Crystal Stilts – Shake the Shackles 7″

Hey! Tons of new music just keeps pouring in these last few days. First we had Kurt Vile and his new 7″, and then there’s Real Estate with their new single, and don’t forget about the new Beach Fossils 7″ either.

All these better known bands are currently hard at work putting their new albums together for us (not sure if they all have new albums coming), most of which are set to come out in the new year, and CRYSTAL STILTS are certainly no exception to this happening. Although the band has been silent since their last release in 2009, that doesn’t exactly mean you should just forget about them. Crystal Stilts are indeed back on the scene, and these two new songs of theirs just might be their best.

Without any new material for most of 2009 and basically all of 2010, one might imagine that when a band comes back with new recordings, they might not be so special. That is FAR from being the case with this new single from the Stilts. And even though they weren’t putting out new stuff, that doesn’t mean they weren’t still touring and playing together as a band.

These two new tracks are stunningly awesome, and both have a darker, brooding tone, which is exactly what the Crystal Stilts are best at. Crunchy, noisy guitars, otherworldly keyboards, jangly drumming, a moody sounding Brad Hargett – they bring it all back to the table right from where they left off, only they do it bigger and better this time. If these tracks can garner this kind of praise, just imagine what their full length is going to be like come 2011. I can now say without regret that one of my most anticipated albums of 2011 is definitely whatever comes from these guys (and Woodsman).

Shake the Shackles –

Magnetic Moon –

My Rating: 8/10
Genre/ Tags: Garage Rock, Lo-Fi, Pop
Shake the Shackles 7″: Tracklist:
1.) Shake the Shackles
2.) Magnetic Moon

Crystal Stilts on Myspace
BUY the 7″ directly from Slumberland Recs – Only $4 on white vinyl !!

Royal Baths – Baths 7″

ROYAL BATHS is a three piece band hailing from San Francisco, California. Their name was originally just The Baths, but they changed it up to avoid confusion with the other California band Baths. If you ask me, Royal Baths sounds better anyway, so good move. These guys just put out their debut LP from the Woodsist label in September, which means slowly but surely this band will start clawing it’s way up the popularity scale – because that’s what awesome labels do, right? Speaking of awesome labels, they also have an upcoming 7″ from Hozac Records as well. But the 7″ we have here today is different – before the LP that just came out, this looks like it was their only official release.

The 7″ we’re talking about today comes from Rad Key Records, and it doesn’t look like you can pick this one up anywhere besides Royal Baths shows. It’s got two songs – neither of which are on the new LP – and their both equally dark and menacing, with lyrics like “learning to laugh at the black in my soul,” and “I think of death and murder, all the time.”

While that’s certainly depressing even out of context, just wait until you hear it paired with the music. This is foreboding, downer-rock at it’s finest, and the added factor of morbid lyrics only helps progress the authenticity of the lifeless, decaying moods found within the songs. Strangely enough, if you can get past the downer qualities, these jangly songs will find their way under your skin. Which is a great thing, because now I want to check out that full length from Woodsist – which is exactly what a 7″ should make you want to do. Maybe we can talk about that soon. Check out the A-side “Be Afraid of Me” right below, and then head to their Myspace where you can hear the B-side “Black Sheep”. One more thing – it sounds like these guys could put on a rad live show.

Be Afraid of Me –

My Rating: 6.5/10
Genre/ Tags: Psychedelic, Garage Rock, Lo-Fi, Drone
Baths 7″: Tracklist:
1.) Be Afraid of Me
2.) Black Sheep

Royal Baths on Myspace
Royal Baths on Last.fm
Check out their debut full length from Woodsist

Sleepovers – Secret 7″

Does anybody remember being younger back in elementary school times and just straight up hanging out with friends on the weekends? You never had to worry about working, and you usually hung out at local “cool places” like the mall, the bowling alley, and movie theater, where other kids from your age group would walk around in their baggy jeans claiming they were in some sort of “gang” just because they hung out at the movies all day.

While I never thought those kids were cool, I’m sure the good people in the band SLEEPOVERS felt the same way, and I say this because this 7″ of theirs captures that young, happy, innocent and carefree attitude that most kids that age have. Once the movies were over or you finished your game of bowling, you’d head back to one of your best friends houses and proceed to stay up for as long as possible, playing video games and carrying on like there was no tomorrow, most likely keeping the hosts parents awake all night. But you would never show how tired you were actually getting, because everybody fears being the first person asleep at a sleepover. Kind of ironic too.

One of the first words that might come to mind when listening to this 7″ is “fun”, and it probably should! I’m pretty sure that’s what the Sleepovers were aiming for with this single, because when it comes down to it, that’s exactly what it is. Lively, catchy, fun-loving indie-pop with some awesome guitar work slipped in throughout. “Secret” has a beyond satisfying guitar lick that really helps the song hit that high mark, which will most likely force you to spin it for another quick listen. Three of the four members appear to be siblings, which also adds to the seemingly endless amusement that’s brought along with this band. Hell, their Facebook page even claims right from the beginning that they are indeed fun, so even they know what’s good. And if Sleepovers already know it, and I’m just learning it, that leaves one other person to learn – you. Be sure to check out these songs below, and don’t forget to snag their 7″ before it’s gone for good. There’s another track from the 7″ on their Myspace, so don’t forget to check that one out as well – it’s called “Sleepovers are Fun”.

Secret –

Together Forever –

My Rating: 6.8/10
Genre/ Tags: Pop, Lo-Fi, Rock & Roll
Secret 7″: Tracklist:
1.) Secret
2.) Sleepovers are Fun
3.) Together Forever

BUY this 7″ from Insound – Limited to 500 !
Sleepovers on Myspace
Sleepovers on Facebook
More info. on the Sleepovers @ Hozac Records

Robedoor – Pacific Drift 7″

What’s up. There’s been a lot of stuff coming from the Not Not Fun label lately. One of those things was the Pocahaunted 7″ we covered a few days ago, and now we’re back with even more from them. Today we have the brand new ROBEDOOR 7″, but this doesn’t even appear to be their newest release. They’ve got even more listed up on their site now. It doesn’t really make a difference for anything, it just goes to show that these guys put out a shit-ton of awesome music for the world to enjoy. And for that, I thank them. You should too. But this new Robedoor 7″ is why we’re here today, and it’s quite a dark, moody slab of 7″ vinyl.

Robedoor walks the fine line of balancing between droned out ambient rock and heavy, moody psychedelic rock on this 7″, and you’ll figure this out pretty quickly right within the first track “Pacific Drift”. The first two minutes of the song are dominated by textured and grainy guitars, building up momentum as other elements start to come into play as the song progresses. It’s almost like you’re being thrown right into the middle of a dark tribal meeting of spirits as they summon their gods from above – yeah, it’s like that. The drums start to come through a little clearer, and that flute-like keyboard (it sounds like a flute!) acts as a lead guitar over the textured guitar storm that is brewing underneath everything else. Make sure you don’t miss this one below. Now it’s time we flip that 7″.

Next up is the song “Exploited”, and they get into it much quicker this time, taking on the psychedelic rock side of things. Their result – a huge, sprawling mess of a buildup that finally peaks off at the twenty second mark. All while the lead singer continues to ramble on, spitting out completely unintelligible lyrics. Somebody should have told him you can’t hear a damn word he’s saying. Next up would be the last track “Blanked Out”, and they take it back down a notch for this song. There’s some rainy day sounds weaved into the mix, almost giving it dream-like/ soundscape qualities, and it works perfectly for this slow-burner. Invigorating lead guitars start to reveal themselves towards the end, giving this song that much more personality than it already had. Great stuff right here – definitely don’t sleep on it. Get that 7″ before it’s all gone!

Pacific Drift –

Exploited –

My Rating: 7/10
Genre/ Tags: Psychedelic, Lo-Fi, Drone
Pacific Drift 7″: Tracklist:
1.) Pacific Drift
2.) Exploited
3.) Blanked Out

BUY this 7″ from Insound – Limited to 500 !
Robedoor on Myspace
A comprehensive layout of all things Robedoor – check it out

Dead Ghosts – Live Tapes 12″

Vancouver’s own DEAD GHOSTS have been pulling in quite a bit of excitement lately. I first heard of these guys with their awesome 7″ from the Goodbye Boozy label, and since then it’s kind of been like love at first listen. Soon enough they’re going to be back on the scene with a brand new full length record from the Florida’s Dying label, and it looks like that’s going to be out sometime in October. But before this full-length hit’s the shelves, Dead Ghosts just put out another 12″ from the Psychic Lunch imprint, featuring songs that were all recorded in a live setting. Originally, this release was put out in cassette form from Southpaw Records (more info. on the cassette version right here), and now it’s got a vinyl release with a slightly different tracklisting. Pretty cool.

So – we’ve got nine new Dead Ghosts songs on this beautiful slab of single-sided, clear vinyl, in a limited edition of 300. Luckily for you, this is the only item that isn’t sold out at the Psychic Lunch store (with the exception of a few t-shirts). So if you want this one, it’s probably best to buy it as soon as possible. I certainly wouldn’t wait too long.

As I already mentioned, each song was recorded live, and it puts on a fantastic display of what these Dead Ghosts would sound like in a live setting. The energy is certainly palpable as they rock out and plow through these nine new songs. This is a bunch of bros putting on a fine display of what garage rock should sound like – sometimes doing it up with bluesy qualities, and other times touching on the psychedelic side of the fence – but never forgetting about their women! The guitar twang is simply irresistible, and I’m pretty psyched to check out this new full length when it’s finally unleashed to the world. Until then, we’ll just have to sit tight. Check out these songs from the 12″ below – but be careful – these songs WILL get stuck in yr head. “Thunderbird ESQ” especially (which is a Gories cover)! You’ve been warned!

Girl Across the Street –

What to Do –

I Want Your Love –

Thunderbird ESQ –

My Rating: 8/10
Genre/ Tags: Garage Rock, Lo-Fi, Live
Live Tapes 12″: Tracklist:
1.) Staying In
2.) Girl Across the Street
3.) Messed Up
4.) What to Do
5.) Detroit Jerry
6.) I Want Your Love
7.) Getting Older
8.) Haunted House
9.) Thunderbird Esq

BUY it from Psychic Lunch Records – Limited to 300 on one-sided clear vinyl!
Dead Ghosts on Myspace !
Dead Ghosts on Facebook
Dead Ghosts – That Old Feeling 7″ previously posted on the Drone

Far-Out Fangtooth – Pathways 7″

Hailing from Philadelphia, PA is the one and only FAR-OUT FANGTOOTH. These guys just put out their debut 7″ on Philadelphia label Ian Records, and it looks like it’s their first official release to be unleashed on the world. The blog in that link hasn’t been updated in quite some time, but it looks as if another Ian Records release is due out soon enough. The only problem is I couldn’t really find a link to buy this Far-Out Fangtooth single anywhere. I happened to stumble upon it during a record store trip just the other day, so unless you have time to get to yr local record store, I don’t how else to get this one. Especially if yr not from Philadelphia. I’m sure they’ll have a way to buy it soon enough.

So for starters, I was slightly confused when I first went to listen to this 7″. I’m pretty sure they have the label stickers on the wrong sides. The side that says “Pathways” plays “Why Don’t You Cry”, and vice-versa. It’s not anything Earth-shattering, but I’m sure they didn’t mean to do this. “Pathways” is supposed to be the A-side (I think – might be wrong about that), and it starts out on kind of a slow note. It’s going to take a few listens for this stuff to grow on you, that is if you think you can get into it. Until about 30 seconds in, this sounds like just another scuzzy lo-fi song, but then an ambient and invigorating lead guitar takes control, as things begin to liven up a bit. Good thing too, because the singing probably wasn’t going to help change that. That lead guitar is complemented by other twangy guitar rhythms and bass lines alike, on top of relentless, crashing cymbals. Check out the other side of this 7″ right below – it’s a heavy, grungy guitar-driven jam out. Then you can hear “Pathways” right on the Far-Out Fangtooth Myspace.

Why Don’t You Cry –

My Rating: 6.5/10
Genre/ Tags: Lo-Fi, Psychedelic, Punk
Pathways 7″: Tracklist:
1.) Pathways
2.) Why Don’t You Cry

Far-Out Fangtooth on Myspace
Far-Out Fangtooth on Facebook
Download some Far-Out Fangtooth tracks right here
I don’t think there is a place to buy this yet online – check yr record stores in Philly

Women – Service Animal 7″

What’s up? Today looks like another lousy day in Philadelphia. The forecast calls for rain basically all day. The same thing happened yesterday day too – it’s such a bummer. If there was anything that made my rainy day exciting yesterday it was the fact that my brand new copy of the new WOMEN album “Public Strain” came in the mail.

That’s right, Women have a new album out, and it’s official release date is today, September 28th! In most places across the web (like Insound, and Aural Exploits), if you buy the album, it’ll come packaged with a limited edition 7″ featuring two new and unheard Women songs. That’s the 7″ I have here for you guys today. So the only way it seems to get this one yourself is to buy the new Women album from one of those places I just listed. I also actually saw they were offering the 7″ with purchase of the new album at my local record store, so that might be your best option. Either route you choose, please keep in mind – they only have the 7-inchers “while supplies last”, so order carefully!

First up on the A-side is a song called “Service Animal”, and the guitar work is enough to make yr head spin right off your shoulders. Spikey, spiny, and jagged guitars cut at your throat for most of the song, which at times has both noisy rock and pop qualities, while a rubbery, fat and slappy bass guitar keeps the song in order. The guitar progressions you can hear in this song are absolutely flawless, and they might actually catch you off guard at times. No wonder that guy on Pitchfork said “When you’re trying to tell a guy at your New Year’s Eve party where guitar-based indie rock is headed right now, remember to include Women” (the quote is at the very bottom of the list). But yeah, it’s pretty clear what he meant. This song “Service Animal” illustrates that quote perfectly.

Flip that 7″ over for another highly enjoyable listen, this time with a song called “Grey Skies”. It’s funny though, because with the way this song sounds, the sky seems like it would be any other color than the dull and unexciting color of grey. It’s much more laid back and delicate than the A-side was, and this song would go somewhat perfectly with a stroll through the park on a beautiful, cloudless day without a worry in the world. Definitely pure bliss up in this track.

It’s odd – I feel like both of these tracks could have been on “Public Strain”. Maybe they just ran out of space or something, because these two songs are like the answer to that “…To Be Continued” feeling you get once that epic album closer “Eyesore” finally fades out on their new album. Seriously though, if you haven’t heard that song yet, you’ve been missing out. It just might be my favorite of the year at this point. Check out both of the songs from the 7″ below, and please make time for a quick listen of “Eyesore”. You won’t be sorry – trust me.

PS – Women come to Philadelphia on October 10th @ Johnny Brenda’s

Service Animal –

Grey Skies –

Eyesore –

My Rating: 8.5/10
Genre/ Tags: Lo-Fi, Indie Rock, Experimental
Service Animal 7″: Tracklist:
1.) Service Animal
2.) Grey Skies

Women on Myspace
BUY the new Women LP “Public Strain” from Insound – The 7″ comes with yr order (while supplies last!)

Fungi Girls/ Indian Wars – Split 7″

Hey there, how are we today? I hope all is well. If not, hopefully that will change after you check out what I’ve got lined up for you guys today. It’s the brand new split 7″ between your favorite scuzzy lo-fi act outta Texas called FUNGI GIRLS, and then another band called INDIAN WARS who hail straight outta Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada. We’ve covered a good bit of the Fungi Girls discography here at the Drone, but this is the first time we’re talking about Indian Wars. This looks to be the second 7″ from these rowdy Canadian rockers, and I’m sure it won’t be their last. They also appear to be friends with another Drone favorite, the Dead Ghosts, considering that both acts hail from Vancouver. At first glance you may wonder why these two bands are splitting a 7″ together, but those questions are put to rest immediately after the first listen.

So. We start off on the A-side (duh), which is a gritty new track from the Fungi Girls called “Sun Blues”. Bouncy, elastic bass lines and a headache-inducing guitar scratch dominate this song from beginning to end, complete with that all-too-familiar Fungi Girls howl that you (and I myself) have become extremely fond of. They even managed to work a surfy sounding transition into the song, which definitely causes you to double-listen. Kind of like a double-take when you turn yr head, but this time you’re turning to your music player to rewind the song a bit to hear that awesome shit again. DOUBLE-LISTEN!!! Then after a quick face-melting guitar in the last minute (otherwise known as an authentic Fungi Girls psychedelic freak-out), it’s time to flip that shit over to the B-side for some Indian Wars action.

This is the first I’ve ever heard of these bros, but it won’t stay that way for long after hearing this song. Oh no! The first 30 seconds kind of start off on a different level, which I guess acts as an intro for the song. Then a galloping drum beat takes control of everything and there’s no turning back. After this the song has a mixed feel between a rowdy county-punk song and a bluesy guitar shuffle – it’s almost impossible to pick just one, because they both work so well. The lead singer (name unknown? is it Brad Felotick?) sounds like he’s got some mighty burdens to unload before this song comes to an end. Wait for the final 40 seconds and you’ll be in the middle of a nasty, twangy guitar solo that sums up the raw energy of this song quite perfectly. There’s almost a Black Lips feel to this song now that I’m thinking about it.

This 7″ absolutely rips, and I highly suggest you go buy it from Rough Trade, because I think that just might be THEE last place to get it. I’m probably wrong though – get in touch with the dudes at Psychic Lunch or CMRTYZ to find out for yourself. Either way you decide to go, it’s limited to 300 and pressed on some nice white vinyl, so you’re going to be happy no matter what. Just get it before that other scumbag does! Hurry!

Sun Blues –

Pick You Up –

My Rating: 9/10
Genre/ Tags: Lo-Fi, Garage Rock, Psychedelic, Punk
Split 7″: Tracklist:
1.) Fungi Girls – Sun Blues
2.) Indian Wars – Pick You Up

Fungi Girls on Myspace
Indian Wars on Myspace
The 7″ is still available from Rough Trade! Get it quick because this thing is SOLD OUT everywhere else!
Fungi Girls – Turquoise Hotel 7″ previously posted on the Drone
Fungi Girls – Seafaring Pyramids previously posted on the Drone

All Saints Day – It’ll Come Around 7″

Hey! Getting back on schedule after a hectic weekend here. Got something for you guys today that you may have stumbled upon yourselves already. But hopefully not. It’s the debut 7″ from ALL SAINTS DAY, the combined project of Vivian Girl Katy Goodman and Cat Power helper/ The Delta 72 member Gregg Foreman (who I am learning is originally from Philadelphia). This little gem comes from the Art Fag label, and it comes in a limited edition of 500. I tell you this because the stuff over at Art Fag looks like it usually sells out pretty quickly, so if you want this one you better snag it up soon.

Included on this 7″ are two new songs, both of which have equally dreamy and space-like qualities, alongside of that all too familiar scratchy lo-fi sound that’s popping up everywhere these days. Katy Goodman’s gorgeous voice with the combination of hazy textures and twangy guitars is a great way to make some addicting music. If you were to come up with background music that goes along with the album art above, it would probably sound EXACTLY like All Saints Day! Basically meaning that the art is spot-on. But don’t sleep on this stuff – it’s addicting and I’m already having a hard time turning off “Only Time Will Tell”. I’m gonna upload both sides of the 7″ for you guys below, so check’em out. That is all. More record downloads on the way for you people too – keep checkin’ my Tumblr.

It’ll Come Around –

Only Time Will Tell –

My Rating: 8/10
Genre/ Tags: Lo-Fi, Dream Pop, Electronic
It’ll Come Around 7″: Tracklist:
1.) It’ll Come Around
2.) Only Time Will Tell

All Saints Day on Bandcamp
All Saints Day on Last.fm
BUY the 7″ from Insound, but it’s probably cheaper directly from Art Fag

The Eeries – Feel Right Cassette

Yo! Here’s something today that I don’t think many of you bros are going to be familiar with. That would mainly be due to the fact that these guys are a local Philly band. I had the pleasure of seeing them open for DOOMSTAR! the other night while I was at the Millcreek Tavern. By the time the night was over, one of the dudes from The Eeries was still hanging around, and I ended up talking to him for a bit. The result? He hooked me up with a couple of brand new Eeries cassette tapes, and we left it at “Yeah man, we’ll be talking through e-mails soon enough,” or something like that. I don’t know if I’m getting around to this sooner than he thought, but The Eeries definitely deserve to be heard. So let’s hear them!

For starters, I’m pretty sure these guys do all of their recording themselves. Not exactly sure how they go about it, but this Blogspot post may help shed some light on that. I know it’s not the same EP we’re talking about here, but it gives us some insight, right? “Instruments live in the basement, vocals in the bathroom, dishes in the sink.” He actually gave me that cassette too, but we’ll talk about that one some other day in the near future. Now onto the music – I kind of had a slight idea of where there sound was going after seeing them live, but I didn’t want to jump to any conclusions too quickly before listening.

A ridiculously twangy guitar dominates all of the songs, sometimes with a more poppy flare (Walk You Home), and then other times with a moody blues-rock feel (Feel Right, In Your Head). The guitars have an extremely concentrated sound, and they’re always backed by constantly rolling drums and lazy, punchy bass lines. For the last song of the cassette, they kind of bring all of these elements together in one single song, called “Pocket”. Honest lyrics like “Somewhere in your pocket I found love” complement the twangin’, country-esque feel of the song, and once the final minute rolls around they slow it all down for a true blues vibe. They even do some nice howling over the mix for good measure. You can check out all of the songs from the cassette tape below, and then the Eeries were cool enough to set these tracks free for anybody to download, which you can do RIGHT HERE. Go through their Blogspot page for even more downloads, too!

My Rating: 8/10
Genre/ Tags: Lo-Fi, Blues Rock, Garage Rock
Feel Right Cassette: Tracklist:
1.) Feel Right
2.) In Your Head
3.) Walk You Home
4.) Pocket

DOWNLOAD the cassette completely for free !!!
The Eeries on Blogspot – Plenty more free downloads here
The Eeries on Last.fm