Chicago's Smith Westerns have carved out a fair share of space in the indie market, possessing a sound that is shaped from infusing contemporary indie styles with influences that range from David Bowie to the 90's brit pop scene. Having released two previews of their forthcoming album Soft Will, the follow up to 2011's critically acclaimed Dye It Blonde, it is apparent that they have further developed their sound, focusing on melodic and harmonic elements in place of the lo-fi appeal they previously...
A Quick Word from the Author: I made a joke to a friend the other day that the Indie Sabbath is a bit like The Daily Show with Jon Stewart—as in we both go on random hiatuses for extended periods of time, only to return for a bit and joke about our absence. It's a recurring pattern that I hate as much as the rest of you, but school, jobs, and my major work with Earmilk often gets in the way. Luckily however, summer is coming up (it feels like it's already here) and with summer comes little responsibilities which...
![Bastille - Laura Palmer (RAC Mix) [Premiere]](/thumbs/post/320x152/Bastille-2.png)
One of my most played artists of the past year has been the UK indie rock band Bastille. First having heard of them from their delightful Other People's Heartache Pt. 2 which they then followed up with their debut album Bad Blood, it's easy to see why Dan and his three accompanying mates...
![Fossil Collective - Tell Where I Lie [Album Stream]](/thumbs/post/320x152/fossil-collective.png)
Fossil Collective's approachability was a key carrier to their success in 2012. Their debut EP On and On, as well as its successor Let It Go, progressed upon a relatable vibe which transcends that of your routine dream-folk outfits. This crowd-pleasing methodology, built around seductive...
![Pet Lions - Popular Nature [EP Premiere]](/thumbs/post/320x152/pet-lions-2.png)
Chicago based indie rock quartet, Pet Lions, are starting this year off with a brand new EP called Popular Nature. Last August, we premiered the single, "Lightning Bolt" and today, we are directing you to the first listens of Popular Nature. The official release date for the record is set...
A Quick Word from the Author: "Much to our chagrin, in a sorry plight the highly anticipated musical fire of 2012 hit wide of the mark. The expected aces disappointed more often than not, and our beloved influx of yearly newcomers found to be less fruitful than years past. Conceivably, this...
Veteran Minnesota slowcore ensemble Low are on the cusp of releasing their 10th record since their inception back in '93. On the album's debut single "Just Make It Stop", Mimi Parker takes up lead vocals atop the briskest beat we've heard from the trio in years. Warm Americana downstrokes cascade...
![Memory Tapes - Grace/Confusion [Album Review]](/thumbs/post/320x152/Memory-Tapes.png)
Dayve Hawk's first two releases as Memory Tapes saw him rummaging through a farrago of childhood debris and adulthood anxieties. Broken toys and baby teeth lay scattered among empty appointment books and scuffed patent-leather dress shoes. On his third release, Grace/Confusion, the New Jersey...
