Six Records CMM Wants You To Know

Angel Aura "Sensum" E.P. (angelaura.bandcamp.com)

Houston Texas based shoegaze group Angel Aura certainly put their own spin on the genre with this debut four song E.P. The delicate yet powerful vocals and heavily modulated guitar work has an other worldly vibe but there's also a lot of ruggedness to this bands delivery and I think that's a quality that gets lost with bands way too often. The swirling, ambient sounds that flow through "Blisshaus" really make it one of the E.P.'s stand out tracks while "Crystal Inn" adds an even more distant feeling to the mix. "Outpouring" is a little more uptempo but also captures the perfect "underwater" tone and cements Angel Aura as one of the best new bands I've heard in a while.

Blist Her "Glimmer" E.P. (blisther.bandcamp.com)

Inspiring new project out of Burlington Iowa that mixes 90's alterna-rock with UK shoegaze and brit-pop influences. "Glimmer" is a down tempo piece full of raw, lush ethereal guitars and laid back vocals that remind me of a primitive MBV or Pastels. "Broken Stem" has a nice bit of chime to it before breaking into a sea of distorted guitars. It's as abrasive as it is warm. My favorite track of the three is the final number "Spill". It's moody, beautiful shimmer really shows off what this project is made of as the group touch on other aspects outside of the realms of shoegaze and show hints of bands like Antioch Arrow and Heroin. Can't wait to hear what comes.

Captain Kuzdu "Squares // Lydia" E.P. (captainkudzu.bandcamp.com)

I'm loving this new two song E.P. from the incredible Captain Kuzdu. "Squares" gives an undeniable nod to "Daydream Nation" era Sonic Youth which I absolutely love. It's highly textured guitar sounds and driving beat work well with the matter of fact vocal delivery. "Lydia" has a nice dreamy intro that eventually gives way to a slow dirge like pace that makes me wonder what it be like to sky dive in slow motion. It's breezy psychedelic flair is welcomed with open arms. Highly recommended.

Mogwai “We’re Not Done (End Title)” (Rock Action/Temporary Residence LTD)

Mogwai are doing the score for the upcoming science fiction/action film "Kin", which stars Jack Reynor, Zoë Kravitz, Carrie Coon, Dennis Quaid, and James Franco and the band has released the first preview track "We're Not Done (End Title). It's almost apocalyptic mood and rich beautiful melodies are nothing short of spectacular but then again what else would you expect from these long running post rock masters. "Kin" is due for release on 8/31 courtesy of Rock Action Records / Temporary Residence.

Oh Sees "Overthrow" (ohsees.bandcamp.com)

This new Oh Sees track absolutely slays as it's 1,000 MPH beat and frantic guitars are sure to melt faces around the globe. There are a few minimal laid back moments but they are only there to serve as dynamics to the rest of the mayhem that's about to be blasted upon you. Possibly one of the best Oh Sees tracks to date that can certainly hang with any other classic barn burners that have come before it.

Small Planets (Demo) (smallplanets.bandcamp.com)

Based in Los Angeles Small Planets offer up this highly enjoyable four song demo that channels the spirits of the 120 minutes generation. Think of the early days of bands like Cocteau Twins and The Cure but with a modern twist and and a little more aggression from the guitar department from time to time. Stand out piece "Window" is truly beautiful and charming as the vocals and overall mood draw you in like a warm blanket on a cold winters night. "Blue" has a swinging beat and catchy pop under tone while "Drowning" blends just the right amount of tension across the atmospheric layers of infectious sound. A truly remarkable effort from beginning to end.

Six Records CMM Wants You To Know

A.O. Gerber "Fathers" E.P. (aogerber.bandcamp.com)

A.O. Gerber, former vocalist and songwriter of the New-York-based collective, Little Sur, has recently resettled on her native West Coast with a new solo E.P. called "Fathers". The delicate quality of "Arboretum" demonstrates Gerber's dynamic vocal range, over top of a straight forward acoustic guitar. It really opens the listener to the warm heartfelt presence that flows through her work in sparkling fashion. "Bleeders" has an ethereal side to it while the soulful style of "Grown" makes use of more intricate guitar work that explores elements of jazz. Other highlights include the hook filled sounds of "Summers​/​Wait", the shuffling approach of "Carlsbad" and the uplifting power of "This Holiness". "Fathers" is a phenomenal release from an artist who projects a spirit of passion and beauty on every song.

From Mountains S/T E.P. (frommountains.bandcamp.com)

English instrumental post rock unit From Mountains deliver big on their debut E.P. with 5 tracks full of eerie yet melodic riffs, galloping drums and rich cinematic soundscapes full of intrigue and fervor. Opening piece "Outside The Joybox" is anchored by a welcoming piano part that's followed by a brilliant blast of breathtakingly beautiful guitars and a rhythm section that ties everything together perfectly. "Juno Meets Jupiter" makes me think of a part from Mike Oldfield's legendary composition "Tubular Bells" if it were being covered by Mogwai while "When We Painted The Sky" sounds much more isolated and cold. Things wrap up with the melodic sounds of "Eta Carinae" which features a calming mid tempo pace surrounded by layers of glistening guitars that build to a gorgeous peak. A spectacular release from beginning to end.

Jeroen Effern "2016 (anyone who had a heart)" LP (jeroeneffern.bandcamp.com)

Based in the Netherlands, Jeroen Effern creates a colorful blend of ambient drones and haunting soundscapes that are both beautiful and inspiring. "2_7" starts things off at a crawling pace with it's massive presence that roars through your speakers like molten lava. There's a dash of psychedelic flavor at the beginning of "3_10" as a collage of echoing voices quickly give way to the single notes of a gray toned piano creating a bleak and ominous feel. "3_3" takes things into even more mind bending territory with it's passionate melody and underlying intensity while "4_9" sounds like you have walked into a hidden warehouse full of secret robots being controlled by a mysterious unknown being. Effern creates a soundtrack to a surreal world throughout the album that draws you in and allows you to escape from reality.

Juliana Hatfield "Needle In The Hay" (Just Say Yes Compilation-www.alr-music.com)

This cover surfaced a few years ago and is now part of the "Just Say Yes" Elliot Smith tribute compilation. Hatfield's delicate vocal treatment on this indie classic is down right incredible. There's a swirling synth that comes into play and adds a nice touch to the guitar and bass sounds and light percussion. Certainly one of the best covers to come along in recent years. Be sure to check out the rest of this impressive comp featuring contributions from J Mascis, Jesu/Sun Kill Moon, Lou Barlow and more.

Lillet Blanc "Foul Play" Single (lilletblanc.bandcamp.com)

Brooklyn's Lillet Blanc impress on their debut single "Foul Play". From it's infectious beat and blissful melodies to Emily Rawlings beautiful vocal delivery the band show why they are one of the best new bands coming out of the NYC area. "Foul Play" has the type of hooks that will have you singing along half way through the first listen as stellar performances from guitarist Sean Camargo and bassist Andre Bellido put things over the top. A truly delightful offering of shoegaze/indie pop bliss.

Reliant Tom S/T E.P. (relianttom.bandcamp.com)

This stunning debut from New York based duo Reliant Club is full of lush atmospheric tones that radiate with undeniable elegance. The four tracks describe an apocalyptic narrative from personal obsolescence to alien abduction to societal matriculation. "Poor You" begins with a sea of experimental sound manipulation that fades into a laid back groove. It's liquid like flow channels elements of 60's soul alongside an array of pulsating synths and subliminal tones. "Flying Ships" keeps things moving with it's cinematic stance highlighted by the hypnotic swagger of vocalist Claire Cuny while "I Can't Wait" is a stunning dose of highly textured experimental pop. Things wind down with the breezy feel of "All The Same" which rounds out this top notch effort in five star fashion and leaves me wanting more. Highly recommended

"Five For Friday" with Jesse Kaufman of Tomoreaux

Since 2011 Buffalo NY band Tomoreaux have been creating music that is novel, engaging and unique as their beautiful songs combine aspects of post rock, shoegaze and indie pop. Guitarist/Vocalist Jesse Kaufman shares some of his favorite tracks in this weeks edition of "Five For Friday" but first enjoy the bands latest single "Bennington".

Slowdive "Alison"

I guess we'll start off strong with what I honestly consider to be a perfect song. Whether such a thing exists is up to you, but don't decide that until you listen to Slowidve's "Alison." From the modulated chords to Halstead's calming, hushed vocals, and Goswell's gorgeous harmonies, both vocally and instrumentally, this track epitomizes the shoegaze genre. The production, is something to behold as well. The faded, washed-out haze is a trademark, taming Slowdive's unhinged noise into something a bit more accessible, while retaining the raw beauty of Halstead and Goswell's pedalboards.

Mogwai "I'm Jim Morrison, I'm Dead"

This is a tough one to write about because, well, it's Mogwai. What else do you say? It just is. One of the more obvious influences on Tomoreaux's sound, Jim Morrison is one of my favorite Mogwai cuts. It's powerful, crushing, really; an emotional locomotive of a song. This video, from the film "Burning," does the song justice as well, showing clips from fans' reaction during the performance. I guess it's really what all bands of this sort aspire to do, myself especially.

Daniel Johnston "True Love Will Find You In the End"

A bit of a sharp left turn here, but something has to be said about this track. It's one of those songs that you can't really appreciate unless you know a little about the artist, but I'll let you do that research on your own. Such a beautiful, positive song from such a tortured soul. Though it's been covered by everyone from Beck to Wilco, nobody will ever be able to do the song justice. It's impossible.

Sleepy Hahas "Deep River"

Being from Buffalo, we have a very strong tie to our fellow local bands. Honestly, the Buffalo scene is incredible, and it's ridiculous that not many people outside of it have picked up on that yet. There's a wealth of hidden gems here. One of those hidden gems are becoming not-so-hidden recently. Garnering some well-deserved attention, Sleepy Hahas are one of my personal favorites, probably because I love the Flaming Lips so much. Just released a few weeks ago, Butler et al have created the perfect marriage between the menacing, psych-tripping of Embryonic era Flaming Lips and pop-sensible Arctic Monkeys. Seriously, listen to this.

The Smiths "Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want"

You won't really hear their influence on Tomoreaux's music as much as say bands like Sigur Ros or Explosions in the Sky, but the Smiths have been one of my favorite bands since high school, and have no doubt shaped the way I look at music. As you can imagine, picking one Smiths song is a daunting task; it's taken me hours to narrow it down. But, "Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want" has been a song I've always just subliminally connected with for such a long time. It has a special place in my heart. Although it's one of the group's shortest songs, it's still retained one of the most lasting impacts. Bottom line, it's just an absolutely gorgeous composition.

"Five For Friday" with John Innes of Savage Cut

Based in West Lothia Scotland, Savage Cut have quickly been making a name for themselves with their experimental/post punk sound and no holds barred attitude. Bassist John Innes shares some of his favourite songs in this weeks edition of "Five For Friday" but first listen to "I Can Kill You With My Brain" available as a limited cassette single June 22nd on CMM.

"Roseability" by Idlewild.

If I could play bass like anyone in the history of pop music, it would be Bob Fairfoull. Not technically brilliant but just honest pure rock and roll with attitude and one of my favorite bands.

"Helicon1" by Mogwai

The greatest live band that i have ever seen. Truly awe inspiring genius.

"Song 2" by Blur.

Must be up there with the "best songs I wish I had written" What a bass riff, and what an amazing tone.

"Cinderella" by The Sonics

Managed to see them on their last tour. Have been a fan since I was a kid and never thought I would see them live. All old guys but still totally on it.

"Teenage Rampage" by Sweet.

My first gig and I still love everything they did. Mick Tucker made me want to be a drummer more than anything in the world. Never quite managed to master it and played bass instead! Never quite managed to master that either but I get away with it!

"Five For Friday" with Josh Carples aka Glorious 70mm

Glorious 70mm is a film score project of Montgomery, Alabama native Josh Carples. His latest release is the original score for the short film "City Federal" which he also co-wrote and co-directed. Josh gives us some insight on some of his favorite songs in this weeks edition of "Five For Friday," but first watch the trailer for "City Federal" which makes it's debut January 30th at The Montgomery Film Festival.

Mogwai - Travel is Dangerous

From their music to their score work, especially the French TV series 'Les Revenants,' Mogwai is just an incredible band. This song has always been one of my favorites from their 'Mr. Beast' album. There's something about the four-note lead progression that has always caught my attention.

The Appleseed Cast - Fishing the Sky

If you ask my friends if they ever have gotten tired of me talking about The Appleseed Cast, you'll probably get a resounding 'yes,' but they're incredible. Just listen to the guitar work on this song. Every album they put out has a different feel to it, but each one is great in and of itself.

Moving Mountains - Hudson

This song is from their self-titled album that came out in 2013. It's a great album, beginning to end, and this song has great melody and arrangement, and the way it slows down and then builds back up to end the song is just fantastic.

Sunny Day Real Estate - How It Feels To Be Something On

This entire album never gets old. There are no skip tracks; you can just put this album on and enjoy every song. I think there are very few albums that grab me like that, but this one has been doing it since the late 1990s.

Longwave - Wake Me When It's Over

This song, and this album, has been a big influence for me as well. The tones - the guitars, the reverb, just everything about this album sounds incredible to me. I read years ago, if I'm remembering correctly, that they used 60s-era Vox AC30s and Fender guitars, and that was a big reason that I started playing Telecasters.