Category Archives: Releases

New release: “Singles” by Protocol Afro

Posted on June 30, 2012 | Leave a comment


FEB028: “Singles” — Protocol Afro

February Records is proud to partner with Indische Partij Records of Jakarta, Indonesia, to release the latest single, “Singles,” from Protocol Afro.

Protocol Afro plays anthemic, danceable, alternative pop music. The band is made up of Ditto (vocals), Giano (guitar), Panji (guitar), Mayo (bass), Ferdi (synthesizer) and Kristian (drums). Critics and music bloggers have compared Protocol Afro to The Smiths, Arctic Monkeys, Bloc Party and Phoenix, among others.

It all started back in 2007, when the band went to audition, performing cover songs, to participate in an art festival held at a local university. The band ended up not being accepted to play in the festival, and it became the first and last time they ever performed cover songs in front of the public. Since then, the band started to write their own songs, branding their music as “alternative inconsistent-pop.”

Protocol Afro’s first break was when their first two recorded songs, “Maling” and “Radio,” were played by local radio (Trax FM Jakarta) and overseas Internet radio (Traxx Radio Brisbane, Australia) in 2010. “Radio” made to the No. 1 spot on Trax FM Jakarta’s Independent chart, was included in Trax Magazine’s indie music compilation, Traxound, and highlighted by French online music media, IndieRockMag.com.

In 2011, the band achieved several milestones, such as releasing their first EP, “Protocol Afro EP,” with the band’s third single, “Music (Dance With Me).” Protocol Afro were also invited to perform overseas for the first time, at Baybeats Festival, Singapore’s international indie music festival. To close the year, Protocol Afro was given the chance to perform on national TV on 811 Show Metro TV.

In April 2012, NYLON magazine Indonesia named Protocol Afro as one of their 10 Local Music Heroes.

Currently, Protocol Afro is in the process of writing & recording their debut album, due to be released some time in late 2012.

RIYL: The Smiths, Arctic Monkeys, Bloc Party, Phoenix


Photo courtesy of Muhamad Asranur, flickr.com/cantsaynotohope

Trax Magazine: “Protocol Afro’s music, which can described as a mix of post-punk revival and danceable indie rock/pop, sounds much more like a serious music project with potential, rather than just a casual side-job” (March 2012)

Nylon Magazine Indonesia: “You can call Protocol Afro’s music what you want, but they will make you dance to their music without being restricted to a particular genre.” (Alexander Kusuma Praja)

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New release: “A Simple Beast” by Ghost of Chance

Posted on November 1, 2011 | 1 Comment

FEB026: “A Simple Beast” — Ghost of Chance

New Haven, Conn.’s Ghost of Chance channels elements from the past in a way that keeps the music sounding fresh and relevant. The group’s distinctive style is characterized by subtle time signature changes and sonically-open experimentation set to surrealist lyrics.

Ghost of Chance’s sound takes its influence from ’60s psychedelia, ’70s glam, math rock and post punk while maintaining the shimmer of classic pop sensibilities.

All of this adds to the unique yet familiar sound that Ghost of Chance have cleverly cultivated on their sophomore album. Bustling with nervous energy and the desire to communicate, “A Simple Beast” shows growth, both musically and lyrically.

RIYL: Built To Spill, Modest Mouse, The Zombies, The Appleseed Cast, Guided By Voices, Explosions In The Sky

CT Indie blog: “… Jayson Munro does some solid early ’90s guitar work that could be bookended by anything from the Lilys to Teenage Fanclub.”

Hartford Courant SoundCheck blog: “ … the band plays catchy rock ‘n’ roll with some unexpected twists and turns. … the group delivers a bracing blend of well-constructed songs … ”

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New release: “Gypsy Paw” by Eastern Phoebes

Posted on July 2, 2011 | 1 Comment

FEB027: “Gypsy Paw” — Eastern Phoebes

Eastern Phoebes began as the home recording project of a Long Island, NY, couple: multi-instrumentalist/producer Ry Smith and holistic health guru Meg Bayley.

In January 2010, Ry started recording songs he had been writing in their loft apartment. He asked Meg to help sing and clap on a bunch of tunes, and the band was formed.

Eastern Phoebes released their self-titled five-track EP that summer — a CD-R in a handmade cardboard envelope with artwork by Andy Drake. A second EP, “Rods of Energy,” was released digitally in December of the same year. Through the group’s alternative means of self-promotion (random endearing posts on Craigslist), the EP began to attract listeners both regionally and nationally. In February 2011, Ry and Meg recorded “Wampum,” their debut full-length. Written and recorded entirely within the month, the album was he band’s entry for the RPM Challenge (http://rpmchallenge.com). It was released on March 1st as a free digital download. Recently, Ry and Meg joined forces with two of their dearest friends, guitarist/bassist Rick Kattermann and drummer Frank Filipo, to create the performing version of Eastern Phoebes.

“Gypsy Paw” offers 5 sunny folk-pop tunes that are catchy and charming. Eastern Phoebes have a way of being touching and comical in the same breath.

RIYL: One Happy Island, Beulah, Fruit Bats, The Boy Least Likely To, Andrew Bird

Exclamation Point, Period:

These tunes are the kind that power up the sun and make the snow melt.

Fensepost:

Eastern Phoebes have pieced together a release to rival the lighter moments of Beulah, the catchier pop side of Michael Nau and the early days of Elephant 6.

The Lucid Listener:

Give them a cramped room full of random forgotten instruments, and they will give you an album full of love, humility and maybe even a cup of hot herbal tea.

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New release: “If” by Even Artichokes Have Hearts

Posted on June 3, 2011 | Leave a comment

FEB019: “If” — Even Artichokes Have Hearts

Even Artichokes Have Hearts just want to be your friends. The dreamy love children of Joan Baez and the Andrews Sisters, these two girls from New Haven believe in the healing power of the ukulele. They specialize in quirky folk-pop with a sense of humor and share a sweet tooth for chocolate and puns.

Chloe Sarbib (vocals, tambourine, and accordion) and Sarah DeLappe (vocals and ukulele) met at Yale University. They began playing music when they spent a summer together making movies in Prague and farming in the South of France. Needless to say, it was love at first sight. They’ve been making sweet pop music together ever since.

“If” is a whimsical pop gem — complete with ba-ba-ba’s — bringing to mind innocent childhood friendships. The backing track, “Summer,” is a breezy, dreamy song perfect for the season it’s named after.

RIYL: Allo Darlin’, One Happy Island, Joan Baez, She & Him, Regina Spektor,
Joanna Newsom, The Weepies, Ingrid Michaelson, The Andrews Sisters

January 11, 2011: Short feature on F*ck Yeah! Go Team! blog:

The most frustrating thing about returning to Connecticut is that 98% of anyone who plays an instrument in this state chooses the wrong path, and that 99% of the listening population here could give a shit. That’s fine. I gave up trying to change that a long time ago, but every now and then you get a glimmer of hope and today I present the new brightness: Even Artichokes Have Hearts. … Two pals just killing it sweetly …

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New release: “Catch Me When I Fall” by Bangkutaman

Posted on June 1, 2011 | Leave a comment

FEB024: “Catch Me When I Fall” — Bangkutaman

Bangkutaman, which taken from Bahasa Indonesia with the meaning “park bench,” was originally formed by J. Irwin and Bayu Prabowo in 1999 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The band members are J. Irwin (lead guitar and backing vocal), Wahyu “Acum” Nugroho (lead vocal and bass guitar) and Dedyk Erianto (drums).

After 10 years together, Bangkutaman is ready to branch out beyond their native Indonesia and introduce the world to their 1960s-’70s rock’n'roll sound. The band sites American and British influences such as The Velvet Underground, The Byrds, Led Zeppelin, The Beach Boys, Donovan and The Who, as well as some of their Indonesian pop contemporaries.

RIYL: The Velvet Underground, The Byrds, Bob Dylan

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New release: “City Lights Fade” by The Whatevers

Posted on April 19, 2011 | Leave a comment

FEB023: “City Lights Fade” — The Whatevers

The Whatevers are a pop band from Leeds in the north of England. Mike writes the songs and Kate sings them. Al plays bass guitar.

Mike and Kate met at school. Kate had shaved her head to shock the locals. Mike had just split up with the only other indie punk girl in their small town, so it was natural they would become boyfriend and girlfriend. Kate would buy the NME and Mike would buy the Melody Maker and they would swap halfway through the week and cut the pictures out and practice interview techniques for the day they formed a famous indie band. Mike was in a band called Sparkling Tarts and they played at the local youth club with Kate’s band. After they had broken each others heart for about 15 years, Mike finally had enough songs and they formed The Whatevers. Al was one of their biggest fans, so they asked him to join the band.

The Whatevers sing mainly about their relationship history, radical leftist politics, not being able to get out of bed and conversations about sex that they have had at bus stops.

“City Lights Fade” is a picture-perfect example of lo-fi boy/girl bedroom pop. Jangling guitars, charming vocals and irreverent lyrics pervade these five songs. The band channels another boy/girl group, Eux Autres, for their cover of “Anne Boleyn.”

RIYL: Eux Autres, The Garlands, Transmittens, The Lovely Eggs

Interview with The Whatevers on chaotisch und charmant blog:

The Whatevers. A band that makes that sweet mix of lo-fi, 90’s twee and a sensible approach to the subjects that make an indiepop heart skip a bit.

The Whatevers on Brill Dream blog:

There is a thing with bands, where you work ,and write, and toil and one day it just CLICKS. Leeds duo The Whatevers have well and truly broken through.

Describing their sound as a ‘pop punk twee mess’, what they actually make is a gorgeous boppy, fun sound with Edwyn Collins meets Emma Pocketbooks vocals. The lyrics are also pretty bloody good, real stories to sigh to on the bus, stories you have lived through yourself. And get this, there are lines you can actually laugh out load to. wow.

EDIT: April 26, 2011: Review of “City Lights Fade” on chaotisch und charmant blog:

‘City Lights Fade’ delivers lo-fi indiepop in its purest state: simple melodies covered by melancholic, fun lyrics and funny music names. The last track is a cover for ‘Anne Boleyn’, from Eux Autres.

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New release: “Olé/Hola” by Bourgeois Heroes

Posted on March 29, 2011 | 1 Comment


FEB015: “Olé/Hola” — Bourgeois Heroes

Elise and Jason are Bourgeois Heroes. The band began in the spring of 2002 on a roadtrip to Memphis. Once they arrived in Tennessee, they purchased a drum kit and an electric guitar and set out to record their first ramshackle single the following evening at Sun Studio.

Since, the duo has released several handmade EPs that celebrate “Friends”-era Beach Boys production, baroque string arrangements, an often rhythm & blues leaning and various “weird” sounds.

Bourgeois Heroes is currently in a long distance relationship, communicating musical ideas between Austin, Tex., and Northampton, Mass. Their most recent release is “Olé/Hola,” available as a 7” vinyl single. “Olé/Hola” contains more of the same ’60s-inspired, jangly pop that those who’ve already discovered this talented duo have come to expect.

Both tracks were produced by Justin Pizzoferrato, whose recent credits include projects by J. Mascis, Hush Arbors, MV&EE and Thurston Moore.

RIYL: Wings, Harry Nilsson, Lee Hazlewood, The Monkees, Serge Gainsbourg, Robyn Hitchcock, The Ladybug Transistor, Apples in Stereo, Van Dyke Parks

Brill Dream blog:

Right, lets not mess around, Bourgeois Heroes are brilliant …

EDIT: March 29, 2011: Very short review on Spacerockmountain blog:

Really lovely and mellow indie pop songs. Very easy to get into.

EDIT: March 30, 2011: Review on Beerandbands blog:

This is a single that does everything you want a single to do. Two short sharp songs that are both excellent, and that as soon as they finish you want to put them right back on again. A vinyl single is made to be touched and loved, and played and played and played, and this one will be.

EDIT: April 4, 2011: Short review on Hartford Courant’s Sound Check blog:

The new song, “Olé/Hola,” is a dreamy little number with jaunty keyboards, fuzz-tone guitar and quietly catchy vocals. It’s the follow-up to Bourgeois Heroes’ 6-song EP, “Musical Postcards,” which came out last May.

EDIT: April 7, 2011: Interview with Bourgeois Heroes’ Elise Nacca in Northampton Valley Advocate.

EDIT: May 26, 2011: Short review on Salty Broad blog:

For better or for worse, this song is STUCK in my head. … It kind of reminds me of a new-school “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da.” Super catchy, and just… goodness.

EDIT: June 1, 2011: Review on Russell’s Reviews blog:

Bourgeois Heroes have a new single out. Ole/Hola is a neat little tune, unfussy and uncomplicated. Its natural home is somewhere between the fuzzy vibe of laid back Super Furry Animals and the twee sweetness of Belle and Sebastian. When You’re Dancing is a mantra like fuzzy disco tune, without being a dancer. It just seems made for swaying in a club. A neat little brace of fizzing pop.

EDIT: Aug. 4, 2011: Review in Valley Advocate:

The CD Olé/Hola was released, says Jason Bourgeois, “in conjunction with a seven-inch record,” the au courant name for what used to be a single. The tune “Ole/Hola” is a bubbly slab of almost retro pop, ringing with Beatle-y echoes and synthesizer weirdness. The song is structured in a loopy fashion, its quite different parts coming back around several times, each jammed (to pleasingly strange effect) right up against the other. Very 1970s sounds show up in the groovy bits, while an intentionally disharmonious female vocal part keeps things interesting in between. The other tune, “When You’re Dancing,” is guitar-driven and unabashedly svelte. It’s centered around the repetition of “You’re beautiful when you’re dancing,” and you get the feeling Bourgeois is offering a perfectly heartfelt sentiment. This is solidly delivered and well-constructed pop.

EDIT: September 2011: Review in Shindig! Quarterly No. 3:

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New release: “Echoic Exclusion” by Jayson Munro

Posted on March 21, 2011 | Leave a comment


FEB020: “Echoic Exclusion” — Jayson Munro

“Echoic Exclusion,” the new album from Jayson Munro (Ghost of Chance), blends catchy pop hooks with the Connecticut native’s brand of psychedelic guitar. On this full-length solo album, pop sensibilities mingle with strategic elements of surprise, dissonance and harmony.

“Echoic …” showcases Munro’s nearly whispered, understated vocals and his strength at composition and musicianship. With organ, glockenspiel and electronic sounds added to the mix, Munro covers a wide variety of pop and rock styles.

In the spirit of influences such as The Beach Boys and The Zombies, “Echoic Exclusion” is concerned with leaving the listener in a different place from where they began.

RIYL: The Zombies, Sparklehorse, Mojave 3, Slowdive, Built To Spill, Teenage Fanclub, Ghost of Chance

CT Indie:

… Jayson Munro does some solid early ’90s guitar work that could be bookended by anything from the Lilys to Teenage Fanclub.

EDIT: April 4, 2011: Mention on Hartford Courant’s Sound Check blog.

EDIT: May 30, 2011: Review on Leicester Bangs blog:

This guy has such a relaxed style about him. I kinda figure him doing it all whilst lying horizontal, just keeping chaos at bay with his youthful bravado and musical savvy. Of course he has probably done the opposite, worked his fingers to the bone just to get this album done. … It is both intriguing and delightful, and I love it, I really do, this shambolic sounding testament to his talent.

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New release: “Can’t Come Back” by Abby Mott

Posted on February 15, 2011 | 1 Comment

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FEB014: “Can’t Come Back” — Abby Mott

Abby Mott has an unmistakable voice and a soulful, hooky songwriting style. Her songs are a unique combination of Americana, indie pop, classical and blues, cleverly arranged with imaginative lyrics.

Mott cut her teeth playing various roles and instruments around Baltimore and Washington, D.C. with a wide variety of bands ranging from bluegrass to funk to ’80s to afrobeat. She finally hit the studio with her own songs in 2007, playing every instrument herself on her debut, “Hearts a’Flutter.” A four-song EP, “Go West! Get East!,” followed in 2009 just before her departure from the states for the Philippines.

Now, Mott has revived her one-woman band to full effect in her new Philippines studio. She hauled everything, from her Grandma’s baby grand to her triangles and maracas, all the way to Asia. And she’s been busy amassing a collection of all new tunes.

“Can’t Come Back” is a dazzling two-song preview of what’s to come. Mott thumps and thunders on every instrument. The result is downright danceable. Her voice is full and commanding, crooning over layers of calculated, crisp backup vocals. These two fantastical songs conjure visions of sea monsters and pirates, boats, and marooned characters. Life in the Pacific “Ring of Fire” plays wildly on Mott’s imagination. The pure infectious joy of tinkering, layering and structuring a song oozes from this pair of poppy tunes.

RIYL: Jenny Lewis/Rilo Kiley, Neko Case/New Pornographers, The Spoons

CityPaper, Baltimore:

Totally angelic indie-pop … Mott displays a growing songwriting sophistication and a divine sense of vocal control … with the sort of sensual abandon that would cause fans of Jenny Lewis, the Watson Twins and Zooey Deschanel to eat their James Perse pants.

Music Monthly:

By layering a motley (pun intended) array of instruments, she’s able to create her own little world of sound.

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New release: “one year of original music from February Records” – Free digital compilation

Posted on January 11, 2011 | Leave a comment

FEB018: “one year of original music from February Records” by Various Artists

January 9, 2011 marks the one-year anniversary of original releases on the February Records label.

February Records released its first original recordings in January 2010. Onward Chariots (Brooklyn/Queens, N.Y.), The Fictional West (New Haven, Conn.) and Women’s Basketball (New Haven, Conn./Brooklyn, N.Y.) composed the label’s initial roster of bands. February Records now has a roster of more than 15 bands and artists, with releases in multiple formats and from bands throughout the United States as well as Canada, the Philippines and Indonesia.

This 19-song compilation looks back at the last year with a track from every band that has released music on February Records. The album also looks forward with songs from five bands that will release music on the label in 2011. This ambitious project also contains previously unreleased tracks from Secret Charisma, Dexter Poindexter, Two If By Sea, The Tyler Trudeau Attempt, Bourgeois Heroes, The Inclined Plane and Women’s Basketball.

The compilation represents a wide range of styles — from the Brill Building-inspired sounds of The Cavemen Go, to the country-tinged pop of Abby Mott; from the minimalist ukulele-pop of Even Artichokes Have Hearts, to the electronically-enhanced tunes of The Month Of June and Women’s Basketball. The album touches on dream pop, Americana, psych, bubblegum and powerpop.

February Records looks forward to another year of bringing people together, forging connections and exposing people to great music.

Check out the accompanying video for “If” by New Haven duo Even Artichokes Have Hearts, which will also be included on their upcoming single.

EDIT: Jan. 11, 2011: Short feature on Hartford Courant’s SoundCheck blog.

EDIT: Jan. 12, 2011: Featured on area 51 del corazon.

EDIT: Jan. 12, 2011: Short feature on Bearded Magazine.

EDIT: Jan. 18, 2011: Feature on Burning World blog.

“One Year Of Original Music From February Records” is pretty much as you would expect, full of tracks from their 2010 releases. The label began pumping out releases at an alarming rate back in January 2010 and as well as spoiling us with quantity also managed to keep the quality somewhere between excellent and bloody brilliant.

EDIT: Jan. 24, 2011: Featured on The Jangle Box blog.

EDIT: Feb. 5, 2011: Mention on Japanese blog Pense A Moi.

EDIT: Feb. 7, 2011: Article by Chris Arnott of The New Haven Advocate about the February Records comp and the early 2000s Southern Connecticut State University music scene — “The SCSU Scene, in the February of Their Years.”

… Yet, seven or more years after the SCSU “scene” started, the small Connecticut-based label releases a free digital compilation—One Year of Original Music from February Records—which brings together The Cavemen Go, Tyler Trudeau Experience, Bourgeois Heroes and a more recent Brian LaRue project, Women’s Basketball, all in one place. … February Records is a wonderful resource for thoughtful Connecticut pop bands. Just one year in existence, it’s already an invaluable time capsule of creativity in Connecticut. More than that, this all-too-current label remakes history by showing us that the SCSU scene wasn’t a fluke but sustainable.

EDIT: Feb. 18, 2011: “Indian Lunch Buffet” by Women’s Basketball included on Beat The Indie Drum’s February mix tape.

EDIT: March 25, 2011: Comp review on chaotosch und charmant blog:

I think the last time I got this excited with a compilation was when The Leamington Spa volumes were released. … Really, if you had to listen to only one compilation for the entire year, ‘One year of Original…’ should be IT.

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