- Dan Deacon – Gliss Riffer
Baltimore, MD, hyper-popper Dan Deacon is back for his follow-up to his expansive 2012 album, America. This time it seems like he’s definitely taking a few steps back from the insanity that’s been present on his previous albums. This one definitely contains less of Deacon’s manic vocals, which have been replaced by long, developing psychedelic electronic odysseys like on tracks “Meme Generator,” “Take It To The Max” and “Steely Blues.” However, the traditional Deacon songs like “Sheathed Wings,” “When I’m Done Dying” and “Learning To Relax” are in fine form. Hopefully if people play this enough times the snow will melt around the station and we’ll be free from this frozen hellscape.
- Grooms – Comb The Feelings Through Your Hair
What do you do when indie rock isn’t so traditionally “indie” anymore and everything seems to be labeled “indie” nowadays? You make it as interesting as possible. Williamsburg-based band Grooms are definitely making themselves stick out with a new brand of synthesized psychedelia, courtesy of subdued guitar work, interwoven layers of electronics and absolutely fantastic drumming. I mean it; the drumming on this record is exquisite.
- Radical Dads – Universal Coolers
The first thing I instantly liked about the new album from Brooklyn band Radical Dads was the lo-fi recording approach they took on it. Maybe it isn’t lo-fi in the sense that everything is buzzed out, but the fantastic vocals from Lindsay Baker feel live and totally unblemished by digital manipulation. The second thing I instantly liked about this album was the entirety of the great, 90s rock-esque like instrumental lines, really fitting into the niche of bands coming out from the Exploding In Sound camp.
- Screaming Females – Rose Mountain
The newest record from Don Giovanni band Screaming Females is more of the same from the band, which definitely isn’t a bad thing. The wicked vocals from lead singer Marissa Paternoster are still there, the fiery guitar riffs are still there, and everything is in place. This album, though, is a lot tamer than previous efforts by the band, but still carries the energy of a band like Speedy Ortiz. Definitely check this one out as an entry point for a great band.
- Fluoride – Material
In the case of Dustin Payseur, lead singer of largely successful rock band Beach Fossils leader of rising Captured Tracks offshoot label Bayonet, creative energy never stops flowing. This newest project of his, Fluoride, features destructive, industrial-leaning electronics and a mix of screamed and muttered vocals. Imagine more pop-minded or noise rock focused Death Grips instrumentals and you’re on the right path.