Six Records CMM Wants You To Know

Ben McElroy ".​.​.​to warm their hearts, if not their hands." E.P. (benmcelroy.bandcamp.com)

Another remarkable release from this Nottingham based ambient/drone/folk musician Ben McElroy. Opening piece "To Warm Their Hearts" captures a beautiful drone alongside a sea of inspiring strings and acoustic guitar that reminds me of the legendary Mike Oldfield. "Autumn Later" has a great balance between dark wandering sounds and uplifting mystical like tones while "The Cloud Council's Quarterly Meeting" is a collage of all types of moods and instruments making it atmospheric, cinematic and warm. Overall an incredible release from beginning to end.

David Byrne "Everybody's Coming To My House" Single (Todomundo/Nonesuch Records)

A fun, upbeat yet demented track from the former Talking Heads founder that is sure to delight long time fans. The song was co-written with Brian Eno and is from Byrne's upcoming album "American Utopia", his first since 2004. The song also features contributions from TTY, Happa Isaiah Barr, and Sampha. Byrne says that the world tour he's doing in March will be “the most ambitious show I’ve done since the shows that were filmed for Stop Making Sense.” "American Utopia" will be out March 8th courtesy of Todomundo/Nonesuch Records.

Kyle Craft "Exhile Rag" Single (Sub Pop)

Another top notch track from the upcoming Kyle Craft album "Full Circle Nightmare". His country swing meets ragtime feel is truly amazing and there are some really nice sounding horns that give it even more energy. This track along with "Heartbreak Junky" which was previewed a few weeks back give all signs that this new album is going to be pretty spectacular and I must say I can't wait for it.

Soccer Mommy "Your Dog" Single (Fat Possum)

"Your Dog" the first single from Soccer Mommy's debut album "Clean" is pretty damn impressive. The chiming guitars and walking bass line blend perfectly with Sophie Allison's captivating vocal delivery. There's some really great changes and dynamics that flow throughout the track and get you humming along in seconds. After a series of successfully self released E.P.'s which were later released as a "collection" album on Fat Possum, Allison has said to consider "Clean" her first proper full length album. Reflecting on "Your Dog" Allison said "The song comes from a feeling of being paralyzed in a relationship to the point where you feel like you are a pawn in someone else's world,". "The song and the video are meant to show someone breaking away and taking action, but at the same time, it's only a quick burst of motivation. It's a moment of strength amidst a long period of weakness.". "Clean" will be available March 2.

Superchunk "Erasure" Single (Merge)

So after a week totally stuck in the house through a dreary snow storm this gift from the rock n roll gods came out to brighter our moods. This song has it all. A driving beat, mean yet melodic guitars and guest vocals from Stephin Merritt and Katie Crutchfield. I think I've played this 237 times this week and I'm sure even my neighbors know all the words by now. Get into it.

Ty Segall "Every 1's A Winner" Single (tysegall.bandcamp.com)

It's no secret Ty Segall is one of the most prolific musicians going today and later this month he will release a new album called "Freedom's Goblin" which includes this incredible cover of "Everyone's A Winner" originally by Hot Chocolate. Ty's take on the soul classic is led by a sputtering fuzzed out guitar sound and an infectious drum beat that is sure to make you move and shows off that there's really not much this guy can't pull off. "Freedom's Goblin" comes out January 28th and should certainly be a ripper.

Six Records CMM Wants You To Know

Alina "Strange Sounds from the Moon" E.P. (demos) (alinalabour.bandcamp.com)

Alina Labour offers up this collection of demos that carry a deep, colorful, psychedelic tone. The Santo Domingo based musician starts things off with an intro titled "A Different Type Of Youth" which features a slow dirge driven guitar riff that's full of atmosphere and intensity while "Madness" showcases Alina's mysterious vocal style that looms over top of a simple section of reverb drenched notes. Things get even more ethereal on "Constellations Of Love" as this spaced out track sounds like it was recorded on a far away planet and is being beamed into space in hopes of finding some type of life forms that may be out there to enjoy it's beautiful sounds. Overall this is a very unique collection of demos that harness plenty of experimentation and set them apart from the norm. Looking forward to hearing more of Alina's musical universe on her next release.

Ben McElroy "Bird-Stone" E.P. (benmcelroy.bandcamp.com)

Nottingham England area composer Ben McElroy shines on his latest E.P. "Bird-Stone". A wave of organic sounds fill the opening moments of "Surely There Are Worse Things". It's heart warming sea of strings and wandering sonic textures are backed by a jovial sense of rhythm and an enlightening spirit that quickly sweeps you away. "The Brightness Surrounds" makes me think of falling leaves in autumn while the ambient droning feel of "Bernie's Army" also features a passionate vocal cadence that is both primitive and cinematic. "This Was The Day" is much more laid back as the tracks wandering sound manipulations are some of my favorite aspects of the E.P. while closing piece "He said "life is a question, but don't let them hassle you for an answer​." really focuses on McElroy's beautiful string playing abilities as cello, viola and violin all seem to be represented here. "Bird-Stone" is a truly brilliant release that takes a non-traditional approach to familiar instrumentation. Splendid from beginning to end

Colic "Near" E.P. (colic.bandcamp.com)

Charlotte North Carolina duo Colic impress on this brand new three song E.P. First and foremost the vocal harmonies of Jimmy Turner and Meghann Dyke are one of the pair's biggest strengths as their voices sound amazing together. There's also a bit more bite to the guitars this time around as a bolder, more gruff riff leads the attack during "Hound". It's a number with plenty of menace that paints a picture of mystery and danger. Although track two is titled "Dark Water" it has a bit more of a glow to it as it's stirring tones and shuffling beat are absolutely stellar while "2 Sided" has more of a twang to it and a more melancholy demeanor. Another intriguing and well rounded release from this inspiring up and coming twosome.

Dangerfields "Ashes" LP (dangerfields.bandcamp.com)

Dangerfields infectious post punk sound shines bright on their latest E.P. "Ashes". The moody mix of "Melting Candle" leans towards the world of The Cure, Echo & The Bunnymen and The Fall. It's the type of track that takes you back to the glory days of college rock radio and 120 Minutes. A burst of noise leads off "Aquarius (Grey Area)" which quickly gives way to a melodic, upbeat riff that's backed by a driving beat and punchy bass line and delightfully melodic guitars. The energy levels stay on high throughout the glistening sounds of "Dilute" while "Ghost" moves much slower and with a darker, gloomier appeal. Dangerfields are a top notch band who blend incredible musicianship with clever songwriting and beautiful atmospherics to make an excellent E.P. sure to satisfy fans of melodic, post punk rock n roll. Highly recommended

The Naturals "We Are The Naturals" LP (wearethenaturals.bandcamp.com)

Australian power pop unit The Naturals bring it on their latest effort "We Are The Naturals". It's 100% no frills rock n roll with brilliant vocal harmonies and strong links to the early days of The Beatles and The Who. The pounding drums and pumping organ on "I Don't Need A Car" get things moving right out of the gate while "Billy" has one of the most infectious guitar riffs you will hear anywhere. The blissful pop hooks on "Mary Go Round" are simply second to none as it's 60's inspired choruses are sure to have you humming along in no time. Other highlights of this twelve song LP include the dance inducing Pretty Young", heartfelt tone of "Only With You' and the garage rock feel of closing number "F.R.I.D.A.Y.". I really can't get enough of this. A real rock n roll album for fans of real rock n roll.

Tonals "Hitchhiker / Smog" E.P. (tonals.bandcamp.com)

Alright!!! A new E.P. from Tonals is just what I need. "Smog" is a quick paced, hook filled masterpiece that's sure to brighten your day. It's pulsating bass line and crisp guitar leads work great alongside it's uplifting vocal stance. "Hitchhiker" also has a bit of bounce to it as it's three chord melodic structure and vibrant drum machine make it an instant new favorite. Another amazing release from one of the most inspiring artists in the underground scene.