James Pants

"More noise and wailing guitars," so says James Pants of his self-titled LP that's due out within the next few months.  He released this single, "Alone," as a preview.  Within this great new track I'm hearing unexpected influences, a combination of Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti and No Age's fuzzy electro-pop.  This track is another example of his wide-ranging talents and lack of hesitation to morph elements of different genres.

James Pants - "Alone"

The timing was odd, but this week was the planned unveiling of our second feature (the first being Monday Facelifts) called Back Track, showcasing songs from more than six months ago that you may have missed, and shouldn't have.  James Pants and "Driftwood" was going to be the first, without realizing his single release would be this week also.  Now you can compare the new and "old."

Join me in welcoming the newest contributing member of troysnoise, writing under the moniker of R. Mutt, and providing the below James Pants reco. 

BACK TRACK

James Pants - "Driftwood"

Driftwood is the opening track off a 6 songs EP New Tropical, released in July 2010. Pants noted that the EP was produced "in warm weather in 2009," pulling sounds from all over the place.  His music is "all beats and little melodies," says the artist.  Driftwood has a very hip-hop sound and and I like it because it prepares me to be storming to maybe a rooftop or bbq or something.

-R. Mutt

Millionyoung - Replicants

"Millionyoung is one part rock ‘n roll, one part super synth, and a whole bunch parts of a dance party." - IGIF

With two prior EPs, Millionyoung launched their first LP this week and call it Replicants.  The name comes from the bioengineered beings in the 1982 movie Blade Runner, who were detected by their lack of emotional responses and empathy to questions.  An ironic reference considering the rousing nature of these jams.

From the same school as Washed Out and The New Division, Millionyoung's versatility on this album quickly shines through, transitioning from the chillwave haziness of his prior work to this electronic rock soaked with dancy synth.  Expect Replicants to hit the best of 2011 charts real soon. 

"Easy Now," and our favorite "On On," stand out along with the three others below.  They're among a 13 track album that's a can't miss.  As Millionyoung lists online as their only interest, it's back to kickin' it poolside.  Buy the entire album here - Replicants.

Millionyoung - "Gravity Feels"        Millionyoung - "001"

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The New Division - "Starfield"

Formed in 2008, The New Division is releasing their second EP, The Rookie, with a total of six tracks next month.  You'll be anxiously anticipating after you listen to what they've shown us so far in 2010. 

Their following was mainly local to California, but the release of two powerful singles, "Art Kraft" and "Starfield," quickly changed that, as these two gems show that they might as well go global with it.  It's a brilliant combination of guitar, heavy synth-pop, smooth vocals, and live electronic programming, seemingly daring you to hit the dance floor on one hand, and begging you to drift away into endless cloud floating on the other.

Not surprisingly, the band admits Depeche Mode and New Order have been big influences on their sound, and we hear a little speed-induced Wild Nothing as well.  The Rookie is scheduled to release on 1/11/11...set your alarms for 1:11am that day.

The New Division - "Starfield"

The New Division - "Art Kraft"

Teen Daze - Four More Years

Teen Daze is hard to explain, so we've brought you a sampling of each type of effort they've put out so far; a combination of covers, originals and remixes.  With this variety of tracks over the past six months Teen Daze has quickly built up cred in the indie world, and deservedly so.  Releasing the debut EP, Four More Years, of 8 original tracks in early August, he's now on tour while continuing to float around remixes of other's popular singles.

It's easy to dig this synth, dance, and chillwave combination that's craftily intertwined into purposeful tones.  You've probably heard Japandroids' "Wet Hair," and I think you'll definitely like (or more likely love) what was done with it and the other tracks below.  Peep the rest of Teen Daze's EP as well.  Enjoy.

Teen Daze - "Saviour"

Japandroids - "Wet Hair" (Teen Daze remix)

Teen Daze - "New Theory" (Washed Out cover)

Deerhunter - Halcyon Digest

Halcyon Digest Release Date:  9.28.10

FROM:  Atlanta, GA

This four-piece rock group has been around since '01 and dropped their fourth studio album this month.  "Desire Lines" is my favorite track so far but a few of the others are in close competition.  Drop a line or two in the comments section with your thoughts.

Deerhunter - "Desire Lines"

Deerhunter - "Fountain Stairs"