[usr=4.5]
For fans of: Tycho, Pretty Lights, Supervision.

Naming an album “Beautiful Things” is a very risky move. God forbid the record is less than stellar, and you’re in for a bad time with reviews.

Luckily, San Francisco-based electronic duo KAT HAUS’s new album, “Beautiful Things,” is AAAAAAMAZING.

“Beautiful Things” kicks off with “Waves,” a dreamy synth-heavy track about escaping a disturbed conscience. “Your body is a shelter from my troubled mind,” KAT HAUS sings, before dropping into a techy chorus that sounds right out of Tron. Next up is “Soul 2 Soul,” a soft track embracing light, airy vocals, before fading into the EP’s title track. “Beautiful Things” is a stand-out track, the poetic lyrics blending perfectly with a steady, 80s-influenced beat. “Don’t try to hold the precious things, nor try to grasp the song they sing” they croon, “You feel me like the wind that blows, so why not just try and let it go?” Keep an ear out for the unexpectedly aggressive ending, when a hard techno breakdown takes over! “Familiar” is a delightfully spacey tune with a strong, heavy bassline that accompanies dreamy vocals. With a rhythm reminiscent of Lorde’s “Glory & Gore,” KAT HAUS will have you hooked on this hypnotic track in no time. “Beautiful Things” wraps up with “Hold You,” which will have you tripping with it’s operatic vocals, and eerie, echoed stylings. You can get your download of KAT HAUS’ latest for just $4 on BandCamp here.

The post KAT HAUS – Beautiful Things appeared first on JamSpreader.

[usr=4.5]
For fans of: Bikini Kill, The Runaways, Girl In A Coma

If you’re craving a riot-grrrl-esque jam to get your party started, look no further than NYC’s Desert Sharks’ new single, “CrazyCrazy!” Off their upcoming EP “Template Hair,” out June 24th on Manimal, “CrazyCrazy” is the perfect edition to any in-your-face rock playlist. Channeling the great Kathleen Hanna, frontwoman Stephanie Gunther brings the tune to life singing with desperation, “I’m not crazy baby, I’m crazycrazy,” before crooning, “you’ve been untrue, don’t you play me for a fool…I can make things worse for you…” Backing Stephanie are bandmates Stefania Rovera, Rebecca Rose and Sunny Veniero, who provide the perfectly pissed-off instrumental feel for the take-no-prisoners track with unrelenting percussion and steady, rolling guitars that give off a slight surf-rock vibe. You can check out the track here, and be sure to give Desert Sharks a “like” on Facebook here.

The post Hear the New Desert Sharks Single, “CrazyCrazy” appeared first on JamSpreader.

Looking for something beachy, flirty, and fun to help you escape from this dreary Monday? Look no further than the new La Roux track, “Tropical Chancer” from her upcoming album, “Trouble in Paradise!” Just released today, “Tropical Chancer” will transport you to an equatorial paradise where the drinks flow freely, the sun beams brightly, and the cabana boys are more than happy to apply sunscreen for you – it’s light, airy goodness, and is undoubtedly a solid edition to what is sure to be a fantastic album. You can stream the track below, and pre-order La Roux’s “Trouble in Paradise,” out July 7th, here.

The post La Roux Gets Beachy In New Track, “Tropical Chancer” appeared first on JamSpreader.

For fans of: Iron and Wine, Parker Millsap & Michael Rose, Bob Dylan, Horse Feathers, The Civil Wars

[usr=3]

From racial oppression to Dust Bowl struggles to Bleecker Street. American Folk has been sung from the mouths of cultural commentaries, usually telling stories of sorrow and an unquenchable longing for a better life. Folk made a huge revival in the 60’s thanks to artists like Simon and Garfunkel and Joan Baez. Now English Folk seems to be firing on all cylinders because of over night successes of bands like Mumford & Sons.

So what’s next for Folk? How do we get a true to form Folk while still having something different to offer? Answer: Shakey Graves.

Shakey Graves’ album Roll the Bones is a diamond in the rough in terms of American Folk in the 2000s. Don’t be fooled, it’s real Folk- banjos, harmonicas, hand claps, and acoustic guitars that have more miles on them than your 15-year-old Wrangler. The album is, perhaps regretfully, recorded in Lo-fi. Authentic? Absolutely; but I admit, being a product of the 2000s, I crave that perfectly mastered sound. Most songs off the album can best be classified as Alternative Country, having a modern twist either lyrically or stylistically.

Out of the ten-track album shine a few brighter than others. Unlucky Skin opens the album with a pastoral banjo pattern intro that quickly picks up its pace then followed by the harmonica’s entrance. Unlucky Skin is an example of catchy music, twisted lyrics. Graves puts his best foot forward with this track creating a good foundation for the album. Not the most creative song on the bill, but one of the most traditional of the album.

Roll the Bones is where the album starts to become more interesting. The musical style is very much backwoods country but uneasy guitar bends and nasal vocals will make you feel you’ve traveled too far away from the comfort of grandma’s cabin. The song itself is fairly bleak: “yeah so struggle all you like/ yeah put up the good fight/ they say someday everybody dies alone.” Strong lyrics are essential for good Folk music. Graves proves his can be cleverly grim without being too morose.

City in a Bottle is a welcomed pit stop of the album. Here we hear Shakey really let his lungs stretch out. His boisterous singing is complemented by New Orleans style horns. The song feels as if you’re in a Deep South brothel. Graves professes: “yeah fix your boots or take me home says quick Monique the freak/ I need an easy dollar are you trick or are you treat/ well if she was six teeth younger and if I had half a mind/ I’d carry her away from that wicked thing outside.”

The rest of the album isn’t without an almost unrecognizable Springteen cover, I’m on Fire. There is also a lazy node to Moonshine in Georgia Moon. No self-respecting Texan would have it any other way.

Track list:

1. Unlucky Skin- 3:18
2. Built to Roam- 3:11
3. Roll the Bones- 4:04
4. I’m On Fire- 2:25
5. Georgia Moon- 2:43
6. Business Lunch- 5:06
7. City in a Bottle (live at 2023)- 3:50
8. Proper Fence- 3:19
9. The Seal Hunter- 2:14
10. To Cure What Ails…- 4:00

The post Shakey Graves- Roll the Bones appeared first on JamSpreader.

Throw on your drug rug, pop some acid, and get ready for the trip of a lifetime – King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard are back with a brand new video for their track, “Hot Wax,” and it is something else! The eighth track off of their fourth album, “Oddments,” “Hot Wax” is an exploration into the depths of psychedelia, channeling the likes of Frank Zappa and Kim Fowley with the song’s near childlike tune and simplistic lyrics. The video is a brilliant cornucopia of cartoonish imagery that will launch viewers into the deepest depths of space, only to come crashing back to earth after the chaos dies down. Frontman Stu Mackenzie‘s face literally melts off (ours does too, but that might just be the acid,) while he croons among dancing candles and wandering hands, and it couldn’t be more brilliantly terrifying. You can check out the video below, and try not to freak out too too much…

The post King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard Trip Out in New Video for “Hot Wax” appeared first on JamSpreader.

Stockholm four-piece Crucified Barbara has just released their new video for their in-your-face smash, “To Kill A Man,” and the timing could NOT have been more perfect. The aggressive, take-no-prisoners video comes in the wake of endless debate concerning women’s safety and overall rights (triggered by the recent Isla Vista mass shooting), and compliments the kickass track to perfection. The video switches between performance shots of the band, and newspaper clippings of coverage of violence against women. A group statement concerning the song, which is set to appear in the upcoming film “In The Red,” reads:

“We, and many of us, feel a huge impotence and rage when we hear and read about men who systematically abuse and rape women. This type of crime is something that happens every day, everywhere. From anger, we create music. Heavy influences and harsh riffs became the song To Kill a Man, a really heavy song in every sense.”

When asked about the video, they replied:

“One fifth of all the world’s women have been raped or attempted rape in their lifetime. The dark statistics became the basis for the song ‘To Kill A Man’ and our most important of the video. The production company 11frames has captured our vision perfectly and we are proud that we take the opportunity lifting heavy topics such as violence and sexism with a really heavy hard rock video.”

You can check out the video below, although we DO have to put a slight Trigger Warning on it…

The post Crucified Barbara Takes A Stand Against Violence In “To Kill A Man” Video appeared first on JamSpreader.

Queens, New York hard grunge three-piece Dead Waves is back to melt faces with their new single, “Oracles of the Grave!” Produced by Steve Albini (Nirvana’s In Utero), “Oracles of the Grave” is the first we’ve heard from Dead Waves since their stellar 2013 EP, “Take Me Away,” and sees the bands already heavy sound get impossibly darker. Recorded in Albini’s Electrical Audio Studio in Chicago, Dead Waves begin the track with steady, unrelenting guitars before blasting into a chorus of head-banging worthy percussion. Vocalist Teddy Panopolous gives the track all he’s got, treating listeners to his distinctive signature wail that would make Kurt Cobain roll over in his grave. Top this all off with a killer guitar solo mid-track, and you have yourself a surefire hit for the ages. You can listen to the track here, and be sure to give Dead Waves a “like” on Facebook here.

The post Dead Waves – Oracles of the Grave appeared first on JamSpreader.

[usr=4.0]
For fans of: The Neighbourhood, Foals, Bad Suns.

If you’re seeking a peppy, perky, indie-pop band to kick off this rainy Friday, look no further! UK-based three-piece We’re No Heroes have just released their new album, “Shiver!” The record kicks off with the spirited “Wild Life,” a track packed with a killer bassline that will have your head nodding in no time. Next up is the bluesy “Give Into Love,” a dark track with ominous undertones. Sharp guitars accompany frontman Tom Collins’ crooning vocals, telling a story of a lost love and learning to accept the separation. “We said forever, oh, now we are separ—oh,” he sighs, “and it was good and all—oh, but good things end…and great things fall…”

“Dark Dive” channels the likes of new indie sweethearts Foals with a hint of Bad Suns, burrowing into your brain with complex guitars that are aided by light, airy lyrics. Lastly is “Maya,” which has a Cayucas-meets-The-Neighbourhood vibe to it, consorted by crystal-clear harmonies floating high above.” Tom waxes lyrical about mediums and constructive ways to express oneself, crying, “it’s hard to be heard amoungst the thunder…I went to hide inside the storm…” Overall, a solid EP from a band well on their way to stardom. Hopefully we don’t have to wait to long to hear more from We’re No Heroes!

You can grab the EP on BandCamp here.

Track Listing:

1. Wild Life
2. Give Into Love
3. Dark Dive
4. Maya

The post We’re No Heroes – Shiver appeared first on JamSpreader.

[usr=4.0]
For fans of: Best Coast, Sultan Bathery, Jesus & Mary Chain.

Fuzz-soaked psychedelic one-man-band Druggy Pizza is back with his second album, “Key Lighting,” and it pretty much sounds like this:

…rad.

The four-track EP kicks off with “Sand Witches,” a reverb-ridden surf jam sprinkled with spacey echos that give the tune an almost intergalactic feel.  A mixture of  Best Coast and Sultan Bathery, the completely instrumental “Sand Witches” is the perfect groovy start to a stellar sophomore EP. Next up is the title track, “Key Lighting,” which explores the slower, more sedated side of Druggy Pizza. The track feels a bit like trudging through molasses – sluggish, sticky, and the slightest bit sweet. Multilayered instrumentals serve to both confuse and enthrall listeners before fading into “You Trip Me Up,” by Jesus & Mary Chain.  While it’s certainly an unusual approach to take to have another band featured on your album, it works out for DP, as Jesus & Mary Chain brings some much-needed rhythm and lyrics to the EP, the steady vocals of Jim Reid tying it all together. Finally, Druggy Pizza wraps up with “Pizza Sloths,” a twangy-meets-middle eastern sounding track that will send shivers up your spine. Clocking in at only 2:05, “Pizza Sloths” brings the album to a fitting close with repeated lyrics and unrelenting guitar chords. Overall, if we had to say only one thing about this album, it would be…

You can download Druggy Pizza’s EP for free on BandCamp here.

Track Listing:

1. Sand Witches
2. Key Lighting
3. You Trip Me Up (Jesus & Mary Chain)
4. Pizza Sloths

The post Druggy Pizza – Key Lighting appeared first on JamSpreader.

[usr=4.5]
For fans of: Bjork, Joni Mitchell, Kate Bush.

If you’ve ever dreamed of jammin’ with Bjork, Joni Mitchell, or Kate Bush, you’re in luck! Icelandic singer-songwriter Hafdis Huld has just released her third album (and first in four long years), “Home,” via OK! Good Records! “Home” starts out by fading in with “Sunrise,” a sublime love song that showcases the songstress’s crystalline vocals. Next up is “Queen Bee,” the albums first single, complete with an adorable music video (below). Hafdis paints a stunning picture of a magical land: “somewhere in between the trees where the grass is green, lives a man with his queen,” she croons, “somewhere in between the trees in a world that no one sees, he creates his own army of bees…”

Following “Queen Bee” is “Lucky,” one of the album’s stand-out track. The first US single, “Lucky” is an unusually cheery tune for the normally-mellow Huld, telling the story of admiration. “Home” is a tune sprinkled with ukulele accents that float dreamily over Hafdis’s assured vocals. “Wolf” embraces Hafdis’s quirky side, displaying a near tango-ish feel, before fading into “Treasures” and “Empty Eyes,” that see her go dark and brooding. “Little Light” is another adorable ukulele tune with a slow but steady tempo pick-up. “Little Light’s” peppy lyrics are a nice pause from the heartbreak of the last few tracks, with Hafdis chirping, “laughter fills the hall, ticking clock beside me…right behind the door is the place that I should be…”

“Pop Song” is another stand-out track, where Hafdis addresses listeners directly. “People often ask me why I don’t write a song, about the nights without you, being cold and long…” She ends with sass, “I can put it in a pop song if you like, but what I feel about you doesn’t rhyme…I’d spell it out with roses at your feet, but is that really what we need?” “Never Needed You” sees the songstress get angsty again, before “Home” wraps up with one last ukulele track, “I Miss The Rain.” “I Miss The Rain” is the perfect conclusion to a fantastic record, encapsulating all things Hafdis.

You can listen to and download the full album on OK! Good Records BandCamp page, here, and check out the video for Hafdis Huld’s “Queen Bee” below!

The post Hafdis Huld – Home appeared first on JamSpreader.