SPRING PLAYLIST

Review By: Sean Kayden

Pure X – “Starlight” - The first single, “Starlight” off Pure X’s forthcoming third album, “Angel” is a hazy, tender, incredibly intimate jam. It was only a year ago, they released “Crawling Up The Stairs.” For their latest endeavor, Pure X recorded the new album live-to-tape in a century-old dancehall in rural Texas. It’s an achingly beautiful song with unparallel harmonies and a guitar line reminiscent of 70s rock. With falsetto vocals, romantic lyrics, and a refreshingly old school approach to song crafting, “Starlight” will put you in a daydream you’ll not want to snap out of. “Angel” is out on April 1^st via Fat Possum Records.

Small Black – “Downtown Lights” - One of my favorite albums of 2013 was “Limits of Desire” from Small Black. The chillwave, synth-pop band is back with a brand new EP entitled “Real People.” In the same vein of their previous effort, the band has crafted five new dreamy, electronic induced songs worth your attention. “Downtown Lights” is an ultra sleek, danceable, lowtempo jam that captures the craziness of a fun filled night. It’s exceptionally enchanting with soft vocals, passionate lyrics and cool vibes. It cuts a little deeper than previous songs have in the past, but the growth this band has shown of the course of their last two records is positively admirable. “Real People EP” hits shelves April 1^st on Jagjaguwar.

Tokyo Police Club – “Feel The Effect” - It’s been four years since Tokyo Police Club’s sophomore LP, “Champ.” On March 25^th, the band is set to release “Forcefield.” Closing track, “Feel The Effect,” is indie pop at it’s finest. It’s a slower one from this band, but the power-pop tendencies come into effect in the final stages of the tune. It’s unbelievably catchy, super smooth and so irresistible that you’ll most definitely have this one on repeat. While not as lyrically powerful as the first two songs on this list, the simplicity is welcoming, if a bit underwhelming. I’ve already had the pleasure to preview “Forcefield” and this one is a great addition to kick off the spring season. “Forcefield” is your winning ticket out of those gloom and doom sort of afternoons.

The Mary Onettes – “Naïve Dream” - It was only a year ago when dream-pop Swedish band The Mary Onettes released “Hit The Waves.” The band is back with what they describe as a mini-album entitled “Portico.” The seven-track album is filled with dreamy, 80s soaked tunes. One of the singles, “Naïve Dream” is a song for any fans of The Cure. This shoegazey tune is nostalgic too the max. Blissful melodies, spaced out arrangements and yearning for love type of lyrics is ideal combination for this indie-pop gem. If you dig the 80s, “Naïve Dream” is one you can’t afford to pass up. “Portico” is out now on Labrador Records.

Future Islands – “A Dream Of You and Me” - One of my favorite bands is Future Islands. The unique synthpop band from Baltimore, Maryland features the raspy vocals for singer/songwriter Samuel T Herring. His vocals are unlike anyone in the game and while it may take some time to adjusting to, you can find the sheer beauty in his songs. Future Islands craft poetry in their deeply profound, but occasional danceable material. “A Dream Of You and Me” is off their third LP, “Singles” out on March 25^th via 4AD. This harrowing gem has the signature snythpop style of Future Islands, but the lyrics will pull you in. The words are reflective and exceedingly pondering that you must carefully take in. Future Islands once again doesn’t disappoint with one of the most stunning songs of 2014. Like I said before, the vocals may not be for everyone, but for those seeking something unconventional and intensely rewarding, look no further than the sheer splendor that lies within this powerful song.