The Vaccines, “I Can’t Quit”
Combat Sports (Columbia)
Recommended If You Like: The Strokes, Foals, Kaiser Chiefs
This well-regarded West London band has sold respectably in the U.K., and have toured with or opened for everyone from the Rolling Stones to Arcade Fire and Muse. Their fourth album has been deliberately constructed to bring back memories of the FM rock of the 1970s. Other reports describe it as the band returning to their roots, which means showing their Ramones and Jesus and Mary Chain influences. Good move or bad? We’ll see on March 30.
Superorganism, “Everybody Wants to be Famous”
Superorganism (Domino)
RIYL: Ting-Tings, later Beck, some MGMT
This eight-person(!!!) group from…well, everywhere (U.S., England, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand) has already generated some interest in the U.K., thanks largely to the relentless work of their British-based label. That sounds more complicated than it appears because six of them met while they were all living in New Zealand. At least three members are credited as “background dancers,” which is curious, innit? Careful with the video if you have trouble with flashing lights.
St. Vincent, “Los Ageless”
Masseducttion (Loma Vista)
RIYL: Artsy quirkiness
I know, I know. We’re a little late with this one (the album came out back in October), but I finally got it through the skulls of other Edge Music Lab people that Anne Clark is a freakin’ star and this album is nothing short of astoundingly good. So good, in fact, that you’ll be moved to buy this record instead of just streaming in. Trust me. The video for this song already has more than 2.25 million views. That should tell you something.
Muse, “Thought Contagion”
Single (Warner)
RIYL: Tinfoil hats
With still no indication of an album on the horizon, Muse seems to be taking the hip-hop approach by dripping out new songs every couple of months. (That’s not to say there isn’t an album in the works; I’ve just fallen a little but into Matt Bellamy’s conspiratorial rat hole.) The title of this song seems to reaffirm that Matt’s still in his “trust no one” mode. Hey, just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean that they’re not out to get you…
Dan Mangan, “Fool for Waiting”
Single (Arts&Crafts)
Dan seems to have found some kindred spirits. This track was produced by Simone Felice of The Lumineeers and he’s been touring with Kaleo. Methinks some of those influences have rubbed on of him. It’s a pretty straightforward love song, something that Dan admits that he’s never really written before. (Fun fact: This recording features St. Vincent’s drummer)