Happy New Year Receives Gift in “Hotel” Video


Yay for privacy! We complain about not having enough of it, but when artists can retreat to make-shift studios in condemned 19th century breweries to record solo projects, it’s time to count your amendment blessings.

Eleanor Logan of Adult Themes released a 7″ of vengeful pop songs receiving critical acclaim (as if anyone else would take the time) under the name Happy New Year.

UK Director, Rob Heppell created the enticing video for “Hotel” which you can view once you’ve finished reading this sentence.

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR- HOTEL from rob heppell on Vimeo.

Reading Rainbows ‘Prism Eyes’ Refracts New Light into Music


What’s so alluring about Reading Rainbow‘s Prism Eyes is its intangible familiarity. Duo Robbie Garcia and Sarah Everton deliver a naked, stripped down lo-fi hearkening to 1960s American pop that’s peppered with hints of 90’s era Sleater Kinney. Much like fellow garage-punk genre benders Best Coast and Wavves, Reading Rainbow does a lot with a little. Their permaculturally minded compositions may in part be fueled by their health-food obsession—a clean body equals a clear mind after all, and even in their muddled hazy sounds, clarity is actually ever present.

The chunky guitar work and droning lyrical hooks of their not-quite upbeat tracks, like the album’s tangy opener, “Wasting Time,” the epic “Runaways” and the outstanding “Cut in Two” sinks deep into parts of us accessible only through hollow sounds and reverb.

What’s so lasting about Prism Eyes is its accessibility, its now-and-then-ness that seems somewhat imperative, though it’s not exactly clear why. The echoey “Let’s Dream Tonight” and “To My Gemini” offer a monotonous reprieve from the over-produced and under-titillating Kanye-esque cluttered world refracting into everything. Prism Eyes is kind of like the way a big healthy salad can reverse the damage of too many Big Macs; Reading Rainbow may not be as dramatic as the other options out there, but nonetheless their essence is a necessity. And despite our seemingly endless feedback loop of insanity, everything is all right even when it’s not, or at least, through the haze it appears that way.

Metal Mountains Prepare Debut Album

Metal Mountains have set a date for their debut album. The album Golden Trees will be unveiled on January 25th, 2011.

Out on Amish Records, the album is described as a “minimalist psych-folk masterpiece” that combines violin, finger-picking guitar and a generous use of silence.

The members of Metal Mountain, Helen Rush, Pat Gubler and Samara Lubelski have had their hands full with Tower Recordings up until now. Alongside Matt Valentine, they make up the key components of Tower.

Look for the album Golden Trees on mp3, vinyl and CD this January on Amish Records.

Lower Dens Plays a “Yours Truly” Session, and Releases First Single, ‘Batman’


Female fronted Indie rock band from Baltimore, Lower Dens, has announced their 2011 tour dates. Starting on January 3rd in Washington DC, they will finish March 15th in Norman, Oklahoma.

Previously releasing their first album, Twin-Hand Movement, the new single “Batman” is off the upcoming EP of the same name to be released January 18th. They recently performed the single for a “Yours Truly” Session that you can watch here.

Listen to previous single, “Blue and Silver

Tour Dates

01/03 – Washington DC – The Kennedy Center
01/12 – Carrboro NC – Cat’s Cradle $
01/13 – Atlanta GA – Variety Playhouse $
01/14 – Asheville NC – Grey Eagle Tavern $
01/15 – Nashville TN – Exit In $
03/11 – Washington DC – Black Cat !
03/12 – Chapel Hill NC – Local 506 !
03/13 – Atlanta GA – The EARL !
03/15 – Norman OK – The Opolis !

$ = w/ The Walkmen
! = w/ Wye Oak

Check out their Myspace for more information.

Matt Lowell to Perform at Mercury Lounge January 8


Berklee College of Music grad Matt Lowell is known for his contrast between intimate, soft vocals to roaring powerful bursts of passion. He’s been featured at CMJ, SXSW, Sundance, Hotel Café and on recent tours with Howie Day, Tony Lucca, Serena Ryder.

On the heels of wrapping up recording on his second EP, Second Storm with help from writer/producer Crit Harmon, the Long Island native returns to New York City with a show at the Mercury Lounge on January 8th.

Recently voted as an “Artist To Watch” by Clear Channel and  “Best of Long Island Singers for 2010” Lowell’s energy and enthusiasm promises to make this a show not to be missed.