There are so many great new releases this week, that we had to break them up into two installments (and it's looking that way for next week as well). A list of artists and bands for part two of this week's best new releases is featured below. That playlist mix will be published tomorrow. But first, here is part one. Enjoy and share with friends.

The fourth LP from California rockers Rogue Wave comes on the heels of some recent bad news for the band, including the tragic death of an ex-band mate, Evan Farrell, and serious health issues suffered by band founder, Zach Rogue.

Rogue (his real last name is Schwartz), found himself bed-ridden for months after a freak back accident. During his recovery, Rogue told drummer Pat Spurgeon that he "wanted to make a dance record," later elaborating that Permalight, the band's newest album out today via Brushfire Records, was about "physical music, about the visceral experience of hearing music and letting your body move to it." Indeed.

Next, John Gourley, lead vocalist of Portugal. The Man, said recently that the band has kept their latest album, American Ghetto, purposely under wraps, stating: "Nobody gets the record early; we will not be soliciting reviews, airplay or any support from the industry." The band's new single is available today along with the official drop of the LP.

Also, check out fresh tracks from The Whigs (with another free download on their website), the popular UK indie electronica band, These New Puritans. Scroll down for new songs from A Weather, Dinosaur Feathers, Peasant, Butterfly Explosion, plus advanced tracks from next week releases by Titus Andronicus, Jatun and Method Actors.

"Good Morning" - Rogue Wave from Permalight (via Stereogum)

Rogue Wave on MySpace

"The Dead Dog" - Portugal. The Man from American Ghetto

Portugal. The Man on MySpace

"In The Dark" - The Whigs from In The Dark

The Whigs official website

"Orion Hidden" - These New Puritans from Hidden

These New Puritans on MySpace



Portland, Oregon's A Weather are an indie-folk band whose sophomore album, Everyday Balloons, drops today via Team Love Records (the label founded by Conor Oberst/Bright Eyes).

As with their debut album, Everyday Balloons was engineered by Adam Selzer (M. Ward, The Decemberists, Norfolk & Western) at Portland's Type Foundry Studios. Also, the rising popularity of Brooklyn's Dinosaur Feathers have made them a favorite on many bands to watch in 2010 lists. They debut their first LP, Fantasy Memorial, also drops today.

"Giant Stairs" - A Weather from Everyday Balloons

A Weather official website

"Vendela Vida" - Dinosaur Feathers from Fantasy Memorial

Dinosaur Feathers on MySpace



Peasant is a Pennsylvania indie artist with a growing following.
"Well Alright" - Peasant from Shady Retreat

Peasant on MySpace


Butterfly Explosion are a shoegaze, post punk band from Ireland that blend powerful spiraling music with delicate vocals to form rich soundscapes of lush melodies, weaving moments of ethereal dream-pop and explosive sonic bliss. The debut album, Lost Trails, was released in the UK and Ireland in February on the Irish label, Revive Records, and recorded and produced by Torsten Kinsella (God Is An Astronaut). It's official U.S. release date was yesterday, March 1, 2010.

"Closer" - Butterfly Explosion from Lost Trails

"Chemistry" - Butterfly Explosion from Lost Trails

Butterfly Explosion official website

Check back tomorrow for part two of the Best New Releases of the Week, featuring reviews and music from the debut Twin Tigers' debut release, plus Emma Pollack, Kate Miller-Heidke, The Paparazzi, Jen Wood and The Megaphone Thrift. You might also want to view previous playlists of Best New Releases of the Week - packed with great music.

In Advance: Titus Andronicus, Jatun and Method Actors

A new feature we are adding to the end of each New Releases playlist mix provides a sneak peak at a few tracks that will be coming out next week. Look out for more new releases next Tuesday - it's a huge week for drops, so stay tuned.

"Four Score and Seven (Part One)" - Titus Andronicus from The Monitor

"Circuit Eater" - Jatun from Blanket of Ash

"Do The Method" - Method Actors from This is Still It

Labels: New Releases