I listen to a lot of music. No, really. If I’m not catching up on what my dudes recommend with The Indie Inspection, Ska Punk & Other Junk, and Coolest Stuff, or doing homework for the Crushed Monocle Podcast, I’ve got my ear to the ground for what’s next. There’s just so much music out there it’s hard to keep a cohesive list. While the podcast is a great way to discuss a few records each month, I feel as if I’m undercutting some of the other records that gotta repeated spins. The remedy? This column! The Showcase.
Welcome to The Showcase for July 2024!
Sumac – The Healer
Here’s the thing with Sumac. If you’ve listened to their previous releases and loved them, you will love The Healer. If you’ve listened to their previous releases and hated them, you will hate The Healer. I know that’s a bit of a cop-out for a review, but it’s really the best one can do when it comes to this band. It’s chunky aggression beating your skull in one minute, then sparse and atmospheric the next. I’ve listened to The Healer, and I think it’s pretty cool.
Benjamin Zoe – Ben Zoe
When I was a teenager, I had a Tascam 4-track recorder. That mediocre device had a certain indescribable sound that felt magic. That’s a little hyperbolic, but if you’ve ever messed around on one, you know exactly what I mean. That specific vibe oozes out of this self-released record from Benjamin Zoe. It’s warbly, fizzy, and the EQ makes even the brightest power pop sound like it was recorded at the bottom of a well. By God, Zoe has bottled that proverbial Tascam magic!
Pineapple Willows – Pick Up The Tab
Through power-pop sensibilities and indie-rock cadence, this duo from Norman, OK delivers a particular brand of breeziness. It features ’70s AM rock at times and reminds me of The Smithereens at others. I’m assuming Pick Up The Tab isn’t the full release (Bandcamp states that it arrives next month), but what’s here already has me sold.
Jean Andonne – Is This You
I know absolutely nothing about Jean Andonne. Is This You came up in my Bandcamp recommendations, and that’s the full extent of my knowledge. While the artist page has quite a bit of music, my favorite songs are on this single. I suppose shoegaze is the best description here, but there’s definitely a gothic edge here and there. Check out this release and the rest of what this act has to offer. Very cool stuff.
Camp Creep – Sick Life
There’s nothing I love more than melody hidden beneath a wall of noisy guitars. Camp Creep is very much in line with Without A Sound-era Dinosaur Jr, but the Best Coast-esque vocals add so much to the tapestry. I might be reaching a little bit here, but it’s what falling in love sounds like.
Few Border – Copenhagen
Bright and jangly, Few Border feels like they’re straight from another timeline when Joy Division played cheerful, upbeat bops. Copenhagen may be chock full of light and airy production, but it never outstays its welcome or gets corny. It’s just a fun little EP that lifts my spirits. Even though there isn’t much to be happy about these days, records like this can be a brief escape.
Calliope – Seen, Not Heard
Things aren’t great out there in the real world, but sometimes I just need to change the channel and reflect on my own issues. That’s the vibe I get with Seen, Not Heard. Calliope’s vocals are heartfelt, vulnerable, and packed with the kind of conviction that’s always sold the best R&B records of all time. This is music about the human condition.
Fracture – Chaos Alchemy
Come on now! Did you really think you’d get through an installment of The Showcase without some thrash? Lemme tell you, Fracture IS thrash! Chaos Alchemy has the energy of early Testament combined with the blasphemy of Slayer and the poise of Power Trip. Throw up those horns, scoop the mids, and get ready to toxic waltz, because this just might be my favorite metal release of 2024, and it’s only July!
Lavender Point – Close Second Best
Blending elements of pop-punk with Midwest emo, Lavender Point might be my new favorite local band. I’d bet good money that I’m double the age of anyone in the group, but there’s something so wholesome and endearing about their sound. Equal parts Taking Back Sunday and That Dog, Close Second Best sounds like three friends pounding out songs of hopefulness and heartbreak in the garage. Sure, it’s very under-produced and DIY, but it’s easily the most invigorating project on this list.
FROM CRUSHED MONOCLE PODCAST: EPISODE 37
Tyler Bates – MaXXXine Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Closing out the trilogy starting with X, would-be starlet Maxine Minx has put her past behind her and been living a good life in Hollywood. But things are about to get even better when she aces an audition for a pivotal role in a mainstream horror movie. However, when an ominous serial killer causes Tinsel Town to lock its doors at night, Maxine’s past begins catching up with her.
While director Ti West plays fast and loose with his cinematic influences, Tyler Bates’ score keeps things a bit more grounded and focused. The pulsating synth and stings are only elevated by hints of whimsy and wonder, making the music just as much of a character as Maxine herself. Even if you haven’t seen the movie yet, the score stands strong on its own!
Thanks for checking out The Showcase for July 2024! Check out previous installments of The Showcase here!