A Leaf in the Street - Studies on the "Pocket"
The brain child of one Kaleb Kirby, A Leaf in the Street's debut release Studies on the "Pocket" is a silky collection of 8 of the catchiest jams to grace my ears in some time. A seamless blend of jazz, funk, pop and indie rock, Studies on the "Pocket" has something for everyone. A Leaf in the Street is one of the most must-see bands in St. Louis right now. The music, the lights, the outfits, every one of their shows is a party. And with this album, you can bring their party anywhere you go.
Favorite track: Self-Medicate
Q - Relaxed Mike
Finally Q has some new tunes to bang your head to. After riding high on the success of their 2015 release RECQRD, Q aka "The Band That Breaks Things" is back with a two song tape of familiar jams that have never been recorded before. Straight-forward, belts off, punch to the face hardcore. This two song tape should hold fans over and give them something to sink their teeth into while they patiently wait for new Q
Favorite track: QUS
Glued - I
Everyone can rest easy now, Glued has finally released some music. And boy oh boy, the wait sure was worth it. Cathartic rockers, Glued have been playing shows for what seems like 30 years without any recorded representation to go along with the ruckus live shows. It really shows that being patient and not rushing really pays off. Each of the 4 songs breathe a life of it's own while remaining inside the Glued infrastructure that was careful crafted by Sean Ballard, Johnny Wu Gabbert, Chelsi Webster and Kevin Guszkowski. The contrast of the two guitars gliding along with the chunky bass tones makes this dim rock tape easy to listen to over and over.
Favorite track: Smile
Trauma Harness - Halloween Songs Vo1. 1
In a perfect world, every day would be Halloween. You get to dress up like your favorite characters and strangers give you candy. It doesn't get any better than that. No band has quite embraced the holiday spirit quite like Trauma Harness, a band whose entire discography sounds like the soundtrack to an 80's horror movie set at a high school prom. Trauma Harness has released three tapes centralized around Halloween:
Leechman Halloween Cassingle (2012),
Dead and Loving It EP (2013) and
The Crypt on the Hillside EP (2015). This new LP released by Lumpy McWadbutt himself is all three of those tapes on one beautiful 12".
Favorite track: Leechman
Fragile Farm - Oranges in the Sewer
So i'm kind of cheating with this one but give me a break the physical tapes were made available in March and I really want to talk about this alright fuck off.
Oranges in the Sewer is the most recent and most complete release from Sean Ballard's solo experimental folk project Fragile Farm.
Oranges in the Sewer is less of an album and more of a seamless experience curated by Ballard. Roughly a half an hour of short songs, field recordings, conversations and full songs written by Ballard but performed by people close to Sean. Salvatore Cassatto and Dakota Loesch (Animal City) as well as local musicians Delia Rainey (Dubb Nubb), John Beabout, Todd Anderson (The Vanilla Beans) and Aaron O'Neill (Yonsei, A Leaf in the Street) are featured, performing covers of old and new Fragile Farm songs. The album ends with a song written by Ryan Raines entitled "Thank God." Tragically Ryan Raines passed away shortly after the release of
Oranges in the Sewer. Despite the unfortunate loss, Ryan and Sean's friendship will forever be connected through this and I think that's beautiful.
Oranges in the Sewer is easily my favorite album of 2017 so far and will be hard to top as my favorite of the year. Tell your friends you love them. RIP Ryan Raines.
Favorite track: Coming Undone (performed by Aaron O'Neill)
Thumpy Sticky - Gaslight Session
Thumpy Sticky is free jazz trio compromised of three of St. Louis' most talented musicians. Dave Stone on baritone sax, Chris Powers on upright bass and Drew Gowran on percussion. This five song release from the group is a completely improvised and takes many twists and turns. These three musicians have developed such great chemistry together which allows them to better play off each other. Each member knows their roles and no one is trying to outshine anyone else, which makes for a more complete and intriguing sound.
Favorite track: Goodnight Birdy
Mala Leche - Cassingle
Your favorite Spanish-speaking, drum machine clown punx are back with a two track tape for your enjoyment. These two songs are really blown out and cracking but at the same time very catchy and pretty easy to dance to. Then you add in the vocals that sound like the incoherent ramblings of a madman. All of it together really messes with one's psyche.
Favorite track: Mareos
Mother Meat - Roll, Roll Tadpole
I'm not going to say a lot about this because i'm going to talk about the new album(s) when they come out in a couple months, but man I am excited for new Mother Meat. This new single is weirder than ever. With that being said, it seems Mother Meat has polished their sound even more. This single is a lot clearer and more concise compared to the band's 2015 release The Golden Shower. But like I said, it's still weird. I think I heard a banjo somewhere in this song. I don't know, there is a lot going on.
Jacques Limón - Crumbs
Woah! I was completely unaware of this little ditty from John Hamns but it rules. Crumbs is the newest tracked added to the Jacques Limón bandcamp and it rules. Very hard-hitting lo-fi indie rock straight from one bedroom to your earbuds. There are only two songs online for Jacques Limón which is a shame, because I want more.
The Chair Enthusiasts - Fasten Your Chairbelts
These recordings don't do The Chair Enthusiasts justice. These five nerds from WashU create cute song after cute song after cute song. It's bright twee pop and everyone could use a little of that now and again. This will go perfectly for your weekly dance recital you perform by yourself, in your room with the curtains drawn.
Favorite track: When Your Ex Has A Kid
