Broken Water - Whet

Big thanks to Jason out in Washington for dropping this in my lap. Broken Water features a couple of the guys from Ongakubaka favorite Sisters. The music here is in the same vein, with some big nods to Sonic Youth. Unlike Sisters, Broken Water has cleaned up their sound a bit and the better production really makes the record that much more dynamic. Whet is about as good a debut LP as a band could hope for, effortlessly restraining their droning psychedelic weirdness just enough to let the fantastic songwriting shine through. Whet is out now on Raccoo-oo-oon's label Night People. Buy a dozen copies and hand them out at your little sister's graduation party while you drink warm beer and hit on her friends.

- Steve

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Heavy Medical - Threats

The Philly noise duo formerly known as Nervous Sex is now a bass/drum duo known as Heavy Medical. These dudes decided to drop the noise, and, instead, decided to BRING THE FUCKING NOISE, putting them in the upper echelon of abrasive badassness. Ear piercing bass grooves, nicely utilized feedback, and aggressive vocals. This four track EP is in desperate need of a vinyl pressing. Do what you can to spread the word. And Load Records, if you're reading this, Heavy Medical belongs on your label.

- Dan

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Mountain Man - Made the Harbor

(LINK REMOVED 06/03/2010)

American folk female trio from Vermont. Incredible harmonies. Made me really want to watch O Brother Where Art Thou. They have the potential to blow up as big as Fleet Foxes or Joanna Newsom, and you might be drinking your Grande Chai Tea Soy Latte at Starbucks to this record after its release on June 14th (UK) or July 20th (US). Get it from Bella Union/Partisan Records.

- Dan

Young Man - Boy

(Request)

Referencing Animal Collective has become far too common on this blog, and it's difficult to admit the strong influence they've had on the music scene in the last five years, but artists like this allow me to push thoughts like that aside and simply enjoy it. Yes, the vocals are eerily similar to AC/Panda Bear, but it's things like the slight vocal tweaks and last syllable pitch inclinations that make this irresistible. The minimal use of electronics, adolescent lyrics, and relaxing vibe creates a rather enjoyable listen. Even preschoolers would dig this shit. You can order the CD/LP from Kitchen Music now, and according to his myspace, there should be a US pressing of the 12" coming later this summer. This dude's only 21, and I can assure you we'll be hearing more from him in the future.

- Dan

Download Boy