I could write a few sentences comparing The Sun Lions' latest work to Dinosaur Jr., or some other mostly-well-known 90s "indie rock" band, but that'd be too easy. Whatever's On Your Mind does scream 90s "indie rock", but there's way more to it than just that. This record has lo-fi grit with hi-fi choruses--an impressive combo of hard-hitting rock n' roll and pop sensibilities. These tracks are jammed with intricate guitar solos and super-tight band chemistry; the stops and starts these guys are capabale of executing are some real high-caliber stuff. My favorite track is "Sammy", with its slow, drunkenly-plodding guitars that take off into a punk-rockin', arm-flailin' riot. The song seems to end just as it began--powerfully trudging to the finish line, but with the addition of a gang-vocal chorus. Sammy's definitely "got a-hold on me" with this one. 

If listening to Whatever's On Your Mind has you looking for more tunes from The Sun Lions, head over to Zuzu in Cambridge, MA tonight and catch their live set. More info about the show can be found here.

-Dan McMahon (@dmcmhn) 
Photo credit: Jess Hodge

The San Jose based indie rock band, A Yawn Worth Yelling has released a single entitled Start Somewhere in anticipation of their upcoming 2015 release. The band's new EP, Play Pretend is due out on September 18th.

Start Somewhere is an intricate indie rock-pop track that is creatively layered with electro-acoustic instrumentals and coated with thoughtful lyrics. Lend your ear to this song and make sure you support this Bay Area band at their live performances as well!

The San Francisco based music project, Split Screens has released a free download and bonus track from their LP, Before The Storm! The track is entitled, Black Pines and we're super excited to premiere it!

Inspired by a childhood spent in New York's remote Catskill Mountains, 'Black Pines' is the brand new single from Split Screens and it's a track that offers the kind of woozy Summer retreat that instantly captivates. Front man Jesse Cafiero's radiant vocal guides the track through three minutes of weighty pop music, shaped by a West Coast glow that is palpably invigorating. Impressive in scope and assured in delivery, 'Black Pines' is a further step forward from a songwriter who continues to grow and flourish with each release.

Take a listen and don't forget to mark your calendars for Split Screen's Tuesday residency at Amnesia in September!

Lips-a 3 piece rock band based out of Toronto, they’re a Self proclaimed "terrorist glam rock" band...and I couldn't agree more. Last year they released a track called "Painkiller" with a crazy music video, which uses clips from a short film called "Girl In the Rubber Mask"; written and directed by Franck Blaess. The song is a straight ahead rocker with serious 90s vibes, steady drums rock along in line with the driving bass line as the guitar sprinkles in some tasty treats throughout the verse. Overall the song captures a great vibe, with good harmonies over the chorus, and a singer who doesn’t lack in keeping things interesting. These guys appear to be new on the scene; however, they headlined Lee's Palace last week, if you missed that, you can see them on 08/03 @ Horseshoe Tavern. - Kris Gies

In a musical era where there exists a plethora of easily likeable indie pop bands with an extensive collection of catchy, hook-laden songs, London’s Ivory Hours is a genuine standout. The most surprising thing about this band is that they are somehow still unsigned. However, they’ve benefitted by receiving professional production help from seasoned veterans João Carvalho (mastering) and Dan Brodbeck (producing) on their recent full-length Morning Light. Ivory Hours is a rather young band exhibiting the confidence of experienced musicians through bright, poppy guitar and vocal melodies. Lead single “Warpaint” is chock-full of delicate staccato guitar and tempo changes that mask the lovesick lyrics with lively hooks. Ivory Hours is both figuratively and literally making noise in Canadian indie rock, and are a can’t-miss act at the upcoming Turtle Music Festival on August 1st in Parry Sound. Could be worth the trip, me thinks. - Chris PJ D