For me personally, February was a month of arm and back workouts via shoveling, thanks to historic amounts of snow being dumped on me and the rest of Maine. Bandcamp had brighter skies, though, as this month’s Bandcamping reflects. We got some good undiscovered tunes this time around, and we are oh so happy to share them with you below.
And for the record, Pat Hull’s Origami Sessions would have led this month’s list, but I’ve become a bit of a superfan since we featured him in this space in July, so it sort of doesn’t seem fair putting him here anymore. (Check out my last.fm play stats if you don’t believe me.) I’m also not huge on featuring repeat artists in Bandcamping; The column is a voyage of discovery for reader and writer both, so I’d rather get as much fresh blood in here as possible. That said, know that should really check out Origami Sessions, because it’s a banger.
5. Business Of Dreams by Business Of Dreams
Genre: indie rock, indie pop, electronic
If you like: DIIV, M83, New Order
Modern ambient punk/indie rock a la Deerhunter and DIIV shares goals with the more reverb-heavy New Wave groups, and Business of Dreams has found the Venn diagram center of those movements. It’s a little old and a little new, and while it may not grab you right out of the starting blocks, it has strong potential as a grower with staying power.
4. Green Valleys by Eastern Souvenirs
Genre: psychedelic pop, indie pop, indie rock
If you like: Animal Collective, Yeasayer
Oh where have all the psychedelic indie pop bands of the early-mid 2000’s gone? They’re still somewhere, we’re sure, but in this moment, Eastern Souvenirs is right here and they’re carrying on that tradition quite nicely.
3. Singles, Vol. 2 by Bachelor
Genre: electropop, new wave, indie pop
If you like: Depeche Mode, OMD, Joy Division
Whereas Business of Dreams is somewhat influenced by the 80s, Bachelor appears to have been ripped directly from the era. Take that to mean what you will, but we think it’s marvelous, like Hot Chip with more restraint.
2. BADLANDS by el palomino
Genre: R&B, soul, indie rock
If you like: Wild Beasts, Miguel, Frank Ocean
Did you hear that new Wild Beasts album from this summer? You’re forgiven if you’re a non-UK listener. Check this out, though. We’ll wait… did you like it? Okay cool, you’ll like this too.
1. Come Again EP by Party Nails
Genre: indie pop, pop
If you like: Robyn, Haim
We’ve actually shown love for Party Nails before and were thrilled to see her name pop up in the depths of Bandcamp. Her new EP with packed with accessible and engaging pop that’s gorgeously sung. If you’re getting ready for summer, or need a spring EP to make that transition, this is the stuff to do it to.
Honorable Mentions
CLUB DREAMS® by Barbwalters
Genre: electronic, vaporwave
If you like: Vektroid, Macintosh Plus
Azalea Days by Saw Black
Genre: indie rock, alt country
If you like: Wilco, Modest Mouse
This Time With Feeling by Siren and the Sea
Genre: indie pop, alternative
If you like: Lana Del Rey, Tinashe
Good Friends by T.H.E.
Genre: electronic, experimental
If you like: Pretty much only included because I like the album art.
That’s all for February, but until next time, let us know in the comments which of these albums were your favorites, what we missed, and what we should look forward to. If you missed out on January, check it out here (and the complete Bandcamping archives are here).
