HIDEOUT – Rookie [TMN ALBUM PREMIERE]

We were lucky enough to take a walk down memory lane today, casually basking in sweet musical nostalgia. With our headphones in, we were practically transported to a different era, cruising around Haight Ashbury, enjoying warm, sunny vibes. How were we able to achieve this higher level of musical experiences? Quite simply, really. Press play on the first track below, and enjoy the ride.

Formed on the road, HIDEOUT is Gabriel Rodriguez (guitar/vocals) and Cory Stier (drums), two longtime friends who are also touring members of the NYC indie act Cults. Even despite a severe geographical issue (living on opposite sides of the country), these two were able to share pieces back and forth of, culminating in their 11-track debut album, Rookie.

The album as a whole has a really unique story behind it, all set to hazy rhythm guitars, crunchy riffs, understated percussion, and a shimmering soundscape that truly evokes sentimentality. While the piece as a whole does give way to rocks greatest era, the subject matter is anything but, boasting an intergalactic storyline. Check out what the band had to say about it:

Three songs on the album are actually an interconnecting story, starting with “Skylights”, which tells of a young boy’s kidnapping by lights in the sky. The boy is returned home with no recollection of his family or life before the lights. “Battle Lights” gives the listener a peak into the boy’s life a few years after his return. Now having visions, the boy hears voices that tell him to preach the lessons learned during his space journey. And of course, he’s seen as delusional. “Stronger” is told from the perspective of the boy’s mother. After he is committed, she sits in his hospital room wondering where she went wrong. Was there more she could have done? The visions have taken over.

Enjoy this full album stream a day before it comes out via on Thrill Me Records. Simply click, kick back and enjoy.

’All I Want’
’Where You’ve Been’
’It Ends’
’Skylights’
’Neon Lighting’
’New Music’
’Stubborn Child’
’Battle Lights’
’Change’
’Stronger’
’Changing Us All’
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Noah Kenton – Oh No [TMN PREMIERE]

Noah Kenton
Oh No

Somewhere in-between drawing on comparisons to Postal Service and Bright Eyes, we found ourselves becoming completely enamored by this Virginia-based youngster. At just the young age of 17, Noah Kenton has already developed a truly unique and encompassing sound, which is why we were on-board to bring you the premiere of his song “Oh No.”

To be honest, we can’t really peg what part we love most about this tune. We’re definitely into the echoing guitar riffs, high-pitched synths, and steady percussion, but we also can’t get over those Conor Oberst-esque vocal moments. All in all, it’s just a solid culmination of his influences, and experiences as a budding young musician.

Check out what Noah had to say about his debut EP, which is due out this fall:

From a different angle, this EP for me is a lot more about resolving problems from my past more than anything else. From aspects like coming to grips with my distaste for the religion I was brought up to just missing people and failed friendships. This project brought me a lot of closure on some issues that I had been working through during the recording process and I feel so free now that it’s all finished.
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[Chill] Oh Wonder – Dazzle

Oh Wonder
Dazzle

Exactly two months ago, a UK-based duo by the name of Wonder Wonder released their debut track, “Body Gold,” a powerful, addicting duet that immediately caught our attention. Along with the single, the relatively mysterious band revealed that they will be “releasing one song a month for the next year” leading up to the release of their album. After following up with the equally impressive “Shark” last month, they return with a slightly tweaked band name, Oh Wonder, and another quality offering.

“Dazzle” displays another facet of Oh Wonder’s captivating, minimalistic sound bringing in some electronic elements to accompany their perfectly contrasted vocals. The songwriting on the tracks thus far has been particularly compelling drawing the listener in to a state of relaxation and reflection. Their next song will be dropping on December 1st but, in the meantime, “Dazzle,” which comes right in time to soothe any post-Halloween hangovers, should do more than enough to hold us over. 2014 definitely has the makings of a big year for Oh Wonder and we’re looking forward to hearing what these two talented musicians have in store for us in the coming months.

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[Deep-Disco] Talking Heads – Psycho Killer (The Golden Pony “Golden Classics” Remix)

The Golden Pony
Psycho Killer (The Golden Pony "Golden Classics" Remix)

It’s been a bit since our favorite deep-disco duo, Brooklyn’s The Golden Pony, released an entry into their “Golden Classics” remix series; but the afro wielding pair just turned out an absurdly appropriate Halloween remix with a heavy disco retooling of Talking Heads’ classic “Psycho Killer”. The Golden Pony’s been making themselves familiar with the rest of the world through groove heavy remixes and disco fueled originals over the past few years, and any artists that are willing to take David Byrne and co. into the dance hall more than has our full Ninja support.. Their latest remix comes armed with a club-heavy bassline, an almost tropical, hollow sounding synth progression and dare we say the slightest hint of wobble tucked away under every second bar. We’ll be jamming this one out all day in anticipation of tonight’s spine-chilling dance parties, so why don’t you get into the Halloween spirit with us this afternoon? As always, The Golden Pony are giving their hard work in the studio away for free in exchange for a simple Facebook like here. Grab yourself a copy and Happy Haunting.

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TeamMate – Buffalo Stance (Neneh Cherry Cover) [TMN PREMIERE]

TeamMate
Buffalo Stance (Neneh Cherry Cover)

Back in July, we introduced you to a rather peculiar breakup story, one that takes an unexpected turn in comparison to most. While most of us would cringe at the thought of being in the same room as our exes, TeamMate is not only in the same room, they’re churning out amazing music from said room.

A lot of you probably aren’t old enough to remember the smash hit “Buffalo Stance” from Swedish rapper Neneh Cherry, which is why Dani Buncher and Scott Simons are hoping to educate you a little bit by bringing it back to the forefront. While the late 80’s hip hop flair is gone, there’s still a strong connection to the original. Buncher adds in her near-spoken world style interpretation, in addition to her normal contributions as drummer. Simons’ does his part in modernizing this tune by adding in a strong synth section, fully representing their usual indie pop sound.

In a world of endless releases, and subsequent remixes of those releases, we’re always elated when an artist decides to pay tribute to older and often forgotten tunes. It’s a respectful nod to those people who’ve influenced some of our favorites today, and it’s an important part of remembering our musical history.

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[Singer/Songwriter] Tenterhook – Go Easy

tenterhookband
Go Easy

It seems like every other day we’re getting introduced to some gloriously gifted singer/songwriter, each having a well defined style and impressive vocals. Today’s discovery comes by way of London.

Archie Faulks goes by the moniker Tenterhook, and at the young age of 19, he’s already supporting acts like Luke Sital Singh, Young the Giant and Grant Nicholas. With one listen through “Go Easy,” it’s understand to see why some of the big boys are bringing him on stage with them.

Coming off his new EP, Tenterhook 2 (11/24 via Cartoon records) this tune has all the laid-back indie vibes you’d want from singer/songwriter. The instrumentals are properly subdued, featuring slow, rhythmic percussion and crystal clean guitar, all of which provide the perfect backdrop for Faulks’ vocals.

Make sure to catch this youngster this winter as he supports Iceland’s Ásgeir on his European tour.

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[Indie] Love & Valor – Love & Valor EP

We first fell in love with Love & Valor back in August with their debut single “Truly Dear”. The reception on that (over 10,000 plays) inspired the North Carolina quartet to go and record a full-length EP, and it’s an absolute must buy. Instead of doing the usual track-by-track review, I’m going to try something different here.

Do you like Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes?

’Sweet Jane’

Do you like Bob Dylan?

’Pretty Girls’

Do you like Fleetwood Mac?

’Truly Dear’

Do you like The Lumineers?

’Truly Dear’

Do you like Mumford & Sons?

’Shake’

Do you like Jack White?

’Hold Me On My Way’

If you answered yes to any of those, there’s a song for you on this album. All six together make one of the most unique projects we’ve heard all year and we can’t stop listening. If you want to stream it in its entirety, check it out here!

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