Reagan Cats - "Staring at the Light"

What are Reagan Cats? Who are they? What do they do? Where do they live? My Reagan Cats shirt (see here) has been one of the most consistent items in my wardrobe for close to 2 years now. Most shirts of this nature do warrant comments from people, but it's safe to say their shirt/name has generated an above average response from my peers. Today I can finally say, "Hey... Reagan Cats have new music. You really should listen to it."

Reagan Cats are a rock n' roll band from Charm City that have been playing together for the better part of 5 years now. They have put together some impressive EP's since 2014, and have performed regionally, contributing to the dynamic music ecosystem in Baltimore. Their music comes off a little clean in comparison to a lot of the gritty, more experimental sounds I hear from the region, but they stand out for exactly that reason. Well written, well executed, well produced... Reagan Cats make great indie rock music with a hint of winding western flair. You can hear exactly what I mean in their new track "Staring at the Light," which will also be on their first full-length record (TBA).

On this single Reagan Cats are quick to strike. The track splashes immediately with rumbling bass and streaking guitar, setting the scene for this dreamy hitter. Heavy vocals roll over conveying  thoughts and dialogue regarding a seemingly troubled person at some kind of crossroads, leaving the narrator "staring at the light." Ethereal synth trickles later into sonic frame and emphasizes the weight of the situation as this person determines what they should do. "In your eyes I only see him... Oh the devil in disguise... but it's in my mind..." Warm, calm vocals explode into a raspier shout at the end as the narrator begs this person to make the best decision they possibly can. This shout is quickly silenced as the track fades to nothing, leaving me wanting more. What the heck just happened? I do not know for sure... but it was a damn good listen.

Listen to the song below. "Staring at the Light" hits streaming this weekend (Friday).



RIYL: Broncho, Paul Cherry, The Districts, Palace, Omni, June Pastel
Hot Take: Reagan Cats ring in a new, more powerful era of sad cowboy songs.

Follow Reagan Cats

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Bandcamp

Written by Connor Murray (@craftedsounds)

Read More

Pat Coyle - "Long Soft Life"

There are few artists that trigger a level of introspection like Pat Coyle. Upon hearing his new single "Long Soft Life" I was shook to the core. The blissful combination of careful drum work, lo-fi sampling, and uniquely captivating vocals really sent me home. I say home specifically in regards to the audio samples pulled from a home video at the end of the track. The song is a incredibly intimate piece that, if listened to with undivided attention, will send you on a trip through childhood memories both vivid and vague. It was a very good trip for me.

I guess I (21) am really one of the last of a generation whose parents used a big camcorder to capture family events and important childhood moments. There was a greater purpose and a dedication to remembrance and appreciation of such happenings in the era before smartphones, etc. that made it possible to record so easily. For me at least, when looking back on old videos of myself alongside relatives, you can see the efforts that went into making it work for you, your siblings, cousins, grandparents, etc. Buried beneath those familiar smiles of your elders there are anxieties and fears of challenges life presents, but everyone puts that aside for these moments that mattered the most. For some reason grainy video and audio captures those times best in a fleeting, deteriorating fashion.

"I love you"... "I miss you"... *laughter* ... "Happy birthday, Pop Pop"... weaved in between dings and keys struck me in such a profound way. By the end of the track I felt as if my mind was just a tape rewinding and fast-forwarding in a loop through "the memories I love" and "the memories I hate." I think what I found the most interesting about the track is that although there is a emphasized link to the past in the lyrics and dialogue, I felt that "Long Soft Life" hinted to the future and what that holds, which is lovely and terrifying at the same time.

Per what I have been told, Pat Coyle expands upon the what was documented in "Long Soft Life" in a collection of related songs. On his upcoming EP Iridescent Cue (Out August 23), Pat explores emotional growth through the visions of a 1993 home video that set in Yardley, PA, which explains the audio bits you heard in this tracks. It is through these joyous scenes and palpable connections with loved ones, Pat thinks deeper and wonders how much these experiences have fed into a current misplacement of identity.

Pat will relocating to LA in September. Pittsburgh will miss him for his vision, kindness, and creative influence on others. His contributions to other projects like IT IT, Blød Maud, Soft Gondola, and others are definitely works that should not go unrecognized or unappreciated. I'll never forget when he hopped on stage during the Bat Zuppel MIRROR|RORRIM release and howled during "The Witch" or some other song. I was like, yup, this guy has it. It was only later that I started piecing together the other things he had been a part of. I caught a set of his earlier this summer, and I can say with confidence that this next EP will hold up well. I am excited to see what is next for Mr. Coyle.

You can catch his EP release show on Friday, August 23 at The Government Center, my favorite record store in the city, where he'll be supported by Natural Rat (WV), Anthony Heubel and the High Lonesome Band, and The Childlike Empress.


RIYL: Atlas Sound, Palm, IT IT, Panda Bear, home videos, the human experience, existential dread
Hot Take: Call your relatives and tell them you love them.

Follow Pat Coyle

Facebook | Instagram | Bandcamp | EP Release Show

Writen by Connor Murray (@craftedsounds)

Read More

HOWARDIAN - "Different Dogs"

HOWARDIAN is an art-pop collective out of Olympia, WA fronted by Ian Vanek (Japanther). Supporting musicians of the act include Scott Brummel, Justin Mckaughan, Gardner Allen, Farley Glavin, Mustafa Daka, Schuyler Maehl, and Flo Amarino. Today we bring to you their new video for "Different Dogs" which will be on their upcoming record The Silly Shit You Say. The full album will be available this Friday, March 15, 2019 on Starcleaner Records and Let's Pretend Records. 

I suggest listening to this track when on the go... even better when you are with friends on the road, in the woods, on the bus, wherever you go. HOWARDIAN has put together a catchy, atmospheric garage pop tune right here. Riding steadily on a solid drum beat, everything else just falls into place. Right above the drumming on "Different Dogs" we have warm, channeling synth, delicate guitar tones, clever lyrics, and echoing supporting vocals that create a sense of optimism and appreciation for what one may already have in their life.

The video follows two friends adventuring through the outdoors. There is a nostalgic VHS glaze over the whole thing that complements the track nicely. Kooky masks and slight absurdity also make an appearance. I was for it. The video was directed by Kurt Buchmeier out of Chicago, IL. Enjoy this stream of "Different Dogs" below. 

"Lets see what we can see"... I am really looking forward to hearing what else is on deck for HOWARDIAN. Spin their new record this coming weekend! 

Follow HOWARDIAN

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Written by Connor Murray (@craftedsounds)

Read More

Goodnight Daniel - "Mountain"

Inspired by jazz and Brazilian music, songwriter and guitarist Brett Jones makes quiet rock songs that moves listeners. "Mountain" in particular was composed intentionally "with lots of space... to invite you to focus on finding little magic moments" according to Jones. His method is quite effective. I was hooked immediately by his gentle strumming and soft vocals in the beginning. The end of "Mountain" took me home, if you will, as keys trickled between the drumming in the background. All in all, this is a great track and a great sign for the future for Goodnight Daniel (Richmond, VA). They are set to release their debut 4-track EP on March 1 on digital and cassette formats via Sad Cactus Records. Give "Mountain" a spin today.



RIYL: Horse Jumper of Love, Hovvdy, Crumb, Twain

Follow Goodnight Daniel

Facebook | Cassette Preorder

Writen by Connor Murray (@craftedsounds)

Read More

Lo Haze - "Cosmonaut"

You told yourself to get up and go for a run. You were very close to staying bed, but here you are trotting along. For some reason the gap in winter extremities is rather nice. It sure helps when it is above freezing. Some time into your run it starts to rain, and you hit your stride. You look up and the sun breaks the horizon as droplets of water kiss your forehead and proceed to run down your face. Don't get me wrong... you are gassed as fuck, but this is not so bad after all. I'd imagine that the music that would fit naturally in that moment of cardiovascular humility would be "Cosmonaut," a new track from LA act Lo Haze. "Cosmonaut' is a powerful, deeply emotional track that reminds one what it is like to be human. It encourages one to reach for new heights with rather intense streaks of guitar and enchanting vocals.

Lo Haze is just getting started after recently coming together last year. Their debut EP is set for release this Thursday on streaming services and they have a EP release show planned on February 22 in LA as well. Get hip to Lo Haze and spin this single ASAP.

RIYL: No Vacation, Beach House

Follow Lo Haze: 

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | EP Release Show - 2/22

Written by Connor Murray (@craftedsounds)

Read More

High Sunn - 'Our Perception'

High Sunn is a honest, raw dream-pop act from San Francisco, CA. Emerging over the years as a lo-fi bedroom project, Justin Cheromiah has continued to fine-tune his craft through many releases and a rather active live presence. Already in 2019, there is no slowing down for High Sunn as we jump right into the new year with Our Perception, their latest release that is available today on streaming and limited cassette format through Spirit Goth. In fact, this record will also kick off Spirit Goth's new Cassette Club, which you should check out as well!

The marriage of Cheromiah's catchy guitar compositions and emotional vocals has a proven track record of catching listeners' attention. On Our Perception, tracks "Grateful" and "Just Remember" get back to the meat and potatoes of High Sunn with just that. We also see the return of drum and synth master Tristin Souvannarath on this album. His backing support definitely paves the way for a fuller sound that we have not always gotten on previous releases. Tracks like "Need For Your Comfort" and "Three Words" carry more weight than others with synth-heavy climaxes that tie nice bows around Cheromiah's sonic expressions. I will say that this album is both nostalgic and exciting, leading me to believe Our Perception exemplifies some of High Sunn's best work yet.

This record has gone on to serve as a reflection piece of a particularly hard time in Cheromiah's life. Since finishing Our Perception, Cheromiah has gone on to say, "Never have I ever spent months on a release. I've ached, cried, stressed, and felt joy writing these songs of love, real life experiences, struggles, and pure gratitude." Enough words... High Sunn is back again with a good one. Go ahead and have a listen for yourself.

Follow High Sunn

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Bandcamp | Music Video for "Grateful"

Written by Connor Murray (@craftedsounds)

Read More