A selection of new and/or relevant rock and indie leaning tracks that have recently left an impression on us!
R.D.Macnab – “Testify“
Listening to R.D.Macnab‘s track “Testify” is a little like being reunited with a long lost friend. While there is an immediate familiarity present there is also a feeling that you want to discover more with each listen. Warm textures and a gently strummed guitar offer the foundation and while the overall vibe is certainly laidback the track is able to deliver a few punches, not least on a chorus that would not sit out of place on a Steven Malkmus record.
Vini Vicious – “Fuzzy”
Having recently featured Vini Vicious and their frankly eerie video for the track “New York” we are glad to have the Tel Aviv reprobates back on these pages. This track is an altogether different proposition and feels much more in your face and confrontational. While still boasting its fair share of sweet sweet melodies as its name suggests “Fuzzy” masks these under a sea of distortion, angular riffs and sore throats. I bet this one is a lot of fun live!
Modest Mouse – “The Sun Hasn’t Left”
The release of a new Modest Mouse album is always a cause to rejoice at Cougar Microbes HQ. MM purists may scoff at the general upbeatness of this latest single and the continued ironing out of some of the kinks that found their way onto the band’s earlier output and made them indie darlings.. Scratch beneath the surface and you will still find the lyrical wordplay and cynicism that has been present throughout with Isaac Brock sounding as spot-on as ever. Besides, what’s not to love about this eclectic instrumentation and bouncy percussion patterns.
Wye Oak – “Electricity”
To commemorate the 10 year anniversary of their excellent ‘Civilian‘ album Andy Stack found himself searching through various old hard drives. The first track to be uncovered from this trove is “Electricity“, which the band played live during that period but ended up shelving before the album was mixed. Thankfully they uncovered the track, first because it adds some context to the original release but also because it represents a more complete vision of the Baltimore duo at the time. Jenn Wasner‘s passionate delivery and lovelorn lyrics sound essential. The bottom line is that the tracks Wye Oak cuts are better than the stuff most bands think of.
Bleachers – How Dare You Want More
Jack Antonoff rightfully garners a ton of press due to his production work but it is perhaps on his output as Bleachers where he can truly gratify his influences and indulge himself. Having entertained Bruce Springsteen on the previous single “Chinatown” it feels like “How Dare You Want More” is an extended recognition to the New Jersey legend’s work. Saxophone solo? Check! Gang vocals? Check! Reverb soaked guitars? Check! In the hands of a less able practitioner, this would have descended into parody territory but Antonoff makes it sound genuine and above all else fun!
