_’Tis the season … for new music! Spring and music festival season are upon us. From SXSW 2014 to Sasquatch, spring brings outdoor music festivals, an increase in tours and a slew of fresh releases. Here are some new songs to brighten your day and give you a sample of what’s ahead. _
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1. Temples: “Shelter Song” *
The opening track to Sun Structures sounds like genuine 1960s music rather than the modern day revival of psychedelia. However, their timing, in the reign of Tame Impala, is impeccable. Listen to their debut album out now.
2. Tacocat: “Crimson Wave
A surf-rock take on that time of the month: “all the girls are surfing the wave.” The carefree group from Seattle puts a positive spin and a catchy melody on menstruation. Tacocat’s second full-length album releases Feb. 25 via Hardly Art.
3. Twin Peaks: “Stand in the Sand”
Not necessarily new, as the track is from their 2013 album Sunken. However, the boys are currently in the studio recording their second album. Keep them on your radar; they have perfected sloppy, careless garage rock with charisma. Sounds like a fusion between Bass Drum of Death and Smith Westerns. Twin Peaks will be touring with The Orwells and playing again at SXSW in March.
4. Mac DeMarco: “Salad Days”
If fans have learned anything about Mac DeMarco, it’s that he is not shy. In terms of sharing tracks from his new album, the same can be said. He has been playing his songs for a number of media outlets and the album has already leaked. Listen to a stripped-down version of the title track on YouTube. The official release date of Salad Days is set for April 1.
5. Marissa Nadler: “Was It A Dream”
The song poses the same of Nadler’s new album: a dream or a nightmare? Nadler blurs the lines of a sound both enchanting and haunting. Sounds like Angel Olsen and Cate Le Bon. Her new album July is out now.
6. Pure X: “Starlight”
The new single from Pure X sounds like the song your parents slow-danced to at their prom. The track, which lacks the band’s usual plethora of effects, proves that less is more for Pure X. Its album Angel is out April 1 via Fat Possum.
7. Woods: “Moving to the Left”
While Woods are often confined to labels such as “folk” and “jam band,” they are capable of much more. The new track serves as an example of their strong melodic talents and whimsical sound. Sounds like a polished Dr. Dog. Their new album With Light and With Love debuts April 15 from their own label Woodsist.
8. Black Gold Buffalo “A Million”
The London three-piece has fewer than a thousand likes on Facebook but is already hearing critical praise for its new track “A Million.” The band, currently in the studio, creates a yummy dark pop sound akin to Lykke Li.
9. Nimmo and the Gauntletts “Jaded”
U.K. duo Sarah Nimmo and Reva Gauntlett are childhood friends making intimate yet up-tempo pop music. Their voices intertwine perfectly with their rich and full pop sound. Sounds like a darker Polica. Jaded releases March 24.
