Deeper Announces Debut Album, Plus New Music From Post Animal, The Vaccines, Frankie Cosmos and More!
Photo by Alexa Viscius
Post Animal Release "Gelatin Mode" With Hilariously Weird Music Video
Today, Chicago's Post Animal finally released the studio version for their track "Gelatin Mode," which has proved to be a crowd favorite during their live shows. Along with releasing the song on all streaming platforms, the band also put out a hilariously weird video that goes hand in hand with the band's quirky personality. The video features the band members all taking on eccentric roles; Javi Reyes is a magical elf wizard dad, Jake Hirshland and Dalton Allison share a sweet fake nose boop, Matt Williams takes Dalton and his sword out with just a hat, and Wes Toledo proves that lime green really is his color. And there's more...Check out the whole surreal video below to see it all.
Post Animal will be on tour throughout the summer following the April 20th release of their debut album When I Think Of You In A Castle, via Polyvinyl. Pre-order the album here, and see all of their tour dates here. If you're in Chicago, do not miss their show at Lincoln Hall. Grab tickets here.
Thumbnail image by Pooneh Ghana
New Music Friday: ANCHR x March Playlist
Happy Friday, folks! There's tons of great new music out today, from new albums to new singles. We've added some new songs and some of our favorites from the new albums to a playlist for the month of March, which will be updated weekly. Tune into the first round for March below.
The playlist features a lot of these albums, but the following are all worth a full listen on their own too. Click the link to give 'em a spin!
The Evening Attraction- The End, Again
In Tall Buildings- Akinetic
Jonathan Wilson-Rare Birds
MT. Joy- Mt. Joy
Lucius-Nudes
Lucy Dacus-Historian
Soccer Mommy-Clean
Sonny Smith- Rod For Your Love
Suuns-Felt
PREMIERE: "Ladaia" by The Evening Attraction
In advance of their sophomore album, The End, Again, The Evening Attraction share their next single "Ladaia"; a dreamy and building ballad that features a jazzy and layered instrumental bridge and outro. The track follows the upbeat, harmony-heavy lead single "Say You Will," which was released earlier this month along with a music video.
Photo By Kayla Thornton
On the new track "Ladaia," bassist Paul Ansani says, "Miles [Malin] wrote the track as a two-part split between the unaccompanied vocals/guitar intro and then the Brazilian influenced jam progression. For the first half, he and I really wanted to accent the melody with some interesting harmony layers. The jam ending was pretty carefully orchestrated," and also gives a nod to the influence from The Beach Boys in the track.
Lead vocalist and guitarist Miles Malin chimes in about his writing process for the song, adding, "This song was a very emotional one for me. I wrote this one and many of these [songs on the album] during a hard time in my relationship. This one is definitely the most expressive of those times for me. It kind of poured out of me and really came together fast. I really loved the chord progression I made up on my nylon acoustic guitar and the melody spilled out very naturally, followed by a couple days of lyric writing. Without going into too much detail this song lyrically is written almost like a letter or message. It's a reflection of being in a sad, dark and lonely place and explaining to your lover your apology but also finding some self clarity during the hard times. It’s very true that hard times inspired beautiful art and I think this song is proof of that."
The song title "Ladaia" comes from the word for a Brazilian chant or cry, explains Mailin. "At this time I was listening to a ton of Brazilian Tropicalia, and samba music. The instrumental section showcases that style with all of the instrumentation during the second half of the song. It was a daunting task trying to orchestrate the arrangements with the band the way I saw it in my head. I wanted us to try to play jazz the best way we could for a rock and roll band and I think we succeeded that in our own right. This is definitely the deep cut of the record. I urge every listener to listen to the track all the way through because it has so many beautiful moving parts," he elaborates. Malin also recognizes the track "You Don't Know" by Caetano Veloso, which also references Ladaia, as an inspiration of sorts.
The tune all came together at Treehouse Records, where the band recorded all of their tracks to tape, but they called in some friends for this one in particular. "This is the one song on which we used every track on the tape. After the drums, bass, and guitars, and organs we had our friend Kevin Decker lay down the sax solo. He killed it, we were having a laugh in the studio at how perfectly that solo fell together. Nick [Tumminello] layered all of the percussion you're hearing on the jam just one after another. Guiro, triangle, claves, bongos, tambo, cabasa, and shaker I believe. The little triangle bit is my favorite," Ansani says. After all of the instrumentation was laid down, Ansani says he and Malin added the final touch; the backing vocals. "There are 4 oo's/ah's and then 2 divergent call back lines. We used a technique that we did on most of the record where both of us sang both backing vocal tracks in unison. So on this track, both Miles and I did the lowest and 2nd lowest "oo/ah" together. This worked very well as our voices blend but project differently at different notes. Then the highest 2 oo/ahs we had to do on one track because it was the last one available. Miles took the 3rd and I was on the highest. That took a couple takes but we got it. No problem," he says.
Take a listen to "Ladaia" below to see how all of their work came together for the finished track.
New Music Friday 2/9/18
While it may be snowmageddon in Chicago at the moment, it's a beautiful day for new music out there! In addition to highly anticipated albums from some of our favorites, like The Wombats, Hockey Dad, Ezra Furman, and MGMT, there's tons of new singles out this week! James Bay made a long awaited comeback with news of a tour and an electrifying new song. Some other great singer-songwriters from around the world like Ten Tonnes, Isador, and Barns Courtney also put out new songs. COIN and The Aces, who will be on tour together this month, also blessed us with new tracks. Lastly, some new favorite artists like Sleep State, Jesse Saint John and Henry Green released new material. Sit back and get ready to spend your weekend surrounded by some great music by tuning into all of that and more below!
COIN-"Growing Pains"
Ten Tonnes-"Lay It On Me"
Prinze George-"Dividends"
Frankie Cosmos-"Being Alive"
James Bay-"Wild Love"
Coasts- "You Could Have Been The One"
Barns Courtney-"Sinners"
The Aces-"Volcanic Love"
Albin Lee Meldau-"The Weight Is Gone"
Sleep State-"Awkward"
Freedom Baby- "When We Go"
Swerve- "Lose Control"
Jesse Saint John - "MOVE"
Mallrat - "UFO"
Isador- "Jungle"
Henry Green-"Shift"// "Without You"
Shakey Graves- The Sleep EP
Ezra Furman- Transangelic Exodus
The Wombats- Beautiful People Will Ruin Your Life
Franz Ferdinand-Always Ascending
Hockey Dad-Blend Inn
MGMT- Little Dark Age
Palm- Rock Island
You can also check out most of these songs on our February Faves playlist- click here!
New Music Friday 2/2
New Music Friday this week has some really exciting singles and projects...including new material from some of our favorite Chicago bands! Our buds Town Criers have their debut EP out, and L Martin (formerly of The Walters) has released a double single. Another ANCHR favorite, Middle Kids, released the lead single of their upcoming full length debut, while former Chicagoan Cut Worms also unleashed the lead single of his upcoming debut album. On the album front, we have new records from Tenderfoot, Anna Burch, and Rae Morris. Stay tuned for a track by track by Tenderfoot, coming to the site soon...but for now, get your weekend started with all that and more below!
Cut Worms-"Till Tomorrow Goes Away"
Frenship- “LOVE Somebody"
Frank Turner- "1933"
Ultimate Painting- "Not Gonna Burn Myself Anymore"
Vance Joy- "Saturday Sun"
L. Martin- "Skipping Rocks" // "Flowers"
Girlpool- "Picturesong"
Mad Hawkes "Fantasy"
Middle Kids- "Mistake"
Everett Bird- "Bucket of Dark Meat"
Town Criers- Self Titled EP
Rae Morris- Someone Out There
Anna Burch- Quit The Curse
Tenderfoot- Break Apart
New Music Friday 1/26
New Music Friday is here, with new tunes from all all over the place! Chicago's In Tall Buildings released the lead single from his upcoming album, Akinetic. We also have new singles from The Dig, Tenderfoot, The Aces and More! On the album front, the Aussie duo LEYYA return with their sophomore album, while Handsome Ghost has dropped their debut LP. Get your weekend started off right by tuning into all that and more below!
In Tall Buildings-"Beginning to Fade"
The Dig- "Moonlight Baby"
The Aces- "Fake Nice"
Lord Huron- "Ancient Names" (Part 1 and 2)
Joseph-"Trust"
Tenderfoot-"Palms"
Mien-"Black Habit"
Allman Brown -"Bury My Heart"
Khruangbin- Con Todo El Mundo
Handsome Ghost- Welcome Back
LEYYA - Sauna
Former Faces Music Video Feature: "Forc# Fi#lds"
Los Angeles' Former Faces have just released their new single "Forc# Fi#lds," along with an accompanying music video. Talking about the song, the band say it is "about reconciling the past and opening up to the future. It’s about letting your guard down and being wide awake to new relationships, ideas, and endeavors." The band's vocalist and frontman Ryan Parmenter adds, "It’s among the first we crafted as a band and is steeped in sentimentality. The imagery in the Forc# Fi#lds music video was originally featured in Gerald McDermott’s 1966 animated short, ‘Sun Flight: the Myth of Daedalus and His Son, Icarus.’ Upon first viewing, I became an instant fan of McDermott’s unique style. Tailoring his brilliant vision of the classic myth to our song was an honor."
In honor of their new music video, Parmenter and the band put together a list of some of their favorite music videos from the past and present. Check them all out and read a bit about why these videos are engrained in Former Faces' minds below!
Photo by IAN FLANIGAN
5 favorite music videos between the 90's - early 2000's
Fiona Apple - Criminal (1997)
To say teenage me had a crush on Fiona Apple would be a grave understatement. This video is so damn sexy and dirty. Watching it now makes me miss being young.
Guns N' Roses - November Rain (1992)
My next door neighbor growing up was a huge Guns N' Roses fan and brought me along for the ride. I distinctly remember watching this video with him when it premiered on MTV. It's fantastically melodramatic, over the top, and just perfectly early 90's. Watching Slash rip that solo outside the church remains a religious experience.
The White Stripes - Fell In Love With A Girl (2002)
The White Stripes were the epitome of cool in the early 2000s. Their music was raw, their persona was mysterious, and their videos were unique and memorable. Plus, Meg gave me bedroom eyes at Cha Cha Lounge in 2005 ;)
Paul Simon - You Can Call Me Al (1986)
I know this came out in the 80's but I first viewed it in the 90's so I'm taking some liberties and including it on my list! The odd couple pairing of Simon and Chase is brilliant and cracks me up every time. This song is just so fun and still gives me a feeling of pure nostalgic joy. And that bass line... are you kidding me?!
Gorillaz - Clint Eastwood (2001)
Gorillaz are one of my all-time favorites. They created a unique sound seemingly effortlessly that has aged incredibly well. This video introduced them to the world and we remain grateful.
5 favorite videos of the last ten years
Fever Ray - When I Grow Up (2009)
Karin Dreijer is one of my favorite aliens. I'm glad she chose to land her spaceship on Earth and make music here. I'd never heard a song like this before it came out. The video, while simple, is very impactful. A mysterious young conjurer summons life from the depths of a pool. I can relate...
Tame Impala - Feels Like We Only Go Backwards (2012)
I love visceral, visually stimulating music videos and Tame Impala has no shortage of them. I've dabbled in collage art over the years and marvel at the time and focus directors Joe Pelling & Becky Sloan must have put into creating this aesthetic. Coupled with Kevin's uniquely cool vibe, this video narrowly edges out The Less I Know the Better as my favorite of theirs.
Chet Faker - Gold (2014)
Fluid perpetual motion and beautiful women roller skate dancing? Yes please. Simple, sexy, and mesmerizing, this video flies by every time. Oh yeah, and dude can siiiiing!
Portugal. The Man - Sleep Forever (2011)
A dog's gotta eat... I love this band, love this song, and love this video. The homage Portugal. The Man pay to their homeland Alaska and the fable-like theme of this short film make it a memorable and impactful work of art.
David Bowie - Black Star (2015)
The most epic of swan songs, a powerful and profound goodbye. As beautiful, haunting, and iconic as David Bowie himself.
Last but not least, check out the video for "Forc# Fi#lds" below!
Josh Jacobson X ANCHR Magazine Playlist
NYC based producer and singer-songwriter Josh Jacobson will be bringing his fusion of pop and soul music to Schubas Tavern on February 2nd! Before the show, get to know Josh a bit better and check out this exclusive playlist he handpicked for ANCHR! As a Northwestern University Alum, Josh of course featured some Chicago favorites on this list. Hit play and see what he has has to say about his song choices below!
Common - "Be (Intro)"
One of my absolute favorite records, with an intro to match!
The Impressions - "People Get Ready"
A Chicago classic!
Stormzy -" Velvet / Jenny Francis - Interlude"
Been really vibing to this Stormzy record lately and this may be my favorite tune from it.
Andrew Bird - "Plasticities"
I'll always remember seeing him play with Mavis Staples at the Hideout Block Party one year in Chicago while I was in school. Such a great performer! The way he loops violin and so many other textures live is unlike anything else I've heard. He and I both went to Northwestern!
Moses Sumney - "Lonely World"
I'm obsessed with this track lately, had to include it here! I love how it builds and the Thundercat bass fill towards the end is next level.
Kanye West - "Good Life (ft. T Pain)"
One of my favorite Kanye songs, this always brings back great memories of when I was in high school. Also love it more because it's a sample of P.Y.T.
H.E.R. - "Every Kind of Way"
D'Angelo and penthouse views. I love everything about this song.
Cajmere - "Percolator"
Closing out with some Chicago house favorites. Everyone knows this one from Cajmere aka Green Velvet.
Frankie Knuckles - "The Whistle Song"
Chicago was the birthplace of house music and these songs never get old.
Chance The Rapper - "Finish Line / Drown (ft. T-Pain, Kirk Franklin, Eryn Allen Kane)"
I love what Chance has been doing bringing together hip hop with gospel. I've been a fan of gospel music for a long time and it's a direct influence on almost all of the music I listen to, but it's cool to hear it brought out in this more direct way! Great song.
New Music Friday 1/19
Lots of new albums out today from some of our favorites, as well as some great singles released this week! First Aid Kit followed up their 2014 album with Ruins today, and Tune-Yards also made a long awaited return with their fourth studio album. HINDS and George Ezra both announced albums and tours along with their new singles today. Rainbow Kitten Surprise put out their first single out since their 2015 album, The Wombats teased another single from their upcoming fourth album, and Lucius returned with the lead single off of their upcoming EP. Speaking of EPs, Ron Gallo also blessed us with a whole EP full of new music, coming only a few weeks after the release of his last single. Tune into all that and more now!
Rainbow Kitten Surprise- "Fever Pitch"
Hockey Dad- "I Wanna Be Everybody"
HINDS-"New For You"
Lucius- "Neighbors"
George Ezra- "Paradise"
The Wombats- "Cheetah Tongue"
Ron Gallo- Really Nice Guys EP
Bahamas- Earthtone
First Aid Kit- Ruins
tUnE-yArDs- I can feel you creep into my private life
Lake Jons- Lake Jons
Porches- The House
New Music Friday 1/12
It's been a minute since we've had a new music Friday post, with the lull during the year end, but now music releases are back in full swing! On the album front, one of our favorites from across the pond, To Kill a King, has finally followed up their 2015 self-titled album with the incredible The Spiritual Dark Age. Similarly, BØRNS has followed up his 2015 album with his sophomore release, Blue Madonna. So many of our favorites are back this week with singles, too; The Hunna, and Lake Jons releasing another single off of upcoming albums. Ezra Furman and Acid Dad also announced this week that new albums are on the way, and celebrated with new singles. POND put out a new bonus track from their 2017 album The Weather, and a new discovery of ours, Nation of Language, also put out a new track. Listen to all that and even more new songs below to get your weekend started off right!
The Hunna- "Flickin' Your Hair"
POND- "Fire in the Water"
Acid Dad- "2Ci"
Ezra Furman-"Suck the Blood from My Wound"
Jade Bird- "Lottery"
First Aid Kit- "Ruins"
Franz Ferdinand- "Feel The Love Go"
Car Seat Headrest- "Nervous Young Inhumans"
Lake Jons- "Lake Family"
Nation of Language- "On Division St"
Charlie Barnes- "All I Have"
Public Access T.V- "Lost in the Game"
To Kill A King- The Spiritual Dark Age
BØRNS- Blue Madonna
PREMIERE: Uma Bloo "Meow"/"Lullaby"
Chicago singer-songwriter Molly Madden has been playing shows all around the city under the name Uma Bloo for just over a year now. This week, she has blessed us with her official debut release, and instead of just putting out one single, she's offered up a B-Side. "Meow" and b-side "Lullaby" combine dreamy and melancholy melodies with Uma Bloo's signature alluring vocals and vulnerable lyrics.
Offering some insight into the lead track, "Meow," Madden says, "[It] was inspired by desperation, by how deep into self-degradation we'll go to try and hold onto something we think we need. I had been listening to Libby Titus's 'Love Has No Pride' a bunch and around the same time I started noticing how a lot of us want significant others for the same reason we want pets. So it all became very funny to me and I got a song out of it." The b-side, "Lullaby," closely trailed "Meow" in the creative process, Madden says, "I couldn't sleep one night because I was missing someone... I write songs a lot when I am missing people. I guess it wasn't inspired really, it was just another night when someone felt far away."
Take an exclusive first listen to both tracks below, and keep an eye out for the official release on Friday, January 12th!
Thumbnail photo by Asia Shelton
ANCHR's Picks: 37 Favorite Albums and 17 Best Songs of 2017
Our top picks for albums and songs in 2017
Read MoreNew Music Friday 12/15
Lots of singles are out today from all across the genre-sphere! British indie bands and Pale Waves and Farebrother have new singles out, the latter only being their second release. Lo-fi pop group Lake Jons further teased their upcoming album, out 1/19, with new song "Call Me." Folk outfit Tenderfoot also teased their debut album out in February with "Break Apart," while BØRNS followed up with his third single from his sophomore album. Tune into all that and more below!
Lake Jons-"Call Me"
Tenderfoot-"Break Apart"
BØRNS-"I Don't Want U Back"
Pale Waves-"My Obsession"
Glades-"Do Right"
The Decemberists- "Ben Franklin's Song"
The Neighbourhood-"Stuck With Me"
Farebrother-"A Little Late"
NoMBe- "Sex"
PREMIERE: Town Criers "Change Your Mind"
Chicago's own Town Criers follow up their debut single "Rip it Up" today with "Change Your Mind." The high energy track has been a staple in their setlist over the past few months, if you've been to see them around the city at Warble Daze, The Hideout, and many other DIY spaces. Take an exclusive first listen to the studio version of "Change Your Mind" below and come see the band play a free show at Schubas Tavern tonight! Details on the show here.
New Music Friday 12.8
It's been a couple of weeks since the last New Music Friday post on ANCHR since not too many albums come out in December, but there's too many new jams this week to not do one this week. Chicago's leading the pack this week with two new singles from Twin Peaks (the final of their Sweet '17 Singles series), the second single from L. Martin (former frontman of The Walters), and the official release of Blue Dream's "Freedom Eyes." The Wombats also put out the second bop from their upcoming album, out in February, while NVDES has a new EP out. Last but not least, Vundabar, Moose Blood, and HAERTS also have new singles out. Tune into all of it and more below!
The Wombats- "Turn"
Twin Peaks-"We Will Not Make It (Not Without You)" and "In The Meadow"
Vundabar-"Diver"
L. Martin-"Dirty Sheets"
Moose Blood- "Talk in Your Sleep"
SOHN- "Red Lines"
HAERTS- "The Way"
Blue Dream- "Freedom Eyes" and "Whole Stole the Flowers"
Joey Sweeney-"Don't Kill Yourself This Christmas"
NVDE-Vol. 2
New Music Friday 11/17
This week for New Music Friday, we've been blessed with new music from Tame Impala AND King Gizzard (it's their FOURTH album of 2017). As if that's not enough, we've also got new songs from some of our new favorites, like the LA based BAUM, RÓSA, and Wallows. Chicago's own L.Martin, formerly of The Walters, also debuted his first solo single this week. Tune into all that and more below!
RÓSA-"Strangers"
Wallows- "Pulling Leaves Off Trees"
L. Martin- "Blue Skies"
BAUM- "Effortless"
Pumarose- "La Guarida Del Leon"
Aquilo- ii (Side A) EP
Tame Impala- Currents B-Sides EP
King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard- Polygondwanaland
New Music Friday 11/10
New Music Friday this week brings a few comebacks and collaboration between Chicagoans. The Wombats returned with brand new single, which came backed with the news of a 2018 tour and new album called Beautiful People Will Ruin Your Life, out in February. Bastille also released their new single and video for "World Gone Mad" from an upcoming Netflix movie, and TEN FÉ are also back with their first single release since their debut album, which came out earlier this year. Another ANCHR favorite, Two Feet, teased news of a new EP coming early next year, releasing his first single from the EP today. As for the Chicago collaboration, NE-HI and Jamila Woods brought their own distinct styles to their new single ""The Times I'm Not There." On the album front, Tennis and Jagara have new EPS, while Spinning Coin, Sleigh Bells and TEST put out full lengths. Get listening to all that and more below, and stay tuned for an interview with TEST coming next week!
Paul Cherry- "Like Yesterday"
TEN FE- "Single, No Return"
LPX- "Slide"
The Wombats- "Lemon To a Knife Fight"
NE-HI and Jamila Woods- "The Times I'm Not There"
Two Feet- "I Feel Like I'm Drowning"
Sigrid-"Strangers"
Bastille-"World Gone Mad"
Tennis- We Can Die Happy EP
Jagara- Twice EP
Spinning Coin- Permo
Sleigh Bells- Kid Kruschev
TEST- Brain in / Brain Out
PREMIERE: "OH" by Dancing on Tables
Edinburgh indie pop band Dancing on Tables are back with a brand new single "OH," which comes after their successful 2016 EP, Don't Stop. "OH" is officially out tomorrow, but we're giving you an exclusive first listen below! Talking about the process behind the song, the band say:
"The idea for 'OH' came from Callum talking about the difficulties of trying to maintain a long distance relationship while he was at University. We wanted the track to convey how difficult these situations can be in the beginning, but how in the end it is always worth the perseverance. Taking the track to Nashville to work on was a split second decision, but going to a completely new city with such a rich cultural heritage was incredibly inspiring, and a decision which definitely paid off. When we were discovering Nashville, you can’t help but immerse yourself in its history. The first thing on the to-do list there was to visit the world famous RCA studio. There, we listened to records that had been recorded there by the likes of Elvis and The Strokes. That evening, we starting working on OH, inspired to ensure we created a track that not only stands out from our own previous music, but one that can hold it’s own against the musical history we went to discover."
There you have it...now get listening!
Track by Track: "No Kidding!" by The Fluids
Brooklyn trio The Fluids and their Talking Heads-esque debut single "Creatures" turned lots of heads (pun intended) after the tune's release in September. Since then, the band drip fed their fans songs from their debut album No Kidding!, which was just released October 27th via Axis Mundi Records. The post punk sound that the band has honed in on so perfectly has also gotten comparisons to the likes of Bowie and Echo & The Bunnymen. One listen to the album and you'll pick up on those nostalgic nods in lead singer Mike Tony's vocals and their punchy guitar melodies. In celebration of the album being released last month, Mike and lead guitarist Cooper Formant put together a track by track of the record. Check it out below!
Photo by Jordan Kuyper
The Fluids is Cooper Formant, Mike Tony, and Nick DeMolina
"Lines"
Mike: Maybe our most dynamic song, and one of my faves to play live.
Cooper: This is one of the ones where Mike sounds like a kid performing a rock opera for his sister and her friends in the basement as a teen...in a good way. This riff is pretty bluesy.
"Sign N Drive"
Mike: Catchy little song that really came together once Cooper introduced his guitar line.
Cooper: This is the Miller Lite of the songs on No Kidding! The first few seconds are like cracking a cold light beer. It's hard for me not to picture Mike's aunt dancing in the front row at our shows when I hear this one.
"New Land Sale"
A statement of intent. An anthem to kneel to.
"Midnight"
I needed a slow song for our live sets and I wanted a chance to shred a solo over some airy synths.
"Creatures"
A party song. But not a party I particularly want to go to.
"Heavy Door"
A big Bruce-esque power jam that culminates with an apropro sax solo
"Favorite Gun"
Mike: A last minute addition to the album - a reckless, unhinged sprint.
Cooper: I imagine we are riding through the desert night in a convertible with Mike's dad and Adrian Grenier on our way to Vegas.
"Turnt"
A straight up blitz. Cooper’s guitar gives me goosebumps.
"Just Like Me"
A cathartic track, in terms of content and placement on the album.
"On Ice"
It’s like eating a McFlurry after a Big Mac meal.