Tune Sense

The anticipation for the xx’s follow-up to their self-titled debut is difficult to describe. The U.K. group has been practically dormant since their storming of the indie music scene back in 2009. They announced work on a sophomore album back in November, but have been otherwise silent on its progress. They’ve been keeping up with their blog, which could be indicative of the forthcoming album’s direction, but at this point, it’s all guesswork. However, a North American tour has been announced, and the xx will be hitting New York’s Terminal 5 on August 2. If you didn’t get the chance to see them perform their hypnotic music last time around, this is definitely something you don’t want to miss. Tickets go on sale June 1, so get ‘em while they’re hot.

Calibro 35 is an experimental band from Italy. Their instrumental funk/jazz sound is inspired by poliziottesco films from the 1970’s (action-packed films about Italian police investigations). The group’s latest album is called Ogni riferimento a persone esistenti o a fatti realmente accaduti è puramente casuale, which translates into Any reference to existing persons or actual events is purely coincidental. And let me say, this stuff is awesome. I could go all day driving a Vespa around, listening to this album. Check out “Uh Ah Brr”:

Superhumanoids is an L.A.-based quartet that makes percussive dream pop. Label mates with the likes of Best Coast and Electric Guest, they put out an EP called Urgency in 2010. They’re currently touring with Active Child and Balam Acab, and recently announced that a full-length, Exhibitionists, will be released. Hypnotic vocals and new-wave rhythms make new single “Geri” quite the listen:

(Source: theneedledrop.com)

Sigur Rós will be releasing their sixth studio album, Valtari, on May 28th. The group’s atmospheric rock sound is one-of-a-kind, and they will be touring the states for the first time since 2008 this summer. The show scheduled for July 30th at the Mann Center sold out at deafening speed, so they scheduled a second show for July 29th. The band’s live lineup will feature eleven people on stage; along with the venue (the Skyline Stage in beautiful Fairmount Park), this sounds like one hell of a show. Grab your tickets now, and check out a track off the new record:

(Source: manncenter.org)

More quality stuff coming at all you Philadelphia heads from the people at R5 Productions: Japandroids, the lo-fi garage rock duo who gave us the stellar Post-Nothing back in 2009, will be playing Johnny Brendas on June 29th. Tickets are $13, so there’s really no excuse not to see them as they tour in support of their new record. Celebration Rock is due out June 5th, and I’m excited. Disclaimer: the show is 21+ so kids grab your fake ID’s.

L.A.-based producer Shlohmo put out an EP titled Vacation back in January. It’s abstract instrumental hip-hop along the lines of Flying Lotus or Mount Kimbie. “wen uuu” is glitchy and memorable:

(Source: thenewlofi.com)

Last year, Ty Segall put out the excellent album Goodbye Bread. He recently collaborated with White Fence on an LP. The two have decently similar styles, making lo-fi, fuzzed-out punk, but on Hair, it’s straight garage rock. The album is dynamic, jumping from Yardbirds-era roots rock to surf shuffle to ragged garage punk at the blink of an eye. The songwriting isn’t meant to be anything profound, and through this attitude the two make one sweet record. Of the collaboration, Segall says, “We’re trying to bring the guitar solo back to rock n’ roll.” Check out “I Am Not A Game”:

(Source: stereogum.com, via intellectualtreason)

Tobor Experiment Disco Experiment is the project of Giorgio Sancristoforo. The name of the project is basically derived from its sound: he loves 70’s pop disco. Funky bass and synthesizers abound on “Breathe”:

(Source: thenewlofi.com)

Lotus Plaza, the solo project of Deerhunter guitarist Lockett Pundt, will be playing the Underground Arts on Friday, July 20th. The tour is in support of his excellent new album, Spooky Action at a Distance. Ticket details haven’t been announced yet, but in the meantime check out “Monoliths”:

Eternal Summers is an indie pop trio from Virginia. Their sophomore record, titled Correct Behavior, is due out in late July. The first track from that LP, “Millions”, is snappy and melodious, and hopefully foreshadows a solid follow up to their 2010 debut Silver. Check it out:

(Source: pitchfork.com)