Southern Nights: “Grass or Gasoline”.

28 Jul 2011 — Henning Lahmann

Been banging heavily as of late to this ultra-fierce tropics-dripping jam by Orlando, Florida glo-fi duo Southern Nights, a slick and sleazy late night trip that's been dubbed "purpwave" by the group - whatever that might mean in detail. Just another example of slow-burning, 80s-leaning synth extravaganza, but for a change one that refreshingly stands out against the still rising surge of nostalgic pop monotony with its seriously sultry rooftop erotica vibe (if you know what I mean). Oh those summer nights. Grass or Gasoline is part of Southern Nights' pretty damn fine Peninsula Music Mixtape which is available for pay-what-you-want over at bandcamp. Southern Nights - Grass or Gasoline Also, check out the dudes' remix of Hymn Eola by the mighty Tonstartssbandht, which in fact basically is just the original with beats, but honestly someone had to do it: Tonstartssbandht - Hymn Eola (Southern Nights Remix) Read more →

Moon Glyph: “2011 Sampler”.

28 Jul 2011 — Henning Lahmann

Steve Rosborough of our favorite Minneapolis, Minnesota-based psych imprint Moon Glyph has made available for free download that incredible digital sampler of new and unreleased tracks he had given away at Pitchfork's music festival two weeks ago. It features a delightful compilation of established Moon Glyph fellows such as Velvet Davenport, Food Pyramid, or Lee Noble, as well as a bunch of other exciting artists that appear to be new additions to the impeccable roster, most notably the great Xander Harris. Read the fine label profile over in the Zones and don't forget to download the whole thing right here. In related news, Velvet Davenport's Parker Sprout will be back in Europe soon, with a show in Berlin hopefully sometime in October (we're working on that). Velvet Davenport - Weather Xander Harris - Redemption In Blood Read more →

Surf Club: “It’s True”.

28 Jul 2011 — Henning Lahmann

Stockton, California's Frankie Soto used to be part of that interstellar pop project Craft Spells until sole bandmate Justin Vallesteros relocated to Seattle to form that Captured Tracks-signed, Noisey-featured supergroup the lot is today. No reason for giving in though whatsoever, Soto has gathered some other likeminded dudes around him to come up with a new band and a name that says it all: Surf Club. Here's the first tune It's True, and although there are some subtle hints of early Craft Spells vibes left, the overall tone is just pure Californian eternal summer euphoria, slightly retro indie pop goodness sans electronics and deliberately guitar focused, a perfect little sunshine gem that's instantly infecting. Surf Club - It's True Read more →

Jordan Bolton: “Lull”.

27 Jul 2011 — Tonje Thilesen

Young DIY musicians is not a new phenomenon these days, but we still find it hard to believe that Manchester's Jordan Bolton is only 18 years of age, especially after discovering the amazing pop tune Lull (below) at his soundcloud page earlier this week. After exploring different sounds and genres, Bolton released his debut EP Jazz Hands in late 2010, however slowly to find his own, more particular signature in the splendid little four-track EP Silver Age in February this year. We'll get back to you with a brand, new track of his in August, so stay tuned until then. Jordan Bolton - Lull Read more →

NFOP loves: Dakotafish.

25 Jul 2011 — Tonje Thilesen

I think it's about time we give the LA based three-piece Dakotafish a few more good words, especially after the release of their (in my opinion) long-awaited debut full-lenght Many Moons, which most definitely deserves more than only 4600 plays on last.fm. Our good friends over at I Guess I'm Floating even introduced us to Mike Fish and his band as early as three years ago, but didn't for some reason get any more blog hype around their music before releasing the ridiculously catchy single Jitter earlier last year. This time, Dakotafish is back with a stronger and more organic sound than ever, now with bigger drums, less synths and bright, polyphonic vocals; leaning towards both psychedelic rock and electronic/indie pop, however with an exception of the old single and first track Jitter, which differs from the rest of the album with its dancy, synthpoppy sound. I might even go as far as saying we are witnessing a pop group being born in front of our eyes, so don't let this record leave you unheard. You can even download it for free right here. Dakotafish - Midnight Lemonade Dakotafish - Strange Symmetry Dakotafish - Jitter Read more →

Two Bicycles: “Window”.

24 Jul 2011 — Tonje Thilesen

During the sad days that has passed since the terrorist attacks in Oslo that cost over 90 human lives, 86 of them of our most valuable younger generation, I couldn't find a better way to swallow the sadness than listening to our finest ambient tunemaker Two Bicycles newest LP Window while watching the ocean all day. Our love goes out to friends and families whom have lost their loved ones in this meaningless tragedy. Download this pretty little gem via our friends at The Apiary. Two Bicycles - Window #1 Two Bicycles - Window #2 Read more →

Water Moccasins: “Gone / Stay Here”.

23 Jul 2011 — Henning Lahmann

Remember The CQ? That pretty incredible Bedford, New Hampshire duo consisting of the two staggeringly young teenagers Kris and Aaron whose dead honest shoegaze devotionalism stirred up some considerable blog buzz last summer? If not, nevermind: We just heard the news that "The CQ is no more". Don't be sad though, as Aaron Neveu has already started another thing, and the stuff he's dropped with his solo project Water Moccasins yesterday easily continues to amaze us, featuring everything we adored The CQ for, the astonishing knack for energy-laden, heavily fuzzed-out washes of guitar and synth, the beautiful melodies and the overall tone of self-sufficient excitement. In fact, these unexpected gems are some of the best new pure power pop music I've come across in a while. Cop Gone and Stay Here below, and get the (instrumental) rest of Water Moccasins' short debut EP Broken Tone over at bandcamp. Water Moccasins - Gone Water Moccasins - Stay Here Read more →