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Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it Reviews

Get it or forget it – The Persian Leaps, Surf Rock is Dead, Jon Langford, RVBY MY DEAR

We’re winding down through the September releases, with only 12 more after this batch,  We have four very eclectic bands for you today.  Hope you enjoy reading them as much as we enjoyed reviewing them.

Artist Name:  The Persian Leaps

Album Name:  Bicycle Face

Label:  Land Ski Records

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Picture my Reaction; 2.  On the Downside; 3.  Even Less; 4.  About the Lions; 5.  Pushpins

Publicist:  Behind the Curtains Media

Review:  The Persian Leaps release an EP every year, and Bicycle Face is their fifth.  It contains five high energy rocking songs that will help get the cobwebs from between your ears as they deliver their well-written lyrics in a perfect indie rock/power pop package.  Their previous releases have received critical acclaim, and their latest one will surely earn more of the same.  Their publicist pointed us to focus on tracks 1 and 3, and we would tend to agree, although we personally enjoyed track 3 more than track 1.  All in all this is a worthy effort, and we look forward to what next year brings.

Recommendation:  Just released on September 22, you can Get this one now.

Artist Name:  Surf Rock is Dead

Album Name:  We Have no Friends?

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Dream Pop

Track Listing:  1.  In Between; 2.  As If; 3.  Everything They Said; 4.  White Salsa; 5.  Fitting the Mold

Publicist:  The Syndicate

Review:  Their music definitely has a new wave feel as they bring us their version of Dream Pop enveloped in an 80’s vibe, like A Flock of Seagulls meets Howard Jones.  The result is music that brings back memories for those of us who lived through the 80’s, and creates fond memories for those who didn’t.  All five songs are worthy of attention, but we really love “As If.”  The band will be celebrating with an EP release party on October 6 at Rough Trade NYC, so if you happen to be in the Big Apple then, we recommend you check them out live.

Recommendation:  The EP was just released on September 22, so Get it now so you’ll know all the songs before the Release Party.

Artist Name:  Jon Langford

Album Name:  Four Lost Souls

Label:  Bloodshot Records

Genre:  Folk Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Poor Valley Radio; 2.  Natchez Trace; 3.  I Thought he was Dead; 4.  In Oxford Mississippi; 5.  Mystery; 6.  Half way Home; 7.  Fish out of Water; 8.  What’s my Name; 9.  Masterpiece; 10.  Snake Behind Glass; 11.  I Felt my Courage Fail; 12.  Indestructible; 13.  Waste

Publicist:  Bloodshot Records

Review:  Jon Langford has a sound that marries country with folk rock, reminiscent of Cat Stevens.  His songs are well crafted with witty lyrics, incredible harmonies, and a simple musical accompaniment that highlights his vocals.  The pedal steel adds a unique depth to the music that further complements the songs, especially on “Poor Valley Radio.”  The music revs up a bit with “Natchez Trace,” before returning to the slow and steady rhythm of “I Thought he Was Dead,” with its bluesy feel and amazing female lead vocals.  Langford shows his love for his hometown in the song “In Oxford Mississippi.”  “Mystery” reminds us of those girl group ballads of the 60’s.  Other sounds that caught our interest include “Fish out of Water,” the rocking “What’s my Name,” the soft and dreamy “Masterpiece,” “I Felt my Courage Fail,” and “Indestructible.”

Recommendation:  You should definitely Get this one, as it will bring back memories of days gone by, while creating memories of the future of indie music.

Artist Name:  RVBY MY DEAR

Album Name:  Cycles

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Alt Pop

Track Listing:  1.  10-17; 2.  Try; 3.  Cycles; 4.  Draw

Publicist:  The Syndicate

Review:  RVBY MY DEAR aka Gabbi Cosnen comes to America via Perth, Australia, and we are sure glad she has arrived.  Her music is dreamy and radio-friendly pop, with a voice that hasn’t been on American radio since Dido.  The first track, “10:17,” which is also her first single, leaves no doubt that this young artist has come to capture the hearts of her new home.  The remaining three songs are just as sweet, and leave us wanting much more.  We can only hope that a full-length album will arrive soon.  Until then, just put Cycles on repeat and find your happy place in her succulent voice and sweet sound that envelopes you with hope and love.

Recommendation:  This one is a no-brainer – you had better Get it or you will truly miss out.