Recommended albums for your discovery!
FUTURE STATES – CASUAL LISTENER (GOLDEN BROWN)
Remember the early 2000s when there was a brand of quirky melodic rock that seemed to exclusively feature geeks and nerds exclusively? You know the kind – mid tempo rhythms, hushed vocals and a somewhat placid countenance. It barely rocked but enthusiasts loved the sense of the offbeat. Well that’s Montreal/Ottawa band Future States to a ’t’. For lovers of The Shins, The Apples in Stereo and The Decemberists. http://futurestatesband.com/
Buy now: Amazon | iTunes
LUKE TEMPLE – A HAND THROUGH THE CELLAR DOOR (SECRETLY CANADIAN)
There is an easy sophistication about the music of Luke Temple. A 70s English folk-rock vibe runs through this fabulous album, along with the heady inspirations of Jeff Buckley and Radiohead. It is art rock with a folky sensibility that Temple evokes in top notch songs like “Estimated World”, “Smashing Glass” and “The Case of Louis Warren”. Recommended. https://www.facebook.com/LukeTempleMusic/
Buy now: Amazon | iTunes
NICK PIUNTI – TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS (JEM RECORDS)
Power-pop lovers are never in doubt about music they like. It’s in the memorable tunes, the intriguing chord changes, the pommeling drums and the crunching power chords. Nick Piunti’s latest album is an instant power-pop classic and fills a need in this smart-melody-bereft modern rock world. And how! http://www.nickpiunti.com/
Buy now: Amazon | iTunes
RACHEL MASON – DAS RAM (CLEOPATRA RECORDS/PRACTICAL RECORDS)
Expressionistic pop that is full of dynamism and drama is what is delivered on this new album from Rachel Mason. Never content to dwell on safe sounds, Mason draws inspiration from iconoclastic artists like Kate Bush, Siouxsie Sioux and Karen O. There is a deep exploration of diverse musical styles that go beyond superficial modern pop in tracks like “Love Explodes”, “Sandstorm” and “Queen Bee”. http://www.rachelannmason.com/
Buy now: Amazon | iTunes
… still there’s more …