.new stuff

I always feel like I am so far behind on music. There's so much to explore it can be very overwhelming. Here's a post that doesn't bombard you with new sound, just some things to take a listen to...

Chastity Belt has a new album out in June. Their new song "Different Now" and video go in tandem. I found myself drawn to the overcast pacific northwestern beach as the ladies set up their equipment. Julia's portrait surrounded by wind-blown greenery singing about finding yourself and not having the answers you want. As the song transitions from uncertainty to self-realization the darkness falls in as the band is surrounded by one another's company around a bonfire. The song hits a chord about self-discovery. Personally it reminded me of your 20s vs. your 30s. Figuring out your place in the world but surrounding yourself with positive energy / good people.

Tank and the Bangas on Tiny Desk

On Twitter I follow NPR and love their "Tiny Desk" series. When they tweeted about an emotional performance by Tank and the Bangas I clicked to watch. This group is dynamic hailing from Louisiana. They use spoken word and different voice inflections to get the point across. My favorite song was "Roller Coaster." The feeling of sickening butterflies and the exhilaration of being seated in an uncontrolled cart. When people can articulate so clearly emotion into words or voice that is a gift. Check them out. Their outfits are also A+ (banana pants?! C'mon!)

Finally VMP features Tennis as their "Album of the Month." My copy came in the mail yesterday (I see them on Saturday in concert). It's a pretty bubblegum themed blast of coral and powdered blue. The album comes with a booklet (haven't read it yet) of how the songs and theme of the new record came about with photos nicely decorated on each page. My local indie radio station played "Ladies Don't Play Guitar" on loop. I have heard "In the Morning I'll Be Better" but cannot pinpoint where for the life of me. It sounds like something that would be played during the season finale of Orange is the New Black. The songs are an eclectic mix. One in particular sounds a bit Cocteau Twin-ish. It's a good album to listen to on a rainy day or like today, a rainy snowstorm.

So that's about it for new listens. What have you been listening to lately? Please share in the comments below!