JAVELIN - Hi Beams

Hailing from Brooklyn, New York, the duo of cousins Tom Van Buskirk and George Langford, otherwise known as Javelin, present their second full-length album. Hi Beams is the follow-up to 2010's No Más; both albums call David Byrne's Luaka Bop record label their home. As a newcomer to Javelin, I cannot compare it to their debut album. However, Hi Beams can be classified as a (mostly) delightful indie electronic-pop romp through a dense forest of sound. Although the album does feel a bit inconsistent at times, the catchiness of songs like "Judgement Nite" (my personal favorite track on the album, and one I fell in love with instantly the first time I heard it) and "City Pals" cannot be denied.

Javelin - Official Website
Buy Hi Beams on Amazon.com

SOMEONE STILL LOVES YOU BORIS YELTSIN - Let It Sway

The third album for the group from Springfield, Missouri. Let It Sway was produced by Death Cab For Cutie's Chris Walla. I've never listened to them before this album because somehow I thought they were wimpy twee pop (OK, so I know why I thought that but I'm not revealing it on here). As it turns out, they play something closer to fun indie pop. I suppose it is kind of wimpy, but it's not any wimpier than Death Cab (probably why Chris Walla was a good choice to work on this album). So it's not bad, really. I'm glad I gave it a chance, it's pretty alright. Makes me wish I was out in the sun somewhere soaking up the rays.

www.myspace.com/boris
www.sslyby.com

JEREMY JAY - Splash

This is Jeremy's third full-length album in as many years. You can find him on the K Records label. This dude is stuck in a time-warp. He sounds a lot like Morrissey on this album. The music is throwback indie-pop/rock. The entire album of nine songs clocks in at under 27 minutes long. A lot of the songs seem like they could use more fleshing out, but if you've enjoyed his other releases you'll probably like this one too. Though I still think his sophomore album, Slow Dance, is his best.

www.myspace.com/jeremyjay
www.www.krecs.com/html/artists/artistbio.php?interest=101

TELEKINESIS - Parallel Seismic Conspiracies EP

Telekinesis is the moniker of Seattle's Michael Benjamin Lerner. This is a quick little EP of five songs to tide fans over until the scheduled 2011 release of Telekinesis' sophomore album. There is a full-band version of "Calling All Doctors" and two new songs, "Dirty Thing" and "Non-Toxic". We get a faithful cover of Guided By Voices' "Game of Pricks" as well a cover of (pre-Joy Division) Warsaw's "The Drawback". Fun breezy indie pop.

www.myspace.com/telekinesismusic
www.telekinesismusic.com

JOHN K. SAMSON - Provincial Road 222

John is the frontman for The Weakerthans. Provincial Road 222 has him taking the solo route once again; this is the second of a "series of recordings exploring streets and highways in his home province", following 2009's City Route 85.

According to the Anti- website: "Provincial Road 222 runs up the side of Lake Winnipeg, north of the city, and leads to the town of Riverton, Manitoba. Samson begins the EP with "The Last And," set at Riverton Early Middle School, where a teacher ponders the disintegration of her affair with the principal. "Petition" takes the form of an online petition (www.ipetitions.com/petition/rivertonrifle/ ) by local citizens to induct native son Reggie "The Rifle" Leach, member of the legendary mid-70s Philadelphia Flyers, into the Hockey Hall of Fame. In the closing song, "Stop Error," set to a chorale by J. S. Bach, a young adult in an old house on Provincial Road 222 uses a computer to search for solace and a way to describe the world."

Samson has a voice you'll love or hate. He reminds me of John Darnielle in that not only does he have a love it/hate it kind of voice, but he writes great lyrics. Has there ever been an indie song asking for a hockey player to be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame? I don't know, but as a hockey lover, I don't mind. The overall feeling I get when listening to this is that it's something I'd put on late at night to unwind to. I find Samson's voice soothing and welcoming. The songs on here are all pretty sparse; I've certainly liked some of the output by his band a lot more, but if you are a fan, I'm sure you will have to have this for your collection.

The Weakerthans' Myspace:
www.myspace.com/theweakerthans
John K. Samson's artist page on the Anti- record label website:
www.anti.com/artists/view/75

BROKEN SOCIAL SCENE - Forgiveness Rock Record

May 2010 release from these kings (and queens) of indie rock. They are often described as a collective, rather than a band, as the only two constant "full-time" members are Kevin Drew and Brendan Canning. They have a rotating band of merry musicians join them both on records and live, some of whom are or have become indie rock stars on their own (Feist, members of Stars, Jason Collett, and so many others). We can consider Forgiveness Rock Record to be BSS's fourth proper studio album. I remember when this album came out that a lot of people on the 'nets kind of trashed it. It doesn't have the same intense groove as their last record; I don't see people dancing to this one like they did to jamz like "Windsurfing Nation" or "Fire Eye'd Boy". There's still some catchy stuff on here, though. I like "Texico Bitches" and "Art House Director" to get my indie rock rock-outs on to, and there's a lot of material on here to chill to as well. I wouldn't trash this record; it definitely still is BSS, just a little more of a laid-back vibe. Will I play this every day? Nope. Am I glad I gave it a chance? Yes.

www.myspace.com/brokensocialscene
www.brokensocialscene.ca

MATT & KIM - Sidewalks

Matt & Kim, the too-cute couple duo from Brooklyn, present their third full-length album. Their sound hasn't changed too much from their previous albums: upbeat indie pop/rock with nerdy male vocals. Fans of previous albums should be pleased. I'm personally not as crazy about this as I was for their first two albums, but I could see this growing on me if I give it more spins. I don't think it's as immediately catchy as their previous releases, but it seems to have more potential for staying in rotation. The songs seem to have more happening and won't wear thin after a few plays. So for that, it could very well end up being my favorite album by these two kids. For those that are curious, "Cameras" is the album's first single and "AM/FM Sound" is my favorite track after my first play of the album in its entirety.

www.myspace.com/mattandkim
www.mattandkimmusic.com

RA RA RIOT - Boy EP

Ra Ra Riot were formed in Syracuse, NY, so I always feel a sense of hometown pride when I hear them mentioned (even though I'm not from Syracuse and most people from Syracuse probably have never heard of the town where I grew up or the town where I now live). Nonetheless, their ascent to the indie rock royalty throne is certainly a story that will inspire kids from these parts for years to come. You could even call them a comeback story. At any rate, this band is a major player in the indie scene and beyond - but we're all wondering, can they repeat the success of their debut, The Rhumb Line?

The initial response to that question comes in the form of Boy, a quaint EP of three songs that clocks in at just over 10 and a half minutes long. The first song, the title track, is the only one that will also make an appearance on The Orchard, RRR's sophomore album that is scheduled to be released on August 24."Boy" is also the best track on here; hopefully, it is an indication of what the full-length album will be like. It's got great drums and an upbeat tempo. Our favorite string instruments give the song texture that most bands could only dream of. Love the bubbling bassline and that quickie guitar solo. Fantastic.

The other two songs on this ("Saccharin and the War" and "Keep It Quite (Bear)") didn't strike me as immediately as "Boy" did and while they would be at the top of the output heap for many other bands, I know Ra Ra Riot can do better. These songs are "growers" and maybe I'm just being too judgmental - I didn't have to wait for "Ghost Under Rocks" or "Dying is Fine" to grow on me since I was instantly attracted to them! I am enjoying these other two the more I listen, but still. I have very high standards here and hope for more instant attraction with the rest of the new material.

Definitely looking forward to The Orchard based off the strength of "Boy". August 24, here we come.

www.myspace.com/rarariot
www.rarariot.com

THE LOVE LANGUAGE - Libraries

Libraries is North Carolina's The Love Language's second album. I liked their first album and I like this one, too. I like the faster songs the most - they are at their best when they get the tempo cooking and the instruments rocking and everyone singing and yelling and making noise all at once. File under: indie/college pop/rock.

www.myspace.com/thelovelanguage
thelovelanguage.com

STARS - The Five Ghosts

Fifth full-length from Canada's Stars. For me, this band is the perfect soundtrack to cold winter nights spent dreaming of your crush. I've always described them to others (okay, maybe just myself) as having a romantic sound. Their sound is just so warm and welcoming and Amy Milan's angelic voice plays perfectly off of Torq Campbell's. Great for indie kids to make out to and fall in love to. They also have their fair share of songs that will be great background noise for you while cry over the fact that you've broken up with said indie kid counterpart.

Anyway, I'd file them under Canadian-romantic-indie-synthpop-pop-rock (not that I actually WOULD file them under that, because that would just be a ridiculous way to organize my music collection). The Five Ghosts starts off strong with "Dead Hearts" which is followed by a few great songs (I especially like "I Died So I Could Haunt You"). But by the time I've gotten through the fifth track, "We Don't Want Your Body", I feel like they've spent their tank of gas and are just running on fumes. I think the material on this album could have made for a killer EP. As a full-length album, it just doesn't hold up - especially when we know what Stars are capable of from their past releases.

www.myspace.com/stars
www.youarestars.com

BORN RUFFIANS - Say It

Second full-length from Toronto's Born Ruffians. Another exercise in well-crafted indie-pop that jangles along the way. Luke LaLonde continues his yelp-laden, marbles-in-mouth-sounding vocals. I think he sounds more confident on this release. I'd still recommend this band for fans of cutesy pop music, Vampire Weekend, and Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. Not too much has changed.

www.myspace.com/bornruffians
www.bornruffians.com

MATT and KIM - Matt and Kim; MATT and KIM - Grand

Matt & Kim's self-titled debut was released in 2006, and Grand, the follow-up, was released in 2009. I'm reviewing them now because, while scouring the internet for shows coming to my area, I found that this Brooklyn-based duo is scheduled to play around here very soon. Not many bands playing original music play near where I live, so when there is one coming to town, I usually try to go. Unless the band is awful. I set out on a quest to see if Matt & Kim are awful or if I should plan to go check them out.

The overwhelming verdict after listening to their albums is that I am most definitely going to go to their show. Both of the albums are similar in sound, so no need to split up their reviews. Upbeat drumming, keyboards, a girl drummer (represent!), and a vocalist who sings like a way cooler version of John Darnielle, though still in a very nerd-esque manner? Count me in. The songs are fun and full of energy. I dig the lyrics, too. A better, more rocking version of Mates Of State. Matt & Kim are a band that I have overlooked the past few years and I am very happy to finally have introduced my ears to them.

I can only hope that the show is filled with lots of dancing, jumping around, singing out loud, and general hijinks. See you there, hipster friends.

www.myspace.com/mattandkim
www.mattandkimmusic.com

NOVELS

NOVELS is a project conceived by several Canadian dudes who range in popularity in the indie music scene. Personally, I only recognized the names Graham Wright and Luke LaLonde. The other three guys are Will Currie, Dean Marino, and Jay Sadlowski. In January 2009, these lads and some other musically-inclined people got together in Toronto and recorded an EP in one recording session. The end result, which is now available, is NOVELS.

Consisting of five songs, NOVELS clocks in at under 12 minutes.

-The first song, "This Wouldn't Be The Last Time," is two minutes of bouncy, jangly pop music. Very catchy, this opening song is probably my favorite of the bunch.

-The next track, "Mr. Foster's Teenage Daughter," reminds me of 50's pop and is a song you might hear for a slow-dance at a prom. Great piano intro and I love the harmonies ("ooh-wah-ooh") on this song.

-"Big Run" is the third track and I'm certain this is sung by Luke LaLonde of Born Ruffians. I'd recommend this track for people who loved Clap Your Hands Say Yeah's first album.

-"Record in Hand" is much slower, tempo-wise, than the previous tracks. Laid-back lounge indie-pop.

-The EP closes with "No Hard Feelings," which is sung by Tokyo Police Club's keyboardist, Graham Wright (I've just discovered that Graham has some solo music out which I hope to review on here in a future post). This last song is similar to the other four songs: jangly pop that goes by so quickly that even the track's runtime of 1 minute, 44 seconds, seems exaggerated.

My overall impression of these five songs is that it is a cohesive set of indie pop which everyone should listen to at least once. The good news is that NOVELS is available as a free download from the guys who made it. They are interested in having people burn copies of the music and give them away to other people so that their music may be heard. They also had a small number of limited-edition NOVELS notebooks with cd's included made up which they will give away for free. It's a great way to promote not just the music on NOVELS, but also their respective bands, and I wish them well in doing so. Now go download the EP and give it a listen.

www.okaynovels.com

PANTS YELL - Received Pronunciation

Pants Yell! are from Cambridge, near Boston, and they formed in 2003. In the past they had a girl drummer but it seems the trio is now comprised of all dudes. If I understand correctly, Received Pronunciation is their fourth full-length and their first release for Slumberland Records. I saw this band perform in Rochester in 2006 and while I was most impressed with their bass player's good looks, I also recall them having a very poppy, "twee" sound. That sound is present on this album so I must remember their gig well enough. The nine-song album clocks in at just over 26 minutes but nonetheless is packed chock full of upbeat indie pop. The last song on this album, "To Take", is probably my favorite as it has a very nice instrumental ending. The vocalist is kind of wimpy but I suppose that is to be expected with this type of music. If you like wussy pop music you'd probably like this, it's good.

www.myspace.com/pantsyellmusic

VAMPIRE WEEKEND - Contra

I'm sure there's already a million blog posts out there about this album, so I may as well throw in my two cents. I have somehow managed to avoid all reviews regarding this album, perhaps by unintentionally avoiding all music sites lately, so my opinion remains untarnished.

Contra is the sophomore album from everyone's favorite Ivy-League indie popsters, Vampire Weekend. It is very sonically similar to their self-titled debut album, though this release has them experimenting with new effects and faster tempos. The album shows a slightly more mature sound but it is not as instantly hummable as their first. I think that with time, however, it will be appreciated more than their first. It's pretty great. Overall I like this album and it will be a good way to keep warm during this cold winter we are having - it is sweet, summery pop music, with just enough complexity to make sure you're not bored but aren't overwhelmed either.

www.myspace.com/vampireweekend
www.vampireweekend.com

PETER BJORN AND JOHN - Living Thing

The Swedish trio's third album, following their debut, Writer's Block and their instrumental album, Seaside Rock. This album is more on the experimental side of indie pop as they branch out into sparser, stripped down songs that still exhibit a decisive 60's pop influence. Nothing on here is as poppy as their hits "Young Folks" and "Amsterdam," but there is still plenty of good stuff to be had.

www.myspace.com/peterbjornandjohn
www.peterbjornandjohn.com

SAY HI - Oohs & Aahs

Oohs & Aahs is Say Hi's sixth album, if you count the two under it's current name, and the four released under the Say Hi To Your Mom moniker. Eric Elbogen played every sound that appears on this album, and every sound is very nice. The album is filled with wonderful indie pop that has just a touch of indie rock added in. Eric has a very pleasant voice which he uses to sing the clever lyrics he has written, usually telling a little story about a character in the song. The album is great and truly one of the best bedroom pop albums I have ever heard.

www.myspace.com/sayhitoyourmom
www.sayhitoyourmom.com

JEREMY JAY - Slow Dance

This is the second album from Jeremy Jay and his bandmates; it's been less than a year since his first album, A Place Where We Could Go, came out in May 2008. Slow Dance seems to have a lot more synth than his debut did, and the songs seem to be a lot stronger as well. Many of them fit together through the use of similar lyrics and structure while still working individually. It's a very nice pop album and should come with a bow wrapped around it because all the songs are so nicely packed on the cd, ready for your ears to unwrap.

www.myspace.com/jeremyjay
www.krecs.com/html/artists/artistbio.php?interest=101

BISHOP ALLEN - Grrr...

The Brooklyn-via-Massachusetts band releases their third full-length album, and the second one to be on the Dead Oceans label. They had their song "Middle Management" off of their previous album, The Broken String, featured on the Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist soundtrack and also appeared in the film. This increased attention has not meant a decreased quality in their music. They still play delightful indie pop with great lyrics. RIYL A.C. Newman, This Is Ivy League, Nada Surf's newer material, and similar artists.

www.myspace.com/bishopallen
www.bishopallen.com

PLUSHGUN - Pins & Panzers

Debut album for the Brooklyn-based group that began as a solo project for Daniel Ignala, but has since evolved into the trio that it is today. They make cute indie pop/synth pop with very pleasant male vocals. Bleeps and bloops throughout. It's fun, sugary goodness, and very well done. RIYL The Postal Service.
www.myspace.com/plushgun
www.plushgun.com