The long-awaited debut LP from Canadian duo TRUST is finally upon us. The album (simply titled “TRST”) officially drops on February 28th courtesy of Arts & Crafts, but luckily we have this “Sulk” EP to hold us over until then.

Simply stating that we were anticipating this release would be a gross understatement. Trust have been treading carefully below the radar up until about now, when all of the good news regarding their upcoming LP finally surfaces. In doing so, they’ve received “Best New Track” nods from the likes of Pitchfork, which seems like a justification for everything they’ve released until now. While a “Best New Track” nod from some random website really doesn’t mean anything, it at least goes to show that somebody else out there recognizes the significance of this duo. They have certainly earned every little bit of praise that has come their way and they continue to answer right back with their haunting arrangements that literally go above and beyond anything you could fathom.

Take “Sulk” for example, the track that will eventually be the closing song on their full-length. The song is absolutely dominated by a bumping bass that will keep you moving throughout the duration, complemented by their stringy synths and syrupy electronic leads. Robert Alfons sings like a man on fire in his haunting timbre, swaying back and forth in the foreboding verses that gloriously swell with gyrating synth waves. After digging in with a second or third listen, you should find the mixture of glowing electronics simply irresistible, not to mention their troubling, sexy and tormenting zeal that drips with attitude from all angles. Once it’s all said and done, the six minute track is barely enough to keep you satisfied.

Housed on the flipside is the previously unreleased track “The Dazzle.” It’s a song that had been floating around for awhile on Soundcloud and whatnot, but it officially see’s release with this short EP. The track sounds like a dash through a frozen-over ice cavern, riddled with all sorts of glittering and bouncing electronics that really speaks to their “speed, space + tears” aesthetic. Granted it doesn’t come off as harsh as some of their other tracks can, but it still fits the mold. That being said, right now “The Dazzle” is a track on it’s own in their small but growing discography. Now hear both parts of the EP right below for a blissful start to your day.

Sulk –

The Dazzle –

My Rating: SS
Genre/ Tags: Electronic, Synth Pop, Trance, Ethereal, Dance
Sulk EP: Tracklist:
1.) Sulk
2.) The Dazzle

BUY the digital single directly from Arts & Crafts
PREORDER the LP “TRST” for it’s February 28th release date
Trust on Tumblr

Past Related Posts:
Bulbform 12″
Candy Walls 7″
Song of the Day #14 (“Gloryhole”)
V/A – Todo Muere Volume 1 (“Not a Waste of Sky”)
Find Trust in our Top 30 7″ Records of 2011
Find Trust in our Top 10 EP’s of 2011

Kam Kama of Bloomington, Indiana are about to release their debut EP. It’s titled “The Tiled House” and it’s being released through Sister Cylinder records. Kam Kama began playing shows in October of 2010. Over the past few years then they have cultivated a synth-heavy post-punk sound packed tightly with layer upon layer of haunting melodies and cathartic despair. Their dark and melancholic sound will be agreeable to any fans of Joy Division, The Smiths, or Echo and The Bunnymen.

The guitars sound distant and foreboding, crafting a dark and gloomy sound-scape. The rhythm section is surprisingly heavy and driving, but the drums are purposely made to sound removed as if they were playing from the next room over or broadcast through an old AM radio. The Synth sits front and center in the mix adding a supernatural howl to the recording. The Vocals come across as slightly restrained but highly threatening which helps to emphasize Kam Kama’s mix of angst and melancholy. Lyrically the songs are rather cryptic but there are consistent overtones of loneliness and isolation that runs through each track adding a bit of thematic cohesion to the record.

Halfway Motel –

Genre/ Tags: Post-Punk, New Wave, Alternative
The Tiled House 12″ EP: Tracklist:
1.) Halfway Motel 02:20
2.) Called Up 01:53
3.) Means 03:28
4.) The Living 03:06
5.) Shaky Convalescent 02:19
6.) San Miguel 03:35

This 12inch E.P. will be available on vinyl February 6th. It will be a limited edition pressing of 300 records. You can pre-order a copy now. Until then you can hear the record at their bandcamp page. You can download the entire digital album for three dollars or stream it for free: http://kamkama.bandcamp.com

NICOLAS JAAR comes back with his latest project in collaboration with guitarist Dave Harrington. After touring for two months together over the summer they laid down some unique material in the recording studio.

This EP might show off a whole new type of style for Nicolas Jaar, but his moody traces are still slithering all over this refreshing EP. Ranging from his creepy vocals to his slow, shady, sometimes sexy electronic arrangements, Jaar has caught us off guard with his seemingly endless pool of creativity. Even still being in the game at a younger age, this dude is just beginning to get fired up for what looks to be an excellent future. Granted you could argue the songs of this EP maybe sound a bit similar at times, but that’s besides the point. With a side-project release like this, we can now gather that Jaar is a master of his own craft, and then some extra – that being said, the promise that this dude wields is shocking. Between plenty of funky, broken-down guitar work and Jaar’s haunting atmosphere’s, this is a release all on it’s own. Now check out the opening track below with all of it’s stunning experimentalism – it will definitely get you moving early on in your day.

A1 –

My Rating: SS
Genre/ Tags: Experimental, Electronic, Down-Tempo, Abstract
Darkside EP: Tracklist:
1.) A1
2.) A2
3.) A3

BUY the vinyl EP directly from Chemical Ltd.
Nicolas Jaar – Official Website
Dave Harrington – Official Website

Coming from the Worthless Junk label is both WHITE LACES and Philly-locals ARCHES first release on 7″ vinyl, offering up a track each for an interesting dichotomy of sounds.

For White Laces, “Dissolve into Color” is their first release of the year, followed by another upcoming 10″ EP on Harding Street Assembly Lab, but hopefully more on that one later. Upon listening, their lone track “Dissolve into Color” shows off their quivering psych-punk undertones, stemming from wobbly guitar leads and tom-heavy, primitive drumming that will evoke more pulsing elements in the song. Mindful yet overwhelming song structure and patterns goes to show what these dudes can cook up, supplying just the right amount of unpredictability in a song like this. Sharp guitar leads help the song take a turn for the best near the 2:35 mark, catapulting the track headfirst into a fitting and economical finale as they gradually build momentum. With results like these we can only hope you don’t forget about White Laces – there is certainly much to be psyched about within their small but growing discography.

Arches “Late Last Night” on the flipside is like the answer to the unsettling notions from the A-side. Tidy guitars sound clean and clear as they carefully float along the heavenly horizon, gradually fluctuating between small, fiery build-ups and healing come-downs as the track sways along. These guys have ambient elements working for them in their delicate swirl of guitars, which could certainly manifest into something even greater for their future. In summing up, Arches have certainly found the strung out sound they’re comfortable with, while White Laces are taking advantage of what they are already capable of. Expect plenty more from both of these bands in due time.

White Laces – Dissolve into Color –

Arches – Late Last Night –

Genre/ Tags: Psychedelic, Post-Rock, Ambient
Worthless Junk Split 7″: Tracklist:
1.) Dissolve into Color
2.) Late Last Night

BUY the 7″ directly from Worthless Junk Records – only $6 !
White Laces on Tumblr
Arches on Facebook

Past Related Posts:
White Laces – s/t EP
Find White Laces in our Top 10 EP’s of 2011

Our favorite garage-rockers from Italy VERMILLION SANDS are at it again with a brand new 7″ on the Shit Music for Shit People label, offering up two new tracks of their fun-loving folk-pop.

This is the ninth release from the ever-growing Italian label, which continues to do an excellent job with sticking to a similar folk-rock sound with all of their releases. “Summer Melody” is certainly not an exception as the guys and gal of Vermillion Sands offer up two brand new tracks. “Summer Melody” kicks off with a sharp and wobbly guitar lead that immediately supplies the song a playful attitude. Through Anna Barattin’s nasally verses and catchy vocal hooks, the crunchy guitar licks and clapping percussion do their job in making up another delightful folksy garage-pop gem from these gritty Italian rockers. B-side “A Sweet Bitter Winter” significantly slows down to a much lazier pace, trading in erratic bass lines for a much more steady, flowing rhythm. Throw in more squealing guitar licks and you’ve got yourself another solid single from the Vermillion Sands.

With results like these, clearly these guys have been practicing up but not just for the sake of practicing! The good news is that they are currently working on their sophomore album, so hopefully we hear more from these guys sooner than later. In other words, maybe you could say this 7″ is like a preview of things to come? Only time will tell!

Summer Melody –

A Sweet Bitter Winter –

Genre/ Tags: Folk Rock, Garage Rock, Pop
Summer Melody 7″: Tracklist:
1.) Summer Melody
2.) A Sweet Bitter Winter

BUY the 7″ directly from Shit Music for Shit People – limited to 300 with two different colored covers !
Vermillion Sands on Myspace

Past Related Posts:
Vermillion Sands Live in Philadelphia (10/02/10, hosted by yours truly!)
Vermillion Sands s/t LP (Alien Snatch Records)
Something’s Wrong 7″(Hell, Yes! Records)
Miss My Gun EP (Sacred Bones Records)
In the Wood 7″ (Fat Possum)
20 Hours 7″ (Trouble in Mind)
Mary 7″ (Rijapov Records)

Rock and roll duo BOOM CHICK are putting the finishing touches on their debut 7″ “Shake Can Well.” Hailing from Brooklyn, New York, this is their first release since their 2010 debut album “Show Pony.”

Their new single officially sees the light of day on February 20th, but we’re here bringing you the goods ahead of the game. Boom Chick was an unfamiliar name at first, but now that is no longer the case. “Shake Can Well” goes to show what these perky garage rockers are capable of. The A-side shows off excellent pop sensibilities and high voltage slide-guitar work in between the crashing cymbals, not to mention their playful, fun-loving attitude that so easily comes across in their songs. The addictive chorus features squealing guitar shreds combined with clanking percussion, resulting in quite a refreshing blast of garage-pop as you spin it a second time. To sweeten the deal even further, the lyrics are actually ripped right from the back of your typical aerosol spray can. If you want to talk about original ideas, then look no further. Who knew something like that could work out so well?

On the B-side, “Sweaty Dress” seems to ignore just about everything on the first track, sounding like your typical prom-night anthem as you slowly sway across the dimly lit dance floor. The careful guitars slowly guide the song to its end, making up a tidy, button-downed song which they describe themselves as “The love ballad for the love and obsession confused.” Pretty much dead on, don’t ya think? Check it out below and see for yourself.

PS – Hear the crunchy, surf-rock rager “Sharkbite” (the bonus track) right on their Bandcamp.

Shake Can Well –

Sweaty Dress –

Genre/ Tags: Alternative, Pop, Garage Rock
Shake Can Well 7″: Tracklist:
1.) Shake Can Well
2.) Sweaty Dress
3.) Sharkbite (7″ bonus track)

BUY the 7″ directly from the band on Bandcamp – drops Feb. 20th, first 100 on clear purple vinyl, limited to 500 !
Boom Chick – Official Website
Follow Boom Chick on Twitter

The latest 7″ from TRAILER TRASH TRACYS is also the precursor to their debut full length album “Ester,” featuring two tracks from the LP that will eventually drop on February 1st.

Trailer Trash Tracys employ a familiar sound to say the least (remember Still Corners?), but this group makes their sound work well with some fresh ideas. There are plenty of positive vibes to take away from the swirling whirlpool of guitars that swallow you whole, including the pulsing bass drum and the murky guitars that surge right above you head. This all takes place in a song like “You Wish You Were Red,” but it’s “Engelhardt’s Arizona” that steals the show on a 7″ like this. Unsettling guitar textures plague “Engelhardt’s Arizona” from start to finish, sustaining a trembling, haunting element throughout the track that refuses to settle down. The bumping bass keeps the song moving while the perpetual guitar vortex hypnotizes you with it’s captivating glow, supplying a spiritual element in the song that is impossible to ignore. Once your stuck in it’s grasp there’s no snapping out of it, so at this point we’re only anxiously awaiting more from these London haze-rockers.

You Wish You Were Red –

Engelhardt’s Arizona –

Genre/ Tags: Dream Pop, Electronic, Shoegaze, Ethereal
You Wish You Were Red 7″: Tracklist:
1.) You Wish You Were Red
2.) Engelhardt’s Arizona

Trailer Trash Tracys on Facebook
BUY the 7″ directly from Insound

After an outstanding EP on Forest Family Records, KEEP SHELLY IN ATHENS came right back with another EP on Planet Mu Records, only this time with a different final result.

Around these parts we’re really starting to believe that this Grecian electronic duo can do no wrong. Their latest EP, “Campus Maritus,” takes their already ahead-of-the-curve sound and expands on it greatly – that being said, they seem to have taken a much more open-ended and inventive route with their ideas. These four tracks offer a much more experimental and curious approach than anything we’ve heard from them prior and hopefully this is only the beginning. Songs like “The Chains” and “Struggle With Yourself,” will go an exceptionally long way to prove those claims. Between awesome dub-induced remixes (“Cub”) and their shocking ability to refresh our ears with each passing record, the only direction these guys can go is up.

Sarah’s healing voice sounds like that of a saint as she slyly coos throughout the EP, with the exception of the instrumental, self-titled track “Campus Maritus.” While this track still does illustrate the experimental nature of this EP, it just doesn’t hit the same mark as its counterparts. This immediately brings to mind the closer “Struggle With Yourself” which is a different beast entirely. Some serious craftsmanship went down in this song, to the point where my initial reaction was a simple “Whoa” followed by a huge crank up on the volume knob. Dominating this track is a grimy, scratchy and jagged texture that literally sounds like something you could reach out and touch – it’s not particularly a pleasant sound, but lordy will you be cringing in joy. Needless to say, a song like this only proves they are expanding their boundaries and clearly they are confident in doing so with results like these. Lucky for us!

PS – You still have a chance to snag the EP on blue vinyl before it’s all gone. Better not wait too long.

Cub (KSiA Remix) –

The Chains –

Struggle With Yourself –

My Rating: SS
Genre/ Tags: Electronic, Experimental, Ethereal, Ambient
Campus Maritus EP: Tracklist:
1.) Solar Bears – Cub (Keep Shelly in Athens Remix)
2.) The Chains
3.) Campus Maritus
4.) Struggle With Yourself

BUY the EP directly from Insound – on BLUE vinyl, snag this while you still can
Keep Shelly in Athens on Facebook

Past Related Posts:
Hauntin’ Me 7″ (Transparent Records)
Our Own Dream EP (Forest Family Records)
Find KSIA in our Top EP’s of 2011

WHITE MAGIC hail from New York, New York where they were formed back in 2003 by Mira Billotte. “White Widow” is their latest offering, a self-released 7″ with one original track and a Jefferson Airplane cover.

As evidenced by the track “White Widow,” White Magic offer up an on-the-edge strand of psych-rock that sounds ready to explode at any moment. Big, drowning guitar riffs swallow you whole as they plague the entire A-side of the 7″ with their repetitive tendency. In the meantime, echoed vocals sound both cavernous and ghostly due to plenty of howling and cooing. The song eventually lazily drags out until it’s conclusion – there are no serious tricks involved.

The B-side is a cover of the timeless Jefferson Airplane track “White Rabbit.” A bouncing bass line and a marching snare drum greet us with a warm welcome, eventually broadened by small and colorful bursts of mindful guitar work. Once the song breaks open you will be sold – lead singer Mira Billotte howls with authority and stands out among the rest of the pack. All that being said, White Magic certainly do this classic song some serious justice. Now listen right below and see what you think.

White Widow –

White Rabbit –

Genre/ Tags: Psychedelic, Post-Rock, Folk Rock
White Widow 7″: Tracklist:
1.) White Widow
2.) White Rabbit

BUY the 7″ directly from the band on Tumblr
White Magic on Facebook

Our friends at Resurrection Records released this split 7″ featuring LA CORDE and CAT PARTY just before the new year. After listening it makes plenty of sense that these two California bands would be paired together.

The name of the game here is generally punk rock, but it’s the way each of these two bands go about their sound that makes them vary. La Corde serve up fast and caffeinated punk rock with a sharp jangly guitar, making for a heavy blast of power-punk that hits like a ton of bricks. This is proven best in “Atomic Lawn,” while on the other hand Cat Party sound fairly less inviting than their name suggests. Not saying these guys don’t take their music seriously, but these offerings from Cat Party sound much more dire and troubling than the La Corde material. There’s a dark and possessed undertone that slowly creeps along in a song like “Black and Red,” not to mention the excellent guitar work that makes up both of their tracks.

Flipping to the B-side, “Reflection or Illusion” sees Cat Party speeding up their sound, while “Signals” shows off even more invigorating guitars and keeps that dark complexion right in the spotlight until the final note. That being said, these songs all somehow fall into a similar realm while still remaining different from each other. Let’s hope this isn’t all we hear from these California punks.

PS – Hear the entire 7″ right here!

La Corde – Atomic Lawn –

Cat Party – Reflection or Illusion –

Wondering where the usual rating is? Read this.
Genre/ Tags: Punk, Post-Punk, Alternative
Rik L Rik Split 7″: Tracklist:
1.) La Corde – Atomic Lawn
2.) Cat Party – Black and Red
3.) Cat Party – Reflection or Illusion
4.) La Corde – Signals

BUY the 7″ directly from Resurrection Records – limited to 600 on various colors !
La Corde – Official Website
Cat Party – Official Website