AM & Shawn Lee

London-based multi-instrumentalist/producer Shawn Lee and Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter AM have collaborated again to release their stellar third release Outlines. Outlines is a groovetastic blend of toe tapping, head bobbing, synth-heavy pop and funk. Get a taste of their grooviness below in the stream of album opener “Persuasion”.

Outlines is available to buy in all formats from their Bandcamp page. It’s a good one.

Triptides

I have been a huge fan of Los Angeles’ (by way of Indiana) indie pop band Triptides since I stumbled across their Bandcamp page a few years ago. But for whatever reason, I have never shared them on the site. Shame on me!

Their latest release, Azur, is ten songs deep of shimmery, hazy, psych-pop gold. A perfect soundtrack for lounging around with your favorite beverage on a warm summer night. “Hideout” (below) is a great example of the Triptides sunny, surf-pop sound. Azur is available now on vinyl via Requiem Pour Un Twister or on cassette via Lolipop Records. Enjoy.

Triptides – Hideout from Azur (2015)

Triptides on FB

The Seeers

My first introduction to Virginia’s The Seeers came by way of the Windian Records Subscription Series #3. The Seeers’ contribution is probably the best of the series, so I was stoked when their new cassette release Early Songs arrived in my mailbox a couple weeks ago.

The Seeers play a swirling brand of reverb-laden psych rock with generous amounts of distorted guitars, and killer vocal melodies. Check out the earworm “Glacier” (below), it’s sure to bore it’s way into your brain and not leave for days.

Early Songs is available on cassette from Funny / Not Funny Records. It’s a must have for your collection. Enjoy.

The Seeers – Glacier from Early Songs (2015)

The Seeers on FB

Dot Dash

Washington D.C.’s Dot Dash is a supergroup of indie and punk rock veterans from bands like Minor Threat, Julie Ocean, Youth Brigade and Swervedriver.

Check out opening track, “The Winter of Discontent” (below), from their newest LP, Earthquakes & Tidal Waves – it’s late 80’s Replacements meets Jawbreaker indie rock vibe is sure to make any fan of the genre sit up and take notice.

Earthquakes & Tidal Waves is available now via Canadian label The Beautiful Music. Enjoy.

Dot Dash – The Winter of Discontent from Earthquakes & Tidal Waves (2015)

Dot Dash on FB

The Cairo Gang

Chicago’s The Cairo Gang sound like they just stepped out of the sixties with their jangly brand of candy coated power-pop. Their new album, Goes Missing, is available now from Ty Segall’s Drag City Records imprint GOD?. Check out the poppy as hell “Ice Fishing” (below) for a taste of their goodness.

The Cairo Gang – Ice Fishing from Goes Missing (2015)

Munroe

Hamilton, Ontario’s Kathleen Munroe has one of those great smokey voices that instantly captivates. Add some warm, dreamy guitar tones and a driving backbeat, like on “Summer” (below) and you have one of the best songs of 2015.

Munroe’s self-titled EP is out now on Hidden Pony Records and available on iTunes.

Munroe – Summer from S/T EP (2015)

Dustin Lovelis

I don’t know if multi-instrumentalist Dustin Lovelis intended for his debut solo LP, Dimensions, be listened to in a dimly lit room with the listener in a relaxed position, but that is how I have been enjoying this record. So turn down the lights, maybe light a candle or two and chill out to the dusty vocals and warped guitar of “Idiot” below.

Dimensions is out now and available through Porch Party Records. Enjoy.

Dustin Lovelis – Idiot from Dimensions (2015)

Cafe Lanai

I can’t get enough of Vancouver electro-pop duo Cafe Lanai. The tropical sounds, hushed vocals and throbbing beat of their first single, “Lanai” (below), is quite intoxicating and I find myself listening to it over and over again.

Cafe Lanai’s debut EP, Paradise, is out June 3oth on Hybridity Music. It’s the perfect soundtrack for your cruise around town. Make sure the volume is up and your windows are down.

Cafe Lanai – Lanai from Paradise EP (2015)

Unknown Mortal Orchestra

Unknown Mortal Orchestra is set to release Multi-Love, their 3rd LP and 2nd with Jagjaguwar Records.  Multi-Love, showcases the wonkier side of UMO, similar to their 2011 Fat Possum self-titled debut.

Check out “Can’t Keep Checking My Phone” below. It’s a funky, head-nodding slab of psych-pop goodness.

Multi-Love is out now and available to buy from Jagjaguwar or your favorite record store. Enjoy.

Unknown Mortal Orchestra – Can’t Keep Checking My Phone from Multi-Love (2015)

Azores

I’m a sucker for catchy power-pop music and Harrisonburg, VA’s Azores really hits the spot. The jangly goodness of opening track “All Day Fantasy” (below) is quite addicting and I find myself playing it over and over again.

Azores’ self-titled cassette is available now from Funny / Not Funny. It’s also available digitally on Azores’ Bandcamp page. Enjoy.

Azores – All Day Fantasy from Azores (2015)

Azores Facebook