# Today’s Best New Releases: The French Semester, STS9, Avi Buffalo, Smashing Pumpkins, Midnight Masses and More

- Link: https://indierockcafe.com/2009/12/todays-best-new-releases-the-french-semester-sts9-avi-buffalo-smashing-pumpkins-midnight-masses-and-more/
- Published: 2009-12-08T10:51:00-05:00
- Author: Max Hammer

[[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 ](https://indierockcafe.com/wp-content/uploads/subpop1.com)
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](https://indierockcafe.com/wp-content/uploads/band-of-week-long-beach-folk-pop-band4.html)
back in October, and will release their debut LP next spring.

Related Post:  New Release: Hooray for Earth's Self-Titled Debut

[“What’s In It For?”](https://indierockcafe.com/wp-content/uploads/60482.mp3) – 
Avi Buffalo from 7″ single (2009)

[Avi Buffalo’s official website](http://avibuffalomusic.com/)

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”](https://indierockcafe.com/wp-content/uploads/Phoneme1.mp3) – STS9 from
Ad Explorata (2009)

[STS9’s official website](https://indierockcafe.com/wp-content/uploads/sts9.com)

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”](https://indierockcafe.com/wp-content/uploads/walkonwater.mp3) –
Midnight Masses from Rapture Ready, I Gazed at Bodies (2009)

“Cornerstone” – Arctic Monkeys from 7″ vinyl (2009)

“Gobbledigook” – Sigur Ros from 7″ vinyl (2009)

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