3 Songs: On Repeat (Extended Edition)

Ume – “Crushed” (The Austin-based band - led by guitarist/vocalist Lauren Larson and husband, bassist Eric - returns today with their long-awaited third album, Other Nature, on Modern Outsider.  Best known for her passionate on stage performances, Lauren battled tendonitis and gave birth to her daughter in the years since their last release. Those vastly different experiences as well as the addition of drummer Aaron Perez and keyboardist Don Cento to the band, resulted in the band’s most melodic yet wildly punk-informed set of songs yet.  Check out the love song to her daughter here, with its guitars that contrast between lullaby-like chime and noisy eruptions, for the perfect introduction.) http://modernoutsider.com/artists/ume        

Stream: https://youtu.be/5JE8kf7ucvo

Jungle Rot – “Fearmonger” (Celebrating 25 years as a band, the Wisconsin death metal vets return with their self-titled tenth album today on Victory Records.  Produced by longtime collaborator, Chris Djuricic, the statement-making new album adds elements of 80’s thrash metal and more technicality to their brutally pummeling brand of old school death metal.  It also features guest vocals from Schmier of Destruction - as heard on the punishing single heard here - and a cover of Kreator’s classic, “Terrible Certainty”.  Additionally, Victory Records recently released their out of print sixth album, 2009’s What Horrors Await.  Double-dip and get both albums now!) http://www.jungle-rot.com/      

Stream: https://youtu.be/IKzgP7O4WJ4

The Jayhawks – “Backwards Women” (Gary Louris and crew recently released a collaborative new album titled, Back Roads And Abandoned Motels.  The new album is the tenth for the band and debut for Legacy Recordings and was written by Louris alongside collaborators such as Jakob Dylan, Ari Hest, Emerson Hart of Tonic and the Dixie Chicks.  Performed by Louris and bassist Marc Perlman, percussionist/vocalist Tim O’Reagan, keyboardist/vocalist Karen Grotberg and multi-instrumentalist John Jackson; the new album is proof to why The Jayhawks have been able to make their distinct stamp on the music scene, with their wide-appeal to both country and indie rock audiences, for over thirty years.  Check out the honky-tonkin’ single, written with Nashville alt-country band The Wild Feathers, here.) http://www.jayhawksofficial.com/  

Stream: https://youtu.be/9rik-PJOtcc  

Liam Singer – “Test Tone” (The classically-trained Portland-based pianist/vocalist/composer recently released his fifth album, Finish Him via Birdwatcher Records.  Armed with a powerful yet peculiar voice that recalls both Elliot Smith and John Darnielle and an experimental spirit; Singer’s new album expands upon the chamber-pop origins of his previous work, highlighted by the stunning synth-driven single, with its retro-futuristic 80’s synths and sci-fi imagery, heard here.) https://liamsinger.bandcamp.com/album/finish-him-2

Stream: https://youtu.be/NZbZn8whOFQ