Menomena – Heavy is as Heavy Does [mp3] (from Moms, out now)
Justin Harris and Danny Seim soldier on as a duo (minus founding member Brent Knopf who left to pursue his solo project Ramona Falls). The new album is more cohesive than previous collections, with their multi-layered, intricate approach to experimental indie rock focusing more on the subject of family relationships (but still brandishing their bare-knuckled take on friendship and sexuality).
Jaggery – No Sympathy [mp3] (from Private Violence EP, out Nov 13)
Playful chamber music art-pop from Boston five-piece.
Matthew Dear – Her Fantasy [mp3] (from Beams, out now on Ghostly)
Detroit producer/house musician makes bleak, droning, yet danceable electronic music.
Seapony – What You Wanted [mp3] (from Falling, out now on Sub Pop)
Sun-kissed, ebullient indie pop – a perfect autumnal anthem.
Pinback – Proceed to Memory [mp3] (from Information Retrieved, out Oct 16 on Temporary Residence)
San Diego indie rock duo returns from exile with their first album in five years. This single suggests a heavier take on their inscrutable, euphonic indie rock music (with double bass pedal to get the song moving towards climax!)
A.C. Newman – Encyclopedia of Classic Takedowns [mp3] (from Shut Down the Streets out September 18th on Matador)
New Pornographers front-man delivers his third solo album – purportedly the lyrical content is more deeply personal than previous efforts. Expect excellent indie pop from one of the best songwriters of his generation.
WHY? – Strawberries [mp3] (from Mumps, Etc. out Oct 9 on Anticon)
The Ohio-based quartet’s quirky indie pop and boy-girl harmonies are like sweet nectar to honey bees.
The Album Leaf – Descent [mp3] (from Forward/Return)
