The Outset- “But I Learned”/”Baker’s Husband”
The newest offering from So-Cal’s The Outset features 2 tracks sounding straight out of the mid 60s. “But I Learned” is more straightforward rock n roll- think Yardbirds, Stones, early Who. The production style is perfect for this sound as well. “Baker’s Husband” leans more psych, a more 67/68-ish vibe. I love the jangle guitar, the rawness of the sound, and the more catchy, powerpop type psych going on here. A vintage sound done really well and with loads of style.
https://theoutset.bandcamp.com/album/but-i-learned-bakers-husband
Shadow Show: “Baba Yaga” w/ “Spy Balloon”
Detroit trio Shadow Show continue to make some of the most interesting and complex psych of the last few years. Their latest release, “Baba Yaga” w/ “Spy Balloon”, released on Rogue Records, is part psych, part avant garde artsy indie (yes, that’s what I said). Baba Yaga takes us on a journey, with it’s slightly haunting grooves and eastern influences- theres some real groovy flute in this track too, which is always fun. “Spy Balloon” is a driving, hypnotic, march with an ethereal, layered chorus that gets more and more groovy and psychedelic with each passing minute. For a 3 piece band, I’m constantly impressed with their sound and production, and always look forward to hearing what they’ll do next.
https://shadowshow-detroit.bandcamp.com/album/baba-yaga-spy-balloon
Girl Tones- “Fade Away”
For a debut single, this track blows me the fuck away. I am obsessed with this band and you should be too. There’s something so powerful about a 2 piece rock band, and these chicks really deliver. On “Fade Away”, the driving guitar riff, all around distortion and riot grrl energy are palpable, seeping into my bones and making it unavoidable to move along to the music. This track has been on repeat for me for weeks, catchy as hell with a sound that’s really refreshing. I love the change in tempo throughout, the little bit of synth lead, and the kick drum being so prominent in the mix. Singer/guitarist Kenzie is a powerhouse, and both women clearly have presence and star power. The music video is also one of the most creative I’ve seen in a while- taking a simple, fairly low budget concept and through excellent cinematography, styling and performance just creating a killer visual for the track. The band also just released a second single, “Again”, which is equally killer- Girl Tones are officially my band to watch in 2025- I cannot wait to hear a full length release.
The Snares: “Wasted”
The Snares, hailing from my hometown of Sacramento, are putting out some of the most fun garage punk out there right now. Not taking themselves too seriously, not trying hard to sound just like their influences, just making super fun, wild, garage rock as it should be. I love the prominence of the organ in their sound, and from what I hear their live shows are killer. “Wasted” clocks in at 2 minutes 47 seconds and just feels like a party all the way through- the dual lead vocals, organ almost sounding like 8 bit Nintendo music, everything tight as hell while still going full freakout at the end of the track. The band just wrapped up a tour of the Pacific Northwest and released their EP Damaged Goods last weekend- stay tuned for a full review soon!
