Mahjongg is an ancient Chinese tile game responsible for the academic downfall of countless college students. The band Mahjonng has similar powers with their frenzied pop disarray (a la the supremely underrated Beatnik Filmstars). Be strong.
Puritan
With a penchant for literary lyrics, Puritan manage loose, almost off-handed pop songs to dark, dusty anti-ballads with a Malkmus-esque flair. Imagine Lloyd Cole making music in an American bedroom without the Commotions.
Dave Derby
The former lead singer of The Dambuilders (if you don’t have Against the Stars, you’re not really living life to the fullest, are you?) and solo-monikered Brilliantine assumes his own name for his token easy-on-the-ears acoustipop record — except this is one token that shines.
The Aisler’s Set
Amy Linton, indie pop/rock songwriter extraordinaire…and, damn, can she play the drums! You see, I love Amy from her days in the long defunct Henry’s Dress. Now we are blessed to hear her in the Aisler’s Set doing simple, pleasant songs tinged with the sounds of the ’50s and ’60s.
The Silent League
The former keyboardist for Mercury Rev creates his own sweetly damaged sway-songs for kids who prefer Brooklyn to the metropolis across the river.
Charles Kamm
Charles Kamm writes songs that sound like a Wes Anderson film: poignant glimpses into the serio-comic lives of the lonely-hearted.
Joel RL Phelps and the Downer Trio
While the band’s name has always been a bit of a self-fulfilling prophecy, the new single shows off Phelps’ range and energy with a brazen and emotive Paul Westerberg-style number.
The Faraway Places
“With gentle psychedelia, skuzzy guitar, and a sweetly-stoned surfer attitude, they serve up summery tunes by the VW camperload.” – NME
I couldn’t have said it better myself. – Sean
Anna Oxygen
Bouncy, new wave stream-of-consciousness — as catchy as it is fleeting.
Kennedy
Space-folk-gospel-disco pop, with a hint of The Who. It’s all here, kitchen-sink rock. Gotta hear it to believe.