Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever are sharing a new video for “The Only One” from Sideways To New Italy, their internationally acclaimed second album of 2020. Directed by Mike Ridley, the video for fan-favourite “The Only One” follows the beloved character of Pie Man as he wanders the streets of the Northern-Melbourne suburbs.
“The places are real, the people are real, the pie is made of cardboard and sticky tape,” says the Rolling Blackouts C.F.
Sideways to New Italy, which features fan favorites ‘Cars In Space’, ‘She’s There’, ‘Falling Thunder’ and ‘Cameo’, was Rolling Blackouts C.F.’s highest charting release to date. In the US, the album debuted on Billboard’s Alternative (#6), Rock (#12), Current Albums (#34), and Top Albums (#51) charts. In the UK, Sideways.. debuted on National Albums (#45), independent (#1), vinyl (#3), and physical (#6) charts. In Australia, the album debuted at ARIA Albums (#4), Australian Albums (#1), vinyl (#1) and Physical Albums (#2) charts.
Following in the footsteps of their breakthrough debut album Hope Downs in 2018, Sideways To New Italy also garnered praise by critics across the world, Internationally, the album was crowned Rough Trade’s “Album of the Month,” a five-star review from Upset, 9/10 in Uncut and four-star reviews across MOJO, Rolling Stone, TheGuardian, NME, Q, Dork, PASTE, and more. The band rounded out the year with multiple ‘best of 2020’ entries and were nominated for awards including the AMP (Australian Music Prize), Music Victoria Awards (Best Album & Best Group) & Double J Artist of the Year.
The Melbourne five-piece ended 2020 by announcing their biggest Australian headline performances to date, taking place in April and May this year. The band will perform to audiences at Adelaide’s The Gov (April 16th), Hobart’s Altar (April 17th), Brisbane’s The Tivoli (April 30th), Fremantle’s Freo Social (May 1st), Melbourne’s Forum (May 14th), Sydney’s Factory Theatre (May 21st) and close out the tour with a show at Canberra’s Kambri – ANU (May 22nd).
Ever wanted to role-play Jack and Rose on the Titanic while listening to a new track from Weyes Blood? Well, now’s your chance!
Hear “Titanic Risen,”an unreleased outtake recorded during the Titanic Rising sessions in Roblox’s sinking ship simulator, the popular, online role-playing game. Aboard Roblox’s Titanic, you can explore the ship’s luxurious interior with fellow passengers and reenact the infamous iceberg spotting. Roleplay as the ship sinks, rooms flood, lifeboats launch, funnels fall, and the ship splits in half, all while listening to Weyes Blood’s “Titanic Risen,” as well as a few selections from Titanic Rising.
Fans can gain access by going to Roblox Titanic where they will be directed to download Roblox on their desktop/mobile, then set up an account/avatar, and explore the room in the ship’s lobby. Roblox Titanic, which sees over 3 million visitors per month, is hosted by Virtual Valley Games, which brings intense simulation experiences to the virtual world.
Weyes Blood’s Titanic Rising, which features the highlights “Movies,” “Everyday,” “Andromeda,” “Something to Believe” and “Wild Time,” is available everywhere from Sub Pop.
Kiwi Jr. is sharing an official video for “Waiting in Line,” a new offering and highlight from Cooler Returns, their forthcoming album. The video was directed by Laura-Lynn Petrick and captures a day in the life of the band in their homebase of Toronto, Ontario.
“We like the candid and casual approach of director Laura-Lynn’s previous videos, including Weyes Blood, Jessica Pratt, Michael Rault, Twist, and she was excited by our idea to wander around downtown Toronto while it was something of a ghost-town.” says singer Jeremy Gaudet.
Kiwi Jr. Cooler Returns has seen praise from the likes of MOJO, who in its four-star review, raves, “sustaining momentum near-flawlessly across 13 songs…proves Kiwi Jr. have the skills to match their smarts.” Uncut says, “Canadian absurdists’ return is a lyrical delight”, DIY offers this, “The band rattle through a seemingly inexhaustible supply of hooks and melodies (4/5).”, and NARC proclaims, “Cooler Returns is a bloody good album full of vivid charm (4/5).”
Cooler Returns will be available on CD/LP/CD/DSPs January 22nd, 2021 worldwide through Sub Pop, with the exception of Canada through the band’s Kiwi Club imprint.
More on Kiwi Jr.: “A scratchy post-punk jam with some seriously funny lyrics.” [“Cooler Returns”] - Stereogum
“The latest glimpse into their 2021 debut album, “Undecided Voters” is an upbeat indie rock song filled with layers of social commentary woven under the seemingly random surface of the lyrics.” - PASTE
“Very catchy and very timely” [“Undecided Voters”] - Brooklyn Vegan
“A jaunty rocker that immediately aligns them with Australian favourites (and now label-mates) Rolling Blackouts CF, “Undecided Voters” takes precisely 0.5 listens to get under your skin, being as it is so packed with vibrant guitars, propulsive percussion and ever-appearing earworm melodies…” - Beats Per Minute
“If their debut Football Money, which so gratifyingly warmed the sceptics within us with their comfortably layered hooks and dry sardonic perception of the metropolitan dream, was their run for local town mayor – ‘Undecided Voters’ is their big money shot at the senatorship.” - So Young
“As we prepare for perhaps the most theatrical and gladiatorial political debate in history, ‘Undecided Voters’ is simultaneously extremely funny and painfully prescient.” - The Line of Best Fit
“The track channels a breezy 90s sort of indie rock anthem of sorts, that feels part slacker anthem and something much grander and anthemic at the very same time.” [“Cooler Returns”] - We All Want Someone To Shout For
“The four-piece’s refined pop sensibilities haven’t entirely escaped them in light of those cracks coming completely unglued early on in the track. If anything, they sound like a vehicle headed downhill without any brakes, momentum balling up, and a shit-eating grin worn on each of their faces approaching collision.” [“Cooler Returns”] - Recommended Listen
“On paper, the lyrics of Kiwi Jr.’s ‘Cooler Returns’ reads like a mildly anxious stream-of-consciousness that careens from an uncomfortable Super Bowl Sunday to being “strung out on the back of your ATV / throwing dead birds into the air”. But the song’s also a jangly, indie rock earworm that’ll lodge itself in that part of your brain that loves Pavement.” [“Cooler Returns”] - NME
“Having heard the new album, Cooler Returns…we can attest that they have lost exactly none of the naïvety of style that had them create such infectious tunes the first time around.” - Louder Than War
Kiwi Jr. Cooler Returns
Tracklisting 1. Tyler 2. Undecided Voters 3. Maid Marian’s Toast 4. Highlights of 100 5. Only Here for a Haircut 6. Cooler Returns 7. Guilty Party 8. Omaha 9. Domino 10. Nashville Wedding 11. Dodger 12. Norma Jean’s Jacket 13. Waiting in Line
Cooler Returns is now available for preorder through Sub Pop. LP preorders from megamart.subpop.com and select independent retailers in the US will receive the limited Loser edition on translucent gold colored vinyl (while supplies last). Preorders through select independent retailers in the UK and Europe will receive the Loser on white colored vinyl (while supplies last).
There is an additional limited edition version of Cooler Returns from participating Dinked retailers in the UK that will be available on yellow colored vinyl with a signed print and a sequentially numbered obi strip (while supplies last).
TV Priest will release Uppers, their full-length debut on CD/LP/CS/DSPs worldwide on February 5th, 2021 through Sub Pop. Today, we’re sharing the new single and official video for “Press Gang,” helmed by returning director Joe Wheatley.
“Press Gang” is inspired by Charlie’s grandfather’s life’s work as a photojournalist and war correspondent on the UK’s Fleet Street from the 1950s to the early 1980s. The song is about the shifting role in the dissemination of information and ideas, and how the prevailing narrative that the “Death of Print Media” has contributed to a “post-truth” world.
Late last year, TV Priest announced their signing to Sub Pop with the release of “Decoration,” the beating heart of Uppers.
The FADER says of the “Decoration” video, “Gnarly British post-punk band TV Priest blows a breeze through life’s trinkets and accoutrements on “Decoration,” the beating heart of their forthcoming Sub Pop debut Uppers. Among the items frontman Charlie Drinkwater rails against over a jagged groove are feature walls, smashed avocado, junk food, and “the TV adaptation of the latest book craze (see premiere October 28th).”
“Decoration” and Uppers’ pre-release singles “This Island” and “Slideshow” along with standalone tracks “House of York” and “Runner Up,” won the band raves from the likes of NME, The FADER, Brooklyn Vegan, PASTE, DORK, The Line of Best Fit, Beats Per Minute, So Young, and more.
What people have been saying about TV Priest: “Fuzzed-out post punk from London four-piece on debut LP… harsh, brittle eruptions offering up a variety of teeth-rattling noises.” [Uppers] Uncut
Ragged yet tight, sprawling yet focussed, it’s a singular vision of a disparate time. It rounds up most of the usual suspects of our Un-united Kingdom, the pop culture, the insularity, the lies on the side of a bus, but manages to breathe new life into those old tropes by sheer force of personality. [Uppers, ★★★★] - DORK
“The post-punk band have caught attention with a string of superb singles, exemplifying their scorching post-punk sound.” - CLASH
“Vocalist Charlie Drinkwater scrolls endlessly as his country fades into irrelevance on British band TV Priest’s latest fiery missive.” [“This Island”/ “20 Best Rock Songs Right Now, Aug.”] - The FADER
“They fit in with the post-punk revival - sultry, prophetic lyricism with brash instrumentation…” [“This Island”] - Brooklyn Vegan
“Scorching” [“This Island”] - DIY
“The track’s distorted organs serve as riled-up opening remarks before gruelling dark vocals spit out patriotic cliches and commemorative Latin phrases. “This is not my national anthem” sneers Charlie Drinkwater over a fuzzy echo of the Star-Spangled Banner. Thrashing industrial guitars smash any sense of security.” [“House of York”] - The Line Of Best Fit
“’This Island’ is a densely packed ball of energy, and their occasional spillovers of momentum are exhilarating.” - PASTE
“A frenzied anthem.”[“House of York”] - Earmilk
“A riotous debut single… finding a balance of subtlety and decisive awakening that’s fed through the laconic, abstract drawl of Charlie Drinkwater, seamlessly subverting into a deafening anthem in itself.” [“House of York”] - So Young
“Their sound is ultimately chaotic, with cuts of fuzzy distortion creating a disorienting and thrilling listening experience.” [“House of York”] - Gigwise
TV Priest Uppers
Tracklisting: 1. The Big Curve 2. Press Gang 3. Leg Room 4. Journal of a Plague Year 5. History Week 6. Decoration 7. Slideshow 8. Fathers and Sons 9. the ref 10. Powers of Ten 11. This Island 12. Saintless
Uppers is now available to preorder from Sub Pop. LPs purchased through megamart.subpop.com, and select independent retailers in North America will receive the limited Loser edition on gold splattered vinyl (while supplies last). Meanwhile, LP preorders in the U.K. and Europe through select independent retailers will receive the Loser edition on gray marbled vinyl (while supplies last).
[Photo credits: TEKE::TEKE by Andi State; Sumac by Faith Coloccia]
Montreal’s TEKE::TEKE and Pacific Northwest band SUMAC’s contributions to the Sub Pop Singles Club Vol. 5 are available now for the first time at all the digital music places.
[TEKE::TEKE - “Kodomo No Kuni” b/w “Onigami” (7” Edit)]
TEKE::TEKE is a unique beast; a seven-piece band featuring traditional Japanese instruments, flute and trombone alongside raging guitars and a pulsing rhythm section, creating a sound reminiscent of 1960’s and 70’s-era psychedelic Japanese soundtracks, with a frenetic, modern twist. Formed in 2018 for what was to be a one-off instrumental tribute show to Japanese instrumental guitar hero, Takeshi Terauchi, featuring covers of his like “Chidori,” which the band has since released, TEKE::TEKE quickly found their original sound with the addition of the charismatic actress, visual artist and vocalist Maya Kuroki. Kuroki is accompanied by guitarists Serge Nakauchi Pelletier & Hidetaka Yoneyama, bass player Mishka Stein, drummer Ian Lettre, flutist Yuki Isami, and trombone player Etienne Lebel. “Kodomo No Kuni” is a tightly wound, funk-infused psychedelic fuzz-guitar romp, with Kuroki’s vocals providing a fittingly haunting vibe. B-side “Onigami” is a heavier rave-up, laden with pulsing rhythmic tension and wild howls of wind and guitar instruments. Their debut full-length is out in the spring of 2021 on Kill Rock Stars.
Pacific Northwest abstract-expressionist metallurgists SUMAC are known for their knotty, long-form explorations of the territory between chaos and cohesion. They vacillate between the visceral power of bottom-feeder metal, the instinctive spontaneity of free jazz, and the tactile pleasures of experimental music in a mélange of tightly wound riffage and aural deconstructions. One can’t help but wonder how their protracted dirges and drones could possibly be contained within the format of a 7”, but with their Sub Pop Singles Club Vol. 5 contribution we’re all set to find out.
“Two Beasts (excerpt)” spans both sides of the vinyl edition, and even then we’re only catching a glimpse of a longer composition. It may seem like a loss to learn that a third of the run-time for “Two Beasts” didn’t make it on the 7”, but SUMAC’s songs have always felt like snapshot of a fleeting moment where order arises out of entropy, so on the vinyl version we are merely experiencing that genesis and decay within a tighter timeframe. We can hear the entire 18+ minutes of “Two Beasts” on digital music platforms, where it lives as a single unedited song. “Two Beasts” is a fitting continuation of the sonic rise-and-fall documented on their latest album May You Be Held.
Also today, the Sub Pop Singles Club Vol. 6 is now open for subscriptions! The Singles Club Vol. 6 continues Sub Pop’s intermittent-yet-legendary series of limited-edition, subscription-only 7” singles by artists that we, and hopefully you, like. These 7”s will be limited to a mere 1,000 copies, and once they are gone, they are gone forever. This round will feature exclusive tracks from the king of filth himself, John Waters; Lids (feat. members of METZ, Holy Fuck, Constantines); Sheltered Workshop Singers and lots more TBA! Vol. 6 subscriptions are now available at the Sub Pop Mega Mart, and singles will ship bimonthly starting in April of 2021.
