The Spice of Life (A Varietal Posting)

Back from SXSW! I have plenty of thoughts on said conference but I’d prefer to focus on the proper nature of this blog (and what should be said conferences focus) – exposing a variety of independent artists to a larger audience. So, without further ado…

Does anyone remember that mid-90’s electronic outfit hollAnd? They made a particular sound of catchy, bedroom lo-fi, electronic music. It was just the right amount of dirty production, some forelorn sweetness and beats. The same statement could be applied to the first track from Melody Map, “Spring Forward (Fall Back​).” It is both immediately familiar, comfortable and totally enjoyable. If I could Follow them on some sort of social network, I’d do so immediately.

Every time Quichenight comes up on my shuffled music library I find myself enjoying it more and more. Sure, “Does Cilantro Taste Like Soap?” was a permanent favorite upon first listen but the rest of the album keeps creeping its way into the forefront of my enjoyment lobe. With that in mind, I’m happy to hear this new track, “Shores of Lake Champlain“, from an even newer forthcoming cassette.

When I first saw All Them Witches listed for an upcoming show I assumed they must be from out of town. Nashville, to my knowledge, doesn’t have an overwhelming amount of psychedelic stoner rock – particularly not the kind done as well as Elk.Blood.Heart EP. It’s not easy to create a proper musical atmosphere that feels equally like true rock-n-roll and being high as a kite but they manage to pull it off.