Yes Know – Place
Sandy Gilfillan recorded this beautiful bedroom music under the name Yes Know. These are slow-paced songs that have a lulling ethereal quality. The reverb applied to the vocals and guitar never overpower the sentiment of the slightly warped folk-pop though. Gillifan has a laconic approach to his craft, creating spacious lo-fi soundscapes with minimal techniques. An impressive group of songs from a promising solo act.
Hemmingbirds – Death Wave
Hemmingbirds perform lush indie rock that is complex, beautiful and, most importantly, fun. After the brief introduction of “The New Age”, “Mellow Gold Haze ” bursts into life, sounding like a wondrous blending of Fleet Foxes and Arcade Fire. The influence by fellow Chicagoans, Wilco, is also apparent in the experimental nature of the bands sound and in the darker corners of some songs, “Slippery Slope .” Frontman Yoo Soo Kim is a superb songwriter, combining poetic lyrics with soaring sing-alongs.
Little Deadman – Shooting Seagulls 7”
More life affirming rock and roll, this time from San Diego’s Little Deadman. Reminiscent of The Mantles, these songs are bursting with terrific harmonies and classic indie rock hooks. Songs such as “Shooting Seagulls” showcase the band’s ability to pen a killer pop tune, though it is on “Fear is not the End” where Little Deadman display great depth and a certain emotional power. Top shelf rock and roll that’s free to download.
