Stream: Boxed Wine EP
New Jersey quartet Boxed Wine sounds like a band that knows how to have a good time. The group released their debut, self-titled EP back in January. The five-track release places a spotlight on Boxed Wine’s energetic, danceable brand of indie pop. Memorable hooks, snare-heavy rhythms, bright vocals and unadulterated joy are the themes at hand. The EP is a suitable soundtrack for a Friday night of debauchery or a summer day party.
As made clear in previous posts, I’m a fan of groups that don’t take themselves too seriously. Sure, we all love musicians that treat their craft as art. But too much angst-ridden, shoegaze music can be a drain. When you’re in the mood for the lighter, more frivolous side of indie rock, reach for some Boxed Wine. Slap the bag. Don’t look back. Stream and download Boxed Wine EP below.
Connect with Boxed Wine via Facebook | Twitter
P.S. The last band that I lauded for their frivolity wound up shilling their songs for Taco Bell and Free Credit Report (See: Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.) Here’s hoping that Boxed Wine doesn’t take their fun to that extreme.
Written by Rob Peoni
Album Stream: Ab-Soul ‘Control System’
Most of my favorite rappers these days are in the 30+ age bracket, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of young artists that I’m excited about, quite the contrary. Ab-Soul has been overshadowed by Kendrick Lamar and ScHoolBoy Q in their L.A. based “Black Hippy” crew to this point, but his outstanding new album Control System looks to change that. What Ab-Soul lacks in technical proficiency and lyrical dexterity, he makes up for in atmosphere and thoughtful creativity. Control System follows up on several of the ideas and themes displayed on ScHoolBoy Q’s excellent album Habits & Contradictions released earlier this year, proving that while the collective may be moving up to the majors with Dr. Dre and Interscope soon, they will try to maintain their aesthetic and creative control. Ab-soul’s skeptical, druggy vibe is on full display in these two excellent music videos. Peep the full album stream and purchase from iTunes if you dig.
Connect with Ab-Soul via Facebook | Twitter
Written by John Bugbee
Album Stream: Triptides ‘Live at Cubbfest’
Bloomington band Triptides was a topic of early discussion on Thought on Tracks. Their release Psychic Summer impressed the crew for it’s authentic garage rock feel. A lo-fi, surf pop group whose zip code could be mistaken for the Bay, Triptides is a misplaced sand castle creating its own beach.
The Triptides left to promote Psychic Summer in July and one of their stops sounds like they were playing in a home away from homes at Cubbfest in San Diego. Their opening track “Summerday” provides a harder, unfamiliar vibe, but proves to set the stage for their entire performance. Heavily distorted guitars rip through the crowd as Glenn Brigman and Josh Menashe scream “Don’t ever fall apart.” John Warlick tears his cymbals apart and a live recording is masterfully born. They released this performance in November and now we are sharing it with you. Stream the release below and download it for free via Triptides’ bandcamp page. Also, be sure to snag their 7″ Going Under/Outlaw released in December.
Connect with Triptides via Facebook | Twitter | Bandcamp
Written by Brett McGrath
Thought on Tracks 