keyboardist Tay Strathairn, and bassist Wylie Gelber – continue to master their blend of singer/songwriter reflection with folk, country, and AOR-inspired arrangements, all ringing guitars, soaring harmonies, and heartfelt melodies.

[mp3] Seapony: "Blue Star"

Seattle three-piece Seapony has announced album details for their debut full-length, Go With Me, forthcoming May 31 on Hardly Art. An mp3 of "Blue Star" is also now available, which is the first new Seapony material since their "Dreaming" single was released last fall. The music of Seapony is refreshing in its simplicity. Most songs on Go With Me use no more than three chords, with an average running time around two-and-a-half minutes.

All copy via album press releases.

La Sera; Overcoming Expectations

[mp3] La Sera: "Never Come Around"

If you ever read this rag, or our twitter feed(s) - you know that we're not the most massive Vivian Girls, er, guys. Yet, there are only so many times one can hear a song and love it, without telling everyone about it. While we haven't heard the upcoming self-titled album from Vivian Gal Katy Goodman's band La Sera (February 15th, Hardly Art), lead single and A-side of her recently released 7", "Never Come Around" is about as charming as they come, and does well in its efforts to channel the omnipresent Phil Spector girl group sound running rampant out there right now. While not rewriting the indie/pop songbook, La Sera's new tune is catchy and quite repeatable, brining us one step closer to moving past the unforgettable bathtub interview and towards acceptance. Preorder HERE.