Big Bliss–At Middle Distance
Genre: Indie Rock, Post Punk
FFO: Interpol, The National, Iceage
Brooklyn-based indie rock three piece, Big Bliss, storms the scene with their debut full length this month.
At Middle Distance finds the trio implementing a very melodic, post punk-driven take on indie rock very reminiscent of early Interpol, The National, or The Cure.
Be sure to give it a listen below!
Nova Amor–Birthplace
Genre: Indie Folk
FFO: Bon Iver, Fleet Foxes, Sufjan Stevens
Welsh artist/multi-instrumentalist, Ali John Meredith-Lacey, crafts an awe-inducing proper debut LP under the Nova Amor stage name.
From the moment the first track kicks in, fellow listeners may also find it nearly impossible to not compare Birthplace to some of Bon Iver‘s earlier work prior to his friendship with Kanye West. Personally, I look at Lacey’s writing as an expansion upon the beauty of Justin Vernon’s art and an answer to the bizarre, electronic direction the group went in.
All ten tracks found within this record are guaranteed to deliver warmth that will undoubtedly tug at the heart strings and feel as if they are part of a nonexistent film soundtrack. Lacey’s falsetto-based vocal performance coupled with his take on atmospheric indie folk is sure to have Birthplace land a spot high up on your year end list.
Watch the video for the title track below.
TVAM–Psychic Data
Genre: Synthpop, Electronica, Psychedelic Pop
FFO: Crystal Castles, Zola Jesus, Ritualz
UK-based producer, Joe Oxel, breathes new life into the music scene via complete self composition. Oxel’s love for visual art and electronic production converge effortlessly in the artist’s debut LP under the TVAM moniker.
It was admittedly more of a challenge than usual to pin point genres and similar artists for Psychic Data as it is one of the most unique records I have heard this year. The eerie synth and guitar dubs serve as a fitting backdrop for Oxel’s haunting vocal performance as he seamlessly integrates atmospheric synth pop, psychrock, post punk, and many other genres into well-refined melting pot.
Check out the video for the title track below!
Whispering Sons–Image
Genre: Post Punk, New Wave
FFO: Joy Division, Echo & The Bunnymen, The Chameleons
While the Belgian post punk act known as Whispering Sons may not re-invent the wheel with their debut LP, it does not appear such is their intention. Image is a dark, brooding, atmospheric record that could comfortably be placed alongside the efforts of some of the greats of the post punk genre.
Be sure to stream it below!