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

Flying "Three of Them​/​Shiver River" Single (flyyingg.bandcamp.com)

One of my favorite new bands are back with this impressive pair of cosmic psychedelic tracks. "Three Of Them" shows off the top notch musicianship that shined so bright on their previous E.P. and adds even more dynamics to their sound as the shimmering guitars and atmospheric vocals blend together perfectly. "Shiver River" has a similar feel but incorporates more of a prog-rock element to everything that offers up a welcoming and lulling effect. Overall another stellar release from this up and coming band from Ann Arbor MI.

Guide By Voices "Space Gun" Single

From their upcoming album of the same name "Space Gun" is classic GBV. Robert Pollard and crew show no signs of slowing down and it looks like there will be lots of shows and rock n roll madness throughout 2018. The 15 tracks album is due out on March 23rd.

MGMT "Hand It Over" Single

Another great single from the upcoming MGMT album "Little Dark Age" which is their first since 2013. This soothing number is full of mind numbing synths that move alongside a comforting beat and an "epic" yet "subtle" vocal delivery. There's a presence of 60's psych and 70's singer songwriter styles mixed with a more modern feel that really makes for the perfect balance. Enjoy this beautiful lyric video directed by Old Man Future and Shively Humperdink.

Oh Sees “Dead Medic” & “A Few Days Of Reflection” 12" (Castle Face Records)

Awesome little bonus 12" from one of the most prolific bands in the game. "Dead Medic" is an outtake from their latest full length "ORC" and is essentially an extended jam backed by a frantic beat, plenty of flourishing piano sounds and experimental swells. Think Sun Ra meets Hawkwind. "A Few Days Of Reflection" is a cover of Swedish band Träd, Gräs & Stenar. It's cavernous feel and jam style structure are both intriguing and introspective". A really enjoyable release that documents the continuous expansion of John Dwyer's musical vision well.

Plastic Farm "Hope Hypnotic" E.P. (plasticfarm.bandcamp.com)

Can't say enough great things about this E.P. From the song arrangements and instrumentation to the production and experimental aspects everything is truly top notch. The title track builds and builds into a rich organic sounding wall of atmospheric bliss while "Eyes Closed" and "25" bring beautifully melodic hooks to the forefront. "Musk" is a bit more mysterious and moody as a sea of underlying nuances really push this track over the top. The perfect soundtrack to these unbelievably cold winter nights we've been having recently.

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

So excited about this new E.P. from Canadian lo-fi project Tonals. "Fin" starts things off with an infectious beat and catchy hook that really gets things going out of the gate before giving way to the more laid back and somber "Good Times". "Smog" brings you back to an upbeat, feel good spirit and features some really impressive melodic guitar work while "You Want Something More" closes things out in an almost cinematic/end credits kind of way which I really enjoy. There's a warm, vibrant energy in all these tracks that I find really inspiring.

Six Records CMM Wants You To Know

Andrew Czajka "Black Coffee" E.P. (andrewczajka.bandcamp.com)

Detroit based musician Andrew Czajka impresses on this high energy instrumental release. The title track gets things going with it's intricate guitar riffs and uplifting beat. It kindly blends elements of indie rock, 70's glam and post rock, making it one of the most fun tracks you will hear all year. "147" covers similar ground and incorporates some really awesome Johnny Thunders style leads while "Greg" is a bit more chipper and breezy sounding. I think what I like most about this release is Andrew's willingness to simply go for it. I get an amazing sense of spirit and fun from all the tracks and that gives off the impression that this was a really fun record for him to make.

Flying S/T E.P. (flyyingg.bandcamp.com)

Based in Ann Arbor Michigan, Flying create a whirlwind of rich, cosmic psychedelic sounds that balance top notch musicianship with an intense and at times primal vocal delivery. Opening piece "Duality" brings forth a swinging beat that's surrounded by a wash of swirling experimental tones that are as colorful as they are desolate. The pounding pace of "Bullfrog" comes off like the ghost of Kurt Cobain sitting in on a Roger Waters performance of The Wall while "Breakfast" is a laid back soundscape style piece that eventually moves into breathtakingly beautiful territory. The E.P. is rounded out by the hazy feeling "Ranunculus", the quickly paced "Old/Beside" and the lush psych pop approach of "All That Is". Overall Flying deliver an incredible release that blends infectious melodies with diverse, mind bending atmospherics. Highly recommended.

Oh Sees "The Static God" Single (Castle Face Records)

Thee Oh Sees have once again changed their name and are now simply known as Oh Sees. They've also just released this powerhouse of a single titled "The Static God" which is from the bands upcoming album "Orc" due out August 25th courtesy of Castle Face Records. The track is nothing short of a barn burner as it's frantic guitar attack and driving beat are dripping with a blissful psychedelic glow. A welcoming addition to the bands ever growing catalog of garage rock fury.

Palehound "Flowing Over" Single (Polyvinyl)

I've been loving this new single from New York City based band Palehound. Led by singer/guitarist/songwriter Ellen Kempner the band bring a driving rhythm full of big punchy guitars and infectious melodic hooks that work perfectly alongside Kempner's dynamic vocal attack. The song has a galloping, uplifting approach that really gets you going and is sure to get you singing along in no time. You really should just be blasting this track and dancing around right now!!! It's from the bands upcoming album "A Place I'll Always Go" out June 16th on Polyvinyl.

Tricky "The Only Way" (trickysite.com)

Trip-Hop pioneer Tricky has unveiled this new sleek, laid back soulful single called "The Only Way". The music comes off like a cross between Issac Hayes version of "Walk On By" and "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" by The Beatles. His one of a kind vocal stance also shines bright next to the orchestral like soundscapes that flow throughout the track. Tricky now working out of Berlin recorded the song in Moscow. The single is officially available today at trickysite.com

Twin Peaks "Tossing Tears" Single (twinpeaksdudes.com)

Twin Peaks just announced a new 7" singles series that will feature 2 new songs each month for the rest of the year. The first installment is this absolutely delightful number called "Tossing Tears". This song is just down right golden as it's grooved out rhythm flows brightly alongside a heavy dose of swagger and sway. It's almost like T Rex jamming out with Andy Partridge of XTC. It's blissful,, it's psychedelic and it's the perfect song to jump start your summer. Can't wait to hear what comes next. Get all the info on the singles series at www.twinpeaksdudes.com.