A Certain Romance

Mezzanine Owls - Obstacle

A few months back (yeah, I’m right on top of everything), Mezzanine Owls released their first single in three years. Besides just being elated that they are still around, I am stoked that this is also a great single. With shoegaze being one of the popular recent revival genres, these guys are one of the few new acts that could have actually stood toe-to-toe with the first-wave shoegazers back in the day, delivering great songs to go with the great sonics. Enjoy.

Mezzanine Owls - “Obstacle”.
Mezzanine Owls - “Tethered To The Fountain”.

Some older Owls action here and here.

The White Album

It seems as if all of my recent favorites are coming via Bandcamp. This one came to me via an NPR list called “Who Needs A Record Label?”. The White Album are from Sweden and like their wintry Bon Iver. These two songs are both perfect. Enjoy.

The White Album - “Guns And Ammunition”.
The White Album - “The Line”.

Pickwick - “Blackout”

If you’re not familiar with this song, then immediately go here and watch the video. This has to be the vocal performance of the year. This guy has some serious pipes. Best tune to come out of Seattle in ages. Enjoy.

Pickwick - “Blackout” (a capella version recorded live at the Suzzallo Reading Room, University of Washington).
Pickwick - “Blackout”.

King Krule - “Out Getting Ribs”

I think this track is at least a year old but I just recently heard it courtesy of one of the Fader podcasts. King Krule (previously Zoo Kid) is the only 17 year old alive that can open with a lyric like “hate runs through my blood / well my tongue was in love” without sounding completely emo. Instead, he takes ‘old soul’ to a new level and it works in every way.

This is a song that could easily fill a stadium during an encore or more likely hold a smokey little club in complete rapture. This kid’s got a talent and I love this tune. Enjoy.

King Krule - “Out Getting Ribs”.

Spectrals - “Big Baby”

“You crashed into me when I was 17…”

This song opens up like a classic Jesus & Mary Chain jam, all simple guitar hooks and cool laid-back melody. Catchy. And that’s always what I dig. Enjoy.

Spectrals - “Big Baby”.

Bos Angeles

These tunes have been floating out there for a while now but somehow just hit me lately. Bos Angeles are easily now my favorite band of the past month. These guys bring the melody sometimes lost from lo-fi and juice it up with ample riffs and cool, straight-forward drums and bass. So stoked to hear more from these Brits. This stuff is great. Enjoy.

Bos Angeles - “Beach Slalom”.
Bos Angeles - “Days of Youth”.

The Wooden Sky

“You said ‘Lay your head down next to mine on the ground’”.

This song is how I feel today. It’s been a very odd, disconcerting, and yet very grateful week. Enjoy.

The Wooden Sky - “River Song One”.