Smart Objects, aka Benjamin A. Harper with an almost cult-sized backing band, has released their fourth single “Die Tonight” and will be celebrating the occasion by playing at The 5 Spot on Sept 20th, 2019.

Now having four singles under their belt, you’d think there would be some defining through-line of expected style to emerge. That’s not to say that the releases are inconsistent; quite the opposite. They all feel cohesive in their production style, all feature great layered vocal interchanges and all have at least one memorable keyboard or bass line. They’re clearly all from the same creator but there’s a darkness bubbling up in this song that hasn’t been present on previous tracks. I wouldn’t call it Sinister but, rather, Defiantly Optimistic.

The band has done a great job building a memorable live show and steadily releasing new music that features a new, unexpected, stylistic element. My assumption was that there would be a full-length album out shortly after the release of the very first single but it’s been a pleasant experience to hear the band slowly grow and stretch in different ways. Long story short, Smart Objects continues to be a rewarding band to keep an eye on.

Nosediver is set to release a new EP with Cold Lunch Recordings on October 18th, 2019. The first preview of that release is contained within this jazzy new premiere for “Gloss.”

The video, directed by bassist Josh Whiteman, was shot entirely on hi-8 and mini DV tapes to keep that VHS look intact and authentic. The choreographed jazzercise performed by “Gloss Girls” Bliss, Tina, Jistile, Vernessa and Crimp is peppered with moments of clever editing and perfect absurdity (the jumprope moment should not be missed). Of course, the dichotomy of a slick 80’s workout paired with some math-rock is the greatest gift of all.

That label, “math rock”, is a tricky one as it tends to function as a broad stylistic term for an execution that can contain a lot of nuance. In this context, bands like No Knife and Faraquet serve as analogous endeavors – upbeat and gripping tempos, angular guitars and plenty of interesting drums but not for a lack of melody and lyrical introspection. The bands previous release, Floating Item, fit this bill perfectly and from the sounds of “Gloss,” the next release will too. Can’t wait.

Last we heard from the impossible-to-Google Peter, he had just released the EP Bad Jazz, Vol 1, a transcendental collection of songs with both feet firmly planted in looping soundscapes and up-front tribal percussion.

Now he’s returned with a pair of singles – “Pyramids // Before Space” – that continue that exploration but with a bit more subtle edge. Peter himself says that these tracks “lean heavily into that Lee Hazlewood, space-y cowboy type thing in a way. In fact, I was hoping to make country songs when I made these, but you know how it goes.” No one ever said that a source of inspiration needs to result in a thing that resembles where it came from. Inspiration is but a path to follow.

“Pyramids” focuses on utilizing the looping percussion style present on the previous EP, coupled with droning verses; presumably meant to transfix the listener. “Before Space” finds Peter expertly layering loads of instrumentation in a way not present on prior songs; nuanced keyboard blips swimming along with a saxophone as he laments the size of the Universe.

Lee Hazlewood this is not but it’s still a fascinating listen from an artist continuing to create incredibly unique compositions.

Last we heard from Zakariya was on the 50th anniversary of the Moon Landing where he released a cover of Bowie’s “Space Oddity” to commemorate the occasion. For a much more sombre occasion, he’s now released a cover of The Cars “Drive” in commemoration of the passing of Ric Ocasek.

It’s a faithful rendition and, rightfully, a subdued choice of covers to pay tribute to the passing of the influential songwriter and producer. The more joyful “Just What I Needed” is a crowd favorite but “Drive” carries the appropriate gravitas and intense melancholy.

If nothing else, let this serve as an opportunity to dive into the back catalog of The Cars and the myriad of albums that Ocasek helped to produce.

Awestruck, the debut full-length from Twen has been lingering in the air for awhile now. The album will be officially be released on September 20th but we’ve been teased with various tracks from it since March. Seven months is a long time to anticipate something but based on what we’ve heard from pre-release singles “Waste“, “Damsel“, “Holy River and, now, “Make Hard” there’s absolutely zero cause for concern.

A full album review certainly seems apt once it’s available but it’s a safe bet that the ten track album, much like these singles, will be filled with shoegaze inspired pop songs cut with a confidently sinister vibe. Let’s not waste these good words on a preview, just steer your browser towards “Make Hard,” enjoy the soaring wall-of-sound, the vocal layering and the touch of something dark brewing underneath.