You know it's all in your head

In case you haven't been on turntable.fm much lately, Generationals released a new LP last March, Actor-Caster, that has gradually become a huge indie favorite. Slightly less lo-fi than their debut of 2009, the album demonstrates that these New Orleans kids have developed their style while maintaining their unique sound. The old school beach rock vibe is definitely still prevalent, but the hooks are more sophisticated and the instrumentation is more... well, it's just more. Each new track has its own flavor, and they experimented with different rhythms and production styles to create something truly interesting and remarkable. The entire songlist warrants a listen from beginning to end (except maybe "Yours Forever"; that track is really annoying and out of place with the rest of the album), and I had a very difficult time choosing which two to give you, but start with these and then promise me you will check out the rest.

Generationals - I Promise by Sound Thinking

Generationals - Black and White by Sound Thinking

It's such a miracle how life comes back around again

Today's emerging act, Kisses, falls into the "music you probably missed" category, since their LP Heart of the Nightlife came out back in Autumn 2010, but this charming L.A.-based duo definitely deserves your attention. Their dreamy, sun-drenched lo-fi rock is slightly reminiscent of the style pioneered by the Whitest Boy Alive, but with a very unique pop tinge to it. Despite the album title, I would recommend enjoying these Kisses while relaxing poolside with a mojito on a warm summer day. Hopefully this will distract you from the impending snowstorm around the corner this weekend:

Midnight Lover by Kisses

(By the way, if you dig that track you can download it for free courtesy of the band by clicking the little arrow on the right side of the bar there.)

What is it that you've done to make the grade?

The Belgian-via-Australia artist Wally De Backer (Alias: Gotye) has already made quite a splash in his home countries, but he has really only now started attracting attention in the U.S. with his incredible video for "Somebody That I Used To Know," featuring the lovely New Zealander Kimbra. How his previous two albums slid by unnoticed is a mystery to me, but his newest LP release Making Mirrors is perhaps one of the most interesting and refreshing albums of 2011, despite its late U.S. release date of December 6. Defying generic classifications, Gotye blends sounds of alternative rock, experimental indie, and even a little bit of soul for his new album, and each individual track deserves a listen. Here are two to get you started:



Save Me by Gotye

He will be playing at Park West in Chicago on April 3, so get your tickets NOW before they sell out.

Are you still afraid to drown?

Local Natives came to Chicago a few weeks ago, and did not disappoint (as ever). But the best part was that they were merely the opening band...

The National brought down the house, with pretty much unanimous crowd participation. Of course all this is to be expected from two of the most notable and accesible bands to represent the indie genre.

Today I want to introduce you to Motopony, an unassuming but quickly rising act from Seattle. Balancing neatly between hard-driven progressive rock and enchanting acoustic indie, this five-piece group does their Pacific Northwestern roots proud on their debut eponymous album released last May.
Hear for yourself:

Motopony - Seer by Song of the Day