Here are a couple of new releases I’ve listened through this week. . .

1. Of Montreal - False Priest: I haven’t been a huge fan of much that Of Montreal has released since Hissing Fauna Are You the Destroyer? and this album is no different.  Though there is some really nice glam/funk/soul stuff on here (“Famine Affair”, “Sex Karma”, “I Feel Ya Strutter” are standouts), a lot of the other tracks are ho-hum for my taste.  Sometimes it seems like Kevin Barnes is just trying a bit too hard. . . they definitely aren’t the band that released The Sunlandic Twins, but they prolly shouldn’t be.  A decent release: 3.0 / 5.0.

2.  Circadian Eyes – Rain EP:  Based out of Saratoga Springs NY, this one-man ambiance/post-rock/electronica musician is pretty good.  If you’re into music the likes of Mum, Organic Stereo, or Balun you might want to check this out.  You can download everything for free on his website (but it’d be cool if you left a donation)!

3.  The Provincial Archive – Maybe We Could Be Holy:  This sounds like Clem Snide met a pretty great bluegrass band.  Unfortunately, a lot of the songs are a down tempo . . . which is great for Syracuse in January, but not in August.  When they speed it up – “Guided by Sundogs” is a great example – the band can be really, really great.

4. Maren Parusel – Self Titled:  Great female-led pop out of San Diego.  Again, on the faster tracks this band is pretty fun to listen to; however, tracks like “I Believe” are pretty but tragic.

5. Roar – I Can’t Handle Change:  The album description lists this effort as a “concept album based on the relationship and personalities of Phil and Ronnie Spector” and it sure sounds like it.  The entire album is dripping with mid-60s pop sensibilities and melodic harmonizations.

I hope you find something you like!