Author Archives: The Trill Detective
BadBadNotGood – Talk Memory (XL Recordings)
BadBadNotGood return with a solid new album of spacey, modern jazz fusion that at times pushes into realms of R&B and Electronic. Featuring great guests like Karriem Riggins (percussion), Brandee Younger (harp) and Terrace Martin (alto saxophone). Give this a spin! Not just for jazz programming. Play: 4, 1, all FCC: Clean RIYL: Flying Lotus, […]
Nightlands – I Can Feel the Night Around Me
Dave Hartley, member of The War on Drugs’ project Nightlands explores 70’s radio rock territory but never leaves the psychedelic too far behind. The album cover does a good job of summing up the central vibe of this album, “coastal dusk”. The twinkling synths and keys sparkle like twilight stars against layered vocals and warm […]
Loose Tooth – Big Day
Strong early effort by this outfit from Philly, the current center of all fuzzy DIY indie-rock. Unlike other bands of this ilk, Loose Tooth has strong instrumentals and tight playing from all members. The loud guitars, drums and bass will remind you of Dinosaur Jr. but the vocals and jittery core lean towards Dismemberment Plan. Slacker rock […]
Bleach Day -Where to Dream
Hot new rising band out of our very own Burlington VT. Lo-Fi, reel to reel recorded by AF Tapes. An official selection for Cassette Store Day. Sounds like early Dr. Dog meets Mac DeMarco and Girls. Label: AF Tapes FCC: 9 Play:4, 2, 7 RIYL: Dr. Dog, Mac DeMarco
PI JA MA – Radio Girl EP
Parisian singer/songwriter that does indie pop well. Also shines with introspective ballads. Label: Bleep Machine FCC: None Play: 1, 3 RIYL: Feist, Beach House
Essential Tremors – The Visitor EP
Noisy, industrial offering from Jack White’s label Third Man Records. Recalls the Pop Group and Gang of Four. For the dance party in hell. Label: Third Man Records FCC: Clean Play: 1, 3 RIYL: Liars, Black Dice, The Pop Group
Atmosphere -Fishing Blues
A hold over from late in the summer, the Minnesota duo holds it down with a strong offering on its latest LP. Label: Rhymesayers FCC: Clean Version Play: 2,4,5,6,10,13 RIYL: Aesop Rock, Brother Ali
Heaters – Baptistina
Powerful, garagey, psychedelic surf rock from Michigan band Heaters. Smashes you over the head with distorted hooks and heady instrumental passages. Worth a listen! Label: Beyond Beyond is Beyond FCC: Clean Play: 1, 2, 4, 5, 7 RIYL: Thee Oh Sees, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard
William Tyler – Modern Country
Although late to the studio, this collection hasn’t aged a day since its release in June. Like Sturgill Simpson, and various other artists, William Tyler is yet another challenging the “country” label in current music. Sweeping, virtuoso, instrumental guitar songs that unfold like the score to a forgotten road movie. Enjoy! Label: Merge Records FCC: […]
Blood Orange – Freetown Sound
Another supreme offering. A variety of sounds and influences, this is one of the best albums of the year. Mainly in a genre of its own, Dev Hynes has put together an “album” in the true sense of the word. Endlessly fascinating, full of hooks and thick bass lines, play it a lot! Label: Domino […]
Wild Beasts – Boy King
Excellent fifth album by the sensual Wild Beasts. Lots of deep grooves and experimental guitar flourishes enhanced by unique crooning vocals. Produced by John Congleton. Label: Domino FCC: 2, 7 Play: 1, 3, 4, 8, 10 RIYL: Perfume Genius, Warpaint
Ryley Walker – Golden Sings That Have Been Sung
Psychedelic, pastoral, jazz/folk follow up to 2015’s Primrose Green. The young Chicago artist is a force to be reckoned with. Vocals delivered conversationally and allows for long instrumental passages. Great stuff! Label: Dead Oceans FCC: 2, 4, 6 Play: 1, 3, 5 RIYL: William Tyler, Wilco, Van Morrison, Nick Drake
Thee Oh Sees – A Weird Exits
Another driving, frenzied album by San Francisco’s Thee Oh Sees. This release includes some kraut influenced instrumentals and explores the apocalyptic side of psychedelia. Label: Castle Face FCC: None Play: 5, 1, 2, 4 RIYL: Ty Segall, King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard
Laura Gibson – Empire Builder
The album title references a cross-country Amtrak line. The music perfectly complements the yearning and introspection one feels gazing out the window of a long ride with miles of country just out of reach. Barsuk Records Play: 7, 3, 1, 4 FCC: None (except track 2 says “Damn” a lot) RIYL: Feist, Sylvan Esso, Mountain […]
Teen – Love Yes
Art-pop in the vein of St. Vincent but less confrontational. Group is lead by Teeny Lieberson. Every song is a winner! Play whatever you like! LOVE? YES! LOL Label: Carpark Records FCC: None Try: 1,2,6,9, all RIYL: St. Vincent, Chairlift
So Pitted – neo
Cacophonous hard rock from Seattle. Lives in the punk world, but sounds at times like experimental noise. Think In Utero era Nirvana. Lots of cool instrumental hooks and other sounds. Play LOUDLY. Label: Sub Pop, FCC: 11, Try: 2,3,6,9, RIYL: Mudhoney, Nirvana, The Jesus Lizard
Porches – Pool
New York City band associated with Frankie Cosmos. A darker sounding chill-wave; imagine an indie Greenwich Connecticut version of The Weeknd. Quite excellent all the way through and every track has something interesting to offer. Check out highlights “Underwater”, “Be Apart”, “Car”, “Shaver” and “Shape” RIYL: Majical Cloudz, Chromatics, James Blake, Frankie Cosmos, Try: 1,3,9,10,11, […]
POP ETC – Souvenir
Formerly The Morning Benders, this band excels at “pop” songwriting but does not take many risks. Gone are the lush surf rock/ Beach Boys experiments of Morning Benders records like Big Echo. We are now given something not much different than the band Fun. This is very pleasant, arena sized indie rock. Just edgy enough […]
Sunflower Bean – Human Ceremony
Fuzzy, warm, psychedelic pop rock out of Brooklyn. Hits an indie sweet spot with interesting textures, catchy hooks, and fun guitar. A little heavier than other bands that currently fit this bill. RIYL: Eternal Summers, Real Estate Try: 11,2,3,5, all, FCC: Clean, Fat Possum Records
Charlie Hilton – Palana
Dream pop from Blouse vocalist with assistance from Mac DeMarco. Spin this at dusk or dawn while sipping hot tea and doing crosswords with a significant other. RIYL: Blouse, Julia Holter, Nico Try: 3,2,11, all, FCC: Clean, Captured Tracks Records
Thus Owls – Black Matter EP
Swedish-Canadian duo from Montreal. Experimental rock/pop with sinister undertones. Great for frosty winter evenings. Label: Secret City Records Play: 2,3,4 FCC: Clean RIYL: Bjork, The Knife, My Brightest Diamond, Joanna Newsom
Stiletto Feels – The Big Fist
Glitchy, electronic jam fest with a mathy edge. Upbeat, yet dark themes permeate the lyrical content. Project by Austin artist Geoffrey Earle. Label: GTZ Records Play: 4,1,5,8,12 FCC: 9 RIYL: Dan Deacon, Battles, Liars
Ty Segall – Ty Rex
Ty Segall does T. Rex! Deep cuts and a few classics. Expect fuzzy swagger. Label: Goner Records Play: 5,2,3,9 FCC: Clean RIYL: T. Rex, Thee Oh Sees, Fuzz, King Tuff
CJSW 90.9 FM – “Level Up” Compilation
Sprawling compilation of live performances at CJSW 90.9 FM Calgary. 3 Discs and spans almost all genres. Some incredible performances. Play! It’s awesome! Label: Self-Released Try: Any, but start with 1,7,36,39,48,16 FCC: 41,43,44 RIYL: WRUV Exposure/ College Radio performances!
The Garden – haha
Duo consists of twin brothers from California. They blend a post punk sensibility with a minimalist/ electronic/ rap vibe. Label: Burger/ Epitaph Try: 13,8,3,6,7 FCC: 4,10,14,15 RIYL: Tijuana Panthers, Sleaford Mods