Tentonic

"No easy way out of this place."

I've been behind with some of my promised features lately, and figured this band would be a great way to kick off a new series. I could wax poetic about the emergence of another great band out of Atlanta, but I'll spare you the superfluous sentiments. All you need to know is that Tentonic is a fantastic band with an equally fantastic future ahead of them. Though "Face Down" is more of a straightforward pop/rock song, their debut EP Sterling certainly finds them more often in the realm of "shoegaze" and experimentation. Moreover, the band finds themselves in some rather swell (yes, swell) company. See them play around town with various other ATL greats like Variac, Sovus Radio, Trances Arc and Elevation.

Tentonic - Face Down
Tentonic - Sterling

more info...
Official Site
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turn on your radio...

If you're in the LA area and get up at a decent hour, tune into Indie 103.1 to hear my new favorites, Captain Phoenix. Their single, Living On The Guestlist, has been selected for the Passport Approved playlist. The show starts at 9AM, with the guys being played pretty quick after 9:15. Log on to Indie 103.1 if you live outside of LA to stream the show live.
Remember, the band's single came out nearly 3 weeks ago and is available for purchase. Check out the band's official site or myspace page to hear some music.

Captain Phoenix Webstore

iTunes (US)

Deas Vail

"You move in slow and steady motion but you're evading none the less."

You can find talent in the most unlikely of places. For instance, Russellville, Arkansas is home to new indie darlings Deas Vail. While the band seems to give nods to "emo" mainstays like MuteMath or MAE, their own ingenuity should not be overlooked. Beautiful piano-based, experimental pop/rock music (sound interesting?) to complement the pristine vocals of classically trained frontman Wes Blaylock. The band just released their debut disc, All The Houses Look The Same, through Brave New World Records. You should pick it up if you like what you hear, because I've yet to hear one track from the band that disappoints.

Deas Vail - Follow Sound
Deas Vail - Shoreline (highly rec'd)

more info...
Myspace
Purchase

Solare

"You and I will always make the same mistakes."

The dreamy, atmospheric pop stylings of Los Angeles based band Solare are begging to be heard. I've mentioned before that my summer listening consists mostly of alt-country, roots rock, or music of a more organic nature. While Solare isn't exactly a slice of Americana, their experimentation is certainly a welcome little distraction. I should've picked up on them sooner. Head on over to the band's myspace page to pick up their EP The Story Of The Moon.

Solare - The Story Of The Moon
Solare - Your Backyard At Night

more info...
Myspace

Cory Chisel & the Wandering Sons

"Won't somebody tune up the band?"

So my nerd quotient probably just increased tenfold, but I'm not going to pretend like I'm not down for a little bluesy adult alternative once in awhile. I've never been much of a hipster. And Cory Chisel & the Wandering Sons are practically local (Minnesota? Wisconsin? What's the difference to all you non-Midwestern folks anyway?), so that scores extra points. I dig the upright bass, the tasteful little piano riffs and the various other instruments that make a welcome appearance. It's some kind of wonderful, really. The two tracks are taken from an older EP entitled Darken Your Door. If you're interested, a full length is set to be released any day now.

Cory Chisel & the Wandering Sons - Angelina
Cory Chisel & the Wandering Sons - Honest Man Blues

more info...
Official Site
Myspace

Dear Jeff Tweedy, we should get married.

"With a sky blue sky, this rotten time wouldn’t seem so bad to me now."

I was fortunate enough to see the illustrious Wilco perform as the guest musicians on the even more illustrious A Prairie Home Companion (a fantastic Minnesota tradition) this past Saturday. As if I wasn't already running to the store to pick up Sky Blue Sky when it comes out tomorrow, I might just have to be there when the doors open. Exaggeration, I likely won't even be awake, but you understand my sentiments all the same. It's the first thing on my Tuesday afternoon agenda. The band played 4 (or 5?) tracks from the upcoming disc. Though I would have liked to hear a bit more from Tweedy, the banter was fairly limited. Nonetheless, great night, and I can't wait for tomorrow. The new tracks reminded me of the little alt-country mixes I used to make in the site's beginning stages. This time around, I'm not exactly exposing new talent. Rather, I just picked a limited few of my very favorite alt-country inspired tracks.

Spouse- Are You Gonna Kiss Or Wave Goodbye?
Jesse Malin - Queen of the Underworld
The Damnwells - You Don't Have To Like Me To Love Me (acoustic)
Paul Westerberg - Looking Up In Heaven
The Light Wires - I've Picked Up Your Habits (White and Dim)
Whiskeytown - Wither I'm A Flower

The Films

"Think about it first before you make it worse."

I went out last night with the intention of catching the set from new buzz band The Films only to stumble into the bar as the band banged out their last five chords. Oops, I have a hard time with responsibility. However, the night was far from disappointing as I fell head over heels in love with Mando Diao. I've had a copy of their disc, Bring Em In, for a solid two years or so, but never really gave it enough attention. I picked up their newest release entitled Ode To Ochrasy, and I highly suggest you do as well. I digress. The Films are solid pop/garage rock revival band. The Mando boys get my praise for picking them as support. They just released their single, "Black Shoes" over in the UK, with a tour to follow soon.

The Films - Black Shoes
The Films - Strange Hands

more info...
Official Site
Myspace
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and because I fell completely in love with them last night...
Mando Diao - Killer Kaczynski (acoustic)

it just seemed appropriate...

I had a dream the other night that someone stole
a significant portion of my record collection.

Serious. It was not a good feeling to have...

Counting Crows - Come Pick Me Up (Ryan Adams)

thanks to Berkeley Place for the track. it's pretty solid.

Sirens Sister

"I should've known that you were wrong."

This is the kind of band that you sign. So, who's not doing their job? While Sirens Sister may not be the very first band I'd sign (hear you me, competition is fierce - i've been developing my list for years), they'd certainly be one of the first five. That's just wishful thinking on my part, but these boys from Seattle are surely something wonderful. Sirens Sister rose from the ashes of former Epic Records band Vendetta Red, and are therefore no strangers to the major label milieu. Extensive touring experience, a few albums under their belt collectively...what more could you ask for? Davidson's vocals are remarkable, by the way. I kid you not.

Sirens Sister - Should've Known
Sirens Sister - Closer & Closer

more info...
Myspace
Purchase
iTunes

WinterKids

"You've never told the truth before."

While away, I was a bit off of my game. I should have known about WinterKids long ago - especially after having been in the UK. I usually don't miss something this good. Fortunately, the disc showed up in my mailbox when I got home. Good thing, too, otherwise I might still be in the dark. Thick, thick accents (love, love, love) and their often erratic indie instrumentation, as well as an intermixing of male and female vocals are apparently the secret to success, because this band is absolutely fantastic. Although I'm not entirely sure about the availability of the band's disc, Memoirs, I highly (highly, highly) suggest that you try to acquire a copy some way or another...

WinterKids - Adore
WinterKids - I'm Not Used To You

more info...
Official Site
Myspace