UK essentials Arctic Monkeys are releasing a new single “R U Mine?” tomorrow, a b-side off their 2011 release “Suck It and See.” Arctics are constantly evolving, consistently progressing. I find if very difficult to argue with anything they put out. This song in particular is just incredible. It has a darker edge than the stuff they released on the album but a similar mystique, with brilliantly smoky riffs and thundering drums. An instant obsession. I’ve had it on repeat. They made a fun little video to go with it.

R U Mine?

I’ve only ever heard good things about Dr. Dog’s live performances, and two weeks ago I finally had the privilege of seeing for myself in Santa Ana, just a day after the release of their seventh studio album “Be the Void.” A completely physical concert, they are some of the best performers I’ve ever seen. The sextet has amazing synergy on stage, releasing nothing but raw, unadulterated energy. They somehow manage to be all over the place while still remaining right on par with their music, which is only attributable to their immense musical talent. Their new material blended in perfectly with their older stuff. And the crowd was really into it. It was over all a damn good time.

That being said, “Be the Void” is just what I’d expected from Dr. Dog. It’s quintessential Dr. Dog–ambling rock and roll with punching baselines and beautiful harmonies. The kind of stuff that makes you want to get up and dance and sing a long. They’ve been criticized for their obvious 1960’s influence and idiosyncratic lyrics but that’s beside the point. They’ve got a firm grip on what they do and it’s thoroughly enjoyable. If you were a fan of their old stuff, you’ll like their new stuff and it’s really never too late to be a fan.

1. Lonesome
2. That Old Black Hole
3. These Days
4. How Long Must I Wait
5. Get Away
6. Do the Trick
7. Vampire
8. Heavy Light
9. Big Girl
10. Over Here, Over There
11. Warrior Man
12. Turning the Century

Tennessee noise-pop outfit Moonlight Bride has a talent for taking chaos and making it pretty, nostalgic even. The four-piece has been together since 2007 releasing their debut in 2009. Their follow-up EP, Twin Lakes will officially drop in a week from today and it’s really lovely. Five tracks long, it’s the kind of music that transports you to a reckless summer night a few years back. Its standout track, “Lemonade,” is sluggish and eery but extremely addicting. Dreamy vocals, distorted guitars and tarnished sound peddles pool together in a fantastic puddle of reverb that reminds me of something I think I might have dreamt of once. Download it when you get a chance. You’ll want to save it up for summertime.

Lemonade

Drug Crimes

I feel selfish for not having posted this song sooner. Two of my favorite breakouts from last year–DOM and Cults–got together and made a song. I can’t stop drooling over it. It’s basically everything I ever dreamed and more. Oh, and there’s a great remix too if you’re into that.

Bowl Cut (Feat. Cults)

Bowl Cut (Aislyn Remix)

12FV

2012 is already proving itself to be a big year for music. Among my highly anticipated followups of 2012 are followups from The Shins, Beach Fossils and Delta Spirit. Check out their sneak peaks and new releases.

The Shins–Port of Morrow

The Shins are arguably one of the biggest names in indie music. Since their 2001 debut, they’ve been nothing but consistent. Five years since they’ve released a full-length album, Port of Morrow might be the most highly anticipated album of this year. It’s due to drop March 20, but these early releases ought to tide us over for a bit.

Simple Song

September by The Shins

Beach Fossils–Shallow

Beach Fossils is set to release a single “Shallow” which actually features two songs. So I guess that defeats the purpose of it being called a “single” but whatever. Pure, simple, clean beach rock. They’re great. Not that I’d expect anything less from Beach Fossils.

Lessons
Shallow

Delta Spirit–California

San Diego folk outfit Delta Spirit’s followup to History From Below is also scheduled to drop in March. They released their single “California” last month and it’s been a tad controversial. No doubt it’s a different direction for them but I personally like it. I’ve yet to hear anything of or pertaining to Delta Spirit that I didn’t like. See for yourself.

California

CoachellAltDelight brings attention to special artists that will be featured in Indio come April.
Some we love. Some we just discovered. All good stuff.
Click here for more from this series.
66 (73) Days

Louisiana five-piece Givers’ debut album “In Light” is the kind of upbeat indie that could pull you out of bed on a rainy day. It’s has optimistic vibe that I think is like Vampire-Weekend-meets-Matt-and-Kim. It’s pure funky fun with a tribal spin. Be on the lookout for them at Coachella this year. They’d be so much fun to watch. Even if you’re not going, be sure to pick up their album.

Up Up Up
Saw You First
Noche Nada

12FV

It seems like I’ve been stumbling across a lot of pretty great indie remixes lately. I always love seeing how an artist envisions another’s song, especially when it’s another indie band adding their own spin to an already great indie track (as with the following). Here we’ve got Cut Copy remixing The Rapture, Yeasayer remixing Fanfarlo, The Naked and Famous remixing Unknown Mortal Orchestra and more. I actually prefer some of these to the original song, so I’d strongly recommend checking these out if you’re into that kind of thing. I know I am.

Sail Away (Cut Copy Remix) by The Rapture
Ffunny Frends (The Naked and Famous Remix) by Unknown Mortal Orchestra
Heart Attack (CSS Remix) by Asteroids Galaxy Tour
Shiny Things (Yeasayer Remix) by Fanfarlo
Hiccups (Butcher Blades Icecream Nightmare Remix) by Jinja Safari