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Cheap Girls - Ruby

Cheap Girls’ new record Giant Orange is out today on Rise Records! I’m a huge fan of this band; I love their grungy, fuzzy sound. It’s like if Dinosaur Jr. drank as much as they smoked weed. Their new record rules too, so definitely check it out. They’ll be playing in New Haven on March 8th with the Sidekicks, New Years Revolution, and Dagwood so check that out too!

Perfume Genius - No Tear

Put Your Back N 2 It; 2012

When Perfume Genius’s newest effort came into the station on Thursday, I immediately ripped it; I could not have been any more excited. Mike Hadreas’s Learning was one of 2010’s most emotional listens, beckoning tears with each listen; Put Your Back N 2 It continues this tradition. Even stronger than Learning, Hadreas’s second full-length avoids the sophomore slump completely. Expect some critical acclaim for this release. 

Ceremony - Video

Zoo; 2012

Matador 

The last song on Ceremony’s Matador debut is arguably one of its strongest. With a crawling speed and patience, “Video” is a haunting piece of hardcore/post-punk. The song stops and starts on a dime, exhibiting beautiful production and composition. I can see this release getting a ton of flak from the Bay Area’s fans, but hey, shouldn’t a band grow (along with its fanbase)?

Forming - Hate My Gutz

Forming’s self-titled 7” (out on Vitriol Records) is one of my favorite 7”s in recent memory. In fact, every night this summer I would listen to this song before I went out to a party or something. Why? You tell me. Bearing that in mind, as my 21st birthday approaches, I feel it only appropriate that I revisit my fuzzy anthem. Oh and the best part is you can download this record for free right here!

Hymie’s Basement - America Won

Hymie’s Basement; 2003

A collaboration between Yoni Wolf (Why?) and Andrew Broder (Fog), Hymie’s Basement create unique musical ideas that still somewhat retain aspects of pop music. “America Won” is a jumble of three different vocal loops that sync up every once in a while, in what seems to be the perfect place for harmony. Using only a light piano and a low vocal drone, “America Won” features idiosyncratic instrumentation reminiscent of both Fog and Why?.