Despite being friends with Jordan, Alex and Beth I feel like I can approach Parade of Youth with an air of objectivity because I am completely out of my element with this style of pop music. Without offending, my ignorant ear hears a strong 80’s style production from the drums, to the reverb-y guitars, to the ethereal keyboards. Jordan Caress carries the record with her voice – an instrument that evokes serious pain, forelorn longing and an underlying strength. It’s impressive to say the least.
Makeup and Vanity Set -Â Wilderness Kickstarter
In partnership with Joey Ciccoline, Makeup and Vanity Set is raising funds for a new album and short film. Sort of like 88:88 was but next level. It’s an aggressive goal but with those two at the helm of the project, I can’t imagine it being anything less than wonderful.
(Source: https://www.kickstarter.com/)
Promised Land Sound – “Empty Vase”
heads up courtesy of American Songwriter.
(Source: http://www.americansongwriter.com/)
Out of Office
I’m in Texas for the week. Drinking beers, watching bands and catching up with TN folk. Semi-regular posting will resume next week.
Nikki Lane – “Right Time”
Preview the first track off the forthcoming Nikki Lane album All Or Nothin’ – produced by Dan Auerbach. Release is set for May 6th.
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Check out this great interview with Drew Binkley. He spends his days designing and screenprinting for Monkey Ink Design & Grand Palace in Nashville, TN but occasionally takes a break to put together beautiful album covers, like the one for Jasmin Kaset’s latest… Quiet Machine.
Drew Binkley does an absurd amount of great printmaking over at Grand Palace. This interview is a nice bit of insight into his process but, moreso, a reminder that you really should be following his work at all times.
The Lower Caves – The EP
Little blast from the past from Eastern Block – now known as The Lower Caves. Their original EP has been posted online and you can get the satisfaction that they knew the kind of dark rock they were going for right out of the gate.Â
Clear Plastic Masks – Outcast
Preview the first track off the forthcoming Clear Plastic Masks album, Being There, coming at ya May 6th via Serpents & Snakes.
Photo Ops – “Chameleons”
Phenomenal video for a track off of Photo Ops latest, How to Say Goodbye. Love the vibrant color changes and interwoven illustrations. It’s amazing when you can do a lot with a little. The song continues to carry that blend of pop song soaked in heartwrenching vocals that works so well.
(Source: https://player.vimeo.com/)
Scale Model – Live It Up
The latest outpouring from Scale Model features cameos from Chris Crofton, Matt Mahaffey, a blossoming dance party and a call to arms to “Live it Up.” A band that plays a keytar and clear guitars is obviously well aware of their ridiculousness and this video just pushes that to the appropriate level!
Pale Pools – E P
The forthcoming Ponychase release show at the Basement includes Jasmin Kaset and a band I’d not heard of – Pale Pools. Turns out their debut EP is an excellent compliment to the sounds of Ponychase and a wise choice for their show. Â The three songs are awash in synths, electronic drums, ethereal vocals, a sense of melancholy and maybe something foreboding. An excellent mixture.
Financier – VOTech
Good to see Financier keeping up a regular release schedule with their dark tunes.Â