Lewis & Clarke – Triumvirate
Lou Rogai (AKA Lewis & Clarke) is set to release his first full release since 2009. Triumvariate is a double LP of grand, epic folk music that deal ’with process, and how we often create complexity from simple scenarios.‘ Help him get over the finish line by backing the project on Kickstarter before Wed 15th July (EDIT: he has reached the goal, but any more pre-orders would be welcome I’m sure). There are loads of goodies (a variety of artwork and posters, signed test-pressings etc.) to get your paws on besides the music. If that’s not enough to whet your appetite, there is also this short film directed by Kevin Haus. The album is due for release in September via La Société Expéditionnaire.
[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/145939285″]
Benjamin Woods and The Golden Dregs
This suggestion comes from our good friend Jeremy over at HI54LOFI. The Golden Dregs are from Falmouth, UK, and make a lo-fi brand of rock music that is perfect for a languid summer day. You can grab the EP on a pay-what-you-can basis via Bandcamp.
[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/151507623″]
The Parade Schedule – Friday Night
The Parade Schedule is the recording moniker of Seattle-based Matt Kinder. Friday Night is his (and his band’s) new album. It’s a really good folk rock record (perhaps with a little more emphasis on the “rock” than in his previous work) with Kinder’s deep and honest vocals. Fans of David Bazan and Damien Jurado need to check this out. Listen to my current favourite, the title track, in the player below. You can Friday Night over at The Parade Schedule’s bandcamp page.
[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/157080793″]
P.S. If you’re not familiar with the band’s previous album, Seeds to Be Planted, Trees to Be Cut, then I recommend to remedy that fact right now.
The Rural Alberta Advantage – Terrified
The Rural Alberta Advantage have unveiled a new song, ‘Terrified,’ the first track off of their upcoming LP Mended With Gold. The album was apparently written by frontman Nils Edenloff during a stay at a remote cottage up on the Bruce Peninsula, where he slept with a pocket knife within reach for fear of bears and wolves. Fans of the Toronto-based trio will be glad to hear RAA’s distinctive sound is still intact, with their tales of hometowns and heartbreak still is as powerful as ever. The album will be released on Saddle Creek and Paper Bag Records on the 30th September.
[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/157293795″]
Field Report – Wings
Christopher Portertfield’s Field Report have also released a new song. With itsambient electronics, ‘Wings’ is a slight departure from the sound of their previous album (and Porterfield’s Conrad Plymouth stuff), but his “grizzled midwestern vocals” (as Stereogum put it) are thankfully still present. The band’s new album Marigolden, which will deal with homesickness and alcoholism,is out in October on Partisan, and we will no doubt be writing more about it when we hear the rest of it.
[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/144989417″]
Jerry David DeCicca – First and Last
Finally, Jerry David DeCicca, from the band The Black Swans, has released a solo LP Understanding Land. The album features guest appearances from people like Will Oldham, Kelley Deal and Spooner Oldham. Watch the video for ‘First and Last’ below, and buy Understanding Land here. He is also planning a UK tour this autumn so keep an eye on that.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wU_jF6okvQ]