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.

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Written by Connor Murray (@craftedsounds)

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All People - "Shattered Symbol"

Working in a creative head space is something special. It's a blessing. It's a curse. It is sure as hell not for the masses. Fortunately, I think creative people, especially those working in and around independent musicians and industry folk, meet plenty of others doing great things for similar reasons. I got an email today, and as you could assume I was late on getting back to them. I explained my situation (work, school, label, blah blah blah...) and they responded back, "No worries my friend! Keep fighting the good fight." It's hard out here, but hey, at the end of the day, we are going to do what it takes to make the music right and try to have fun doing it. It only becomes easier to get lost in this great mess when your friends are right there with you. Sitting here with this single in hand really made me realize... ya know what... All People and Community Records are really out here fighting the good fight.

All People is a band of friends that formed 7 years ago. It was a project that had simple, yet solid intentions: tour frequently, release great records, and overall just focus on being a band. After 7 years of really exceeding those goals, this story has come to a close. And that is OK. To tie a nice bow around music, friendship, and good times, All People have assembled their fourth and final record, Do This Again Tomorrow. Today we are sharing single "Shattered Symbol" ahead of the full release on April 26 and we could not be more excited!

Channeling an optimistic tone in eerie circumstances, keys shimmer in a rather suspect opening. What has happened? What is going to happen? "Shattered Symbol" goes on to tell a tale of what simply did not work out between two individuals. The track throws the listener for a loop, as people are jerked around in the final moments of a relationship that was once maybe, just maybe "right." After a noisy punk intervention, I envision someone pacing around a room as they come to terms with the situation at hand. An abrupt breakdown, and a sludgy bass, set the stage for a voice of harsh reality that builds to an emotional climax. Guitar rushes underneath smashing drum symbols, bringing us to the end of a road of what was an interstate. Don't drive too fast. You may forget to slow down.

But yeah... back to the full record... Like any project, you can get caught up in "success" or numbers or whatever, but that really is not what it is all about sometimes. As the release approaches, and the emotions pour, Greg Rodrigue of All People and co-founder of prestigious DIY label, Community Records (Pope, Nova One, Slingshot Dakota), has gone on record to say:

Abandoning concern as to what a listener might think of the band or our music, finally gave us the space and freedom to create the most accurate representation of what I had hoped the band (and my relationship with music) would be at its inception. I’m really proud of this last record. I think we figured out how to be a “band” just in time to stop touring and stuff, lol. I am incredibly appreciative of the other folks in the project. They have become some of my best friends on the planet, and we’ve grown a lot together. 

People have responsibilities to cater to. Personal or professional, these things can change people and occupy their time for the better or worse. However, there are still bands like All People that stick around, regardless of how life happens around them. A group of friends who would round out a late night practice after work with the same thing in mind, "Hey. Let's do this again tomorrow," that is quite special. I believe it when Greg says this is the group's best work. Satisfaction definitely peaks when the ride is just a great as the finale. All People are finishing right where they want to... with each other.

The final album release show will be May 4th at Gasa Gasa for the Community Records 11-Year Anniversary. LP pre-orders are live! A few other singles are also available for you to listen to! The record looks/sounds great, so get on that! They are also making 20 page retrospective risograph print books which feature every show they've ever played for the first 75 pre-orders. Seems like a must-cop for Community Records stans.

PREORDER DO THIS AGAIN TOMORROW ON VINYL

COMMUNITY RECORDS 11 YEAR SHOW

Written by Connor Murray (@craftedsounds)

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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

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Writen by Connor Murray (@craftedsounds)

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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)

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Pretty Matty - 'Kicked Out' B/W 'Divine Hammer (Breeders Cover)'

Toronto-based anti-rockstar Pretty Matty reeks of Garbage: the Shirley Manson-led grunge outfit Garbage, that is. On past releases, Pretty Matty has delivered an attitude similar to the great grunge and alternative rock groups of the 90s, wrapped up in a smart, millennial-angst driven package. Pretty Matty’s music is a fun, modern take on inspirations of Green Day and Dear Nora, among other acts of 90s.

On this most recent single + b-side, Kicked Out B/W Divine Hammer, Pretty Matty offers two great tracks; one pop-punk anthem and one cover that reflects his influences. The first track, "Kicked Out," moves away from Matty’s dirty, lo-fi sound on his debut EP. If the tracks on last year’s Pretty Matty EP were a full beard, "Kicked Out" is the stubble the day after shaving; a little cleaner around the edges, but still rough to the touch. This track is an angsty look into a millennial’s struggle with growing up presented in a pop-punk manner.

Pretty Matty does not fully abandon their roots on this release. The b-side is a cover of The Breeders’ "Divine Hammer." This cover is truly something special. In this ode to 1990s alternative music, Pretty Matty performs the track with a new urgency that the original somewhat lacks. If you are someone who enjoys 90s rock as well as modern lo-fi rock such as Wavves and White Reaper, give this track a listen.

Although this release is rather short, it leaves the listener anticipating more; Matty might “just be looking for the divine hammer” on Divine Hammer, but I’m looking out for his next release.

"Kicked Out" is available now on streaming services through the Toronto based label Must Be Nice. On Saturday, January 26, Pretty Matty will be selling an enamel pin with a digital download of these tracks at their release show at Horseshoe Tavern with Little Junior, Wine Lips, No Bro and Good Kid. Listen to "Kicked Out" and "Divine Hammer" (EXCLUSIVE STREAM) below!

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Written by Dylan Fitch (@DylanFitch3)

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