Grouplove: Marmalade We're Making Out

I came across Grouplove this weekend while perusing daytrotter.  This seems like a band on the verge of something big.  Forming in 2009 as a result of an artist retreat in Crete, Grouplove has been steadily building a following on the strength of their 2010 self-titled EP and their role as a supporting act for Florance + The Machine.

Grouplove's debut album is out in just two weeks!  Never Trust a Happy Song (one of my favorite album titles of all time and a phrase I think we should all live by) is out in the US on September 13th.  Their accompanying US tour begins September 9th right here in DC at the Black Cat.

Please enjoy Grouplove performing "Tongue Tied" off their soon to be released debut album Never Trust a Happy Song.

You can find out more about Grouplove and their debut album by exploring their website.

Portugal. The Man: This Can't Be Living

The uniquely named and punctuated band, Portugal. The Man, originated way out in Wasilla, Alaska.  After moving to Portland, Oregon and releasing a few independent records, they recently signed on with Atlantic Records.  Just a few weeks ago Portugal. The Man released In the Mountain In the Cloud.  They're an exciting new band, who is heading out on tour this September.  Go check them out!

Here's Portugal. The Man performing "Got It All (This Can't Be Living)" off In the Mountain In the Cloud.

Local Natives: Some Evil This Way Comes

Local Natives is a band with huge, well deserved hype behind them.  Forming in 2008 in Los Angeles, the band is the darling of music outlets such as NPR and Daytrotter.  Their acceleration to the forefront of the Indie music scene began at the 2009 SWSW festival in Austin, where they played nine shows over the course of the festival.  The reviews came back shimmering with comparisons to bands like Arcade Fire and Fleet Foxes.  Their debut album Gorilla Manor was first released in the UK in 2009 and then released in the States in February of 2010.  It debuted at #3 on Billboard's new artist chart.

Check out Local Natives performing "Wide Eyes" off Gorilla Manor.

Visit the Local Natives website and find more news about the band.

Cover Thursdays- Words Like Violence

In 2010 Nada Surf released If I Had A Hi-Fi, an album of covers.  I love when bands do this.  Sure it's great to get new and original material from a band you follow, but it's also intriguing to hear their take on material from other bands.  I also think it would be really fun to release a record like this.

Here's Nada Surf performing "Enjoy the Silence" by Depeche Mode!

Angus & Julia Stone: I'm Drunk Up On Your Potion

Today's post comes to you straight from Australia!  More specifically, from my friend Kati.  Writing this blog has been a lot of fun, but perhaps the best perk so far has been all the recommendations I've received from friends and followers.  A few weeks ago, Kati let me know about Angus & Julia Stone, an Australia sibling duo who've already made a name for themselves in their native Australia and are starting to do so in the States and abroad.  In 2007 the Stone's released A Book Like This and last year they released Down This Way.

This recommendation was so great, it took me awhile to settle on a song to feature!  It took me a bit, but I finally made a decision.  Here's Angus & Julia Stone performing "Just A Boy" on KCRW's "Morning Becomes Eclectic".

Thanks again Kati for the recommendation!  For more info on Angus & Julia Stone, check out their website!