Skip to content

Secret Colours: Jellybean [mp3]

secret-colours

Secret Colours create classic psych-pop music that has the sound the bands of the 60s and early 70s. Their new self-titled LP is packed with this style and “Jellybean” is a prime example of what makes Secret Colours a more than noteworthy up-and-coming band. Dreamy, melodic vocals front an attack of wild cymbals and echoing guitars that create a wall of sound. There’s a major emphasis on percussion that not only fits but enhances the psych-pop sound; it’s safe to say that without it, Secret Colors would not nearly be as impressive. Still, each part adds significantly to the whole. “Jellybean” is the full realization of the heritage 1960s and early 70s groups bestowed upon our modern era of psychedelic pop music. Read More »Secret Colours: Jellybean [mp3]

The Fenbi International Superstars: The Fenbi International Superstars EP [Album Review]

fenbi-international-superstars

So, after over two years (active, that is) of entertaining the local Portland scene with their own brand of worldly/drunken entertainment, The Fenbi International Superstars have finally released their first record. For fans of their extravagant live performances, this is your chance to have the good times right in your ear bud via the group’s self titled EP. For new fans, this where you will soon fall in love with the vibrant sounds of one of the most widely diverse indie rock/punk/world bands you have ever heard. Read More »The Fenbi International Superstars: The Fenbi International Superstars EP [Album Review]

Wolf Parade: Expo 86 [Album Review]

wolf-parade

At Mount Zoomer, Wolf Parade‘s last LP, took a while to catch on for me, and from the first few listens of Expo 86, the same has held true here. The album does feature a few of those insatiable tracks, namely the first two made available for public consumption, “What Did My Lover Say? (It Always Had To Go This Way)” and “Ghost Pressure”. But many of the tracks are lingerers, tracks that will stay in the background for a short period of time before coming full circle in greatness. Read More »Wolf Parade: Expo 86 [Album Review]

Driveway

FensePost Podcast Series: FenseCast #3, Summer Heat Part 1

It’s been a few months since I threw together a podcast, so I figured it was about time for another one. Besides, I’ve been working diligently on a mix-tape for a new local pal, Brett Sandström, whom I met after purchasing a Tullycraft single on eBay – he being the seller, both of us being astonished to find other Tullycraft fans in Skagit County. What began as a modern tribute to light garage pop ultimately changed direction to hint at songs that fit a sweltering, hot summer day.

Read More »FensePost Podcast Series: FenseCast #3, Summer Heat Part 1

Backseat Dreamer: The Colors Of Dreams, They’re In You [Album Review]

backseat-dreamer

The name Backseat Dreamer, to me, says ethereal. I think of music so entwining it makes your head swim. The Colors Of Dreams, They’re In You, Backseat Dreamer’s debut LP, fits that description, but in an unexpected way. Electronic and filled with a broad expanse of volume, songs like “Moment In Time” and “Dying Dream” are drowning in their voluminous weight. Read More »Backseat Dreamer: The Colors Of Dreams, They’re In You [Album Review]

White Nights [Feature]

white-nights

Earlier today (which, if you’re reading this on the day it was published, was actually yesterday), I cranked up Neutral Milk Hotel’s In The Aeroplane Over The Sea for the first time in at least a year. Coincidentally, while looking for a band to cover in a feature for tomorrow (i.e. today), I came across White Nights. The band has an obvious Elephant 6 reference in the music the music they create; undoubtedly pop, the band has a clear guitar backed by a fuzzy lo-fi drum kit beat and fronted by fuzzy lo-fi vocals. A definite nod to Jeff Mangum. Read More »White Nights [Feature]

Various Artists: Wish I’d Kept A Scrapbook (A Tribute to Tullycraft) [Album Review]

tullycraft

When I saw there was a new compilation devoted to hailing one of the greatest northwest bands of all time (yes, Tullycraft), I got pretty excited. When I saw that the tracklist included bands from famed labels like Tullycraft’s very own Magic Marker Records, as well as HHBTM, Matinee, and even recent favorite weePOP, my excitement blew through the roof. Look down the track list (it’s at the end of this review… I’ll forgive you for pausing to check it out) and you’ll see some of the greatest indie pop and modern twee bands around today. Fishboy. Iji. Casper & The Cookies. Galactic Heroes. Math & Physics Club. The Besties. Hot Lava. Oh man, this is gonna be good. Read More »Various Artists: Wish I’d Kept A Scrapbook (A Tribute to Tullycraft) [Album Review]

The Harvey Girls: The Body Without Any Eyes [Video]

harvey-girls

To be entirely frank, The Harvey Girls is pretty high on my list of bands I should have checked out a few years back. They sent me an album on a CD-R but it was misplaced at some time, likely during one of my many moves over the past four years. Finding a little note in my inbox has sparked my memory and it has drawn me to their new video for “The Body Without Any Eyes”. The Harvey Girls create a unique blend of trippy folk, rock and pop. Their song “The Body Without Any Eyes” and subsequent video for it are cowboy and country inspired. And both, too, are borderline eerie but oh so good! Read More »The Harvey Girls: The Body Without Any Eyes [Video]

Marco Mahler: Laptop Campfire Speed [Album Review]

Marco Mahler

Marco Mahler makes dreamy minimalist folk-pop out of Portland. His sophomore release, Laptop Campfire Speed, is the sort of album you’d expect from someone who is brilliantly skilled yet mired by late night insomnia. Soft and introspective, the album has the script of a perfectionist and the quietude of the bedroom. Now I have no clue if Mahler lives in a house with others or an apartment complex or whatnot, but I can visualize him tinkering away at the deepest hours of night, recording a bit here, adjusting levels there, painfully pulling out as much volume as possible while simultaneously ensuring the levels were set just low enough as to not wake the roommates/neighbors, and imbibing a strong bit of coffee in between. Read More »Marco Mahler: Laptop Campfire Speed [Album Review]

Follow by Email
YouTube
YouTube
Instagram

Privacy Policy - Terms and Conditions