Mr. Moccasin

When it came to starting Mr. Moccasin, the duo that comprises the band has been quoted as saying that they wanted their music "to play with impossibilities and chance".  One doesn't need to look far to see why; lead singer Hanna Badalova was born in Baku, Azerbaijan where she developed an interest for poetry, a hobby that would act as a medium for telling the stories of her family fleeing genocide in pursuit of greener pastures in Baltimore.  It is here that she met Jared Fischer, who shared a passion for music and had actually been in a band for quite some time. Somehow, someway, despite starting their lives half a world away from each other, the two met.  Chance; it's what Mr. Moccasin was born from.  While this isn't an entirely uncommon occurrence in the world I mention it because it's important to the band's identity, and it shines through in the group's new single "Black On Black".  Coming from the forthcoming album XAHA, the track is an adventurous dive into the use of atmospheric, guitar-driven rhythms.  "Black On Black" draws a line between rock, folk, and punk, incorporating such styles and sounds without putting too many cards into one genre, instead coming across as universal.  Still, utilizing these aspects Mr. Moccasin is able to create a unique quality that sounds as equally ambitious as it does genuine. Considering their history, anything else would be a surprise.  Check out "Black On Black" below, and then be sure to grab the song for free over on Bandcamp.

Black On Black

Woods

If you're looking for a hardworking band, one that provides new music just as your getting bored with your current library, then you need not look much further than Brooklyn's Woods.  If you've followed them for any of the past seven years, then you've probably noticed how they come out with a new album every year.  The bonus here is that by this point it's also fair to expect the music to be high quality, for they're also one of the more consistent groups out today.  This year's Bend Beyond, which came out September 18th, is proof that even after the constant bombardment of new albums, Woods continues to offer exciting material.  The obvious and instant appeal to Woods is their clear admiration for psychedelic folk bands of the '60s and '70s; I constantly hear them compared to the likes of the Beach Boys.  The main divider between that parallel though is that Woods isn't as flooded with sunshine as the Beach Boys have become synonymous with, but instead focus more heavily on the folk aspect of their music instead of the pop sensibility.  For Woods it pays off.  It has, and while I don't have a crystal ball, I feel it's safe to say it will continue to pay off.  At least I'm crossing my fingers it does.  I've posted one of my favorites from Bend Beyond, "Impossible Sky", below, so be sure to give that a listen and then head over to iTunes to grab it.  Enjoy!

Impossible Sky

Actual Wolf

Hearty and authentic, the acoustic ballads of Actual Wolf on his new EP present themselves in a genuine light that suitably fit the mold of traditional Americana.  While not full-blown country, its origins owe a lot to the original influences of wholesome roots rock.  I guess this is what you can expect from "one man with a guitar, a lot on his mind, and nothing to lose".  The EP, Lightning & the Wolf, is backed by smooth and heartfelt lyrics while confident vocals usher the message across.  While it's currently available for a digital purchase, Lightning & the Wolf will have CDs and vinyl available on September 21st.  "Bread" and "Hollow Heel" are available for listening below with a Bandcamp page for further streaming and downloading.  Facebook has some great information, while Twitter is loaded with the updates.

The War On Drugs

One day into Twitter and I'm loving what it can do.  Signing on today, I saw it circulating around the web that The War On Drugs was going to be releasing their "Come to the City" single from last year's Slave Ambient, which is due out January 24th.  But alas, the news keeps getting better! The B-side contains a brand new song, "Don't Fear the Ghost", which excites me considering how much I loved Slave Ambient.  The track has a different feel to it, though.  Part of what made last year's LP so incredible was the vastness it was able to create, a spacious folk-rock set that looks forward to the horizon...but "Don't Fear the Ghost" is a mellower, slow churning haze of distortion.  This seems to make it sound tighter, and not quite as open, as their previous work.  While it may appear to be a slight change of pace, the result is still fantastic.  These guys have truly become one of my favorites.  Take a listen to "Don't Fear the Ghost" below!

 The War on Drugs - Don't Fear the Ghost by DOJAGSC