Very hooky guitar pop from up north in nickel country. Languid and compelling psych rock from two continents at once. And a subterranean dark wave excursion from the grim shores of … wait… Miami, Florida (???).
This is what it is to experience this week’s pack of three here on RFLB, friends.
Get your ears on!
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“Last Century” by The Almighty Rhombus
Name: The Almighty Rhombus
From: Sudbury, ON, Canada
Sound: Ebullient, guitar-driven indie rock with an audible smirk on its face, but always with your best interests in mind re: hooks a-plenty!
Story: An agenda is set with this song, the lead track off a new EP called Swish: to kick ass, which it does. There’s certainly a reason for that, given that Sudbury, Ontario’s The Almighty Rhombus has spent the last few years touring, experimenting with new approaches to writing songs, and road-testing material. This one is a band favourite, produced by Ian Blurton (The Weakerthans, Change of Heart, Jeen, et al) and is a clear reflection of their own amalgam of styles that range from punk to new wave to psych. Full disclosure: I’ve been a fan of this band for years, folks.
Links:
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“I Don’t Mind” by Scratch
Name: Scratch
From: New York, NY, USA and Perth, Australia
Sound: Slow-burn psychedelic and hazy jam rock that takes its time working its way into your brain.
Story: What’s a few thousand miles between bandmates? Not much, according to Scratch members Ruzbeh Irani who calls Perth, Australia home and Avinash Lalwani who resides in New York. Thanks to technology and other means, these two childhood friends are able to make the kind of music that sounds just like a band that’s right there in the room with you. This song, one of their earliest compositions and a personal favourite of the duo. It’s one of two released recently (the other is “The Key”), both of which will feature on their upcoming debut record coming out sometime this year.
Links:
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“Sunday Queen” by Astari Nite
Name: Astari Nite
From: Miami, FLA, USA
Sound: Retro guitar and synth dark wave drenched in requisite late-seventies, early-eighties reverb.
Story: Incredibly not from a northern industrial town in Britain, but rather from sun-drenched Miami, Florida, revivalist post-punk trio Astari Nite pull out all the stops on a Peter Murphy/Bauhaus and early Cure-inspired sound. They have indeed shared stages with the aforementioned Murphy, plus the Psychedelic Furs, Andy Rourke, and Modern English. This is the lead track and single off of their new record Midnight Conversations, out now.
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What do you reckon, dear listeners? Have you discovered your new favourite band? Tell me all about it in the comments!
Happy Listening!
Radio Free Lightning Bug 