Author Archives: Laura Yurich

[Indie] Cheers Elephant – Airliner

Cheers Elephant
Airliner

The Philly-bred now California-based Cheers Elephant has delivered another gem. “Airliner” comes to us just a month after the band released “Speak Think”. Both singles play to a jangly power pop hunger, but where “Speak Think” airs on the safe side, “Airliner” caters to a more psychedelic world. Crafty guitar licks combed over with 60s-esque vocal harmonies and tasteful claps, this tune is destined to be the opening credits of a happy-go-lucky summer flick. Warning, it will be stuck in your head for days.

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[Indie] Bad Bad Hats – Shame

Bad Bad Hats
Shame

Bad Bad Hats are playing with the big kids now! Sure, the It Hurts EP was great, but what was once a couple quirky and talented songwriters playing with kazoos is now a full force rock and roll storm. Kerry Alexander’s vocals have developed an air of mystery—you might feel like she’s daring you to do something dangerous. Top it all off with killer synergy between the percussion and that gritty beautiful bass and you’ve got a knockout summer jam.

“Shame” is the first single off of the debut LP from BBH. Psychic Reader is due 7/17 via Afternoon Records.

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STALLIONS – Still Chasing [TMN PREMIERE]

STALLIONS
Still Chasing

Delaware is cranking out more than just a Vice President these days! Here at TMN we are stoked to bring you the premiere of “Still Chasing” from East Coast pop rockers Stallions.

“Still Chasing” has an untouchable sort of nostalgia to it. The guitars burn, the minimal percussion is effective, and the melody is irresistibly catchy. Not only that, but the vocals might cause flashbacks to what you were feeling in 2002 when Tell All Your Friends was debuted by Taking Back Sunday. Stallions has rallied all the elements and then pointed them toward a summer hit.

This was the first song we wrote that set the tone for the rest of the E.P. It’s a simple love song I wrote for my girlfriend. It took us a few weeks to structure the song, I remember wanting to make the lyrics memorable to match the guitar parts and overall simplicity of the song.

The tune is the first we’ve heard from the foursome’s debut EP, One Track Mind. Rumor has it details on that release will come our way in a few weeks. What we do know is that the EP was recorded in Philadelphia and mastered by Grammy winner Mike Tarsia of Sigma Sound [Bowie, Patti LaBelle], so keep an eye out.

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[Indie] Vundabar – Chop

Vundabar
Chop

Boston’s Vundabar has nailed the mid-60s garage pop charm with their new single “Chop”. They bring the fuzzy guitars and psychedelic vocals, but with high production quality and precise arrangements. While you might expect to find a group like Vundabar on labels like Fat Possum, Autumn Tone, or Third Man, the forthcoming sophomore release (out 7/21, preorder) is set to come our way via the band’s own label, Gawk Records.

The trio has announced an ambitious two-month tour, find your show here.

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[Indie] Max and the Moon – Actor

Max and the Moon
Actor

The new pop-centric clapalong from California’s Max and the Moon has many components. It’s one part soul-searching, one part sarcasm. It’s a lyrical dash of reality with a jaded outlook. It’s a pleasant struggle between forward-facing vocals and relentless guitar undertones. It’s multiple vocal effects layered over precise and unassuming percussion elements. Mostly, it’s just fun.

MatM are in a great position for endless bloglove/radio play. Word on the street is that they have an EP slated for a June release. On that note, how fun would it be if these guys went on tour with Prides?

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[Indie] Albert Hammond Jr. – Born Slippy

Albert Hammond Jr.
Born Slippy

Albert Hammond Jr. is back! Well, he never actually left, but The Strokes’ guitarist has announced his third solo album, Momentary Masters (out 7/31 on Vagrant/BMG). “Born Slippy” is just about everything you crave from AHJ—snappy guitar licks and charming vocal melodies your brain will have a hard time shaking. It’s the kind of tune strangers will catch you doing a maniacal dance to while sitting at a stoplight.

AHJ will kick off a two month North American tour in September. Find your show here.

 

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