Author: acute.pop

[ep] Research Vessel – Going Tomorrow

acute.pop

Seattle-based musician Danny Rowland (Seapony, Space Daze) is back with his new solo project Research Vessel.

His debut EP Going Tomorrow is out now through Small Craft Advisory (Olympia, WA) and it is a little gem of a release, made with the musician’s DIY approach to music and his ability to create deeply resonant indie pop songs with little elements in the mix (but with a lot of soul put into it).

All four songs here solidify and elevate the ideas laid out in Rowland’s previous work, presenting a guitar sound that’s both breezy and deeply affecting, this time lo-fi with a drum machine and Casio.

Despite its compact nature (the whole mini-album lasts a little bit less than just 10 minutes), Going Tomorrow doesn’t feel rushed, offering a charming tour through the artist’s songwriting abilities and musical versatility.

Stream below.

[video] La Luz – Strange World

acute.pop
Photo by Wyndham Garrett

La Luz – the band led by Shana Cleveland – announced their new record News of the Universe which will be out on May 24 via Sub Pop (it is their first one for the label). Along with the news they are sharing a new single/video “Strange World”.

It’s a warm, nostalgic journey through emotions and memories, encapsulated in a sound that is both retro and refreshingly modern. The song’s structure is straightforward, yet every element, from the guitar tone to the vocal harmonies, is meticulously crafted to contribute to the overall mood. La Luz have created a track with a truly timeless feel, a testament to their talent and vision as musicians.

The video was shot by Vanessa Pla and features Cleveland on a bike delivering the La Luz Observer newspaper whose headline reads “News of the Universe”.

Watch below and pre-order the album here.

[video] of Montreal – Yung Hearts Bleed Free

acute.pop
Photo by Shervin Lainez

In the ever-evolving landscape of music, few musicians have consistently captured the essence of transformation and creativity quite like of Montreal. Today Kevin Barnes, the artist behind the cult project, has announced a new record Lady On The Cusp, which is set for release on May 17 via Polyvinyl Record Co.

Along with the news they are sharing a single/video “Yung Hearts Bleed Free”. The song is a playful and groovy psychedelic pop masterpiece, and if it is any indication, of Montreal is poised to once again redefine the boundaries of their genre, taking listeners on a journey that is at once comforting and exhilaratingly new.

Watch below and pre-order the LP here.

[song] ELLiS·D – Humdrum

acute.pop
Photo by Freddie Willatt

After completing a series of seven UK performances for Independent Venue Week, Brighton solo artist ELLiS·D (real name Ellis Dickson) shares spooky new stomper “Humdrum”, out now via Crafting Room Recordings.

The track is an instant earworm and stands out as a beacon of the artist’s ability to blend dark, atmospheric instrumentation with introspective lyrics, creating a sound that is both haunting and deeply resonant. In just three and a half minutes it delivers a frenetic, tension-filled surge of new wave rock that is forceful and truly incessant.

Listen below and find all the ELLiS·D’s upcoming tour dates here.

[ep] Green Hands – Anyplace, Anywhere, Anytime

acute.pop

Leamington Spa-based quartet Green Hands released a brand-new EP Anyplace, Anywhere, Anytime, and it is a masterclass in indie rock charm, blending jangly guitars of the past with the lyrical anxieties of the modern age. It’s a mini-album full of catchy hooks, thoughtful lyrics, and the kind of indie pop goodness that never goes out of style.

From the opening chords of Pavement-ish “Been Around” to the closing notes of “Garden at Noon”, Anyplace, Anywhere, Anytime is a seamless journey through light and shadow, both musically and emotionally. Through understanding listening and a warm hug of guitars, they provide listeners with the glow, akin to a hearth’s embrace, to guide you through winter’s gloom.

Check it out below.