Arrowhead go snake, Lily Frost nickels and dimes, Pleasure Craft works it out and Pink Leather Jackets do good in today’s short ’n’ sweet Roundup. We took a dog from the pound out to the park for the afternoon today. Who’s a good boy?
1 Maybe you’ve had a hard Monday and need to unwind. Maybe you’re on holidays and can enjoy some adult refreshments whenever you want. Or maybe you’re just the kind of person who likes to get high on Mondays. Either way, here’s the soundtrack for your buzz: Coven of the Snake, the title track from the July 12 release by Australian stoner-rockers Arrowhead. The psychedelic video doesn’t hurt either. Open up and swallow. SAYS THE PRESS RELEASE: “Rising from the underground of Sydney’s stoner rock scene, the Arrowhead brotherhood fire an explosive, all killer/no filler triptych of volume, attitude and down-tuned grooves.” Puff, puff, pass:
2 If you’re been paying attention, you might remember that I premiered singer-songwriter Lily Frost’s retro-cool track I Dodged a Bullet here a couple of months back. And if you haven’t been paying attention, that’s OK: You can get up to speed with Cruel World (Nickel & Dime), the twangy new single and lyric video from her just-released album Retro Moderne. SAYS THE PRESS RELEASE: “60’s UK mod culture was all about looking sharp under pressure. Styled in brogues, mini skirts and slim fits, riding mopeds; these punks had class even if they couldn’t afford it. It was a matter of taste and dignity against all odds. Moving between vintage pop and hip hop on Cruel World (Nickel & Dime), I try to bring this era back to life. Slakah The Beatchild and I wrote this one together.” It’s worth every cent:
3 Work It Out is, of course, a classic track from the legendary Canadian power trio Goddo. And the title of Beyonce’s debut solo single way back in 2002. This Work It Out is not either of those Work It Outs. This Work it Out is an idiosyncratic alt-pop freakout from Toronto singer-songwriter Sam Lewis, in the guise of his musical persona Pleasure Craft. And it’s every bit as good as its predecessors, if not better. It’s certainly weirder. Permission to come aboard. SAYS THE PRESS RELEASE: “Work It Out was written very quickly as an expression of anxiety which I associate with emotional suppression. I’ve always felt pressure to avoid sincerity and vulnerability. I think a lot of people feel this, but everything gets expressed somehow – I’ve often used alcohol and other drugs to facilitate that.” A musician using drugs? I am shocked! Shocked!
4 Toronto pop-rockers Pink Leather Jackets know what they want on their glammy new single Good Love. How many of us can truly say the same? Come to think of it, how many of us can say we’ve ever sported a pink leather jacket? SAYS THE PRESS RELEASE: “Pink Leather Jackets was started for the pure purpose of rocking out. Christopher James, lead vocalist, wanted to be loud and make ’em dance with the visceral organic sounds of distorted guitars and booming drums, not to mention a sexy voice.” Mission accomplished, methinks:
