Future Islands - Ran

Ingest, where it goes
Nobody sees but me
So perfect and so sweet
But the rest feels incomplete
Oh like the rabbit's foot I keep
In the locket with no key

I'm really digging "Ran", the latest single from Future Islands. It's was one of those "instantly hooked" tracks. Now, I'm a big fan of Future Islands and, I think mostly due to Samuel Herring's unique vocal stylings, but also because they've taken some of the musical tropes from the more obscure 80's bands—think Spandau Ballet, Ultravox, Visage and the like—and polished that sound up for a more modern feel. Anyway, it's always cool to hear new music from a band you're into and just get it right away. I'm excited for their new album, The Far Field, to arrive.

RIYL: Ultravox, Tame Impala, Passion Pit, Twin Shadow, Of Montreal

Upcoming Shows

Shout Out Louds - Illusions

A heart is what a heart is
It won't forget where it came from
And when I walked down the line
I'm walking with you
I give what I can give
Enough should be enough
And at the end of the line I know
I'll still be with you

Just a guess, but I think most people know Sweden's Shout Out Louds for their Cure-inspired "Tonight I Have To Leave It", which is great and probably as close as you're going to get to Robert Smith style vocals without getting his makeup all over your clothes. Ha. But, anyway, it's good, but they've got many other great tracks and albums, like my favorite, 2013's Optica, which features today's Most Important, "Illusions". It's a fantastic, dancey indie pop anthem and, if you've not heard it, consider yourself in for a treat.

RIYL: The Cure, New Order, Jens Lekman, Republic Tigers, Vampire Weekend

Upcoming Shows

Night Drive - Rise and Fall

So much distance in between us now
As it widens it gets hard to cling to something
With a heavy heart she said,
"I don't want to rise as you fall
But now we're in motion.
I don't want to rise as you fall
But nothing can stop it."

Night Drive are a local Austin indie band set to soon be hit makers in the wider arena, I think. They've got a modern-retro synth pop sound and a couple years of buzz (including a hat tip from SPIN). Their self-titled first full album is set to release later this month. 

RIYL: FOXTRAX, Operators, VHS Collection

Upcoming Shows

Minus the Bear - Invisible

Have you ever told the whole truth?
Little lies, little lies, little lies, little lies
It's part of being human
It's part of believing in the illusion of yourself
Little lies
The foundation that you built yourself on
It's all gonna' fall
If there's any justice at all

All the stone you laid
Avalanche behind you
I know how long it's been
No, you're not invisible
You're not invisible

It's been several years since we've had new music from our Seattle indie dears Minus the Bear, and this is such a great lead single to their forthcoming album I couldn't wait to see if there'd be a better Most Important contribution! I'll also admit that on first listen, though the lyrics don't bare it out, I was hoping the song was about our Liar in Chief at the White House - you know, our Emperor and his invisible clothes? Ugh. Anyway, enjoy and keep your ears peeled for the March 3rd release of Voids.

RIYL: Pinback, The Dear Hunter, Built to Spill, The Helio Sequence, Midlake

Upcoming Shows

Jens Lekman - What's That Perfume That You Wear?

What's that perfume that you wear?
It brings me back somewhere
To the anticipation
Before I kissed someone
It's got a sadness in it
Knowing how it's ended
Promise of something so sweet
That never could be

I saw Jens Lekman years ago, at Seattle's Bumbershoot festival I think, and was instantly enthralled by his witty, quirky, and engaging pop music. "The Opposite of Hallelujah" always sends little fun shivers up my spine when I hear it. It's the kind of music that grows on you with every listen. He's got a new single out, the first in a few years and it's been growing on me all week, and it's perfect for a Sunday (Funday).

RIYL: Vampire Weekend, Broken Social Scene, Shout Out Louds

Upcoming Shows