I have to give some serious credit to Swillbilly Heroes; first, for having one of the greatest band names I’ve seen in a long while, and second, for playing some great and incredibly catchy country songs, which means a lot coming from a guy who knows very little of the genre. Their latest release, the Dying Stars EP, combines smooth and memorable country melodies, badass guitar riffs and drum fills that defy the country label. It places Swillbilly Heroes in a genre all their own, somewhere between alternative rock and bluesy-country-pop. “Head Shake” in particular caught my attention with its twangy guitars and heavy drums. It’s just got that deep, grungy, backwoods sound. I’m stumped trying to think of what to classify them as, but maybe it’s better you listen to them and figure it out for yourself. Seriously, You’ll thank me later. 

Mike B

 Drawing from indie electronic and dance-pop music, BLAJK are creating a mellow backdrop to the night of your life. Layers of vocals, light guitars, synths, clicks and pops all creating a bouncing, but laidback groove to really pound the dance floor. New single French Class seems to draw from popular electronic acts like The XX and USS, finding a happy mix between trance-like romantic production and emotional vocal and melody. BLAJK are having a night out at the Drake Hotel on December 18th, with Zords and Mune, so bring your favorite person and your dancing shoes!

Get into The Succulents, a sparkling new band that looks like might get some traction in Austin with two new tunes of lovely lady-created, soulful Southern indie music. This trio of ladies have laid down two smoky, bluesy indie tunes, dropped 'em online for ya as a teaser taste for their upcoming album Stories from the Moon, and we’ve got each here today. There’s a nice bit of flavor coming off of these, a flavor that’s a bit dark and certainly adventurous with some real Western tones (the horns are an especially good bit of added flair), and we wouldn’t be surprised to see this group quickly rocket to the top of bills around the city if the rest of the album and their live show are as well put together as these two tracks. The fact that (full disclosure!) one of these fine, talented women was once an intern at this very site is somethin’ we are more’n a little proud of. Take yourself to a porch outside somewhere when the moon is lit up fine, and settle back with these two tracks below playing to get familiar with The Succulents, and keep an ear to the ground for their upcoming full-length. 

Back in March, Lowell, Massachussetts trio Spooky Future released 'Chrese,' a palpably intriguing collection of jazz-rock songs. Calmer than its title may imply, the first track "Finally, You've Lost Your Mind" (streaming below) is a smooth blend of drum clasps and guitar curls that is pleasantly reminiscent of The Bad Plus and BADBADNOTGOOD. The second-to-last song, "The National Fun Deficit," similarly, plays along to a graceful pace, its thick bass lines effectively showing the elegant power of instrumental music. Spooky Future plays at the Midway Cafe in Jamaica Plain, MA on 12/15.- Zach Weg

Ezra Furman has released a new track, "The Prisoner", which was the b-side to his single "Restless Year". Furman also announced his Spring tour which will have in Austin for SXSW.

You can catch Ezra Furman at Lincoln Hall with Sleepy Kitty on March 26th.