New Music

That’s what Giants in the Trees is really about; they’re about having a good time, and they’d love to have you join in on the fun. Revel in the bliss.

It wraps up with “Whatcha Gonna Do?” which, unlike most of the tracks, has a slower, almost reggae vibe. Perhaps because it’s a call to action, and it’s important that the words be clearly heard; act now, before it’s too late, the song implores. It echoes what Keithley refers to as D.O.A.’s mantra; talk gets you motivated, but it’s action that gets the job done. Words to live by.

The 10 original tunes and an inspired cover of Mississippi Fred McDowell’s Kokomo are presented as a Blues duo format of guitar and drums that scored Benton placement in the semi-finals at the IBC in Memphis.

Having found dusty indie rock production tassels from early Rogue Wave to Brendan Benson’s singer-songwriter power-pop anthems, La Fille’s (pronounced la-fee) admirable, melody heavy debut Alright Already is a gem.

Tacocat’s latest album is a sweet pop treat, with a sunny outlook seemingly bursting out of the speakers on every track. Or is that really the case? On This Mess is a Place, appearances can be deceiving, and there’s definitely a bit of sleight of hand going on here.

Music should rub mind, body, and spirit without posturing, chasing dollar signs, or fitting pre-made molds. The Black Tones circumvent it all to expose only what’s real. “Mama! There’s a Spider in My Room!” may be the only song title carrying two exclamation points, but with Cobain & Cornbread exclamations flare.

Malkmus, a master at saying (and playing) more with less and using language (and bright sounds) as a direct attack, rather than aiming his arrows at the meaning. A Malkmus arrow is the gestalt and Groove Denied is worth verbalizing and visualizing over.

Off the heels of Honey Bucket’s critically snubbed Furniture Days and Shop Regulars’ charming first release, the punctual Spirited Regulars (released last October), comes Matt Radosevich’s Fortified Regulars, a hyper focused, six-song cassette.