“Black Dunes” by This Will Destroy You is a song entirely dark and ghostly. Beginning with subtle sounds, this post-rock meets shoegaze band out of Texas does a great job creating a haunting melody, and their new video for “Black Dunes” capitalizes on their ability to create an eerie song. Malcolm Elijah overlaps black and white footage with surreal results.

A typical song is about three and a half minutes long. It takes that amount of time for “Black Dunes” to build to that ever-so-known post-rock explosion. At over eight minutes in length, This Will Destroy You and Elijah have produced a creepy, atmospheric masterpiece.

“Black Dunes” can be found on This Will Destroy You’s new LP, Tunnel Blanket, out now on Suicide Squeeze.

This Will Destroy You – “Black Dunes” from This Will Destroy You on Vimeo.

Sleep Party People is a band that knows how to dominate your emotions, blending elements of post-rock, bedroom pop and shoegaze for a sound both terrifying and beautiful. The video for their song “A Dark God Heart” documents the fragility of life and the sorrow in death. The saying is Innocence is bliss, but I disagree. This video shows there is beauty is loss and tragedy, and as cliche sayings go It’s better to have loved and lost, than to never loved at all.

This is not the first time we’ve heard this song. It first appeared on Danish label VUF’s VUF Compilation #6: Back To Nature, but here it’s been given proper album treatment for the band’s forthcoming LP We Were Drifting On A Sad Song. Expect that album on Speed of Sound (in Denmark) and Blood and Biscuits (in the UK).

To return: this video is anything but cliche. It is beautiful, despite the sadness it conveys. To break it down and categorize it, the video commences as such: curiosity leads to discovery, which in turn becomes tragedy. Such is life.

Throughout, emotions are displayed courageously and masterfully, and they fit the demeanor of “A Dark God Heart”. The song begins with a soft piano but ultimately builds into a vast cacophony of awesomeness. Kudos to Marie Limkilde for directing this epic video.

As for “A Dark God Heart” … Sleep Party People may very well have created one of the best songs of 2012.

Sleep Party People – A Dark God Heart by The Line Of Best Fit

Inspired & The Sleep is a little band out of San Diego that creates music much in the vein of artists like Tune-Yards. “While We’re Young” in fact has that band written all over it. The song is sunny lo-fi pop at its finest; upbeat and filled with joyous blissful indie vocals, tribal percussive beats, and twee acoustic guitar.

The video for “While We’re Young” is simply footage from another time. Jamie Harley put together the video with found footage from what most definitely appears to be the 1980s. Odd, but not entirely surprising, that bands like Inspired & The Sleep and Tune-Yards seem right at home in that era. Must be the fashion of the era.

“While We’re Young” is off the band’s 2011 album, Teenager.

Download: “While We’re Young” by Inspired & The Sleep

Inspired And The Sleep – While We’re Young from Panaframe on Vimeo.

One thing you can always count on with Letting Up Despite Great Faults is their ability to put together an astonishing video. With both “Teenage Tide” and “Our Younger Noise”, the band found a great balance between the modern world and fantasy. They do it again with “Sophia In Gold” off their 2011 EP, Paper Crush.

Where “Sophia In Gold” differs is that this fantasy world is through the eyes of a child. Directed by Douglas Burgdorff, our hero overcomes the childhood monster-under-bed fear by slaying the stuffed dragon then going on a little journey to bid the beast a champion’s farewell.

What makes this video so great is that it conveys a message from one so young. Even our enemies deserve gratitude. The girl, let’s call her Sophia, doesn’t take the dragon as a souvenir. She gave it a hero’s goodbye on the ocean.

The videos Letting Up Despite Great Faults makes are always layered. There’s meaning and depth behind the clever cinematography and clever storylines. And with the clashing of dream worlds and fantasy with what we perceive as reality, we learn a little something: perspective.

Letting Up Despite Great Faults – Sophia In Gold by lettingup

Of all Fleet Foxes‘ collective works to date, none have impressed me as much and as thoroughly as “The Shrine / An Argument”. Off their latest LP, Helplessness Blues, the song is a medley of sorts, an elongated story with various movements. It’s downright exciting to see the song played out in an eight-minute video, created by front-man Robin Pecknold’s brother Sean. The song is epic in the truest of senses.

Long and elaborate, the story put to video follows a harrowing, haunting tale both other-worldly and vivid. It is one that is an absolute must-see, just as the song is a must-hear: From the jaunting, playful opening notes to the hefty midsection, to the erratic near free-jazz styling of the latter moments.

Check out the video below and let me know what you think.

The Shrine / An Argument from Sean Pecknold on Vimeo.

Paladino is a Los Angeles-based band that creates a blend of Americana, old-time country and psychedelic folk. Their blend is an interesting one that incorporates playful, intricate guitar riffs with mopey, downtrodden vocals. It’s precisely what you want from such a band; “Ode to Misery” is plenty upbeat. Enough to make you dance. Their video is proof.

What impresses me most about Paladino is their ability to pack songs with a fever; ferocious and feral. Each has double-timed percussion and guitar riffs while the vocals maintain a slow and steady melancholy nonchalant-ness that’s simply brilliant.

“Ode to Misery” is off the band’s brand new self-titled LP, which arrived earlier this week. Check out the video below and listen to one of my favorites, “Mexicali Rainsong”, off their new album.

Listen: “Mexicali Rainsong” by Paladino

These days, it’s hard to focus on anything unfamiliar that hits my inbox. The sheer quantity of emails that come in is staggering. Only doing FensePost full time would allow me to get through it all. Every once in a while, there’s a free moment in which I take a quick look at a few, and I’m almost never disappointed. “Crank It Up” is one such song. It’s by a little Danish band called The Boombox Hearts.

The band is Ivan Petersen, along with four others with names like Arne, Mikkel, Steffen and Kathrine. Though their music has been likened to Mark Lanegan, I’d say overall it’s a bit more Owen Ashworth (Casiotone for the Painfully Alone). Like Ashworth, The Boombox Hearts create melancholy lo-fi folk music.

“Crank It Up” is a track recorded in between official recordings. It includes deep and sad vocals, a few moments of plentiful harmony vocals, a carefully plucked acoustic guitar, and a melodic violin. They also gave it video treatment, which can be seen below, courtesy Mads Junker.

Download: “Crank It Up” by The Boombox Hearts

Nothing says America like Corona bottle juggling and swigs of Maker’s Mark being taken directly from the bottle.  Trips to the beach, poorly trimmed beards, and an overall don’t-give-a-damn attitude, mixed with a wonderment for what the morrow might bring.  Yep, these subjects can pretty much sum up the feeling of ease we Americans sometimes unjustly feel.  The fact that they also happen to be the subject matter for Portugal. The Man‘s latest video “So American” are not coincidental.  They are as intentional as war strikes and peace signs.  Once again, these Alaskan bred warriors bring a visual demonstration that perfectly compliments the power of their music.

Arguably their first full fledged single from their latest release In The Mountain, In The Cloud, “So American” has a great classic rock meets indie madness sort of feel.  ”There’s two eyes for every one of us, but somebody got there first and took them all” is more than just an ironical expression excerpted from this wonderful single.  It is a direct and superior example of true blood Americanism.  Sometimes we just don’t see things the way we should.  But thankfully we have a merry band of indie rockers like Portugal. The Man around to help us see through hipstimatic lenses what we at times down right refuse to see or believe.  And it only took a few grilled burgers and drained PBR cans for us to see the truth.  Thank goodness for these randy gentlemen!

Studio Pigalle had The Dø over for a set and this eight-minute masterpiece is the result. Having grabbed this French band’s new LP Both Ways Jaws Open early last week, I’m finding it hard to deny the awesome power behind the tribal track “Slippery Slope”, which originally surfaced on their Dust It Off EP from December of 2010. It fits the realm of bands like Lykke Li, MGMT and The Ting Tings.

But on this extended version, strong affinity becomes absolute love. If there’s anything I’m a sucker for, it’s classic jazz from artists like Mingus, Coltrane and Davis. The reason I dig jazz is because of the genre’s inherent desire from improvisation. The Dø employ that on this extended version of the song, dropping in a lengthy saxophone solo at around the 4 minute mark.

Beyond that, I truly admire The Dø’s inclusion of non-standard pop instruments in this version of the song. Take a peek and you’ll see the three main saxophones: alto, tenor and baritone. You’ll see a trombone. Percussion-wise, they use mallets for a hugely tribal sound. All of this hints of Celebration’s epic “Pony” from 2008′s Celebration.

However, where Celebration was highly experimental in nature, The Dø finds a comfortable place that could easily take this band mainstream. Check out my latest session obsession — “Slippery Slope (Extended Version)” by The Dø live at their Studio Pigalle Session — and, for comparison purposes, I’ve included the album version for added enjoyment:

Download: “Slippery Slope” by The Dø

What better way to visually express the beauty of Anja McCloskey‘s exquisite vocals and accordion based folk music than through interpretive dance, right?  And better yet, how about a setting that is reminiscent of any one of the Twilight movies, but make it far more interesting and relevant (to anything really).  Then throw in some random blood-smeared faces.  And while the situation is obviously a bit dark and partially morbid, the obvious beauty of Anja’s voice can not be masked.

McCloskey’s enticing accordion playing is only slightly obscured by that wonderful set of vocal chords she displays.  ”And Her Head” is about as perfect of a single as we can hope to hear from such an inspiring songstress.  Although she has never failed to create a perfectly intriguing song, we find our heroine at her very best and this dark and lovely tune.  She comes off as ripe as the peach, and as enticing as we could ever hope for on her latest single.  Improving upon this magnificent track may be tough, but surely if anyone can do it, Anja McCloskey most definitely will.

Anja McCloskey – And Her Head by Anja McCloskey

I played Exitmusic‘s “The Sea” on my KSVR radio show a few weeks back. I found the music to be somewhere between the haunting melodies of Beach House and the hushed whispers of Still Corners. The band consists of New York duo Aleksa Palladino and Devon Church. And if Palladino looks familiar, it’s because she also plays a character in HBO’s Boardwalk Empire.

“The Sea” was given video treatment and it comes off just as eerie as the music this band creates. The footage is a mishmash of old and new video clips, pieced together artfully and chillingly. The song can be found on the band’s new EP From Silence, out now on Secretly Canadian.

Download: “The Sea” by Exitmusic

The Sea from EXITMUSIC on Vimeo.

Shawn Fogel has a light-hearted way of conducting himself that makes his lovable indie-pop songs so damn interesting and enlightening.  And this is probably why FensePost has featured his worked damn near religiously since his inception of the moniker known as Golden Bloom.  With every move the man makes, we are right there behind him.  And the release of his fantastic new video for “Rhyme The Reason” should hold no exception.  Once again, Mr. Fogel performs brilliantly and in a fashion that is not only entertaining, but might make you wonder think a bit about our current state of affairs.  And how its hilarity can be so damn intriguing.

“Rhyme The Reason” is taken from Golden Bloom’s EP, March To The Drums released back in June (of course it’s featured here!) and is now perfectly backed with an amazing visual demonstration.  Famed director and photographer, Alicia J. Rose took on duties of making this lovely tale of a lowly folk singer who becomes magically infused with the ability to, well, straighten yuppies and hate mongers right the hell up!  And once again we are blessed to see Whitest Kids U Know star Timmy Williams playing is most well renowned parts – news reporter, and man in drag.  The combination of great directing, guest stars, well developed story line, and killer tune is one that can only be a recipe for success.  And sure enough, success was achieved.

Gem Club has now released their debut LP, Breakers. On it is the song “Twins” and the band has given it video treatment. Featuring Eva Perrotta and Michael Pope, this music video is just as haunting as the minimalist music Gem Club creates.

If you’re unfamiliar with the band, members Christopher Barnes (vocals, piano), Kristen Drymala (cello) and Ieva Berberian (vocals) create ethereal, wistful songs that are as minimal as they are beautiful. Listening to them, you are conflicted: do I fall in love or do I cower in despair?

Perrotte and Pop twist together and embrace in this video, yet the two never actually touch. It’s a fantastic interpretive dance that conveys passion and singularity equally; love and loneliness equally. It will make you contemplate life, love, and loneliness.

Download: “Twins” by Gem Club

WARNING: This video contains nudity.

Gem Club – Twins from Gem Club on Vimeo.

I’ve always found the cello to be a haunting instrument, filled with sadness and mystery. You hear that in Mire Kay‘s “So You Learned”, off her latest EP Sea Monster. The song features a soft acoustic guitar strum backed by cello, which is nature-esque and folk-like.

Mire Kay put together a video for “So You Learned” that encapsulates this perfectly. It was filmed back in June, deep inside the Ekerö forest in the outskirts of Stockholm, Sweden.

Of late, I have found myself digging folk more. Folk rock, folk pop, orchestrated folk, all of the above and beyond. I think part of it is my desire to connect more with nature and get away from it all. This video from Mire Kay sums up this longing almost perfectly.

Sea Monster is out now on Tenderversion Records.

Mire Kay – So You Learned from A Tenderversion Recording on Vimeo.

Solander is a Swedish folk-pop trio that creates mystically beautiful songs. Their latest is called “Flight” and it is just as pleasant and sad as the band’s prior work (you can hear tracks dating back to 2009′s “Looking For Gold”, which we raved about, on bandcamp). Solander handed “Flight” over to Iris Piers for a video and the result is ethereal and dream-like with amazing color and fantastic footage.

“Flight” is off Solander’s second album, Passing Mt. Satu, available on Tenderversion. The song repeats the phrase “Everyone on this earth dies alone / And so will we” — sad yes, but you can’t help but feel comforted by the sounds this band creates. A banjo, cello and percussion make up the majority. It’s a sound that you won’t want to miss.

Download: “Flight” by Solander

Solander – Flight from A Tenderversion Recording on Vimeo.

For me, Letting Up Despite Great Faults has always evoked a sense of youthful bliss, carefree and unburdened by the trials of life, and elevated by the prospect of new love. These feelings are, frankly, what could only be described as beautiful. The band has returned with a new video for the song “Teenage Tide” and, like that of “Our Younger Noise”, it has a young playfulness about it. It is very present; in the moment.

“Teenage Tide” is off the band’s recent EP, Paper Crush. Like the band’s self-titled debut, Paper Crush is filled with dreamy vocals and backed by fuzzy guitars and a rhythm-centric bass. In a way it’s reminiscent of The Radio Dept., but that influence has led the band to discover and create their own unique sound.

And that sound is near perfection.

Download: “Teenage Tide” by Letting Up Despite Great Faults

Hot off a few local performances, Star Anna has released a new video directed by Craig Brooks and Lindsay Daniels. “Alone in this Together” fits Star Anna’s country-tinged folk sound. It’s powerful and emotive, beginning softly then dropping in a hefty guitar riff about a third in. The video is an interesting play on memories; images from the past are nothing new in music videos, but here it’s a new refreshing take with them projected on walls.

Check out the video below and grab Star Anna’s new album Alone In This Together, out now on Local 638 Records.

Download: “Alone In This Together” by Star Anna

Blitzen Trapper are arguably one of the hardest working (and most estranged in character) bands out today. With a relentless tour schedule that makes you wonder if Eric Earley and crew actually have homes to go back to, and what seems to be an “album a year” strategy going for them, they have definitely earned this title. But, the best is yet to come. Everyone’s favorite indie-folk group is due to release their fourth album, third from Sub Pop Records, very soon! And if “Love The Way You Walk Away” and it’s corresponding video are as impeccably brilliant and personable as the rest of the album, we are shaping up to hear what will be the definitive Blitzen Trapper album. These suave folk-smith warriors always seem to outshine themselves year in and year out.

The video for “Love The Way You Walk Away” is very simple in nature. Classic tour footage of good times had, singing done, and classic 4-second blips of smiles and nips from flasks dominate the aura of a perfect visual demonstration of the world Blitzen Trapper has immersed themselves in over the last few years. But it is the down right spectacular song itself that steals the YouTube show here.

Once again, Eric Earley proves that he is the prodigal son that Bob Dylan wishes he would have had (sorry Jakob, maybe try tennis?) as he spills out lyrics that are equal to if not greater than (at least reminiscent of) Mr. Zimmerman’s “One More Cup Of Coffee”. Blitzen Trapper has created a track that should definitely appeal to any person who has had the pleasure of seeing them perform live in their own city, or have felt as though Eric and crew have been speaking directly to them over for the better part of a decade.

Whether they meant to or not, these guys have created an homage to the friends, family, and fans who have tried their best to show their support for all the hard work they have put into creating such wonderful and inspiring tunes. And if I may speak for my crew of beloved followers, I would like to say….thank you so damn much!

Blitzen Trapper will release their fourth album, American Goldwing, on September 13th.

Download: “Love The Way You Walk Away” by Blitzen Trapper

Fishboy returns after giving us Classic Creeps with a new video from “Aspen2k” off the album and a tour, which includes a number of performances around the Seattle area. “Aspen2k” is one of the more upbeat tracks off Classic Creeps and it features Fishboy main man Eric Michener, a look-a-like hand puppet, and some fun indie pop art.

To celebrate the album’s release, Fishboy is going on tour!

And that tour hits the Seattle area in early-mid September. On the 10th, you can catch Fishboy at Columbia Theater with Aqueduct and BOAT, and on the 11th on Vashon Isalnd with Red Pony Clock, iji, and Terrordactyls. There’s also a secret show, so you’re one of the select few if you know about that one…

There’s more. States Eric Edward Fishboy: Also, this is going to be a unique acoustic Fishboy tour. It will be me on acoustic guitar, our bass player Ryan Williams (who’s also in Baptist Generals, Boxcar Bandits and a million great Denton bands) will be playing Guitarron or as I call it “mariachi bass” and then Mustard Rob aka St. Louis’s Googolpleixa on accordion and percussion.

Here’s the video for “Aspen2k”:

An airy whisper cuts the chilly late summer night. A synth plays an eerie but soothing organ-like melody. A set of beats backs it all, borderline drum box. “Cuckoo” by Still Corners, one of Sub Pop’s latest artists, is a song that screams the uncanny. Rightfully so, the video follows suit, layering colors atop the band for a ghastly, oddly hologram-like appeal.

I was pretty damn excited about Memoryhouse’s The Years EP, which I reviewed a few days back, but I think I’m even more excited for Still Corners’ forthcoming release. That album is called Creatures Of The Hour and it comes out October 11 on Sub Pop.

Download: “Cuckoo” by Still Corners