Watts // Debut EP
So, I wasn’t able to go to SXSW. Boohoo. But I hear everyone down there is having a blast (even without my presence). And on top of that, I’m sick. Been sick for three weeks. How pathetic can one guy get?
Whatever, here’s something to cheer me up (and maybe you too). If you love Dream Band as much as I do, this should be welcome news for you. Their singer/guitarist Sean March recently put out an EP under his side project Watts. Now Watts is much less… straightforward than Dream Band is. Where Dream Band seem intent on crafting solid indie rock anthems, Watts is an opportunity for Sean to get a little more experimental. Incorporating electronics, some psych rock, and a helping of wobbling reverb; Watts’ Debut EP will take you places less traveled by Dream Band. I suppose a good way to listen to this album would be flat on your back, watching the ceiling fan spin around, while blowing bubbles. Yeah, that about sums it up.
And if news of a side project wasn’t good enough news on its own, Sean also let me know that Dream Band is getting ready to release their first full-length. Good glory. Sign me up.
Download Debut for free on the bandcamp.
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a-choo: “New York You’re Killing Me”
Dream Band // Flag EP
My pals in Dream Band just let me know that they debuted a new EP on their bandcamp called Flag. Like their previous EP, it’s just three songs in length, but despite this short tracklist the EP feels surprisingly full.
These guys have a pretty classic sound. They don’t do anything extreme of genre-bending, instead they put everything into their songwriting. These songs are not just thrown together, they are slaved over, that much is obvious when you listen to them. Sure layered, reverbed psychedelia is seeing no shortage these days, but trust me: Dream Band’s take on it is fresh because of the care put into the songcraft. I find myself groping for the right words to use when describing this group, but I’m falling short.
How about this: they are just really freakin good.
Download Flag for free on their bandcamp. Now!
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good golly: “Dad In the Black Forest”
*Cactus-Mouth and Unholy Rhythms Premiere!!*
About a month ago Unholy Rhythms and I (with some support from Yvyynyl) decided to collectively put together a wintry mixtape. We asked some of our favorite artists to contribute an exclusive song and then we sat back as they, one by one, sent us their contributions. The result is a really fun, really cheerful winter mixtape. While some artists decided to write songs about wintertime, some took a more Christmas-themed route. You’ll no doubt recognize many of the artists on here, but hopefully some will be new to your ears. As always, look them up and lend them your support, because they all deserve it. Without further ado, we present you with:
“Holiday Sweaters & Egg Nog” A Cactus-Mouth & U/R Christmas 2010 Mix
- BAnanas Symphony :: “Holidaze”
- unouomedude :: “Emelia”
- Ra Calium :: “SNOW FALLS”
- DannielRadall :: “Love Is You”
- Closed Cassette :: “Things Must Get Done”
- Megafortress :: “Silent Night”
- Craig Cruiser :: “Snowed In”
- Dream Band :: “Missa Do Galo”
- Ricky Eat Acid :: “wntrsngs”
- Guerre :: “MF”
- Holy Spirits :: “The Sea”
- Martha! Mother :: “Michael W. Smit”
- SNOWMINE :: “Nervous”
- Mutual Benefit :: “Silent Nite”
Download HERE
**Merry Christmas, everyone!**
Dream Band - Dream Band EP
Here are some fresh tunes via my inbox. When I followed the link to Dream Band’s site, the first thing I noticed was the cover artwork. This might just be my personal opinion, but when a band puts effort into making great cover artwork, it speaks volumes about the band’s attitude towards their music and automatically gears me up to listen to it.
Though the band only has this three-song EP, they are way ahead of the game. Their slightly psychedelic indie pop style is pretty classic, but they execute it flawlessly. Fitting somewhere between MGMT’s more traditional songwriting and say Grizzly Bear, the music on this EP really shines. The production is first class and so is the songwriting. I’m stoked about this band and can’t wait until they unleash their followup.
Grab this EP on bandcamp for $1.98, mere pocket change my friends.
mp3: “Mr. Shaking and Pills to Judge”
