In 2006, Raleigh, NC band Annuals turned quite a few heads with their debut album, Be He Me. Their expansive, energetic sound and tight pop sensibility captured the hearts and ears of both listeners and critics. They released their sophomore album, Such Fun, on Canvasback Records, in 2008.
Now, armed with a reputation for solid songwriting and several years of experience, Annuals go back to the formula and sound that first cemented their acclaim. Sweet Sister marks band leader Adam Baker‘s return to the producer role, Annuals’ return to a more tight-knit DIY collective, and a pure distillation of their trademark quirky pop experimentalism.
“Loxtep” – Annuals from Sweet Sister EP
Annuals on MySpace
Velvet Davenport with Ariel Pink and Gary War
Psychedelic rockers Velvet Davenport drop their Get Out/Run 7′ today via Shdwply Records. The tracks, “Get Out” and “Run,” as well as, “Surfer Blood,” were recorded in Los Angeles with Ariel Pink and Gary War on an 8-track in War’s apartment.
“Run” – Velvet Davenport, Ariel Pink & Gary War from Get Out/Run 7″
Velvet Davenport MySpace
For those of you not familiar with the electro-pop, synth charm and heavy percussions of the Minnesota duo, Tarlton, we hope that you will dig this song from their album Evergreens, that dropped today. Hearing Tarlton’s music was simply one of those artists or bands that you never heard of before, and within minutes you’re absolutely stoked that you know about them – it has an added quality of specialness for that reason. The song “Learn By Example,” has been on repeat here for the past few days.
“Learn By Example” – Tarlton from Evergreens
Tarlton on MySpace
Brothers Rock in Wales, Plus Seabear, Dum Dum Girls, Black Tambourine and Apollo Gold
Henry’s Funeral Shoe is a Wales shoegaze rock duo of guitarist and singer Aled Clifford and his brother Brenning on drums. Growing up in a musical family, Aled became a gifted guitar player, with the guidance of Ned Edwards, a long time collaborator of Van Morrison.
Aled played with a few bands and even recorded with producer Ian Grimble; once even recording a session at Abbey Road studios, made world-famous by The Beatles before they founded Apple Studios. Brenning was also pursuing music as a drummer, starting at the age of nine. At 15, Brenning joined a local band and cut his teeth playing covers of The Clash and Thin Lizzy. In 2008 ,the brothers joined forces to create Henry’s Funeral Shoe, and drop their debut album today that includes the souful rocker, “Don’t Lose the Rhythm.”
“Don’t Lose the Rhythm” – Henry’s Funeral Shoe from Everything’s For Sale
Henry’s Funeral Shoe on MySpace
“Lion Face Boy” – Seabear from We Built a Fire
“D.A.L.” – Dum Dum Girls from I Will Be
“For Ex-Lovers Only” – Black Tambourine from s/t debut
“Things You Go Through” – Apollo Gold from Mount Benson
“Tribe” – Young Sinclairs from Songs of the Young Sinclairs
“Quarry” – Sneaky Thieves from Brotherly
Coming Attractions: Hacienda, Harlem and Nada Surf
“I Keep Waiting” – Hacienda from Big Red and Barbacoa – out April 6th
“Cloud Pleaser” – Harlem from Hippies – out April 5th
“Electrocution (Bill Fox cover)” – Nada Surf from if i had a hi-fi – out June 8th