http://www.soundsbetterwithreverb.com

Ocean Noise – 'Bloody Drummer'

This fuzzed out rocker comes straight from Mexico courtesy of the noise rock trio known as Ocean Noise. A warm wave of reverb covers the lo-fi mix and there’s a hint of surf rock styling to give it that extra vintage touch. Pick up ‘Bloody Drummer’ on Ocean Noise’s new EP ‘Bloody Summer‘.

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Visit Ocean Noise @ Bandcamp @ Facebook.

Cloud – ‘Childhood’

This tune is super pretty. Cloud is the pseudonym of Italian producer Claudio Fabris who’s released his latest EP ‘A Rush Of Sun’ featuring the opener ‘Childhood’. Its a casually paced slice of melodic electronica that stands tall without the need for extraneous sonic noodling in the background. Nor extreme sample work which seems to be the norm at the moment, one reason it stands out from the crowd.

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Download Cloud’s ‘A Rush Of Sun’ via Bandcamp.

Broken Water – 'When You Said'

The brilliant final track ‘When You Said’ from Broken Water‘s new record ‘Tempest’. Complete with pitch questionable guitars, vocals… pretty much everything! The opening acoustic guitar pops out (on an album of mass distortion) then there’s the wall of sound and grungey swagger, it doesn’t get much more rock n’ roll than this – love it!

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Visit Broken Water online @ Facebook / Shop @ Hardly Art.

Community Radio – 'Happening For Us'

Sydney dream poppers Community Radio are releasing their debut full length later in the year, until then take a listen to the opening track ‘Happening For Us’. Formed in 2010 by Cameron Emerson-Elliott (Youth Group, Songs, The John Reed Club), Community Radio tracked the record in a Canberra living room. The lo-fi setup featured a tiny drum kit without cymbals. That for me, is sacrilege! The cymbals part anyway *grin*. Thanks to mixer Wayne Connoly its now sounding the business!

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Visit Community Radio @ Soundcloud @ Facebook.

Holograms – 'Monolith'

Like the tension before a battle, Holograms ‘Monolith’ starts out stalking before bursting into one of the most exciting post punk tracks I’ve heard in some time… people! places! The debut record from the Swedish quartet lands on July 10 from Captured Tracks.

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Visit Holograms @ Captured Tracks @ Facebook.

Lorelei – 'Hammer Meets Tongs'

Veteran rockers Lorelei will release their new record ‘Enterprising Sidewalks’ via Slumberland Records on August 16. The Washington DC three piece have released the first single ‘Hammer Meets Tongs’ (free download) with some dynamic guitar tones from Mr Matt Dingee! Lorelei’s last release was in 2003 with the EP ‘Informed By The Future‘ which preceded their 1994 LP ‘Everyone Must Touch The Stove’. Known for their twisting mix of post rock and shoegaze, ’Enterprising Sidewalks’ is set to throw up some more surprises. And noise.

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Visit Lorelei @ Bandcamp @ Textile Sounds @ Slumberland Records @ Facebook.

DIIV – 'Wait'

Hype Machine are currently streaming DIIV‘s debut record ‘Oshin’ - listen here. Its officially released next week (June 26) via Captured Tracks (pre-order). Without being too dramatic, this is one of strongest records of the year. That is, if you’re even mildly a fan of indie pop, rock, shoegaze or dream pop. ‘Oshin’ has many ambient, abstract moments but still has crossover appeal. The singles released so far make much more sense in context with the album as a whole. It floats over you and dishes up just the right mix of catchy hooks, dreaminess and energy. Oh and, the blankets of reverb don’t do any harm!

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Visit DIIV (Formerly Dive) @ Captured Tracks / Pre-order ‘Oshin‘ / Connect @ Facebook.

Black Market Karma – 'All These Things'

Black Market Karma aren’t afraid of hard work. The South East London psych outfit released their debut album ‘Comatose’ (featuring ‘All These Things’) on new year’s day and are set to deliver two more full length’s before the year is out! First up is ‘Cocoon’ due for release on June 29 via Flower Power Records. Take a look at the video below for the album cut ‘Violet’. The third (as yet untitled) record has already been tracked, mixed and sent for mastering. And lastly, Flower Power Records are generous enough to offer up the ‘Comatose’ record and more for free, just exchange your email address here.

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Visit Black Market Karma online @ Flower Power Records @ Facebook.

Stand out albums of 2012…so far

I’ll admit, I was a little concerned about 2012 in the early months. It was a slow start in music land. Thankfully the releases are now flowing in like crazy. So, before we get stuck into the latter half of the year. Here are some stand out releases you may have missed. In chronological order! And please, speak up about any glaring omissions – recommend, comment away!

Whirr – ‘Pipe Dreams’ (13/03/12)

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Young Prisms – ‘In Between’ (27/03/12)

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Lotus Plaza – ‘Spooky Action At A Distance’ (02/04/12)

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Airiel – ‘Kid Games’ (01/05/12) [EP]

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Beach House – ‘Bloom’ (15/05/12)

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Violens – ‘True’ (15/05/12)

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Dead Mellotron – ‘Glitter’ (21/05/12)

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Broken Water – ‘Tempest’ (29/05/12)

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Crocodiles – ‘Endless Flowers’ (04/06/12)

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A Place To Bury Strangers – ‘Worship’ (26/6/12)*

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So what’s to look forward to? Ringo Deathstarr have sent their second record off for mastering, The Laurels ‘Plain’ is sounding great (out July 13), Arc In Round arrives later in the month, plus Echo Lake, DIIV, Twin Shadow, Wild Nothing and who knows, My Bloody Valentine might deliver a new LP!? Its in the lap of the rock gods for now… fingers, toes and eyes crossed.

Highlands – ‘Evil’

Highlands win the hairiest album cover of the year! Tripped out beards and hippy locks, it’s gotta be good right!? Yup. The Long Beach shoegazers release their new album ‘Singularity’ on June 26 featuring the lead track ‘Railroad’. ‘Singularity’ is a natural blend of shoegaze and vintage psych rock, if you’re a fan of both, you’re in for a treat. Waves of tone, swirling instrumental breaks and mountainous reverb against understated vocal lines and swaying melodies. Good combo! Take a listen to the album cut ‘Evil’ below.

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Visit Highlands @ www.highlandsband.us @ Tumblr @ Facebook.