It all starts off ferocious like a fearsome lion, then calms down like a sweet lamb, or something like that… LOL
I don’t know that much about most of these bands this time around, but their music caught my ear when perusing SoundCloud lately…
1. Shallow Waves – “Degradation”
Full-on driving ‘n’ roiling, psych(e)-steeped noise rock from this Canadian band on Green Witch Recordings.
2. METZ – “Acid”
I know they’re on Sub Pop. I know they’re relative big. That’s all I know. Humungous, quickly lurching Vs. slowly lumbering sound with menacing vocals. Noise rock at its finest? Oh, and I just found out it was recorded by Steve Albini at Electrical Audio as part of a 2-track “Slow Decay” single (I think).
3. Cleopatrick – “The Drake*
I championed this emotionally raw and raging noise rock two-piece of lifelong Canadian friends from near the start of their career, although I hadn’t followed them all the way through until right now, tuning into the release of this new single with lyrics that kick back at the bullies of their childhood.
4. Wild Powwers – “…Sucks”
Wow, what a raging blast! Love this, although it’s not indicative of what’s on this Seattle-based trio’s upcoming album What You Wanted, out April 23rd via Nadine Records. If you’re into Babes In Toyland, Hole, Skating Polly, and The Distillers, this track is for you.
5. Sprints – “Swimming”
UK’s Nice Swan does it again with boldly assured, spirited angular post-punk/indie rock done by a young bunch of musicians.
6. Air Drawn Dagger – “My Murder of Crows”
The British outfit draw on electronic and pop elements to add different facets to their alternative rock foundation. This is a punchy and vibrant track with sweetly bittersweet vocals and bitter lyrics about being fed up with a dead-end life.
7. Hadda Be – “Another Life”
London and Brighton-located indie rock/pop act drop a choppy, but tuneful number from their upcoming album of the same name. Not sure on the exact release date of the LP, but it’ll be out via Last Night From Glasgow.
8. Grrrl Gang – “Honey Baby”
This Indonesian indie pop/rock band do it again, buoying the spirits with a winning brisk and catchy jangle pop tune, out via Damnably Records.
9. Slothrust – “Cranium”
They’ve gotten good acclaim for the past few years, but for some reason I stopped following them after their start… And IMO this electronic track is not their usual MO, but it’s ear-catching and recalls a Billie Eillish-like trip-hop/hip hop blend with slightly Kim Gordonesque vocals (if she was more emotive). Oh, and really weirdo lyrics… LOL
10. Major Murphy – “Unfazed”
This band is getting a boost these days, but I don’t know anything about them, except at least on this track they have perceptive lyrics and a mellow and harmonic indie pop flow.
