Lee Sama – Lace Up
Genre: Lo-fi Rock, Indie Rock, Garage Rock
Similar artists: Cate Le Bon, Juan Wauters, Kevin Morby, White Fence, Oh Sees, Harlem
Bands back in the 1960s seemed to have it all figured out. Just like the proverbial man of simple needs that keeps smiling as wide as the day is long, there didn’t seem to be a lot that fit into these groups’ equation for personal success. Listen to almost all records made during that period and you will be struck by a genuine feeling of hopefulness.
To best understand where these folks stood, it’s best to take a look at all the things that they did not have. The record industry was still in its infancy. There were fewer media outlets where they could present their music. Even the musical gear that they were using had its limitations. It’s strange, but none of these things seemed to deter the efforts. Quite the opposite.
Lee Sama seem to be living out the 60s dream all over again on their single Lace Up. The song is a comfortable walkthrough of the past. It’s a journey into a time of optimism, minimum guitar distortion, and excellent chemical refreshments. Overall, Lee Sama show us just what we might be missing. Or, at the very least, we are given a glimpse into the sounds and aesthetics that we foolishly felt the need to replace.
Bleach Kings – Evil Job
Genre: Psychedelic Rock, Lo-fi Rock, Garage Rock
Similar artists: Ty Segall, Thee Oh Sees
Congratulations, you’ve made it to the future. The sad part is that a lot of it still looks like the Middle Ages. The Jetsons or Back to the Future didn’t get much right. Yes, people are able to beam images of their faces onto others’ devices. But, there are no flying cars, wars are still raging, and most folks are still tied to serfdom.
By now many of the world’s most common problems should have ended. At least, this is what we were told to expect. In fact, as soon as a decade ago people in developed countries were told that their only worry for the future was to know just how much of their ample time to devote to their hobbies. It’s the future and it’s not exciting.
Bleach Kings deliver a lysergically-tinged working-class anthem on Evil Job. There are no Springsteeneque shouts about mansions on the hill. Rather the Kings go for a Sabbathy, doomy approach, one that approximates the lumbering movements of each working day. Bleach Kings have seen the future, they’re not impressed, and they’ve written music to tell you about it.
