We All Want Someone To Shout For

I love when artists use their voices in cool and unique ways that make them standout. Little Brothers EP, Nostalgia Trip 2011 has been delighting me all night for many reasons. One particular strong point is certainly their vocals.

Little Brothers use vocals to their advantage on this fantastic little EP. On vibrant opener “Old Shows” use their voices to coincide perfectly with the music. I can’t imagine one without the other. It makes sense that the band consists of two brothers (Michael and Tony) along with a good friend named Jason. This EP sounds like the work of a tight knit group who share the same vision.

This is a warm delightful EP that has a little bit of everything on it. Little Brothers tackle all kinds of different sounds, finding that the result is always as good as the last.

You can grab the EP for whatever price you want, but after one listen you may start to feel a little more generous.

Black Books are 5 piece from Austin, Texas that psych rock fans should keep an eye on. They released a great little EP called An Introduction To… and it does exactly what it implies. It’s a great introduction to what the band is all about: Smart psych rock that deserve the My Morning Jacket comparisons that they’ve been receiving. These are tripped out rock jams that everyone can enjoy. This is quite an introduction.

After one run through, I’m incredibly impressed. This is the perfect way to start your career. They main the skills and focus of seasoned veterans. They’re ready to break out. If this EP is any indication, Black Books are going to be a big name soon.

Take a listen to the An Introduction To… EP below. If you like it, grab it for 4 bucks on bandcamp.

awaken! is the musical project of L.A. resident Jesse Rakusin. He sent me his new album Now In Technicolor Light, saying that it’s “meant to heighten awareness, expand consciousness, and sound good.” Now In Technicolor Light, does just that. It’s an eccentric journey through his mind, and we’re all welcome on board.

His songs have a lo-fi/bedroom quality to them them that give them a person kick. awaken! paints his songs with a 50′s/60′s drugged up haze that seems effortless. Soulful melodies are waiting underneath all of the 4 track fuzz, coming to life through Jesse’s passionate delivery. Jessie’s recordings are the sort that benefit from lo-fi recording. It’s as if he’s entered your mind, providing a first hand look at the inner quadrants of his mind. It’s quite a ride.

I posted two of my favorite jams for download below, along with a stream of the entire album. If you like what you hear head to the awaken! bandcamp to download it for free.

[mp3]: awaken! – Love Day
[mp3]: awaken! – Transcendent Mind

Last week I introduced you to a great upcoming artist named Comodo. His moody electronic/dubstep has the ability to mesmerize. I was really impressed with “To The Sun” and have been craving to hear more, ever since. Comodo capitalized on this, and recently released the To The Sun EP.

It’s a 4 song EP that dances between dark spaced out dubstep and haunting electronic. He uses vocals as another instrument for the music, adding more depth and perspective to his soulful music. This is music for when your lounging in your bedroom at 4 a..m. You know, when your eyes are heavy and you’re in a daze. This is the perfect go to jam.

The EP is available as a free download at his bandcamp page. I have the whole thing streaming below, so take a listen:

I’ll take great guitar rock over any other type of music any day of the week. A great guitar song that has pop tendencies, good riffs, and a sunny melody can’t be beat. If your like me, then I think you’re going to love Betty Airs.

They’re a four piece from Sydney, Australia who have just released their debut EP, Creepin’ It Real. It’s four songs of near perfect guitar rock that wouldn’t have gotten lost in the ’50s. The melodies and harmonies are soaked with feel good sunshine. If you don’t like these songs, then you’re simply trying to hard. Single “She’s The Juan” is an infectious romper that’s just asking to be put on constant rotation.

The band just added bassist Patrick Matthews to their roation. He’s played with the likes of The Vines & Youth Group, so you know he’s legit. These Aussie’s sound like they totally bring it live. Hopefully they will make it over to NYC someday.

I got the bands permission to share an mp3 of lead single “She’s The Juan”. You can cop that below, and official start your Betty Airs addiction. I’ve also attached a stream of the entire EP. Check it out and head here to buy it if you’re enjoying it. Trust me, it’s totally worth your hard earned $5.

[mp3]: Betty Airs – She’s The Juan