It’s been a long, long week. Sometimes things just don’t seem to go your way, you know?
But today is Sunday, and tomorrow’s a clean slate. So, things are looking up already, aren’t they? And with that tone of optimism, let’s jump straight into another tune trio.
The Heavenly States – The Race
The Heavenly States
The Heavenly States really and truly excite me. It’s pure, guitar-driven pop rock, with subtle hints towards a Dinosaur Jr love skulking underneath. All of which is played with an earnestness which seems to be lacking in other contemporary bands of the same genre. There are hints of Arcade Fire in there, but only hints… The Heavenly States are definitely their own band.
This song, “The Race“, showcases everything that makes them great; the hummable, angst-laden, and extremely catchy hooks of singer/guitarist Ted Nesseth’s lyrics, and violinist Genevieve Gargon’s complementary, darting chords. In short, pop-rock perfection. “The Race” is taken from their “Delayer” album, which will be out in the US by next week.
Listen: The Heavenly States – The Race
Mystery Jets – Flakes
The Mystery Jets
Perhaps one of London’s best-kept secrets, the Mystery Jets consistently produce classic, timeless, and slightly off-kilter songs that, quite simply, kick ass.
The below song, “Flakes“, is a great introduction to them for those who haven’t heard them before. There’s something about lead singer Blaine Harrison’s vocals here… they seem to recall early shades of Mark Mulcahy (and come on; when isn’t that a great thing? Miracle Legion and Polaris… we miss you!). And then when that choral chorus of “oohs” kicks in? Man… killer.
“Flakes” is due to appear on Mystery Jet’s forthcoming album, which as of yet is being kept under wraps. As soon as I have more information on a release date, I’ll be sure to let you know.
Listen: Mystery Jets – Flakes
Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin – Modern Mystery
Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin
Another indie-pop song? I know, but as I say, it’s been that kind of week, and Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin are just the band to pick you up out a funk. Finely crafted vocal harmonies, and tunes that seem somewhat reminiscent of a lighter Rogue Wave = great times.
Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin – henceforth to be known on this blog as SSLYBY, as the name is far too long to continually type out – are about to drop their second album, “Pershing” on the general public on April the 11th. This tune from that album, “Modern Mystery“, has them at their jangly-guitar best. Sincere lyrics and hook-laden chorus ensure the interest in Pershing is going to be huge.
There is no modern mystery,
We’re making up our history
– SSLYBY, “Modern Mystery”
Listen: Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin – Modern Mystery