The Dream Syndicate’s Union In Psych Rock
Welcome to the new music review where we connect you with some of the best new music from around the world. Read on, click through to our Spotify playlist and enjoy it all on 2SER!
Little May – Blame My Body (FEATURE ALBUM)
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Big Thief – UFOF
Bobby Oroza – This Love
Body Type – EP2
Flamingods – Levitation
Sunbeam Sound Machine – Goodness Gracious
Sweet Whirl – Love Songs & Poetry EP
The Dream Syndicate – These Times
The Dream Syndicate reunited in 2012 and their album ‘How Did I Find Myself Here?’ was a strong return to their paisley flavoured neo-psychedelic form. For their latest, and second post-reformation release ‘These Times’, the group continues this powerful streak. This is a rapturous record that has a willingness to embrace new directions and experiments freely with drum machines, and loops. Frontman Steve Wynn was “obsessed” with Donuts by J Dilla while writing these songs, and though there’s no hip-hop here, it was Dilla’s approach to making music that inspired him to step outside his comfort zone.
Closer to home is Sweet Whirl, the moniker of Melbourne singer-songwriter Esther Edquist. Dealing greatly in the pleasant and sugary sides of folk and pop, there’s also a layer of devastation and agony. It’s this type of wry and dry honesty in Sweet Whirl’s music that keeps things intriguing, and when matched with her oftentimes unguarded vocal delivery, makes for a powerful and cuttings set of songs.
And in other matters of the heart, Finland’s Bobby Oroza meets at the plush juncture of retro soul and 50s classic rock on his debut album ‘This Love’. Oroza grew up enamoured by his parent’s record collection which had no shortage of early jazz and blues, Motown hits, gospel ensembles, and doo-wop groups. A bulk of this record is reflective of these influences, and full of energy and feel, in particular those of heartache.
Plus new singles from Braille Face, Japanese Breakfast, The Mauskovic Dance Band, Black Midi and Marika Hackman.