Fresh Track: The Walkmen “Heaven”
There is something to be said for consistency. As any music fan will tell you, there are no guarantees when it comes to bands. For the majority of the indie world, the first album is always the highlight. Years of work playing in front of small crowds at shitty bars leads to a triumphant album that is more of a culmination than the beginning. The “Sophomore Slump” is a common phrase that tends to follow up this spectacular first album. Simply, it’s much harder to keep the goods coming.
However, the truly great acts can deliver, and do repeatedly. The Walkmen need no introduction, because, well… they are one of the best. Whether you first heard them on The O.C. rocking out with “Little House of Savages” in 2004 (oh yes, I did just go there) or with their last masterpiece Lisbon, it’s almost impossible to listen and not be a fan. And the best part about The Walkmen? Like a fine wine, they just keep getting better. “Heaven”, the lead single and title-track from their forthcoming album was dropped yesterday. And sure enough, it’s absolutely great. Scope the track below and pre-order your copy of Heaven from Fat Possum.
Connect with The Walkmen via Facebook | Twitter
Written by Greg Dahman
Fresh Track: Japandroids “The House that Heaven Built”
Japandroids have always found a way to stay in the picture with me. Fast and aggressive, their 2009 release Post-Nothing was a brilliant introduction that gained my attention. When No Singles (compilation of EPs Lullaby Death James and All Lies) came out the year I grew confident that these guys were not just a one and done. Much to my satisfaction, the guys from Japandroids have offered fans their first single from their next full length, Celebration Rock, due out on June 15.
“The House That Heaven Built” is what listeners have come to expect from the Japandroids. Fast guitar, heavy drums, and aggressive vocals help assure me that there will not be tremendous change with their formula on this record…which is a good thing. This song is meant to be played with the volume maxed out. If this track is any indication of ferociousness that we should come to expect with this album, then expect a sore neck come June. Until then, use “The House That Heaven Built” to satisfy your garage rock needs.
Connect with Japandroids via Facebook | Bandcamp
Written by Brett McGrath
Thought on Tracks 
Help The Bonesetters Play Bonnaroo
Get your clickers ready folks, today is the last day to assist local, indie rock outfit The Bonesetters in their attempt to play Bonnaroo this summer. The Bonesetters were responsible one of my favorite local releases of 2011, with their debut LP SAVAGES!
The band is currently part of Sonicbids’ Road to the Roo competition through Facebook. Sonicbids is the same group that brought Bloomington’s Hotfox to SXSW earlier this spring
The Bonesetters will need to reach the Top 10 in voting by midnight tonight in order to qualify for the next round of voting. So tell your sister, tell your mama, tell your friend and your friend’s mama to get to clicking! Let’s get some more ears on a local project that deserves a wider audience. VOTE HERE! For evidence of the band’s worth, check out a stream of “Maypole” as well as the In-Store’s video session with lead singer Dan Snodgrass for a solo version of “Mama Prays” below: