Carl Sandburg Visits Me In A Dream

The epic origins of Citay actually began as a studio project by one Ezra Feinberg. Since 2004, the project has expanded into a full-fledged octet of incredibly talented musicians. The result is the first LP Little Kingdom, which has received considerable praise from critics everywhere (even Pitchfork!). Reviewers keep on throwing around the word ‘epic’ to describe Citay’s music, and as much as I hate to regurgitate what other people have said, the term is true to form.

Little Kingdom is a collection of beautiful soundscapes that are all topographically different, forming canyons with their complex dissonant valleys and their arching vocals. Each song fills a great expanse, as they possess an incredible voluminous character that is without rival. This work is certainly not derivative, nor would I classify it under any kind of improvisational genre. Every note seems loose and free, but yet I get the feeling that each is also precisely calculated. “Final Fantasy” is a magical conglomeration of the best of the Blue Man Group, the Allman Brothers, and Air, yet still remaining entirely unique. “Moonburn” is a dreamy sojourn through several rhythms and emotions, yet like every track on Little Kingdom, it serves as more of a celebration of music itself. Let the partying continue.

Go and get Little Kingdom. NOW!

Listen to “First Fantasy” (4.9/5) (courtesy of their record label, Dead Oceans)

Listen to “Moonburn” (4.6/5)

Brother and sister trio A Sunny Day in Glasgow write beautiful dreampop that surrounds the listener in a pulsingly ethereal blanket of sounds. Note: their debut album, Scribble Mural Comic Journal, is not a chill album–it isn’t something you just pop in and listen to on a Sunday morning. This is introspective music, music with which to empty yourself (as Darl might say) of the extraneous parts going on around you.

Upon first listen, one might be prompted to shout a prominent “huh? I don’t get it.” In fact, that was my first impression. And then I listened closer. Play your speakers loud. Pick out the different parts. There’s a lot going on here, and it would be a shame to miss out on it. Take a listen to “5:15 Train” and listen for the background vocals–it’s other worldly in the good way. Or queue up “No. 6 Von Karman Street” which is perhaps the most intoxicating of all the tracks with its icy synth pop feel.

So go and check out Scribble Music Comic Journal.
Have a listen to “No. 6 Von Karman Street” (4.5/5)
BONUS:
“The Best Summer Ever“
“Watery“

If you’ve been reading blogs lately, every taste maker and their mother has been writing about the debut album from the SoftLightes. Amazingly titled Say No to Being Cool, Say Yes to Being Happy, the album itself is quite reflective of the title’s message. The SoftLightes write friendly, accessible, and sometimes–dare I say–fluffy songs that are both sincere and joyful.

The album is nothing extraordinarily different, but they are certainly the best at what they do. Their dreamy pop songs and shoegazey harmonies envelop the listener in a wall of sensory sound. But don’t think that means this is just another band that goes under the “experimental” category–in fact, it couldn’t be further from it. This album is a lot of fun, and it seems quite clear to me that the SoftLightes don’t take themselves too seriously. I often admire when bands are able to do this–the result is an album that plays more like an open diary, a real dialogue, a reality.

Highlights on the album include my personal favorite “If the World Had Cookies”, a song which represents everything that the SoftLightes do well. Also, “Girlkillsbear” is a must-listen, featuring silky smooth vocals and an ethereal electropop beat. If you’re looking for something a little more upbeat, “Heart Made of Sound” might be right up your alley, which is perhaps the most polished song on the album.

What are you waiting for? Go and buy Say No To Being Cool, Say Yes to Being Happy.
Watch the video for “Heart Made of Sound“. It’s friggin’ awesome.

Listen to “If the World Had Cookies” (courtesy of linesthroughlines)
Listen to “Girlkillsbear”. (courtesy of HSB)