AUDIO: Astari Nite’s “The Girl Who Tried”

“Astari Nite channels an obscure beauty in the crossfire between new-wave and post-punk” is what the press releases says but do want to believe it? I’m dingling a new track from them so I am hopeful it is enough to convince you to take a listen. It is from their latest EP Dreams Of Majesty (Cleopatra Records (US)/Danse Macabre (Europe)) and is the second single from it.

VIDEO: Cotillon’s “Black Sea”

Directed by Sandy Kim & Brian Lee Hughes, “Black Sea” is the latest video from Cotillon, which may look like a low-grade camcorder video but that’s why it works. The song is from The Afternoons, available below via Amazon.com.

AUDIO: Demure For Sure’s “Coconut, Rum And Banana”

“Coconut, Rum And Banana” sounds like a great drink, if not a pie but Demure For Sure say it has the potential to be a great song. Do you agree? Have a listen and see how it works for you, for those who are into pure pop for now people.

VIDEO: Lovely Bad Things’ “Hiding To Nothing”

Burger Records have released another gem, this time by Lovely Bad Things and their new EP, Homebodies. From it is a nice pop rocker called “Hiding To Nothing”, which sounds a bit like early R.E.M. or Let’s Active, or even The La’s “There She Goes”.

VIDEO: Ali Aura’s “Sex In The City”

It’s not about “and the city”, it’s being “In The City” when it comes to “Sex” and wanting to share your crotch protein and that is what Ali Aura is doing with his new track and if the song sounds like it could come from somewhere else, realize that this was produced by Cee-Lo Green, who is sharing his vibe with others. Will this become a scorcher? It could.

VIDEO: Trementina’s “Oh Child”

Burger Records has another nice one in their hands, or glands. This one is called “Oh Child” and it’s by Trementina, taken from their latest album 810 and it has a very nice and zest pop and dance feel to it but not to the point of ruin. Have a listen and see if it suits your fancy.

AUDIO: James Gardin & Terem’s “GO!”

This is not just a mere collaboration, this is an adventure and what an adventure this is. From Michigan is James Gardin, who worked with French producer Terem to do a song called “GO!”, which may have been done with a winter mentality but with hope that better things are ahead. More music from them will be on its way.

AUDIO: Tree Machines’ “Waiting On The Sun”

After a gentle buzz in the last few years, Tree Machines will finally be releasing their debut album this year called Up For Air and everyone involved will be able to breathe. Check out the first single from it, “Waiting On The Sun” and in time, the sun will arrive to greet the new warmth.

REVIEW: The Fireworks’ “Switch Me On”

This album was in the pile of discs to review but as I was listening to it and really getting into the power of rock on this, I looked to find out when it was released: February 2015. I thought to myself “was this meant for review two years after the fact or was it something merely to listen to?” I then kept on listening and try to figure out what to do later.

The Fireworks are a British band and the muse of Switch Me On (Shelflife) sounds British too, at least musically. It reminds me of all of the great punk and alterna-rock of the late 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s, where I’m able to hear the influences but also able to share what these new bands are doing. The group alternates between male and female vocals to help balance the vibe The Fireworks are trying to do, whether it’s something that has a lot of charm and melody or if it totally rips into the gut without regret. The power and volume of the bass and guitar may come off as loud and vulgar but the songs tell a different tale, one of love found and a need to keep it together for everyone around. It reminds of me what Sleater-Kinney or Hüsker Dü were and are capable of doing, making sure to provide a music that’s a nice punch in a face but one that is followed with a warm hug.

REVIEW: Jim Of Seattle’s “Both The Planet Frank And The Chet Lambert Show”

The last time I heard from Jim Of Seattle, I compared them to the likes of Brian Wilson, Todd Rundgren, and Prince for their diversity and eclectic side. Eclecticness is still present on Both The Planet Frank And The Chet Lambert Show (Green Monkey) but now they’re getting in contact with Devo and Frank Zappa, the former quite present when they do a cover of “Whip It” but they also get into Jimmy Webb’s realm with a nice rendition of “Wichita Lineman”.

The album is divided in two halves, the eclectic side working as a radio show (The Elders Live From The Planet Frank) and a far more trippy side on the “other” (The Chet Lambert Show), both not coinciding with one another and yet somehow the differences fit perfectly. It plays along well with The Turtles Meet The Battle Of The Bands but they are (ahem) playing with themselves for an order to dominate their practice sheds. In other words, Jim Of Seattle are doing very well stuck in their own world and they’re more than happy to welcome others in for fun and musical joy.