Sugar TraditionMore SugarFeel It Records [2023] Wait until you spin the free-wheelin’ new EP from Detroit’s Sugar Tradition. More Sugar is a carefree record that was recorded live, encapsulating the raw and rebellious spirit of the 1960s era. It features a collection of songs with an enduring classic vibe, paying homage to the garage R&B … Read more
The SextonesLove Can’t Be BorrowedRecord Kicks [2023] Produced by Kelly Finnigan of The Monophonics, Love Can’t Be Borrowed is the sophomore album by The Sextones. The record charts a soulful path that’s sure to captivate fans, both old and new. This Reno, Nevada-based band, comprised of Mark Sexton (guitar, vocals), Alexander Korostinsky (bass), Daniel Weiss … Read more
jaimie branchFly Or Die Fly Or Die Fly Or Die ((World War))International Anthem [2023] jaimie “breezy” branch, was a trumpeter and composer who had rapidly ascended as one of the brightest stars in the jazz world when she tragically passed away on August 22, 2022, at the age of just 39. In July 2022, this … Read more
Smug BrothersIn The Book Of Bad IdeasAnyway Records [2023] Ohio indie band Smug Brothers has released some great under-the-radar records since their formation in 2004. The band boasts a relaxed, stylish blend of power pop and lo-fi rock that captivates listeners right from their opening guitar strums. In The Book Of Bad Ideas continues to … Read more
The ConnellsRing (30th Anniversary Deluxe Edition)Craft Recordings [2023] Released: September 1, 1993/Reissue: May 26, 2023Producer: Lou Giordano | The Connells | Tim HarperLength: 50:15/Reissue: 2:10:00 Released in 1993, The Connells’ album Ring remains a quintessential find of the indie rock scene, showcasing the band’s masterful songwriting and distinctive sound. With its melodic hooks and introspective … Read more
Sonic YouthLive In Brooklyn 2011Silver Current Records [2023] Sonic Youth will undoubtedly secure their place in the history books due to their profound influence on the alternative and indie music scenes, especially throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Renowned for their sound experimentation, they seamlessly integrated elements of noise, feedback, and unconventional guitar tunings. By challenging … Read more
BEEFBEEFFeel It Records [2023] BEEF’s lineup is led by Takoda Hortenberry, who takes on the roles of both drummer and lead vocalist. His wife, Ally, contributes her skills on keys and vocals, while John Hoffman (Vacation) handles the bass duties. Guitarist Sam Richardson, who also happens to be the founder of Feel It Records, completes … Read more
feeble little horseGirl With FishSaddle Creek Records [2023] Hailing from Pittsburgh, PA, feeble little horse presents an invigorating and charmingly unpredictable sophomore offering with Girl With Fish. The album is a collection of brief yet captivating tracks brimming with feedback-laden melodies. The band undertook the independent recording and production of this release, embarking on a … Read more
MammatusExpanding MajestySilver Current Records [2023] Mammatus, the experimental rock band known for their elaborate compositions and mind-bending sonic journeys, has returned after 8 years with their latest offering, “Expanding Majesty.” With this album, the California-based group takes us on a 69-minute immersive musical expedition over 4 tracks, diving deep into the realms of psychedelic space … Read more
Sweeping PromisesGood Living Is Coming For YouFeel It/Sub Pop Records [2023] Sweeping Promises, the once Boston-based post-punk outfit now located in Lawrence, Kansas, has unleashed a feverish and uncompromising attitude in their sophomore album, Good Living Is Coming For You. With unrelenting urgency and a distinct blend of post-punk, new wave, and garage rock influences, … Read more
King Gizzard & The Lizard WizardPetroDragonic Apocalypse; Or, Dawn Of Eternal Night: An Annihilation Of Planet Earth And The Beginning Of Merciless DamnationKGLW [2023] King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard is back with their 24th album, PetroDragonic Apocalypse; or, Dawn of Eternal Night: An Annihilation of Planet Earth and the Beginning of Merciless Damnation. This … Read more
RVGBrain WormsFire Records [2023] Melbourne post-punk quartet RVG’s third album, Brain Worms, is a bold and ambitious record that sees the band expanding their sound with the addition of synths while staying true to their roots. The album is once again filled with catchy melodies, driving rhythms, and Romy Vager’s sharp, insightful lyrics. RVG harkens … Read more
Maya OngakuApproach To AnimaGuruguru Brain [2023] Maya Ongaku is a trio hailing from the seaside communities surrounding Enoshima, a small island located 50 km southwest of Tokyo, Japan. The group earned a bunch of early fans as they were an opener for label mate Kikagaku Moyo’s final tour. Approach To Anima is their debut album, … Read more
Beach FossilsBunnyBayonet Records [2023] Beach Fossils, the indie rock band hailing from Brooklyn, has returned after five years with their fourth studio album, Bunny. Known for their dreamy and introspective sound, the band’s latest offering takes their signature style to new heights. Bunny is a dreamy, hazy, and ultimately uplifting album that showcases the band’s … Read more
Vanity MirrorPuffWe Are Busy Bodies [2023] The duo of Toronto-based Brent Randall (Gentle Brent) and Los Angeles-dwelling Johnny Toomey (The Turns) is known for their previous achievements with the Los Angeles-based baroque-pop group, The Electric Looking Glass. Both musicians complement each other stylistically as Vanity Mirror’s debut album shows their knack for crafting songs that … Read more
The BomborasSongs From Beyond!MuSick Recordings [2023] In the realm of surf rock, few bands capture the spirit of the genre as brilliantly as The Bomboras. With their energetic performances and undeniable talent, the band consistently delivered a unique and captivating sound that soared in the early ’90s. However, it all came to an exhilarating end … Read more
TinariwenAmatssouWedge [2023] In the two decades since Tinariwen emerged from their base in the African desert to tour the globe, they have got to know many renowned American country, folk, and rock musicians including Kurt Vile, Cass McCombs, Micah Nelson (son of Willie Nelson) and Jack White. The story of their ninth album, Amatssou, begins … Read more
The MurlocsCalm Ya FarmATO Records [2023] Melbourne’s The Murlocs, the Australian rock band of Ambrose Kenny-Smith and associated with the King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, have returned with the more country fried Calm Ya Farm. Much like the Gizzard, The Murlocs have been cranking out music as Calm Ya Farm is their seventh full … Read more
Wiped OutWelcome To Fear CityOtitis Media Records [2023] If you’re a fan of surf music, then you’ll definitely want to check out Welcome To Fear City by Wiped Out. Originally released digitally at the end of last year, the physical record is now out and this album captures the essence of classic surf music with … Read more
Durand JonesWait Til I Get OverDead Oceans [2023] Durand Jones is the lead vocalist of the modern soul band Durand Jones & The Indications, which has released three solid studio albums including their self-titled debut in 2016. Wait Til I Get Over is his debut release as a solo artist that showcases Jones’ smooth and … Read more
TFN video premiere today is from the Liverpool-based Novelty Island, which is the solo project of Tom McConnell, a multi-instrumentalist and clever songwriter that creates musically versatile indie-pop songs. The new single and video, “Bootlegs,” is from their latest release, Wallsend Weekend Television via 9×9 Records which is the follow up LP to their 2021 … Read more
Velvet CrushTeenage Symphonies To God550 Music/Epic Records Released: July 5, 1994Producer: Mitch Easter, Velvet CrushLength: 46:00 Velvet Crush’s Teenage Symphonies To God is an album that deserves to be held in high esteem by fans of power pop and classic rock alike. Released in 1994, the album is a tour de force of catchy hooks, … Read more
The NationalFirst Two Pages Of Frankenstein4AD [2023] The National’s ninth studio album, First Two Pages Of Frankenstein, derives its title from a moment deep in singer Matt Berninger’s bout with writer’s block. To break the lock, he will often grab a book off the shelf just to get some words in his head. In this … Read more
CrocodilesUpside Down In HeavenLolipop Records [2023] Crocodiles’ Upside Down In Heaven is an album that showcases the band’s signature noise-pop sound, but with a more mature and refined approach. The core duo of Brandon Welchez and Charles Rowell have covered many genres that include art-punk, psychedelic haze, lush 60s-inspired pop, and trashed-out glam but their … Read more
supervioletInfinite SpringLame-O Records [2023] superviolet is the moniker for Ohio-based songwriter and former The Sidekicks frontman Steven Ciolek. Infinite Spring is his debut record and its more acoustic approach marks a departure from his previous band’s work of energetic guitar driven melodies with punk rock influences. What still exists with Ciolek is his emotionally raw … Read more