3 Songs: On Repeat

Wolf Parade – “Valley Boy” (After reuniting last year, releasing an EP and celebrating the 10-year anniversary of their classic debut, Apologies To The Queen Mary, the Canadian indie rock band returns with their long-awaited fourth album, Cry Cry Cry, their first in seven years.  Out today on Sub Pop, the new album finds Spencer Krug, Dan Boeckner and crew in sync and just as anthemic, strange and near-perfect as ever.  Inspired by Leonard Cohen and indebted to David Bowie, the standout single here, is the perfect distillation of their proggy and glammy power-pop sound with wiry guitars, strange synths and a shout-along chorus.  A most welcomed return indeed!) http://www.wolfparade.com/

Stream: https://soundcloud.com/subpop/wolf-parade-valley-boy

Spirit Award – “Summer” (The emergent Seattle psych-pop trio – featuring former Pomegranate member Dan Lyon and current Zoolab member Terence Ankeny - recorded with the legendary Jack Endino for their debut album Neverending, out today via Union Zero Records.  Alongside personal lyrics dealing with loss, their bold brand of psych-rock incorporates hypnotic Krautrock-inspired rhythms and dense layers of warped vintage synths like on the twinkling, aptly-titled standout single heard here.)  https://www.facebook.com/spiritawardband/         

Stream: https://soundcloud.com/spirit-award/01-summer-v1

Awaken I Am – “Black Dreams” (Poised to breakout, the Australian band recently released their long-awaited sophomore album, Blind Love, via Victory Records.  Their genre-defiant sound is cinematic in scope with pianos, strings and synths complimenting the groove-heavy beats, metallic guitars and soaring, ridiculously catchy pop melodies.  Check out the standout single here with its 80’s-inspired synths, driving rhythm and huge, sing-along hooks.)  http://www.victoryrecords.com/awakeniam    

Stream: https://soundcloud.com/victoryrecords/black-dreams