PAPA - Hold On

If you let them, they'll tell you what clothes to wear
So every time you see some asshole walking down the street in your tee shirt
You wonder, "Hey, is that me?"
And if you let them, they'll tell which records to buy
Which sound nothing like the love you make
But would be the soundtrack for your misery

PAPA is, basically, your sexiest nightmare, a group of (spicy bold amoebas) guys out of Encino, CA. The lead singer is also the drummer, so that's fun. Their lyrics and sound are refreshing modern indie rock that is too irreverent to be hipster, and yet still too cool for school. I have a lot of favorites in their back catalogue, but off their latest release (Kick the Dust, came out last month) it was a real coin toss to share this track or "Comfort's a Killer" so I'm giving you a bonus track...  Happy weekend, all!

Upcoming Shows

Jagwar Ma - Slipping

Waste, oh oh
Waste, oh oh
Cause time is slipping away
Someone wait, oh oh
Save your soul
Cause time is slipping away so fast
Time is slipping aways so fast
So paint your pictures in your mind
In your mind
It's alright
We dance in circles 'til we're tired
Then we'll rise
Forever

There is something sort of "Manchester Scene-esque" about Australian duo Jagwar Ma. More refined, and with a polished, 2010's spin, but I can't help but think Stone Roses, or Inspiral Carpets when I listen to them. And I loved those bands, so you might imagine I'm really enjoying their new (sophomore) album Every Now & Then.

They've been floating around my rotation for a few months now, ever since the funky "O B 1" hit a few months ago. I was immediately recalled to the early 1990's when mixing strong dance grooves with indie rock was a new thing. Sure, you hear a lot of that now, but Jagwar Ma hits a bit closer to what I consider that original Manchester sound. You'll find more of that on Every Now & Then, but there's also great diversity there and the makings of a heavy rotated long player. 

Upcoming Shows

Braid - East End Hollows

To be the one who never lets you go.
To be the one who never lets you fall.
To be the one who comes back home to you.
To be the one who calls you "home."
To be the one who keeps your chorus on.
To be the one who keeps you cornered.
To be the one who never lets you down.

Originally formed over ten years ago, Braid has been an on-again, off-again player on the indie punk scene. I missed their 2014 release No Coast and was a bit surprised when I stumbled somewhat blindly across "East End Hollows", looked to see who it was and saw Braid, a band I'd thought didn't exist anymore. No Coast is a solid album, and I'd consider it very true to their sound, which can be described as intelligent, emotional and enjoyable rock that kinda of just sticks with you. "East End Hollows", today's featured track, is the best of that sound, and a song that recalls what it's like to fall, and then stay, in love.

Upcoming Shows

Eisley - Defeatist

I may have faltered in my life
But not with you, I couldn't make this up
I've had trouble disengaging my heart but I'll bite the grenade pin out

I fell in love with Texas family band Eisley years ago, back when I lived in Seattle. I saw them open for (someone I can't recall now, ha) and was instantly hooked by the beautiful, haunting and somewhat surreal melodies and vocals. I devoured The Valley when it came out and Currents is one of my all time favorites. I Still listen to it all the time, and that's a bit rare for me as I'm always hunting for the new and shiny.

Speaking of new and shiny, I'm digging "Defeatist", their new single, and I'm excited to get more new stuff from them. We're seeing them tonight with The Dear Hunter and I couldn't be more jazzed. If you get a chance you should as well.

Upcoming Shows

Two Inch Astronaut - Personal Life

I guess all I can say
It's personal
Life
That's life
Personal life
Personal life
Feels so right

The first time I listened to post-punk outfit Two Inch Astronaut's 2016 release Personal Life I was reminded of an old Seattle band I loved: Black Eyes and Neckties. Damn, I wish that band was still around, they were awesome. For a Murder City Devils knock off. Anyway, as I listened further I was reminded of other great rock bands. Fugazi, Titus Andronicus, JEFF the Brotherhood and Pile to name a few.

What I'm saying is that while there is something solid underlying and unifying most of their work, there is also a lot of diversity and creativity on top of it that. They're energetic, quirky and at times surprising. But also always listenable and approachable. I bet they're also awesome live and hope to see them soon.

Upcoming Shows