New Music: June 2013

Here’s a new segment I’ll be starting to do each month. Towards the end of each month I’ll put together a post of records that I had some things to say about, but didn’t warrant a full review. A lot of people ask me for quick recommendations on new music and I think this will be a great way to shed light on some records that some people might be missing each month. This will not be instead of regular reviews, but rather an extension so I can cover more music and let you know more about it! Let’s dive in...

After a sprawling intro track called "E", with its loud, boisterous guitars and driving distortion meshing together, No Joy sets the tone for their second record, Wait for Pleasure. Setting their sights on the shoe gaze genre, the band has a unique way of allowing the distortion and otherwise annoying noises to compliment the music. Standout tracks include "Hare Tarot Lies" and "Slug Night". In addition, "Blue Neck Riviera" has a Sleigh Bells style beat, and makes for a great summer tune. This Canadian twosome has put together quite the eccentric-sounding record, but each track keeps you coming back for more. 

Young Summer has their debut EP out called Fever Dream, and if you're looking for a laid back, calm electronic-focused group, look no further. After the infectious title track, the rest of the EP boasts luscious soundscapes and brilliant vocals and melodies from lead singer and songwriter Bobbie Allen. It's just her doing all the work, and what she's created is a theatrical and deep EP of piano and electronic sounds. "Letter Never Sent" shines light on a love lost, carrying an almost eerily emotional moment for her, along with her guest vocalist. 



Speaking of deep electronic music, let’s stop and talk about Zomby. The producer is a veritable ghost, but when he puts music out, people are talking about it. When he releases a double album, like With Love, people really start talking. Led by the catchy single “Horrid”, the album is a huge 33 tracks and goes from fully-worked songs (“Pyrex Nights”) to clips of what appeared to be ideas from the studio (“Ascension”). It’s a definite work of art, and should be listened to in one full setting, to catch the entire vision of Zomby’s craft. According to the few interviews he’s ever given, the man is a mystery, and his music matches the quality of his elusiveness. 

Switching gears, June also saw the quick release of Sigur Ros’ seventh album, Kveikur. Coming barely 13 months after Valtari, the band continues to reinvent themselves, showcasing more industrial sounds and deeper melodies than before. The album opens with “Brennisteinn”, a memorable track that encompasses all the maturity and changes the band has spoken of, along with “Isjaki”. The latter is a violin-focused track, and shows the gradual building blocks of a band that seems to never have been happier with what they’re doing. The album is quite expansive, continually switching between heavier moments and the quietest, most intimate pieces, like “Yfirboro”. 


Last but certainly not least comes the debut from indie pop newcomers, Capital Cities. The LA-based band tends to be a little all over the place, but parks their talent in the electronic indie genre, and the album is full of very catchy, if not the least bit annoying, tracks. Among these are mega-hit “Kangaroo Court” and “Safe and Sound”, both of which showcase the pop styled element. A smooth bass line runs through “I Sold My Bed, But Not My Stereo”, yet the subject matter doesn’t stick with the listener at all. Disco-flavored sounds flood “Center Stage”, and the 70s flavor really works for the band. I’d compare them most to newer Daft Punk mixed with some MGMT, just more pop-friendly. Just stay away from “Farrah Fawcett Hair”, it’s slightly terrifying. But In A Tidal Wave of Mystery is definitely worth the listen. 

What were some of your favorites from June? Sound off in the comments, tweet us, or get into the conversation through Facebook!