Band of Horses - Casual Party

Talking television at the casual party
Here's some brand new friends to get you started off
So start it off
Since Ben got that he's a sociopath
He's only playing games don't be distracted, oh
It's all or nothing, all or nothing
So you really got something to lose
It's coming around as it did before
It's gettin' your attention but where's the door?
I can't locate it, where's it located?
I got plenty to live for

I've been enjoying the new Band of Horses tracks as they've been coming out over the last few weeks. I think my fav, so far anyway, is "Casual Party", the first single from their upcoming album. It's a bit different from their older stuff, but only a bit. This one has a nice, catchy feel to it and it reminds me a bit of Echo and The Bunnymen for some reason. Anyway, it will likely live in my heavy rotation for a while.

Upcoming Shows

The Hotelier - Soft Animal

We were cloaked in the awning of night or early morning.  
Through the headboard there’s a flicker of light  
and light warning.  
Sophie’s on the bunk overhead reading Mary Oliver  
while I lay still in my bed.  
That’s when I see you there.

When I first heard The Hotelier's "Soft Animal" (on this week's Spotify Discover Weekly playlist) I thought it might be a new song from the fantastic The Definite Articles. Sadly, it wasn't, and I'll just mysteriously leave that comment here.

Happily, it's a fun and interesting track from a band I know next to nothing about. I've given their latest album, Goodness, a few listens as well and it's more of the same; interesting, well produced and eclectic. I'm looking forward to exploring more, but for now, I'm playing it forward. Enjoy.

Upcoming Shows

DIIV - Under the Sun

To be free, be awake, big breath you can't fake

One of the several genres Wikipedia lists to describe Brooklyn band DIIV is "dream pop" and, on this track, they make me dream of the beach. They're coming to Austin this weekend! I won't be here to see them, but I will be on a beach.

Upcoming Shows

COIN - Run

Hit the ground running, Los Angeles, find another naive on the twist tonight
And if you're thinking that you'd like to quit, that's fine, you never wanted it anyway

Coin released a new single earlier this month, Talk Too Much, and it's pretty great but not quite as catchy as this one, from their debut album last year.

Upcoming Shows

Aurora - Running with the Wolves

My heart still beats and my skin still feels
My lungs still breathe, my mind still fears

It has nothing to do with it, but I think of this as a Game of Thrones/Stark anthem. Keith and I got to see this adorable young Norwegian singer at an intimate SXSW venue earlier this year. I bet her sound translates well to the huge festival stages she's playing now (I don't see it below, but I know she's on the bill for Lollapalooza). Just expect her to shyly giggle between songs.

Upcoming shows