The Phoenix Foundation - Fandango

Between the opening lyrics to the new Daft Punk wondersong - "Like the legend of the Phoenix...", Phoenix's new album, and The Phoenix Foundation's album release, we have officially dubbed April the month of the Phoenix.  Fittingly, the three bands represent artists at different, evolving stages of their careers.

The Phoenix Foundation, hailing from the land of Mordor and couch burning, aka New Zeleand, has built a loyal, local following in their native country since the release of their first album, Horesepower, in 2003.  Yet with the release of their fifth album, Fandango, they seem to have taken flight in a sound best described as folsky, chill, psychedelic surf-synth indie rock. The lyrics exude a slightly off-key David Bowie.  

We recommend listening to this album while lying on the beach with a cool breeze, a warm sun and a kindred spirit.

Jagwar Ma - "The Throw"

Equal parts psychodelic surf rock (think Tame Impala), aggressive electric rock (think Nine Inch Nails), and indie electric punk (think LCD Soundsystem), Jagwar Ma recently leapt from the jungle onto Zane Lowe's BBC One Radio stage with the release of their new single "The Throw".  

Listen to the whole six minutes and fifty three seconds and you'll see what we mean.

You've got what I want

But I can't get away

I keep my pride tucked in my shirt

Dumbo Gets Mad - Elephants At The Door

Emerging from Northern Italy, Dumbo Gets Mad migrated to L.A.  last summer and dropped this mesmeric debut full-length, Elephants At The Door, two weeks ago.  They get it done via some old-school weapons, with analog synthesizers and tape machines, making it all the more authentic and impressive sounding.

Dumbo Gets Mad - "Eclectic Prawn"

this is the story of eclectic prawn / he wears a little pretty crown

Dumbo Gets Mad - "Plumy Tale"

Get the tracks for free here.

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Real Estate

The "psychedelic surf pop" band that brought one of my favorite singles from 2010, Real Estate, released a great new demo last week called "Blue Lebaron."  Embrace this purely instrumental piece for what it is and you'll probably end up thinking back to last summer's carefree Saturday afternoons, kickin' it on the front porch swing havin a cold one.  Time to go home old man winter.

Real Estate - "Blue Lebaron"

Elite Gymnastics

Influences - The poetry of Rosie O' Donnell and Paula Abdul's "Straight Up"

Sounds Like - Robert De Niro in "Heat"

...claims their myspace page

Calling Minneapolis home, Elite Gymnastics flaunts hazy chillwave surf sounds, and it's probably not what you'd expect from an unsigned basement operation from the north.  This past summer they released a four track EP called Real Friends, and have floated out a few other singles, including an ode to Tony Montana called, "Montana," all tracks you can download for free on their tumblr page.  As the NY Post said back in June - "If bright bells were cartwheels and sneaky beats were back handsprings, then Elite Gymnastics would be executing a very brilliant floor routine in my ears right now."  Finally I can say, thank you Rosie and Paula. 

Elite Gymnastics - "Is This On Me?"

She skipped working out / She had a one night stand

Elite Gymnastics - "Montana"

I don't want to be cool / I don't want to move to New York

Real Estate - "Out of Tune"

They've been listed on Stereogum's "Band to Watch" list and Pitchfork coined their 2009 debut LP, self-titled Real Estate, "Best New Music," so I'm not the first one to appreciate Real Estate's sound.  With bass, percussion, bongos, and guitars this New Jersey band takes a laid back approach to indie rock evoking images of relaxing on a front porch or sitting by the beach all day.  Last month, in conjunction with True Panther Sounds, they released this single, "Out of Tune," which keeps anticipation high for their next album.

Real Estate - "Out of Tune"