Craft Spells

Craft Spells are back! After a couple quite years, Craft Spells are back with the first tune from their forthcoming sophomore album, Nausea. "Break the Angle Against the Tide" is a fantastic mix of strings, shoegaze twang guitars, and hushed lyrics. Where previous songs were tighter, "Break" less the music reflect off the broken angles. Craft Spell's album, Nausea, is out June 10 on Captured Tracks.

Widowspeak

"True Believer" is the first song released from the up coming EP by Widowspeak. The song features a hazy, drifting, meandering sound similar to Real Estate or Beach House, but with a substantial country/folk twang. Makes for very nice wake up and ease into the day music. The Swamps EP is due out on Captured Tracks on October 29.

Heavenly Beat

Heavenly Beat are a new band out of NYC on Captured Tracks label. Heavenly Beat is lead by John Pena who is also in Beach Fossils. Even without stating this explicitly, Beach Fossil's influence can be felt on Heavenly Beat's debut album. The biggest difference between these bands comes in the rhythm section. Where Beach Fossils are a rock band, Heavenly Beat has a more tropical and rhythmic style. Perfect sounds for being outside at dusk. Enough going on that you could dance, but also good to chill in the pool to as the sun goes down.

DIIV

Here is the newest track from DIIV, formerly known as Dive. This track seems to be more indicative fo what they sound like live and potentially what the new album sounds like. Check out photos from Diiv's show with Frankie Rose and enjoy the new track. Diiv's next album, Oshin, is out June 26 on Captured Tracks.

Live: Frankie Rose & Dive

Last Thursday, 4/18, Frankie Rose and Dive performed at the Soda Bar in San Diego. Check out the review after the jump!

Craft Spells

Scandinavian Crush by CraftSpells

The Fog Rose High by CraftSpells

I am late to the party on this one, but Craft Spells are one of my favorite new bands. Their indie bedroom/goth/dance/dream pop ( I promise, no more buzzwords) makes for a consistently compelling listen. They keep the drums high enough in the mix to give the songs a sense of movement and purpose instead of just drifting around the room. Some of the tracks have almost dance rhythm - kind of like Lindstrøm meets Beach Fossils (sorry couldn't help myself). You can definitely hear the influences here, but it is still a consistently great record. Craft Spells debut album, Idle Labor, was released last year on Captured Tracks. Highly recommended.