REVIEW: Caveman - CoCo Beware

Caveman - CoCo Beware
MMMM

When you’re a band based in a city that never sleeps – a city that is more than little congested, as well – it seems only natural that escaping this bustle would be found in the creativity of the mind. Skyscrapers turn into mountains, endless city blocks give way to brilliant green pastures and vast plains, and valleys subdue the noise. This spaciousness is reflected in the 10 tracks that make up CoCo Beware, the new album from New York City quintet Caveman. And like Grizzly Bear and Fleet Foxes before them, Caveman have produced an incredibly well-crafted debut that sounds less like a band struggling to find its place and more like a confident, seasoned group.

The Rapture Reveal Cover Art for New Album

That, right up there, is the official cover art for The Rapture's highly-anticipated, and long-awaited, new album, In the Grace of Your Love. We've already heard first single "How Deep Is Your Love?", which, if any indication, tells us that this is sure to be one of the best releases of the year. As previously reported, this is the band's first release as a trio following the 2009 departure of bassist/singer Matt Safer.

In the Grace of Your Love is out September 6th via DFA. In case you missed it -- or just need a pick-me-up -- listen to "How Deep Is Your Love?" below.

The Postelles' Debut LP Out Today, Download "123 Stop"

Well, well, well. The day has finally arrived -- and I mean finally. If you recall, way back in early 2010 I reviewed The Postelles' White Night EP, which was to be quickly followed by the release of the band's debut LP. Unfortunately, as is often the case with major labels, the album was pushed back multiple times until it seemed as though it would never see the light of day. If you consider that this thing probably dates, at least, back to 2009, it's about time that it's finally coming out.

As we reported back in March of this year, Plus One Music/+1 Records stepped up to release the album on June 7th. So, that means it's finally out! To celebrate, the band is sharing the slick, upbeat "123 Stop" from the album.



Download "123 Stop" and scope the band's upcoming tour dates after the hop.

REVIEW: The Strokes - Angles

The Strokes - Angles
MMMM

The Strokes released one of the best and most significant albums of the past 10 years with their 2001 debut, Is This It. It wasn’t so much that the music was completely original as much as it was a revival of something that was once previously relegated to a past era. The hype that surrounded the band leading up to and following the release of Is This It created quite a lot for the band to live up to. The follow-up album, Room On Fire, didn’t take too many risks and stayed the course – a well-received effort considering the pressure that must have been on them to match the success of their debut. The third album, First Impressions of Earth, saw the band trying to step outside the shadow of their identifiable sound, experimenting a bit with generally positive results – not their best work, but certainly something that succeeded in its own right.

It’s now been five years since The Strokes released an album of new material, and Angles is being heralded as their comeback record. Unfortunately, it seems as though The Strokes are being labeled as one of those bands with a great debut that could never escape the shadow of past success. With an album as defining as Is This It to their name, a great many went on hoping for more of the same, when – understandably – the band have always wanted to grow and create something that was more than just a reiteration of what they’ve previously done. Angles is the first step in the realization of the band’s evolution, and it is their most daring, creative effort since Is This It.

LISTEN: Memphis - "I Want The Lights On After Dark"

Torquil Campbell and Chris Dumont used to live together in New York City, and it was here in the late '90s that they began to make music together. Both men worked hard but lived as struggling artists for some time, and Campbell moved back to Canada where he would find success as singer for Stars. Dumont remained in the city, becoming a carousel operator in Central Park and then an actor in a prestigious opera house.

Despite the distance, the duo has released two full-lengths and is set to release their third full-length, Here Comes A City, on March 8th through Arts & Crafts. The album was recorded over a three-year period in New York, Montreal, Seattle, Niagara-on-the-Lake and Vancouver, and features 10 tracks. Check out a cut from it below entitled "I Want The Lights On After Dark."

"I Want The Lights On After Dark" persists with a pounding rhythm and tremolo'd guitar riffs. But what really pulls it all along is the punctualness of the active bass line. It's pensive, and breaks from a point of tension in the verses into free and uplifting choruses. There's an air of darkness here, but it's one that's lined with a hope in the infinity of dreams.

LISTEN: Blow! - "Better Day"

Blow! - "Better Day"


Analog warmth makes it sound like a perfectly preserved piece of a past relationship, one that was documented by a collection of songs on a cassette tape. From reel to reel the tape replays a vivid sequence of memories; a slideshow of favorite moments runs on the canvas of your mind. Dust falls from this capsule of nostalgia as the feelings all come rushing back through every fiber of your being. When it all reaches your heart, there's no escaping the past as you find yourself overcome by memories of better days.

"Better Day" is a warm, welcoming song that's coated in bright, lush harmonies. It pairs '50s innocence with a modern day indie pop aesthetic that results in a very agreeable sound. Deep down, there seem to be roots in doo wop -- or at the very least '50s pop -- for how it succinctly tackles heartache in such a pleasant and accessible way.

Blow! is New York duo Bruce Hyde and Johnny Zachman.

BUY: "Better Day" is the first single from Blow!'s "Overrated" 7", out now on Angry Mom Records. The track was produced by Blow! and the legendary producer Jimmy Bralower (Hall and Oates, Madonna, Peter Gabriel and Eric Clapton). You can pick it up here.

Blow!
Official Site
MySpace