Communicating Vessels will release on January 25th Hypatia, the sophomore LP from Birmingham UK band WRAY. Lead single “May 23rd” is very gaze-y, yes, but also very potent melodically and constructed in a way where both the track’s shoegaziness and its tunefullness come through the track in a mutualistically effective way. We like it a lot.
WRAY (Facebook)
Dan Croll, a B3-favorite UK-artist who first caught our attentions in 2012 with his stellar songwriting and lively blend of timely nicely-varied folk-y indie pop, has remained on the down-low since the release of his debut full album Sweet Disarray; which includes the warm fun-loving classic quirky-silly folk-vocals-led track “Home” (featured here on B3 in 2013). We are thrilled with Croll’s latest out-of-the-blue new release “One of Us” a sunny-sensed catchy-hooked pop track which excels for its well-written strong-minded straightforward edgy-catchy lyrics and beautifully-expressive spaced-out guitar-riff-led muted-punk style sensibilities. An excellent surprise from a solid talent! Reviewed by Erin Shay.
Dan Croll 
(Facebook)
The awesome GEMS release their debut Kill the One You Love LP in 17 days (October 30th on Carpark Records). Today, the D.C. duo stream new track “w/o u” which adeptly crisscrosses widely varying stylistic touchpoints (Mazzy, MBV, Smiths, modern indie pop and hip hop) in a way that comes off as totally new and ultimately very listenable. We love the track.
GEMS 
(Official)
The Fratellis latest album Eyes Wide Tongue Tied probably hasn’t received its due here in the US. As usual for this band, the album’s packed with interesting tracks. Dogtown is a mid-tempo stomper with a catchy guitar hook and a somewhat surprising horn section that will probably hook you even harder. They’ve also included a keyboard part that sounds straight out of Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition”. The Fratellis are best known for the huge UK #1 hit and Chicago Black Hawks theme song “Chelsea Dagger” and their biggest US hit “Flathead” that got its boost from an Apple commercial. The fact is that these guys have so much more to offer. If you’re in the US, see them on tour this month. Reviewed by Bruce Rave.
Check out Bruce’s weekly “Go Deep” radio show; air dates and times for “Go Deep” as well archived past shows can be found on Bruce’sblog. Don’t forget to follow Bruce on Twitter too!
The Fratellis (Official)
Out today on B3SCI Records is “Pain Ache Loving”, the new EP from SoCal band HUNNY. Featuring blog hits “Cry For Me” and “Natalie”, songs from the four track EP have been lauded by Pigeons and Planes, Indie Shuffle and Wild Honey Pie. The band are on tour now with the Neighbourhood and Bad Suns (dates below). More details on the EP, including purchase info, can be found at B3SCI Records.
Oct 09, Danforth Music Hall- Toronto, Canada
Oct 12, Stage AE- Pittsburgh, PA
Oct 13, The Fillmore- Detroit, MI
Oct 15, Aragon Ballroom- Chicago Heights, IL
Oct 16, First Avenue- Minneapolis, MN
Oct 17, Garrick Center at The Malborough- Winnipeg, Canada
Oct 20, Commodore Ballroom- Vancouver, Canada
Oct 21, Showbox SODO- Seattle, WA
Oct 23, Crystal Ballroom- Portland, OR
Oct 24, Fox Theater- Oakland, CA
Oct 27, House Of Blues- San Diego, CA
Oct 28, House of Blues – San Diego, CA
Oct 29, The Shrine- Los Angeles, CA
Oct 30, Boulevard Pool at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas- Las Vegas, NV
HUNNY 
(Facebook)
Get familiar with Sydney trio Mansionair (who graced us with one of 2014’s most-streamed indie hits “Hold Me Down”) on their lovely new perfectly-oozy emotionally-deep widespread-appeal radio-ready ballad track “Speak Easy” which we adore for its straightforward sing-song-y falsetto vocals and golden-vibe guitar accents. We love it. Reviewed by Erin Shay.
Mansionair (Facebook)
Day Wave, the project Oaktown man Jackson Phillips, is following up this summer’s “Headcase” EP with a new 7″ for House Arrest Records and “You Are Who You Are” is the jangled-out b-side to last month’s standout new one “Come Home Now”. Get into it below.
Day Wave (Soundcloud)
Still Parade, the project of Berlin-based musician Niklas Kramer, releases “Concrete Vision”, the first stream from the act’s upcoming debut LP. “Concrete Vision” is a hazy and accessible example of just very good indie pop writing, an accomplished track.
Still Parade (Facebook)
Bloc Party are back and in a winning way. This new single doesn’t revert to their original post-punk ways, but it seems to be exactly where the band should be in 2015. The melodies are there, it’s got a groove that reminds slightly of singer Kele’s solo work, and there’s a strange, haunting organ that will likely stick to your ribs. Ace guitarist Russell Lissack remains in the fold, but their nearly irreplaceable rhythm section of old is now history. If “The Love Within” is any indication, this version of the band will be just fine. Reviewed by Bruce Rave.
Check out Bruce’s weekly “Go Deep” radio show; air dates and times for “Go Deep” as well archived past shows can be found on Bruce’sblog. Don’t forget to follow Bruce on Twitter too!
Bloc Party 
(Official)
If you’re a fan of The Pogues, you’ll probably be a fan of “Trouble On Oxford Street” by the UK band Skinny Lister. From the rapid drum intro to the end, it’s a fun track that allows pub rock to keep its good name. Yes this song sounds oh so British. The band is currently touring the US with Frank Turner. I’ll be at the October 22 show at LA’s Mayan Theater. Reviewed by Bruce Rave.
Check out Bruce’s weekly “Go Deep” radio show; air dates and times for “Go Deep” as well archived past shows can be found on Bruce’sblog. Don’t forget to follow Bruce on Twitter too!
Skinny Lister (Soundcloud)
