I'm not sure what the Norwegian band Pom Poko has to do with the Studio Ghibli production if anything, but I could see their music fitting in nicely because they're quirky and fun. They've got a handful of singles out now, and the best of those in my estimation is today's Most Important, "You'll Be Fine", a sweet love letter to yourself.
RIYL: Eisley, Sløtface, Alex the Astronaut, Billie Van
I don't know much about Grand Rapid's Oliver Houston, but their debut album Whatever Works, which came out towards the start of last year, is terrific; it's straight-forward midwest emo/punk and I've been enjoying it quite a bit lately.
RIYL: Sinai Vessel, Prawn, LVL UP, Signals Midwest
"Nervous Young Inhumans" is instantly recognizable as CSH, but marks a change in their sound that I really like. There's a lot going on, at times maybe a bit too much, especially compared with their previous efforts, but if this is where they're going, I'm down. The new album is out in February, in the meantime, check out this fun video.
RIYL: Diet Sig, Parquet Courts, Jay Som, DIIV
It's cold outside, but the weekend's here and I've been in a lighthearted music kind of mood lately. The Courtney's latest album, The Courtneys II, hits that feeling right on the nose. Happy Friday!
RIYL: Diet Cig, Cherry Glazerr, Honeyblood, Mitski
Let's start off 2017 with a little fun (and some more frequent posting!) with a number from Buffalo's Lemuria. It's a bit different for them, with more of an upbeat pop sound, but, fuck it, I like it. If it rubs you the wrong way, don't worry, the rest of their latest album, Recreational Hate, should be more up your alley. Tracks like "Sliver of Change" and "Christine Perfect" are fantastic and should scratch that itch for you.
RIYL: Cayetana, Slingshot Dakota, Jawbreaker, Hop Along, Eisley
