Fresh Track: Unknown Mortal Orchestra “Swim and Sleep (Like a Shark)”
I’m not entirely sure how this one passed me by a few weeks ago, but better late than never, right? Personal favorites of mine, Portland’s Unknown Mortal Orchestra are currently touring with a so-so band called Grizzly Bear (kidding!). Oh yeah, they just happen to be rolling through Cincinnati this Friday night at the MidPoint Music Festival which the Thought On Tracks team will be uniting together to attend. Rumored to be putting together their sophomore effort after their still rotation-worthy self-titled debut last year, the band is releasing “Swim and Sleep (Like A Shark)” via a limited edition, tour-only 7”. Scope the track below via the YouTube (Sorry, Iran! Not for you!).
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Written by Greg Dahman
Fresh Track + Video: Haybaby “Wash You”
The influence that Brooklyn has on the music we listen to is undeniable. As I take a step away from the hustle and bustle of a work trip I feel compelled to cover what is going on here tonight. As I scour the NYC scene a band with the name Haybaby grabs my attention. As I sit in my hotel introducing Haybaby to you I sense a certain emerging buzz. Spreading like a kindergarten classroom illness, from this blog to many, Haybaby has the genes to bust on the scene.
Haybaby is a garage rock trio that rides on heavy overtones and the vocals of Leslie Hong. Track, “Wash You” is the pick me up off the floor and slap me in the face wake-up call that we all love to be reminded of. This song is a genuine plea for change with the comforting support of rock n roll. Keep it on repeat.
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Written by Brett McGrath
Fresh Track: Seluah “The Other Side of the Gun”
“The Other Side of the Gun” starts out with the kind of slow roll that you could envision playing alongside the opening credits of a gritty cop flick. The detective’s battered muscle car wheels around the types of corners working class folks avoid after dark, while the movie’s protagonist tosses off knowing glares and cigarette butts. Heavy, serious sounds from Seluah, a Louisville band cutting its first album in 10 years.
Red Parole is due out on April 10th via Karate Body Records. “The Other Side of the Gun” was released last week as the album’s first single. At nearly seven minutes, it’s a bold introduction. The guitar line, though simple, resonates immediately. Seluah creates a dense, driving atmosphere before drummer and vocalist Edward Grimes takes his crew into a jammier, synth heavy bridge. This is not light, easy listening, but it is certainly satisfying.
Seluah formed in 2000 and were immediately regarded as one of Louisville’s best bands by the local press. Their self-titled EP was hailed by LEO Weekly as “One of the best records to ever come out of Louisville.” An astonishing statement considering My Morning Jacket had dropped The Tennessee Fire in 1999 and were well on their way to regional and national acclaim with 2001’s At Dawn. Seluah resurfaced in 2011 after a six-year hiatus that saw its members earning their keep amongst a variety of national touring acts. The local buzz was back in full force after they opened for TV On the Radio last summer. Keep your eyes pealed for Red Parole later this spring.
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Written by Rob Peoni
Thought on Tracks 