Music Video: Ricky Kendall - Ozark County Blues

Gainesville's Ricky Kendall is one of north Florida's little hidden treasures. His previous projects, Jukebox Wagon and Paxico Via Mexico, received some modest notoriety regionally, but it's his more stripped down workingman's roots music that has really been putting him on the proverbial map of late. His music is simultaneously fresh but classic in it's tonality and playfully charming in it's splendid delivery. That along with a powerhouse voice and superlative lyrical stylings will most assuredly have us hearing much more from him in the near future.


This post was contributed by Paul Chapman, Jacksonville (via Tallahassee) musician/ writer extraordinaire. If you like his style make sure to check out his regular column for metrojax, Pump up the Volume.

Music Video: Sleep Party People - A Dark God Heart (NSFW)

I tend not to post NSFW videos (trying to keep it family friendly and such) but for this video I had to make an exception. Beautifully shot and with excellent pacing, its the best music video I've seen so far this year. Beyond that, the video captures the overwhelmingly eerie feel of the music all too perfectly. Sleep Party People take cues from dream pop, shoegaze and a combination of classical and electronic instrumentation to create a uniquely dark vision. If you need a comparison, imagine Gem Club injected with subtle terror, over processed vocals and a healthy dose of Donnie Darko influence. Originally the bedroom project of Danish multi-instrumentalist Brian Batz, the project converted unusually smoothly into a 5 piece for their live performances, which are more than worthy of your time.



A Dark God Heart is the first single off of Sleep Party People's second album, "We Were Drifting on a Sad Song" out April 9th on Blood and Biscuits.

Music Video: Cloud Nothings - No Future/ No Past

Cloud Nothings seem to have a thing for consistently bizarre  music videos. Their visual style on the new video seems to take a hint from their beefier new album, with unnerving realism and a bit of a Paranormal Activity vibe. Its still pretty weird though. Check the video out (thanks to Urban Outfitters?) on vimeo.


Cloud Nothings - "No Future / No Past" Official Video from Urban Outfitters on Vimeo.

Cloud Nothing's incredible sophomore album "Attack On Memory" is out tomorrow. Since I know you're already planning on buying it, you should probably go for broke and grab Porcelain Raft's Strange Weekend, while you're at it.

Yellow Ostrich - I am a Marathon Runner

Originally the solo project of Alex Schaaf, Yellow Ostrich might finally get the recognition they deserve. In the last few years, the band has been making big moves, expanding to a trio (that contains one of indie music's finest multi-instrumentalists) and signing to Barsuk Records. Last year the Barsuk re-released their latest album, and 2012 brings their official label debut. "I am a Marathon Runner" is the first single off of that album, "Strange Land" and a huge artistic leap for the band. Easing off the expressive vocal loops that characterized most of his early work, Marathon Runner is the first song I've heard that even comes close to grasping the full scope of Yellow Ostrich's live performances. The song's explosive drums, and surprisingly emotive guitar line betray an uncanny sense of urgency. The theme extends to the surprisingly deep lyrics, and includes the best chorus I've heard so far this year. Strange Lands is out March 4th on Barsuk, and it just shot to the top of my most anticipated albums list.

Marathon Runner by Yellow Ostrich

Music Video: Active Child - Hanging On

New video from everyone's favorite R&B choir boy Active Child. I guess the video is about fishing, or maybe drowning? I'll let you guys decide what the metaphor is in this one. If you haven't heard  Active Child's debut LP "You Are All I See", I'd highly recommend it.

Aircraft - Jeff Bridges over Troubled Water

If the concept of a local super group is even possible, Aircraft fit the bill. Some of Tallahassee's finest musicians, including Jake Tobin (Fruit Flesh), Malee Brigardner (Moonlasso), James Folker (Water Brother) and Ben Varian all take part in the collective. Last March I got a chance to check them out at Total Bummer, and their sound was more than ambitious enough to match the skills of their members. Taking cues from the most anthemic of indie bands (think Arcade Fire, Broken Social Scene) the band tore through one of the best surprise sets of the festival. Nearly a full year later the band is finally unveiling its first release. The demos which were recorded several months ago are already a testament to Aircraft's evolving sound. "Jeff Bridges Over Troubled Water" finds the band basked in warmth, playing a brand of tropical folk that's manages to sound comfortingly familiar without cliche. "Jeff Bridges" is only the first stop Aircraft's continuing evolution, and a fine introduction to one of the most promising bands in town.

Music Video: Labyrinth Ear - Humble Bones

Labyrinth Ear // Humble Bones from Feel Good Lost on Vimeo.
Check my post from a few weeks back for a bit more info on Labyrinth Ear.

Album Streams: Porcelain Raft/Cloud Nothings

For anyone out there afraid 2012 isn't off to a great start, Tuesday January 24th is looking like the first big day of the year. Two of the most hotly anticipated releases of the winter are both being released that day, Cloud Nothing's Attack on Memory and Porcelain Raft's Strange Weekend. Over the weekend, both albums were made available for streaming for those of us who prefer to listen before we buy. Coincidentally, both albums mark exciting new production styles for the bands. Porcelain Raft's first proper LP adds a professional layer of studio gloss, without fundamentally changing his warped, dreary style. Attack on Memory on the other hand marks a more dramatic departure, with the overall aggression on an entirely different level than Cloud Nothing's 2011 self titled. If you've got some time, dig into both full album streams below.




Cloud Nothings - Attack On Memory by Carpark Records

Strange Weekend Preorder
Attack on Memory Preorder 

Album Stream: Those Lavender Whales - Tomahawk of Praise

South Carolina's twee-folk rascals Those Lavender Whales release their debut album January 17th, but decided to let us all hear it a few days early. Tomahawk is filled to the brim with songs that just make me smile, and I'd highly suggest it to everyone. Stream the entire album over at Fork and Spoon's website, and expect a full review on Athid in the very near future.

Blonds - Kite (Acoustic)

Last Semester, as finals rapidly approached things got a bit hazy around here. I found myself constantly writing up quick drafts of blogs posts and never finding the time to actually publish them. This seems to be the case with Miami's indie pop duo Blonds. Their blown out retro pop, (specifically the ear worm Kites) was more than deserving of a write-up the first time through. Fortunately, this acoustic session refreshed my memory and I can finally rest easy. Watching the duo at their most playful, laid back on the beach is the happy antithesis to our not so pleasant January weather. Perfect timing, or at least better late than never!

Blonds' debut EP is available for free on their bandcamp.

Music Video: Real Estate - Easy

Real Estate - "Easy" from Tom Scharpling

I think this the first time I've posted a a music video that premiered on Funny Or Die. The internet is a strange and wonderful place though, so hopefully this won't be the last.

Porcelain Raft - Unless You Speak From Your Heart

Mauro Remiddi continues to build the hype surrounding his full length debut "Strange Weekend" with the release of his second single. "Unless You Speak from the Heart" follows in the high fidelity footsteps of the album's first single, and unwinds most of the nervous tension. Centering around a bouncing, whimsical synth line, the track is the first Porcelain Raft song that's unabashedly fun. The keys and percussion bring to mind a sugar coated Walk in the Park, but (not unlike that song) the guitar part is the real joy. The soldering iron line breaks through around the half way point and reminds us that we're in outer space, not cloud nine. This is still Porcelain Raft after all!
Porcelain Raft - Unless You Speak From Your Heart by DOJAGSC

Strange Weekend is out January 24th on Secretly Canadian. You can pre-order the album here.

Music Video: Hooray for Earth - Realize It's not the Sun

Premiered earlier today on No Fear of Pop, one of the best blogs around.

Gutter Saint mixtape

A few months back the lovely Avis Elizabeth asked me to contribute to her super rad arts zine. I gladly accepted, and since I don't know how to do anything else I made a mixtape. The zine also includes much more exciting contributions like short stories, poetry, art and photography. To quote Avis, the issue revolves around "Identity. How people, places/your environment, experiences shape self." It can be a bit of a downer at times, but then again so can life. If you'd like to check out the zine you can read the whole thing for free online right here. Even if I didn't contribute I would highly suggest it! Stream the mixtape (preferably while reading the zine), and then pick out your favorites or download the whole thing.

1. School Night - Coma Foxes
2. Her Sinking Sun (Rachel Levy Remix) - Coma Cinema
3. Hollywood Snow - Ghibli
4. Motivation (Instrumental) - Clams Casino
5. Grins - Blood Diamonds
6. Ungirthed (AIDS remix) - Purity Ring
7. Oliver Twist - Avey Tare
8. Oh, Why - Balam Acab

If you'd like to contact Avis about Gutter Saint (word on the street is she's always looking for more contributors) send her an email at aenorfle@g.cofc.edu

Labyrinth Ear - Humble Bones

UK synth pop group Labyrinth Ear are prepping to release their second EP on February 7th. The band starting gaining buzz around their Arthur Russel cover last year, but they had all but disappeared from my awareness until I saw their single floating around various blogs today. Humble Bones is a subtle improvement on their current sound, exuding a level of confidence like nothing they've released so far. A fine introduction to the band's dark tropical pop that's sure to gain momentum.

Pre-order the Apparitions EP on bandcamp and get a free download of Humble Bones immediately. You can download their first EP for free at their website. 

Star Slinger - Chain Dumbin (ft Juicy J, Project Pat, Reggie B)

Star Slinger does a lot of remixing, but I think this is the first time he's remixed his own song. Chain Dumbin unwinds the excellent forward thinking "Dumbin" into a slightly more straightforward, rap friendly beat. Juicy J and Project Pat are the rappers of choice here, and they both bring joyously ignorant verses.
Dumbed down? Perhaps, but still loads of fun. Stream the track below, and grab the free download if its still available.

Star Slinger " Chain Dumbin' "(Feat. Juicy J, Project Pat & Reggie B) [DIRTY] Click BUY for FREE DL by Star Slinger

Music Video: Stay + - Dandelion

British rave revivalists Stay + (Formerly Christian Aids) offer us the second great music video of the new year. The band is as cryptic as usual, but youtube tells us that the song features Psychologist and Miss Ballooniverse, presumably on vocals. Its an interesting deviation from their usually ghostly cuts of diva vocals, and the shift from found footage to a originally recorded video doesn't hurt either. 2011 may have been their break out year, but its looks like 2012 will be the year Stay + really get ambitious.

Order Dandelion on 10" vinyl or digitally from the band's website.  

Music Video: Youth Lagoon - July

Youth Lagoon - July from Tyler T Williams on Vimeo.

Not quite as heartwarming as Tyler T William's first Youth Lagoon video, but he still knocks it out of the park. This time around I think some people's brains melt? July is off of the Year of Hibernation, my fourth favorite album of the year.

Cough Cool/ Johnny Hawaii split tape

 Before I dig into the actual music, can we just acknowledge that collaboration is awesome? 3 labels across two continents (La Station Radar, Antelier Ciseaux and Hands in the Dark) are joining forces to release a split tape between Johnny Hawaii and Cough Cool. The tape is the first release for France's Johnny Hawaii, and a victory lap for Cough Cool after his full length debut last year. The two are an easy fit together as both artists play a similar brand of shoegaze influenced lo-fi. Cough Cool is louder, tighter and more distorted, while Johhny Hawaii softens the texture and allows his music more room to wander. Stream two new tracks from the release below, along with an older Cough Cool favorite to be included on the release.

Cough Cool - Plastic Jewlery by Hands In The Dark


Johnny Hawaii - Jesus Words On A Surimi Stick by Hands In The Dark


Sup Girls in the 60s - Cough Cool

Music Video: Those Lavender Whales - Growth in Question

Those Lavender Whales - Growth in Question from Lunch & Recess on Vimeo.

Twee/folk trio Those Lavender Whales are set to release their debut album "The Tomahawk of Praise" January 17th on Fork and Spoon Records. These guys (and gal) are some of the happiest people you can ever hope to meet, and it definitely shows in their music. Check out another mp3 below or do yourself a favor and just pre-order the album!

Exist - Those Lavender Whales

Memoryhouse - This Will Be Our Year (Zombies Cover)

There couldn't be a more appropriate song for January first! The real question though is whether Memoryhouse meant "This will be our Year" as a universal sentiment or a bold declaration of self confidence. Singles like these could very well make 2012 their year, but only time will tell.

The Will Be Our Year (Zombies Cover) - Memoryhouse
The Kids Were Wrong - Memoryhouse

Memoryhouse's debut album "The Slideshow Effect" is out February 28th on Subpop.