C’est La Vie by Phosphorescent Since the release of his breakthrough album, Muchacho, in 2013, the music world anxiously waited to hear what Matthew Houck, the man behind Phosphorescent, would reveal next. He teased something was near, but nothing was shared. Finally this autumn, C’est La Vie was unwrapped. C’est La Vie is a cohesive and effortless album. It is Houck’s solar system, where […]

Be the Cowboy by Mitski Whether it is sitting behind the piano, ratcheting a distorted electric guitar, or scratching a synthesizer, Mitski Miyawaki – or simply Mitski – has repeatedly demonstrated the ability to make personal vulnerability sound bold and, thus, something to not fear. As she showed on Puberty 2, she wore it like a badge of honor, revealing […]

Con Todo El Mundo (N & S America Edition) by Khruangbin For nearly fifteen years, Laura Lee (bass), Mark Speer (guitar), and Donald “DJ” Johnson (drums) have been perfecting their instrumental psychedelia as Khruangbin. However, their music isn’t solely based on the psych-rock that emerged in the late ’60s and ’70s and has taken on a ferocious approach in modern times. They […]

The Melodic Tonic ’18 December 5th edition is a bold mix of multiple genres. This year may be almost over but 2019 has lots of great musical treats in store. Today’s playlist begins with a thunderous roar from an indie icon.   Bob Mould – “What Do You Want Me to Know?” (Berlin, Germany via USA) RIYL: Hüsker Dü, Sugar, […]

 Five years ago, Matthew Houck unveiled Muchacho, which not only would be his breakthrough album as Phosphorescent but also one of the decade’s most remarkable efforts. Within the bold and sweeping soundscapes were stories of restlessness, unhappiness, and remorse, and yet it still felt triumphant. Since 2013, Houck moved from Brooklyn to Nashville with is wife and daughter, built […]

The Melodic Tonic ’18 September 19th edition serves up sonic warmth on this last Wednesday of the summer. Bask in these sunny tunes courtesy of artists in Australia, Canada, England (via Northern Ireland), and the US. We start with a surprise group that exists as a tribute of sorts.   Goshen Electric Co. – “The Gray Tower” (Goshen, Indiana USA) […]

The Matinee ’18 September 11th – USA Edition has a bit of everything. You’ll delight in some ’80s synth-pop and art-pop, gasp to an indie-rock ballad and an Americana fable, and be blown away from a couple of moving numbers. For more music, check out the Rest of the World edition over here.   Ariel Beesley – “Awake All Night” […]

Whether it is sitting behind the piano, ratcheting a distorted electric guitar, or scratching a synthesizer, Mitski Miyawaki – or simply Mitski – has repeatedly demonstrated the ability to make personal vulnerability sound bold and, thus, something to not fear. Instead, as she showed on Puberty 2, she wore it like a badge of honor, revealing to the world she […]

It’s Friday, and usually we offer anthemic fare. However, for The Matinee ’18 August 10th edition, there’s a bit more melodic numbers in order to ease in to the weekend not to mention to calmly beat the summer heat. Oh, there are still some raucous numbers that will get the adrenaline rushing. Happy weekend everyone! The Dodos – “Forum” (San […]

The Matinee ’18 July 31st is filled with marvelous tunes and stories. The songs are listed in reverse alphabetical order, except we begin with the long-awaited return of one of music’s geniuses. Phosphorescent – “New Birth in New England” (Brooklyn, USA)  Alternate streams: YouTube, Spotify RIYL: Phosphorescent, Matthew Houck Finally! At long last! It’s coming! Matthew Houck – a.k.a. […]

Expect the unexpected on The Matinee ’18 June 28th edition. There are rockers and blissful dream-pop. You will also find some tunes that echo bygone eras. Be forewarned, however – don’t judge a book by its cover. Or in this case, just because a song sounds pleasant, its meaning may allude to something completely different. We kick things off with […]

The Matinee ’18 May 15th – North American Edition features four of our long-time favorites plus two “newcomers”. The latter will be releasing their debut albums later this year. We kick things off, however, with one of the great artists of this decade.   Mitski – “Geyser” (Brooklyn, USA) Be the Cowboy by Mitski RIYL: St. Vincent, Japanese Breakfast, Lykki […]

It wasn’t long ago when A Place To Bury Strangers were considered the next great shoegaze, noise-pop band. They were trusted to take the music of My Bloody Valentine, Cocteau Twins, and Slowdive to harsher and louder heights. They were, after all, dubbed the “loudest band of New York” for a reason. In the 11 years since their self-titled debut […]

Yesterday’s mini-playlist was filled with under-the-radar talent. The Matinee ’18 March 2nd edition, however, is loaded with indie stars, many of whom dropped brand new tunes yesterday. There is, of course, plenty of hidden gems, although eight of the nine artists listed have been previously featured in this space. As such, you’re likely to recognize a few of the names. […]

Make Way For Love by Marlon Williams On his superb eponymous debut album and the off-circuit single, “Vampire Again”, Marlon Williams displayed a playful and adventurous side. The LP, with its country-folk and roots-rock orientation, was a jaunt across the barren Outback of Australia and the deserts of the US. It was complex, riveting, and a unique and masterful piece of […]

Crowd pleasers. Entertaining and energetic numbers. Warm and intimate ballads. A 17-year old singer-songwriter who will knock your socks off. You’ll find all these things on The Matinee ’18 February 6th edition, so you’re sure to find a new artist that you’ll want to follow to the very end.   BERRIES – “Faults” (London, England) RIYL: The Big Moon, False […]

The Matinee ’18 February 1st edition kicks off the second month of the year with nine incredible songs. Some will take you back in time and relive the music of the ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s. Others will take you to the future with their innovative approaches, blurring genres together to form music that can only be described as spectacularly […]

Is it too early to say that one of the year’s best albums has arrived? Given 2018 is only 15 days old, it is likely the case, but Shame‘s debut LP, Songs of Praise, will not be immediately forgotten. For that matter, this post-punk titan of a record will long be remembered come December because, unlike so much music these […]

The Saturday Sampler January 13th edition includes nine sizzling tracks from across the globe. Featuring artists from Australia, Canada, England, Germany, New Zealand, and the USA, these tunes offer plenty of sonic richness for all your weekend plans.   Caroline Rose – “Soul No. 5” (New York City via Burlington, VT, USA) LONER by Caroline Rose RIYL: Bec Sandridge, Alex […]

From indie folk to psych rock, the Melodic Tonic ’17, December 6th edition is a mid-week sonic feast. Featuring six artists from six countries (Australia, England, Ireland, Mexico, Sweden, and the US), this mini-playlist offers something for everyone. We kick things off with one of our favorite American indie rockers.   Strand of Oaks – “Passing Out” (Philadelphia, USA)  […]