Woods

For the first time since 2009, Woods did not release a new album. They remedying this by releasing With Light and With Love this April on Woodsist. I could take time to talk about the songs strummy, jangly jam, but at this point its expected by these guys. Just sit back and enjoy the tune.

Andrew Bird

Andrew Bird's I Want to See the Bright Lights isn't quite an album or EP, but more of a classical piece or movement. A classical movement with an outstanding single at the heart of it. Numerous themes are returned to throughout the release. With the middle trio of songs "Logan's Loop"/"Pulaski at Night"/"Hover 1" exploring and morphing into one exquisite composition. "Logan's Loop" evokes a feeling of a train at night, with plucks of the violin quickly sinking away. "Pulaski at Night" is the star of the show as the single. It is the lone track with lyrics and one of the best pop songs of Andrew Bird's career. "Hover 1" finishes the filling of being on a train at night, exiting the city and continuing to speed away. "Ethio Invention No. 1" & "Ethio Invention No. 2" open and close the piece and feature almost raga style playing.

Bombay Bicycle Club

You'd be forgiven to think there were two bands going by the title of Bombay Bicycle Club. The quiet, pleasant folk band of mid-2000's has evolved into one of the most interesting pop-psych bands around. BBC has incorporated parts of electronic, psych, and experimental music to become leaders in a new emerging British scene. "Carry Me" features an off kilter beat, gauzy vocals, and synth parts that remind me of a quieter TNGHT. After the success of A Different Kind of Fix it is great to see the band is still exploring and evolving their sound. "Carry Me" is the first single from the forthcoming album out on Vagrant.

Paws

Paws played Brooklyn's Glasslands on Friday, November 15th. On record they sound a little light and flimsy. The songs are certainly enjoyable, but never fully captured my attention. Live they bring a focus and intensity to their songs that isn't always present on the debut album. Where the album is thin, in person they beef up the rhythm section and play classic pop punk. They sounded like a combination of Wavves and Frightened Rabbit.

Paws played most of Cokefloat plus a number of new songs. The new songs seemed to be even catchier, but with extra guitar jams. I am eager to hear what the new album will sound like. Also, these guys are hilarious. Some of the best stage banter I have heard in a long time. Definitely go check them out if you have the opportunity.

More Photos After the Jump!

Fuzz

Fuzz is the latest project from one man tornado Ty Segall and cohorts. Fuzz released its self titled debut just a couple months ago and now its back with a live album for Castle Face's Live in San Francisco series. Above is the appropriately heavy, jamming, and fuzzy take on debut highlight "You Won't See Me". It is three and half minutes of stoned out guitar rock. Fuzz's Live in San Francisco will be released December 2nd on Castle Face Records.

Joanna Gruesome

One of 2013's breakout noisy indie stars covering one noisy indie all time great bands best songs? Yeah, that works for me. Check out Joanna Gruesome's cover of Galaxie 500's "Tugboat". "Tugboat" is the b side for the "Sugarcrush" single out November 18th on Slumberland/Fortuna Pop!

Alvvays

If there is one thing that this site is a sucker for it is indie/garage pop with disinterested female vocals. If PR/Bands/Friends would just put that sentence in the title of the email, I think there would be almost 100% open rate. The latest and greatest band to join this group is Toronto's Alvvays.

First single "Adult Diversions" will generate comparison's to Best Coast, Vivian Girls, and other indie girl groups that work with jangly guitars and love sick lyrics. These comparisons are accurate, but miss the bigger point - this song is freaking infectious. It is one of those instantly repeatable pieces of ear candy that leaves you wanting more immediately. the "Adult Diversion" single is due out early 2014. Alvvays self titled debut album is due in 2014.