Bleached - Welcome the Worms (Dead Oceans, 2016)

Bleached
Welcome the Worms
Dead Oceans
2016

Rating: 7 biscuit cups out of 10

I saw Bleached a number of years ago right after they released a couple of "hot shit" seven inches that had people buzzing, enjoyed the show, and then promptly forgot all about them.  We're talking AGES ago people, like 2011 or 2012 ya know?  This new album "Welcome the Worms" popped up on the internet, and why not see what they are up to these days?

According to my diligent research, I totally missed their debut album "Ride Your Heart" in 2013, which is probably why it felt like it had been so long since I had heard from them.  Still, three years for a sophomore follow-up seems like a long time for such a young band.  I guess not everyone is Ty Segall, pumping out material constantly like a modern garage rock Robert Pollard. 

Anyways, as to what this record sounds like - a really polished, poppier version of the Runaways crossed with the "nineties slacker" vibe that seems so popular with this young crop of musicians who were toddlers during the meat of that decade. There's almost an early Weezer-ness to their best songs, or maybe a more current, timely reference would be Jeff the Brotherhood since Weezer has sucked since the late nineties.  The songs are very catchy and the record is almost over-produced in a Haim sort of way, but I'm not sure that's a bad thing for the overblown pop these ladies are making.  "Wednesday Night Melody" is a great track, as is opener "Keep On Keepin' On" - more importantly, not a dud to be found.  I'd definitely go see them play again if they came through town. 

Bowerbirds - In The Yard 7'' (Dead Oceans, 2012)

Bowerbirds
In The Yard 7''
Dead Oceans
2012

Rating: 7.5 purchased bonkers out of 10

Apparently this was released for Record Store Day in 2012, but I picked it out of the bargain bin of Amoeba in LA over christmas.  Bowerbirds are not only great but I used to play basketball with the guys in the group, thereby making them infinitely more awesome.  The title track of this seven inch is also on their album "The Clearing," while the b-side "Always an Ear to Bend" appears to be unique to this release.  Good songs, catchy, slightly spacey folk with great harmonies.  All of their full-lengths are worth a listen. 

Bleached - Ride Your Heart (Dead Oceans, 2013)

Bleached
Ride Your Heart
Dead Oceans
2013

Rating: 7 banana runts out of 10

Bleached set a pretty damn high bar with the release of the seven inch "Carter" in 2011, specifically because of the song "Think of You."  One of the catchiest tracks of the last few years by any band for my money.  I'm not entirely sure their first full-length "Ride Your Heart" quite measures up, but it comes a lot damn closer than I ever expected.  Their sound has matured and gotten a lot "cleaner" - not sure if this was intentional, the natural progression of a young band growing, or just the by-product of recording on better equipment.  There is nothing on this record quite at the earworm level of "Think of You," but "Dead in Your Head," "Waiting by the Telephone," and "Love Spells" all put in a good effort.  I'm fully on the fence over this release right now - is this a quick sugary fix or will I still be listening six months from now?  Only time will answer that.  One thing is for sure - if you're looking for sunshiney California alterna-pop with a small nod towards sixties girl group harmonies, you could do a hell of a lot worse. 

Bowerbirds - The Clearing (Dead Oceans, 2012)

Bowerbirds

The Clearing

Dead Oceans

2012

Rating: 8 water logs out of 10

On their third record, Bowerbirds have come damn close to releasing the perfect folk rock record.  Then again, I might have said the same thing about their first two releases, and at this rate I'm sure I'll be saying it again.  They have been recording and performing at such a high level for so long that their records almost feel as if they were all recorded in one giant session and then portioned out every few years so as not to overwhelm the public with awesome.  I'm not sure any flowery adjectives are really needed other than this album, and their others, is really, really, REALLY beautiful from start to finish.  Every song is a lullaby for your ears and your heart.  

On a side note, the actual bird this band is named after are really friggin' cool - look them up if you have a choice.  Hell, listen to this album while you're doing it, maybe you'll create a vortex or something.  That's how vortexes work right?