Author: acute.pop

[video] DEADLETTER – Mere Mortal

acute.pop
Photo by Daniel Delikatnyi

DEADLETTER are announcing today their highly-anticipated debut album Hysterical Strength, which will be out on September 13 through SO Recordings.

Along with the news they are sharing a new single/music video “Mere Mortal”, a powerful and thunderous art punk number that arose from the aftermath of a personal tragedy—a friend’s suicide.

Speaking about it, lead singer Zac Lawrence shared: “Though Mere Mortal was written in the wake of personal tragedy, its intention is not to convey the sentiment of subjective grief, but to act as an undoubtedly relatable tale of loss and longing for all those who themselves have been faced with and have had to navigate the confusing, painful landscape that bereavement leaves one confronted by”.

Watch below and pre-order the LP here.

[album] BODEGA – Our Brand Could Be Yr Life

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Our Brand Could Be Yr Life, the new LP from BODEGA, is a full ‘remake’ of an old band BODEGA BAY’s sole LP which was a self-released 33-track album from 2015. As described by the group, they approached this project like how a director might ‘remake’ one of their old films which meant writing several new songs and developing old ideas in new directions.

The result is striking like a bolt of lightning, with the album being an epitome of infectious energy captured in musical form. Every track on this record is a gem, with no room for filler as it propels listeners into a whirlwind of catchy melodies and pulsating rhythms. Musically it is also very broad — there’s a place for fidgety post-punk, art rock, dance punk, some neo-psychedelia and more.

Thematically, the band delivers a sonic manifesto that challenges societal norms and embraces the chaos of contemporary existence. Songs like “ATM” (which is also reflected on the cover art, crafted by the band’s Nikki Belfiglio) emphasize a significant observation about the transactional nature we’ve adopted both within the music industry and as a society and “Tarkovski” could arguably be their punchiest track to date (right next to the “Doers”).

Even further they go on the epic “Cultural Consumer” trilogy, which features the recurring character of their songs, a middle-class bohemian addicted to studying culture. It is BODEGA in a nutshell — a fun, provocative, smart and one-of-a-kind experience that stays with you forever after listening.

Stream below and buy the record here.

[ep] Moonpools – Hide and Seek

acute.pop

Swiss outfit Moonpools released their new EP Hide and Seek on Friday via Young and Aspiring. This is an exceptional shoegaze album that you shouldn’t miss, especially if you enjoy ethereal, atmospheric music filled with glimmering guitars, intricate layers, and captivating vocals.

The band pays homage to several influential figures in the genre here (such as Cocteau Twins, Slowdive, My Bloody Valentine) while infusing their own unique style. The overall tone of the album is melancholic yet optimistic, exploring themes of love, insecurities, and human connections seamlessly intertwined with the music itself.

The lyrical content weaves a poetic and evocative storyline, enhancing the immersive sonic landscapes crafted by the instrumentals. Moonpools demonstrate a forward-looking perspective on Hide and Seek, poised to navigate the emotional depths with a sense of equilibrium as they embrace what lies ahead.

Check it out below.

[song] M. Vaughan – Tire Swing

acute.pop
Photo by Chiara Soldati

Renowned international producer M. Vaughan makes a comeback with “Tire Swing”, the first track of his new EP Keep in Touch (set for release on June 14 via Super Tuff Records), marking a shift from the club scene to delve into the heartfelt realm of indie rock.

This transition mirrors his personal journey, grappling with the moves from Brooklyn to Berlin and then to Lisbon. The song is a pulsating anthem that ignites dancefloors with its infectious energy and dynamic beats. Seamlessly mixing elements of electro, house, and indie rock, it truly captivates listeners with its relentless rhythm. Brilliant stuff.

FFO: Mount Kimbie, Digitalism, Cut Copy, Blood Orange, Hot Chip, Baths.

Listen below.

[video] Las Nubes – Would Be

acute.pop
Photo by Sal Rispoli

Las Nubes followed up their recent single “Enredados” with another new cut, loud and heavy garage pop banger “Would Be”. Both songs are taken from their forthcoming debut album Tormentas Malsanas, set for release on June 14 via Sweat Records Records.

The single is accompanied by a nostalgic music video, for which the band’s Ale Campos (guitar/vocals) edited an old home movie of her father in his late 40s doing tricks with a soccer ball.

Watch below.