NEW Singles & Videos + Release Announcements + Brand New Signings
CLEMENTINE VALENTINE (Formerly Purple Pilgrims) release 'Endless Night' | WATCH VIDEO HERE
The Aotearoa/New Zealand art-pop duo formerly known as Purple Pilgrims, release their shimmering new single ‘Endless Night‘ through Flying Nun Records. Now performing under their birth names, sisters Clementine and Valentine Nixon venture into an exciting new phase, exploring a refined and sophisticated new sound. Clementine Valentine joins US singer-songwriter Weyes Blood for two spellbinding shows in New Zealand this May (May 29th – Auckland Powerstation, May 30th – Wellington Opera House). Be part of their debut performance under the new moniker, as they showcase fresh material and offer a special preview of their exciting musical journey ahead. Get in quick - limited tix left!
Seminal hardcore punk rock, RANCID share 'Devil in Disguise' | WATCH VIDEO HERE
Rancid are the only punk band, period.” – Alt Press Rancid deliver a warning to us all with new single and accompanying music video, ‘Devil In Disguise.’ Ahead of their new album ‘Tomorrow Never Comes’ out on June 4th, they pair melodic riffs and a galloping rhythm with gruff sing-along vocals that carry a message of self-preservation. At a whopping 850 Million catalog streams to date, fans and critics alike seem to agree that Rancid’s brand of high impact, no frills punk still flows abundantly in their blood, while easily translating to a modern audience. Now embarking on their tenth full-length effort, this is evident throughout ‘Tomorrow Never Comes’. Produced by longtime collaborator, Brett Gurewitz, its sixteen blistering tracks barely make the two-and-a-half-minute mark, boasting the same gritty, straight forward punk-with-a-purpose that the world just can’t get enough of.
Big Thief guitarist BUCK MEEK signs to 4AD, new song w/Jolie Holland | WATCH THE VIDEO HERE
Texas-bred singer/songwriter and Big Thief guitarist Buck Meek has signed to 4AD and announces his new album, Haunted Mountain, out August 26th on 4AD. Additionally, he shares the lead single and title track, ‘Haunted Mountain,’ a song co-written alongside his friend and longtime hero Jolie Holland.
Boston-based indie-folk artist ANJIMILE announces new album 4AD | Check the new single HERE
“If Giver Taker was an album of prayers, The King is an album of curses.” In his second album, Anjimile continues exploring what it means to be a Black trans person in America. The brutally honest reflection of 2020’s deadly summer is less reminiscent of the pink cloud of early sobriety and more rooted in the reality of seeing brutality with clear eyes. Drawing from influences ranging from religion, Phillip Glass, and lived experiences, the album is a grand step forward for Anjimile.
Nearly every sound you hear on The King comes from two instruments: an acoustic guitar and Anjimile’s own voice. Other than a few beautiful contributions from Justine Bowe, Brad Allen Williams, Sam Gendel, and James Krivchenia (Big Thief), the album is the result of a year in LA working intimately with Grammy and Juno winner Shawn Everett.
Portland's M.WARD shares 'New Kerrang' feat. SCOTT MCMICKEN of Dr. Dog | Listen HERE
“new kerrang” is the second single on ‘Supernatural Thing,’ M. Ward’s upcoming twelfth studio album that will be released on June 24. The album’s guest stars — First Aid Kit, Shovels & Rope, Scott McMicken, Neko Case, Jim James and others — enliven the album with surprises. Eight of the album’s ten songs are Ward originals, but there is also an unorthodox Bowie choice, 'I Can’t Give Everything Away' from ‘Blackstar,’ and a live rendition of Daniel Johnston’s 'Story of an Artist.' “This is "new kerrang", a song about a drummer facing a crisis of faith in her sound,” Ward explains. “It’s inspired by used-bin Ray Davies records and by all the musicians I know who are chasing perfection by following whatever sound is crashing around in their head.” #canrelate
The Linda Lindas return with new song/video & many moustaches! | Watch the video here!
The “Too Many Things.” release comes ahead of their debut appearance at 2023’s Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival 2023. The song marks the first new music the band has released in 2023, satiating fans who are anxious for the follow up to their 2022 debut album. More music is expected later this year. Super cute interview video at Coachella after the jump too!
New Albums & EPs Out Now
GIA MARGARET unveils 'City Song' video - new album, 'Romantic Piano' - out now |JAGJAGUWAR
Romantic Piano, the new album from Chicago-based musician Gia Margaret, came out Friday via Jagjaguwar. Romantic Piano’s spare, gentle works evoke a classic sensibility; its compositions conjure the sublime themes of Romantic poets: solitude in nature, nature’s ability to heal and to teach; a sense of contended melancholy. Romantic Piano is curious, calming, patient and incredibly moving — but it doesn’t overstay its welcome for more than a second. As Stereogum writes in their recent feature of Gia Margaret, “Though Romantic Piano is brief, it’s incredibly powerful — designed for full immersion, even as our attention spans dwindle.”
Kevin Morby's 'More Photographs (A Continuum)' Out Now! |Watch 'Triumph' Visualiser HERE
“Triumph” is the focus track from by Kevin Morby for the digital release of ‘More Photographs (A Continuum)’, out now on Dead Oceans.
Reissue of the Week
FRIENDLY FIRES announce 15th anniversary vinyl reissue of debut album | THE LABEL
Another one of these; If You Missed It The First Time - Check It Out; Friendly Fires was the debut album from the St Albans-three piece, Ed MacFarlane, Edd Gibson and Jack Savidge. Featuring hit singles ‘Jump In the Pool’ and ‘Paris’, it was an era-defining record. The debut album launched the band to huge critical and commercial success. It was nominated for the Mercury Prize and a Brit Award, and touring the band were an essential act, playing the biggest festivals in the world. The record transcended the punk-funk scene of the time and is a modern classic. NZ's Under the Radar back in 2008 said, "It’s a running marathon of sharp, slightly funky pop songs with a real nice vocal style topping it off. It’s fun and simple with easy to remember choruses which will be the ticket to launching this band."- 4/5
Tours, Events and Festivals
Icelandic musician, Asgier plays Auckland tomorrow night! |Hollywood Avondale
As one of Iceland’s most successful exports, Ásgeir has spent the time between his record-breaking debut album (now celebrating its 10th anniversary) and today pushing the boundaries of his textured, thoughtful brand of folk-pop. He released his fourth studio album, Time On My Hands, in October via One Little Independent Records and shared a new single this month, ‘Dan Nos Rêves’ (In Our Dreams), a collaboration with French singer Clou. Tuesday, 30 May - Hollywood Avondale, Auckland
Too Busy to Read Another Blimmin Newsletter? Fair! Take a Listen Instead!
The Labels' Playlist is back Baby.....Genius-ness from the amazing and wonderful artists we get to work with ... xx
On The Horizon
Out This Week!! -June 2nd, 2023 | Check 'em out!
A bevy of classic releases return to keep you warm over winter including Tom Waits, Pennywise and the early 2000s Layo & Bushwacka! alongside the brand spankin' new album from Rancid to help get your pogo on!