Words: Ryan Getz / Image: Stolen Jars

Stolen Jars – “Kept”: The duo releases “Kept,” the final track on their forthcoming release in an apparent effort to confuse and intrigue. Because that’s how I feel when listening to this track – confused and intrigued. Ever so slightly dissonant harmonies and calculated yet odd percussion give the track an “under construction” feel, which is ironic considering it’s really well produced and actually kind of pretty.

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Hot Sugar – “Mayday”: With this video I just can’t even. That’s right, I went full on stereotypical millenial teenage girl in my lingo, because of how weird this video and song are. I mean, doesn’t the direct know it’s bad luck to open an umbrella indoors? I’m not superstitious (or even a little stitious – thanks Michael Scott for making it necessary for me to clarify that) but this song is compelling me to think on such terms. And compelling me to listen.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_o4SkGXXu7M[/youtube]

Night Argent – “Widowmaker”: Night Argent, a Tuned Up favorite at SXSW, are back with “Widowmaker,” a drum heavy arena ready song that you can download for free below, courtesy of Pure Volume. This band is also evidence that Pure Volume is still relevant. In all seriousness, though. Get this song now! They close their set with this and can’t you just picture the theatrics in your mind?

Yuck – “Hold Me Closer”: I’ve heard about this band many times over the past few years but have never really given them a chance until now. Simple synths and loud fuzzy riffs lead the way over here. But there’s a nice little hook buried in here. I feel like the place to watch this band perform would be in a garage, next to a beach.

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Thayer Serrano – “Crease”: Warm and fuzzy psych. No, the riffs aren’t really fuzzy. Warm and fuzzy is how this track will make you feel if you have a soul. This singer hails from a swampy region of Georgia, and by golly this song sounds like it came from there. In my minds eye I can see Thayer imagining the song while lying on a deck in the marsh, watching the heat waves shimmer in the humid air. This isn’t southern rock on any planet, but Thayer could probably compose in this genre if she wanted to.

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