New Music Releases: From Matt Hunter and Dana Gillespie to Jessica Wilde and Coastal Club
New Music Releases is a column that keeps abreast of all the news from the music industry that often flies under the radar. Keep up-to-date with the underground and independent scene and find your next favorite band or singer-songwriter right here.
Fuzz rockers Earth Tongue releases single 'Grave Pressure' ahead of new album
Hot off the heels of performances supporting Queens of the Stone Age in the US, Earth Tongue, the fuzz rock duo has release the single, ‘Grave Pressure', from their upcoming new album 'Great Haunting', set for release June 14 via In The Red Records.
The corresponding music video for ‘Grave Pressure', offers a mesmerising visual experience, filmed in Berlin following their most recent Europe tour. Directed by Tom Mannion, known for his work with Mermaidens on ‘Millennia', and produced by Caity Moloney (Dianas), the video captures Earth Tongue's dark sense of humor with nods to B-horror movies of the 1970s and 80s. Shot entirely on 16mm film, the video embraces the medium's rich colours and showcases the soft dreamy quality only real film grain can achieve.
Larkin notes: "If this song was a movie, the protagonist would be trapped in a torturous space between life and death... It's totally schlocky, and we wanted a video to match that."
Matt Hunter & the Dusty Fates tease upcoming album with new single 'Story Of A Supergroup'
Matt Hunter & the Dusty Fates have announced the upcoming release of their anticipated album, 'Reindeer Soul', out June 7 on Dromedary Records. In anticipation of the album launch, the band has dropped their new single, 'Story Of A Supergroup', alongside a music video.
Commenting on the single Matt Hunter says, "'Story of a Supergroup' was partially inspired by The Mountain Goats’ 'The Best Ever Death Metal Band Out of Denton', but is more about all the other indie rock bands of our time and generation. The difference between what inspired us, what we hoped for, and where it’s taken us. There was always the element of the divine, and no matter what it was worth it. I hope all of my past and current compatriots agree."
Secrecies drop new single 'Fashion Week' as new album approaches
Dallas-based dream-pop band Secrecies has released their single 'Fashion Week', the latest track to be released from the band's anticipated new album 'Perfect Bite' out May 17 on Idol Records. 'Fashion Week', and its accompanying video was directed and edited by the band's Shawn Magill and filmed by Vera Hernandez.
'Perfect Bite' features band leader and songwriter, Shawn Magill on vocals, bass guitar, and synthesizer as well musicians Alex Bhore on guitar and synthesizer (composer/ producer for 'Halo' video game), Leah Lane on guitar (of Rosegarden Funeral Party), Dean Adams on percussion (of LoreleiK), and Ivan Beltran on drums (of Only Ever).
Icon Dana Gillespie releases Morrisey-penned single 'Spent The Day In Bed' off new album
Legendary singer-songwriter Dana Gillespie, has announced the release of 'Spent The Day In Bed', the lead single from her new album 'First Love', released on May 31 through Fretsore Records.
'Spent The Day In Bed' is written by Morrissey, who is full of praise for Dana's recording: "It's incredible, where do I start?" he says. "Dana's 'Spent' is very special, and I don't say that 'just because...' it's so well done and very well structured musically and that guitar solo is magnificent. Every vocal nuance is full of mischief and maverick free spirit ... which, really, is typical Dana. It's an inspiring version for me, and really so much better than the original. It's a triumph".
Morrissey has also designed the artwork for Dana's limited edition 'Spent The Day In Bed' 7" single which will be released on the May 10. For the cover Morrissey chose an iconic Terry O'Neill photograph of Dana, taken in 1973.
'Spent The Day In Bed' is one of eleven songs reimagined by Dana on her album 'First Love', including the self-penned title track. Every recording on the album has a personal resonance for Dana which features material written by Bob Dylan, Stevie Nicks, Leonard Cohen and David Bowie (who was such an integral part of Dana's early career). 'First Love' has been produced by Marc Almond and Tris Penna.
Jessica Wilde drops new single 'Fade' as fans await new summer album
English artist Jessica Wilde is back with her new single ‘Fade’, as she turns up the heat for her highly anticipated new album this summer.
‘Fade’ is the latest chapter in Wilde’s healing and inner work, which saw her 2022 debut album chart her journey from mad parties, escapism, addiction and toxic relationships to self-healing, empowerment, self-love and living sober.
“When we truly let go, life opens doors for new people and possibilities to come in exceeding our expectations. It hurts, but letting go is an act of self-love and value,” Wilde explains.
Wilde co-wrote ‘Fade’ with multi-platinum selling writer James Newman, who wrote Rudimental’s Brit award winning song ‘Waiting All Night’ with Ella Eyre, as well as ‘Lay Me Down’ with Ed Sheeran. The track follows her recent singles ‘Freak Out’, ‘Feathers’ with Zoe Kypri and ‘Love Like This’ with Josh Barry, also from the forthcoming new album.
Animal, Surrender! releases single 'Led By The Bit' ahead of May album drop
On May 17, Animal, Surrender! will release their self-titled album on Ernest Jenning Record Co. Animal, Surrender! is Peter Kerlin (Sunwatchers and Chris Forsyth & Solar Motel Band) and drummer Rob Smith (Grey/Smith, Rhyton, Pigeons, D. Charles Spear).
The project’s title refers to the ambiguous creatureliness of the human animal: How in trying to kill the animal within we eradicated all wildness on the planet; How in our never-ending evasion of any discomfort we guaranteed the destruction of all that sustains us. It's about other things too, like falling out among friends and how even if it's the end it's not the end. As a precursor to the full album, the band has dropped their first track, 'Led By The Bit', which is available on all streaming platforms for any playlist shares.
'Led By The Bit' embodies Animal, Surrender!'s signature blend of experimental soundscapes and intricate rhythms. Peter Kerlin, bassist for Animal, Surrender!, elaborates on the creative process behind the song: "The bassline in this song serves as a call-and-response between different instruments, creating a dynamic push-and-pull effect. We also incorporated the unique qualities of the Octave bass, with its wide frequency range, to enhance the sonic exploration."
Coastal Club releases first single off upcoming EP 'All of the Things You Said'
On July 19, the Cincinnati-based indie pop band Coastal Club will release their new EP, 'All of the Things You Said'. The band has shared the EP's lead single 'Cigarettes'.
'Cigarettes', a nostalgic and celebratory anthem, encapsulates the essence of carefree living and the joys of embracing life with boundless energy. Lead guitarist and vocalist, Alexandre Hirlinger, describes the track as a reminder to cherish the moments that make us feel alive and invincible.
Coastal Club is drummer David McGuire, lead guitarist and vocalist Avery Benter, and lead singer and guitarist Alexandre Hirlinger, the band draws inspiration from influences like Young the Giant and COIN, infusing their music with a refreshing sense of optimism and joy.
Burnside Project pay heartbreaking tribute to Paul Searing with 'Ancient Artifact'
Kid Recordings and Burnside Project have dropped 'Ancient Artifact', the indie/synth-pop band’s brand new (and final) single. 'Ancient Artifact' takes on a profound significance as it features Burnside Project's Paul Searing on a powerful lead vocal in the chorus. Tragically, Searing passed away unexpectedly shortly before Christmas of 2023. This marks his final recorded performance, a lasting testament to his talent. His artistic vision is further immortalized on the single cover which features his original photography and design.
The remaining members took some time to reflect and, with the blessing of Searing's family and friends, decided to move ahead with the release as a tribute to his memory. Watch the music video for 'Ancient Artifact', which features footage recorded live at Astro Hall in Tokyo, Japan on March 9, 2004.
When the trio of Searing, Richard Jankovich and Gerald Hammil reconvened to plan the 20th anniversary release of their Bar-None/Sony release 'The Networks, The Circuits, The Streams, The Harmonies', they were hoping there'd be an opportunity to release a new song at some point. While unearthing unreleased tracks and demos for the expanded reissue, they discovered remnants of a song written in 2003 called 'Ancient Artifact'. They kept a few instrumental hooks and a killer chorus and wrote a brand new song, finally finishing in the fall of 2023. Burnside Project were joined by drummer Michael Lerner (The Antlers) and vocalist/bassist Anna Bohichik who made up the backbone of Burnside Project from 2005 to 2006.
Punk rockers Handheld set to release live album to celebrate 25th anniversary
In a landmark celebration of their 25th anniversary, Ontario Canada's Handheld, the dynamic fast melodic punk band that might have escaped your radar, will release 'Live at 25', a live album. Captured in a jammed packed small sold-out club, this record is a journey through their discography, brimming with energy.
Celebrating a quarter-century, Handheld’s performance showcases their passion and evolution, delivering an unforgettable experience for fans and new listeners alike. 'Live at 25' is out May 10th, via Thousand Islands Records and Pink Lemonade Records.
On the latest single 'Lightbulbs', the band says, "I guess this was one of the 'hits' from the early 2000s, I guess it's about being in a band. Our singer hates the lyrics but people seem to like it. We've probably played this song more than any other. It was also around the time that song titles had to make no sense. Thanks Moneen! So we’ve renamed it to what we’ve been calling it in our setlist the last 20+ years, simply just “Lightbulbs”, always a fun one and favorite live, hope you enjoy!"
Set Feux aka Diana Planche to release debut album this month
Set Feux (aka Toronto-based musician, Diana Planche) blends dreamy, sometimes bittersweet, nostalgic pop with lush vocal harmonies, ambient synths, guitars and sax on her debut self titled album, ‘Set Feux’, which is due for release on April 19, 2024.
Planche spent her formative years singing in church choirs and performing in community theatre productions. After finishing her studies in classical music at Queen’s University, she began writing her own songs, and eventually received an OAC and F.A.C.T.O.R grant to produce her first album released in 2009. In 2010, she joined indie rock band, The Paint Movement as a singer/keyboard player, and in 2011 released their self-titled album produced by Dave Newfeld (Super Furry Animals, Broken Social Scene). The Paint Movement toured extensively over Canada opening for bands like Yukon Blonde, Zeus and the Pains of Being Pure at Heart. In 2015, Planche toured Europe with Toronto singer songwriter, Barzin. Upon returning from the European tour, Planche began working on new material with long time collaborator, Kevin Kralik (wearenotwhoweare, Mass Paves) and her husband, Barzin (Toronto based singer/songwriter) for what would become, ‘Set Feux’.
On ‘Young And Lonely’, Planche explains, “I wrote 'Young and Lonely' during the first pandemic lockdown. My mother in law, who has Alzeimer's, had come to live with us and her memory loss was progressing quite rapidly. It was really difficult witnessing her memory decline and I began thinking about the impact memory has on our identity. The song explores the self that is left when our memory fades and poses the question, are we still the same person without our memories?”
The album took over 5 years to complete, recorded in Toronto and Hamilton. The songs explore love, passion, loneliness and the overwhelming desire to unravel the mystery of one’s self. Third single ‘Young And Lonely’ is a gorgeous slow-burning pop track with hazy languid reflective moods that are like a poignant honey on the ear.
Left Circles drops single 'Bleed It Out' ahead of debut album
Brooklyn, NY's Left Circles has released the new single 'Bleed It Out', along with a music video for the track, which appears on the upcoming debut LP 'Nothing Is One Thing', out April 26 on Miserable Neighbor Records.
The solo project of Brooklyn-based musician Brian Pluta (live guitarist for Space Cadet), Left Circles's album flies through several modes of rock, from ‘90s lo-fi to Brit pop to ‘50s folk. It was mixed by Travis Harrison (Guided By Voices, Built to Spill) and features drums from Kellii Scott (Failure) and Harrison, as well as guest vocals from Matt Hock (Space Cadet, The Explosion). Brian also plays live guitar for Miserable Neighbor labelmates Space Cadet.
Of the single, Pluta says, "'Bleed It Out' was written by accident. I had already gotten all the tracks together for the record, and this one just sorta slipped out while I was practicing for a show. I don't write a lot of purely positive songs, but it's like this one demanded to exist. With all the negativity thrown at us these days, it's too easy to internalize it to the point of self-defeat. This song is a little antidote."