Category: New Music Picks

Courtney Barnett – “Everybody Here Hates You” [Single] – (indie rock)

Courtney Barnett is one of those artists that when you thought they couldn’t possibly release another awesome song they seriously surprise you. This song fits right in with her other repertoire and is just as catchy. Courtney sings with that typical, tired and lazy sound through the entire song which seems to give the song a lot more personality. The song is about the paranoia of everyone you’re around hating you. Courtney answers the song title in the chorus, “you said, ‘it’s only in your head, they’re probably thinking the same thing.'” The music video also plays with that idea, as the majority of it is the band playing inside of her own head. The guitar solo that ends the song is very swampy and messy; going wild on her whammy bar and open strumming. The song gets stuck in your head like all her other songs so check it out!

Continue reading “Curtis’ Prime Slices Of The Week (4/20 – 4/26): Courtney Barnett, Field Medic”

Crumb – “Nina” [single] – (indie psych pop)

Crumb has been gaining a ton of attention over the past couple years. Releasing their first EP Crumb in 2016, they now rake in over 1 million listeners with some of those songs now having over 7 million streams. With the release of their new single, “Nina”, and the announcement of their debut full length album, they’ve definitely got a buzz surrounding them. This single gives off remnants of early Tame Impala psych rock which is by no means out of character. The drum beat matched with the bass part creates a trance like groove with the synth being the icing on the cake. Lila Ramani (guitar/vocals) sings a hypnotically catchy melody alongside her soft guitar playing until the very end where she drops out as the rest of the band vamps on an eery three notes. Super excited for what’s in store so check this out!

Continue reading “Curtis’ Prime Slices (4/13 – 4/19): Crumb, Sun Records Curated Vol. 6”

 

Michelle Blades – Visitor – (indie pop rock)

Michelle Blades has just released a collection of songs infused with multiple sounds of an extension of her nomadic life spent between Panama, Mexico, Florida, and France. Picking bits and pieces from each place to form Visitor, Blades fuses together a unique sound that embodies qualities of Frank Zappa in her liberty of creation and of David Byrne and Mort Garson in terms of musical experimentation. In the first song on this album, “Politik!,” she plays with language tones, wordplay and texture to create a delicious package of new vibrations for our ears. “Dr. Psych” experiments into the psych rock realm, pushing the boundary of the genres she is defying further with this release. Looking forward to hear more from Blades and can’t wait to see the different turns she takes into the sound she continues to identify with. Continue reading “Liv’s Prime Slices (4/6 – 4/12): Michelle Blades, The Murlocs”

The Chats – “Pub Feed” – (punk)

This band of Aussies blew up big time when they released their hilariously catchy debut single “Smoko,” accompanied by a video that now has over 6 million views. If you haven’t seen it yet I suggest you do that ASAP. Anyway, after a year, they’ve finally released another song that is just what was expected to follow up. Following the foot steps of “Smoko,” which is slang in Australia for a smoke break, “Pub Feed” is another term for havin’ a pint with your steak, gravy, and chips at the local pub. This group a lads really know how to write good, simple punk songs that are super catchy and funny at the same time. They’ve been packing venues in Australia and are doing a small North American tour this month in only a few cities so if you’re nearby one of them you better buy a ticket!

Continue reading “Curtis’ Prime Slices (4/6 – 4/12): The Chats, Stef Chura”

Field Medic – “used 2 be a romantic” – (indie folk)

First up this week we have a brand new single from indie-folker Field Medic. “used 2 be a romantic” is a very personal song about the realities of his musical career. The opening lines set the mood pretty quickly “I need a cigarette, those f***ers talked over my whole set, but I don’t have any time to reflect, I gotta sell some shirts to try and make the rent.” The lyrics have a little something for everyone to relate to with themes of un-appreciation, alcoholism, and financial struggles. The song thrives in its simplicity and gets you with its really hooky chorus. His new album fade into the dawn is set to release on April 19th and it’s shaping up to be a another successful one. Give it a listen!

Continue reading “Curtis’ Prime Slices (3/30 – 4/5): Field Medic, White Denim”

Daniel Norgren – “Let Love Run The Game” – (soul/blues rock)

Waiting to be heard today was this little gem of a song by Daniel Norgren. I knew I had to feature it the moment it started playing. At first it sounds like something that came straight out of Fats Domino’s repertoire, but soon transforms into this anthemic, soulful, and bluesy rock tune. The song sounds like it was recorded live in the same room as you pretty much feel like you’re there with them, which gives off that very ’50s recording sound.  The lyrics are simple and find a place in your head after your first listen. The music video, which is a collection of videos taken by the band during various tours and gigs, solidifies the tune’s sentimentality. It’s a real feel-good song that’ll hopefully get you ready for another week of hittin’ the books. Take a listen!

Continue reading “Curtis’ Prime Slices (3/23 -3/29): Daniel Norgren, GRiZ”

Sego – “Shame” – (indie punk rock)

For some reason I completely forgot about this song until I went to write these prime slices today. It’s odd since this is definitely my favorite song that’s come in thus far this year. Sego is a four piece from Los Angeles with a really fun, zany, and thumping sound. The vocalist’s style reminds me a lot of Beck but thankfully not in the rip off kinda way. The song is really entertaining throughout and hits hard with the chorus, making it such a good ear worm. This is the first single off their upcoming album Sego Sucks, coming out April 5th on Roll Call Records. It also comes with an awesome music video that pairs with the song really well. Check ’em out!

Continue reading “Curtis’ Prime Slices (3/16 – 3/22): Sego, CHAI”

Pottery – “Hank Williams” [single] – (garage punk)

To start this off I’d like to mention that for both bands I have today, these are their first releases which I think is pretty awesome. Coming out of the gate real strong is garage punk band Pottery, hailing from the UK and parts of Canada but stationing themselves in Montreal. They’ve gained over 8,000 listeners on Spotify since the release, and for good reason! This new tune starts and ends with an electrifying amount of energy. The instruments and vocals sound fairly raw and gives that sound like you’re hearing them record right in front of you. Their first album, which includes this track, is set to come out on May 10th which just isn’t soon enough. But in the meantime, do yourself a favor and save this little gem.

Continue reading “Curtis’ Prime Slices (3/9 – 3/15): Pottery, Dirt Buyer”

The Dip – Delivers! – (Motown / Rock)

This week was one of those weeks that didn’t have a lot to work with. That being said, I’ve been blessed with two solid albums to talk about. First up is The Dip who have created a nice blend of 60’s Motown and rock ‘n’ roll for their second LP The Dip Delivers!. The entire album is packed with high energy, punchy lyrics, and a sweet, sweet horn section. This group of guys have really tapped into a good groove with their songs and it sounds like they have fun playing together. They can put you on your feet with songs like “Sure Don’t Miss You” and “Advertising” but can have you slow dancing on “Atlas” and “Adeline.” This might be one of my top picks for the end of the year, mark my words!

Continue reading “Curtis’ Prime Slices (3/2 – 3/8): The Dip, Benny Sings”