We’re going global for the The Matinee March 22nd edition. Six acts, six countries, and a diversity of genres. Let’s get to the music, shall we?
BERRIES – “Waiting” (London, England)
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Two months ago, newcomers BERRIES surprised us with their gritty, little rocker “Lights”, which reminded us of a young Sleater-Kinney. Just yesterday they released their second single, “Waiting”, which is more controlled than their frenetic debut. “Waiting”, however, is just as brilliant. Much like the legends from Olympia, Washington, BERRIES have written a confident, expressive, and gritty track that espouses riot grrrl manifesto. Musically, however, they lean more towards the late-’80s/early-’90s indie rock a la The Shins on this track. It’s an awesome tune from a trio that likely will be among many people’s favorite hidden gems of 2016, especially once they finish working on their debut EP, which is expected some time this year.
BERRIES are Holly Carter (guitar/vocals), Lauren Cooper (bass/vocals), and Lucie Hartmann (drums/vocals).
Flaural – “Nowhere Near” (Denver, USA)
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Another band that caught our attention earlier this year is Denver quartet Flaural, who dazzled us with their Tame Impala-esque rocker, “Nonnie”. They’ve returned with another infectious and dizzying number in “Nowhere Near”. One part Tame Impala, one part Pond, and a whole lot of Brian Jonestown Massacre, there is no need for any substances to be taken to delirium, as “Nowhere Near” is one fantastic, psychedelic trip. The opening bass line and the shimmering ending are terrific.
The song is the second single from Flaural’s debut EP, Over Imaginary Cigarettes, which is out now via Play Plus Record.
Flaural are Noah Pfaff, Collin Johnson, Nick Berlin, and Connor Birch.
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The Love Junkies – “Nobody” (Fremantle, Australia)
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They might be from the same area that has brought the world Tame Impala, but Fremantle quartet are different from their psychedelic cousins. Instead, they’ve been creating wild, blistering garage-rock and grunge. However, for their latest single, “Nobody”, they’ve taken a completely different direction. Away from their more gritty origins, “Nobody” sees the band produce an anthemic single that is guided by a great, driving, guitar riff, but it is the fantastic melody that hooks you in. This song will be stuck in your head for hours if not days.
“Nobody” is the first single from The Love Junkies’ forthcoming, new album, on which the band is currently working. From the short demos they released on SoundCloud, the album will be something new and old, touching on a wide range of rock styles. The title and release date of the album has yet to be determined, but you might be able to hear some new tunes on their tour. They’re currently traveling through the US and you can find dates here.
The Love Junkies are Mitch Mcdonald (vocals/guitar), Harley Barnaby (bass), Robbie Rumble (vocals/guitar), and Lewis Walsh (vocals/drums).
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Maria False – “Spades” (Paris, France)
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Speaking of shimmering, the new single by France’s Maria False defines the term in “Spades”, which happens to be the name of the single. With the cascading, crystalline guitars and ghostly vocals, Maria False have perfectly reinterpreted My Bloody Valentine’s brilliance. The song is dreamy and stunning while also a head-nodding rocker. It’s the type of song where you just want to rise, extend your arms as high as possible, and just absorb the energy that is being released by the band. Awesome, just awesome.
“Spades” is part of a split single that is available via Beko Disques. Maria False are Yann Le Razavet, Bernard Marie, Matthieu Richard, and Yann Canévet .
Sample Answer -“Collision” (Dublin, Ireland)
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It’s been a little while since we’ve heard from Maurice O’Connor – a.k.a. Sample Answer – who first amazed us with “Good Boy” back in July of 2015. His latest single continues his foray into merging multiple genres together to create a captivating brand of music. For “Collision”, he merges R&B, soul, folk, and pop-rock into one stunning track. The song is romantic yet chilling, heart-warming yet heart-breaking at the same time. With this song and his past efforts, O’Connor is further cementing himself as this generation’s Sananda Francesco Maitreya, who was better known as Terence Trent D’Arby and dazzled fans with his unique brand of R&B, soul, and funk.
“Collision” is the title track from Sample Answer’s forthcoming EP, which will be released April 22nd via ACP recordings / Essential Music.
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Wolfie’s Just Fine – “A New Beginning” (Montreal, Canada)
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Jon Lajoie has become one of YouTube’s most popular entities thanks to his other persona, the satirical “Everyday Normal Guy” and as The League’s “Taco”. There’s more to this Lajoie than jokes and fun and games. He’s started a brand new project that shows a more serious side to him, yet builds on his impeccable creative and songwriting. Under the moniker, Wolfie’s Just Fine, Lajoie is taking the path of Robin Pecknold and creating a beautiful brand of indie folk and alt-country. His latest single is the stunning “A New Beginning”, which has the beautiful, ethereal elements heard on Fleet Foxes’ great singles but with the storytelling of Leonard Cohen. This song is brilliant and gets better with each listen, transporting you to a place of pure natural beauty where the trees and water meet. Yet with the beauty comes a loneliness and a disbelief in what is around you. The images and feelings that Lajoie has evoked on this song have only been achieved by the greats in the industry. As such, while Lajoie’s Youtube projects have made him an internet sensation, Wolfie’s Just Fine will result in him being recognized as one of Canada’s great, emerging singer-songwriters.
“A New Beginning” is from Wolfie’s Just Fine’s forthcoming album, I Remembered But Then I Forgot, which will be released on April 8th.
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