MP3: The Deadly Syndrome – Whatever Comes Our Way

This blog has a storied history with LA indie folk/rock band, The Deadly Syndrome. We were actually the first blog to post about them way back in 2006, and it’s great to hear they’re still making beautiful music six years after we received their 4-track demo in our mailbox. I’ve spend the afternoon listening to their new LP All In Time, and it continues the passionate, dynamic indie rock of their first two albums, The Ortolan and Nolens Volens.

The latest single from the album, “Whatever Comes Our Way” is an exceptional track, striking a great balance between electronica-tinged acoustic folk melodies and bursts of distorted electric guitar. Check out the track below and hear the full album at the band’s soundcloud.

MP3 The Deadly Syndrome – Whatever Comes Our Way

MP3: Murals – Eyes Of Love

“Eyes of Love” by Louisville-based Murals is a gorgeous folk song that I’ve wanted to post here for a while but unfortunately never got around to until now. Take that as evidence of my absent-mindedness, and not a slight against this blissful track which sounds like it was plucked from the psychedelic movement of the late-60’s where it sat comfortably among artists like Nick Drake, The Zombies and Simon and Garfunkel. The band’s full album On a Passing Cloud is available to listen on Soundcloud and purchase on Bandcamp and I highly recommend if you’re into beautifully arranged, whimsical folk songs that you check them out.

MP3 Murals – Eyes of Love

MP3: Unknown Mortal Orchestra – Swim and Sleep (Like А Shark)

Well, I’m off again this weekend to Champaign/Urbana, IL for the 8th annual Pygmalion Music Festival and this year promises to be the best yet, with performances from Grizzly Bear, Dirty Projectors, Dinosaur Jr., HUM, Best Coast and many more. One of my most anticipated acts is Unknown Mortal Orchestra who played a incendiary set at the festival just last year (so good enough they’ve asked them back for more). The Portland-via-New Zealand band just released the excllent first single from their upcoming LP and it’s an infectious psych-pop tune that sees the band moving towards a more polished, jangly sound.

MP3 Unknown Mortal Orchestra – Swim and Sleep (Like А Shark)

MP3: Bat For Lashes – Marilyn

After Grizzly Bear’s new album drops tomorrow, perhaps the most anticipated release of the year (at least round here) is Bat for Lashes third album, The Haunted Man. We’ve already heard the amazing “Laura” and now Natasha Khan has released another wonderful track which also takes its title from a girls first name and reflects on fame and stardom, “Marilyn”. It’s less somber tune then the lamentful, piano-led “Laura”, but no less emotionally charged with immense drums and bursting synths providing a vast canvas for Khan’s soaring, dramatic vocals. Download below.

MP3 Bat for Lashes – Marilyn

The Haunted Man is out 10/23 on Capitol.

MP3: Peace – California Daze

As we’re quickly approaching autumn, Birmingham, UK quartet Peace delivers the perfect last hurrah for the summer season with”California Daze”. The track has a wistful, nostalgic vibe and not just because it sounds quite a bit like another English foursome. It’s just solid songwriting and a back-to-basics approach with fantastic guitar lines, vocal hooks and lovely harmonies. Check it out below.

MP3 Peace – California Daze

MP3: A.C. Newman – I'm Not Talking

It’s not uncommon for a band frontman to do solo work on the side, but few have been as rewarding as New Pornographers singer/songwriter A.C. Newman. His solo albums have included some of his very best tracks like “The Heartbreak Rides” and “Miracle Drug and his new album Shut Down The Streets looks to be following in the same mold. “I’m Not Talking” is the first single and it’s an excellent marriage of lush, serene instrumentation, hopeful lyrics and winsome harmonies. Just what you’d expect from one of the best songwriters working today.

MP3 A.C. Newman – I’m Not Talking

Pre-order Shut Down The Streets at Matador Records.

Listen: Jens Lekman – I Know What Love Isn't

The delightful title track to Jens Leman‘s latest opus I Know What Love Isn’t comes in the middle of an amazing 4-song run that ends the album. Although the song lives outside the main narrative, reflecting on a relationship with a friend whom Jens considered marrying for citizenship rather than love, it illustrates the album’s theme of living with a broken heart beautifully. And it does it in a way only Jens Lekman can, with lyrical dashes of whimsy, melancholy and humor set against a breezy flute-and-strings arrangement and one of his most infectious, unforgettable melodies yet.

Stream the track and watch a video of Jens performing a stripped-down acoustic version below. You can pre-order I Know What Love Isn’t at Secretly Canadian.

Jens Lekman – “I Know What Love Isn’t” by Secretly Canadian

MP3: Digits – Where Do You Belong

We were quite taken by Digits track “Lost Dream” last year, and now the Toronto electronic artist has caught our attention again with new single, “Where Do You Belong” and this is truly some next-level stuff. The track features a minimalistic beat, warm synths, crisp production and smooth, heartfelt vocals, bringing to mind some of the very best Junior Boys songs. This is a hard one to take off repeat.

MP3 Digits – Where Do You Belong

Get the Where Do You Belong EP here. If you send him a photo of any album you’ve bought in the last two months, you can download it for free!

MP3: Lord Huron – Time To Run

Ever since hearing Lord Huron‘s fantastic Mighty EP back in December of 2010, I’ve been hugely anticipating their debut album and although it took almost two years, it finally has a release date, plus a debut single! “Time To Run” is our first taste of the album (entitled Lonesome Dreams) and I can’t imagine a better introduction. With it’s galloping rhythm, exuberant bursts of tropical instrumentation and soaring harmonies, it transports the listener on an exhilarating journey. After this breathtaking track, I can’t wait to hear what else Benji Schneider has up his sleeves.

MP3 Lord Huron – Time To Run

Lonesome Dreams will be out 10/9 on IAMSOUND Records. Also, Lord Huron will be playing Pygmalion Festival on September, 28th! MUST-SEE!

MP3: Two Door Cinema Club – Sleep Alone

We were early fans of Two Door Cinema Club and after just seeing them premiere some new material at Bonnaroo, it’s great to hear the recorded version of their new excellent single “Sleep Alone”. The Irish trio certainly haven’t lost their touch with this track, with an energetic beat, chiming guitars, and very polished production supporting an infectious vocal hook. The track takes off at a breakneck speed and explodes with a triumphant climax. It’s one of the best pop songs I’ve heard in 2012, I just hope the rest of the album can live up to it’s greatness.

MP3 Two Door Cinema Club – Sleep Alone

Pre-order the band’s sophomore album, Beacon at their website.