Los Angeles band The French Semester top today's featured new releases. The band craft jangly and sunny tracks with an unmistakable 1960's pop influence. Guitarist and vocalist Riaz Tejani says the band formed in 2007 after discovering they had a common interest in writing and recording songs "derivative of the sixties and nostalgic for the eighties," but with "a subtler approach to the roots while trying to say something new." It is no surprise then that TFS include among their biggest musical influences Guided By Voices, Syd Barrett, Neutral Milk Hotel, Donovan, Leonard Cohen and The Rain Parade.

In a short period of time, The French Semester have built a following across the globe, and found themselves opening for bands like Vampire Weekend, Olivia Tremor Control, The Zombies, The Rain Parade and Apples in Stereo. That's an impressive track record for a band that is only two years in the making. The French Semester's new album, Forces Afield, is out today and follows the release of their critically acclaimed LP, Good Friends Only I Could See, that came out earlier this year.

"The Large Bouquet" - The French Semester from Forces Afield (2009)

"What's in the Bag" - The French Semester from Forces Afield (2009)

"Backwards Rolling" - The French Semester from Good Friends Only I Could See (2008)

The French Semester's official website

Long Beach's Avi Buffalo, officially release their 7" inch vinyl single today via the legendary indie label Subpop Records, with the B-side "Jessica." You can order the 7" inch vinyl from the Subpop website. Last week, Avi Buffalo announced they will be touring in January with Final Fantasy. AB were an IRC band of the week back in October, and will release their debut LP next spring.

"What's In It For?" - Avi Buffalo from 7" single (2009)

Avi Buffalo's official website


Relocated from Georgia to Santa Cruz, California dub-heavy, break beat-infused psychedelic band Sound Tribe Sector 9 (STS9) are back with a new EP, Ad Explorata, out today via 1320 Records. STS9's huge, loyal fan base will not be disappointed with the band's newest release, which will be followed up by an extensive, cross-country tour in February and March of next year. The band is known for their intense live shows and performances at big-time festivals such as Bonnaroo, Cochella and Lollapalooza.

"Phoneme" - STS9 from Ad Explorata (2009)

STS9's official website

Other releases out today include a new track from The Smashing Pumpkins, Midnight Masses and two vinyl releases from Arctic Monkeys and Sigur Ros.

"A Song for a Son" - Smashing Pumpkins via Stereogum from Teargarden in Kaleidyscope (2009)

"Walk On Water" - Midnight Masses from Rapture Ready, I Gazed at Bodies (2009)

"Cornerstone" - Arctic Monkeys from 7" vinyl (2009)

"Gobbledigook" - Sigur Ros from 7" vinyl (2009)

Labels: Avi Buffalo, New Releases, STS9, The French Semester