Tuesday Tracks: Your weekly new music discovery for Aug. 8

Cannons band

Cannons, courtesy.

We’ve got alt-rock from Hank May, experimental electronic music from Sandunes, pop by Laura Groves and CANNONS, atmospheric Western melodies by McKowski and pop-punk from… Orla Gartland (wait, what?!)



Hank May, “I’m Just a Lover” — From the word art in the video to observational lyrics like, “Time goes by but ‘Nevermind’ is still on the radio,” everything about this alt-rock track is nostalgic. L.A. singer-songwriter Hank May divulges his somewhat jaded reflections over an upbeat big synth base and pedal steel guitar. I say “somewhat jaded” because the lyrics morph into a self-affirming anthem by the end of the song. May will release his sophomore album, Tails, on Oct. 6 on Dangerbird Records.

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Sandunes featuring Ramya Pothuri, ‘The Surge” — I picked this electronic track specifically for the fans of Bonobo and Maribou State. Sandunes overlays woodwind notes, subversive strings and flitting synthesizers to sublime effect in this emotive tune. Sandunes masterfully blends ragas, melodic structures used in Indian classical music, with experimental production techniques. It’s apparent why Sandunes (nee Sanaya Ardeshir) is one of the most prominent electronic music producers in India right now. Sandunes’ album, The Ground Beneath Her Feet, is out Nov. 17.



Laura Groves, “I’m Not Crying” — British singer-songwriter Laura Groves’ crystalline vocals are earnest and enveloping in this nocturnal track. The gentle notes of the Rhodes piano blend with warm analog synthesizers.

“Can we just get on with it? I’ve got a life to live,” Groves asks us in an unhurried manner. Yes, let’s get on with it: This soothing track offers a sound you’d find on an ’80s compilation album you buy from a late-night infomercial, but with much more modern production. It’s easy listening and highly polished with intimate lyrics. Groves comes across as sensitive, but never vacant. Her upcoming album, Radio Red, is due out Aug. 11 on Bella Union.

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CANNONS, “Desire” — I’m hooked on this track by CANNONS that manages to be both relevant right now and timeless. The band consists of singer Michelle Joy, guitarist Paul Davis and bassist Ryan Clapham. The guitar-driven melody explores open-ended thoughts about love; mainly to do with desiring someone or something just out of reach. Joy sounds cynical and cool over ’80s-era percussion. The result is an infectious, sexy hit. CANNONS will embark on their Heartbeat Highway Tour that concludes at the Fox Theater in Oakland on Sept. 30.



McKowski and Howe Gelb, “Return of Pygmy Pony” — Let’s step away from the city vibes of the prior tracks to instead ride astride your trusty steed toward a forlorn soundscape. This instrumental track by Irish songwriter and multi-instrumentalist McKowski firmly belongs in a spaghetti Western. Acoustic guitars, orchestral strings, and analog synths melt into one another beneath a scorching sun. Downtempo and beautiful, this atmospheric folk track fades out with faint, lilting piano notes. Did we reach our final destination? Or is that merely a mirage we’re galloping toward? McKowski’s upcoming album, Notes From The Boneyard, will be out on Sept. 15.

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Orla Gartland, “Kiss Your Face Forever” — Fellow Tuesday Tracks writer Rachel Alm suggested this song to me and I immediately liked Orla Gartland’s electrifying genre-blending sound. The U.K. songwriter and producer delivers an anthem about being in love and split down the middle by it. “Let’s play a game of emotional monopoly/ In the name of monogamy,” Gartland sings over erratic guitar lines and urgent drumming. The track is pop-punkish with some vaguely “My-Sharona”-esque vibes. If the intro didn’t raise your heart rate, the outro surely will.



Sery’s pick: While I liked all these songs, it was CANNONS’ “Desire” that appeared in my dreams. It’s upbeat yet shimmery, with a digital feel. I think it’s got mass appeal. Plus it doesn’t hurt that the lead singer looks a little like Debbie Harry.

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