Do you know Library Card? Dutch band with similar sound, although more overtly postpunk influence (jagged bleats of angular guitar). Their new single, Art School, totally kicks ass, and Sunflowers was my favorite single of 2023.
So glad you featured M(h)aol! Loved them as soon as I heard “Gender Studies” in 2022. Didn’t realize they haven’t found a bigger audience yet because they’re great.
Haven’t seen them live. Haven’t listened to the new record enough yet to ponder changes deeply but I like it too.
it's a cool exercise to listen to them back to back! i didn't know the lineup had changed when I first heard the new record but I heard quite a difference in direction
I saw Mhaol at SXSW this year. They were a four-piece at the time, and it was the more no-wave indebted sound that you describe here. I thought they were good - I had only just discovered them during my annual "who's playing sxsw" research.
The really shocking part for me was that there were only about 20 people in the audience! So I had unobstructed views and made a lot of eye contact - definitely made sure to be encouraging and enthusiastic! Also: my partner and I unknowingly shared a picnic table at a food truck with them before the show! We had no idea they were the band, haha, there just weren't many places to sit.
I liked Attachment Styles, but I agree with you that the band works best in the sparer moments, so Something Soft is still my ideal for them. Will probably listen to the Gender Studies EP tomorrow.
And thanks to these other comments, I have Library Card and Luge to check out as well.
Do you know Library Card? Dutch band with similar sound, although more overtly postpunk influence (jagged bleats of angular guitar). Their new single, Art School, totally kicks ass, and Sunflowers was my favorite single of 2023.
on my way to check them out!
Their live performance on KEXP earlier this year is amazing. FYI: It can be found on You Tube.
i don't know why I never seek out recordings of live performances! i think I get too much fomo lol
So glad you featured M(h)aol! Loved them as soon as I heard “Gender Studies” in 2022. Didn’t realize they haven’t found a bigger audience yet because they’re great.
Haven’t seen them live. Haven’t listened to the new record enough yet to ponder changes deeply but I like it too.
Make me think of Perennial and Luge.
it's a cool exercise to listen to them back to back! i didn't know the lineup had changed when I first heard the new record but I heard quite a difference in direction
Oh, hello! Was Perennial mentioned? Absolutely one of my favorite bands of the past 5 years.
I’m planning to see Perennial at the Drake in Amherst, MA next month. Never seen them live before!
I brought up Perennial. Love them!
Now that I think more my comparison isn’t so right, but M(h)aol’s noisier songs do still bring Perennial and some other bands to mind.
Check them out if you haven’t.
I saw Mhaol at SXSW this year. They were a four-piece at the time, and it was the more no-wave indebted sound that you describe here. I thought they were good - I had only just discovered them during my annual "who's playing sxsw" research.
The really shocking part for me was that there were only about 20 people in the audience! So I had unobstructed views and made a lot of eye contact - definitely made sure to be encouraging and enthusiastic! Also: my partner and I unknowingly shared a picnic table at a food truck with them before the show! We had no idea they were the band, haha, there just weren't many places to sit.
such a shame people aren't listening to them. they really deserve a spot in that pantheon. i guess losing band members is a confidence shock
I love Something Soft, but, for no real reason, I have yet to listen to their previous stuff. That changes right now.
excellent, I'll love to hear your thoughts
I liked Attachment Styles, but I agree with you that the band works best in the sparer moments, so Something Soft is still my ideal for them. Will probably listen to the Gender Studies EP tomorrow.
And thanks to these other comments, I have Library Card and Luge to check out as well.
uh, yeah!
oh yes
Definitely giving a listen today as they sound like I would love them
report back!
Ohhh thanks for this rec! Just checked out a couple of the songs you included in the stack and this is right up my alley! 🖤
I'm so happy this fit for you