Monthly Mix: April 2016

Bear Hands proclaim You'll Pay For This

     The April showers have come and gone, and they left behind a bucket full of fresh new music. Spring is here and festival season is right around the corner.
     New York's Bear Hands are riding high on the waves of their latest release You'll Pay For This [April 15, via Spensive Sounds]. Frontman Dylan Rau says "the record varies, there's some folky stuff and some electro stuff." There's also a heavy dose of guitar-driven rock. On the track "Marathon Man" the band showcases their rock side and features some dance-worthy grooves. The whole album delivers without a disappointment. Check them out as their tour spins through the U.S. with fun stops at the KROQ Weenie Roast and Hangout Music Festival.
     As we roll into the spring, it's refreshing to know the iPod is restocked. The April Playlist mixes in a nice blend of indie and alternative rock. It makes the perfect soundtrack for the first bike ride of the season.


April 2016 Playlist

1.  Fitz And The Tantrums  -  "HandClap"

2.  The Last Shadow Puppets  -  "Aviation"

3.  Bear Hands  -  "Marathon Man"

4.  Holy White Hounds  -  "Switchblade"

5.  Finish Ticket  -  "Color"

6.  Deftones  -  "Prayers/Triangles"

7.  Tokyo Police Club  -  "PCH"

8.  Bishop Briggs  -  "River"

9.  M83  -  "Road Blaster"

10.  Tegan and Sara  -  "U-turn"

11.  Mudcrutch  -  "Beautiful World"

12.  Kurt Vile  -  "Pretty Pimpin"

Check in every month for the latest in alternative music.

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Fitz and the Tantrums - "HandClap"
The Last Shadow Puppets - "Aviation"
Bear Hands - "Marathon Man"
Holy White Hounds - "Switchblade"
Finish Ticket - "Color"
Deftones - "Prayers/Triangles"
Tokyo Police Club - "PCH"
Bishop Briggs - "River"
M83 - "Road Blaster"
Tegan and Sara - "U-turn"
Mudcrutch - "Beautiful World"
Kurt Vile - "Pretty Pimpin"

Monthly Mix: The Playlist, September 2012

     It's always refreshing to feel the crisp breezes and to admire autumn's multi-colored backdrop. September sets the perfect stage for looking back on the wild summer

memories, but also for looking forward to what lies ahead in the fall. This month brought us a textured soundscape that includes familiar arena sounds along with a few chillwave beats to keep it fresh on those brisk nights.

     California's pop-punk heroes Green Day have launched themselves back into action on the college radio waves with the arrival of their first album in three years Uno! The first of what will eventually be a 3-part trilogy, this one offers up a heavy dose of pop. On "Kill The DJ", the band takes a trip into dance-pop territory receiving mixed results. They will hit Voodoo Festival followed by a west coast run later this season.
     One of the year's most talked about releases comes from London's The xx. The indie trio delivered Coexist which features a softer, lighter sound and blends in perfectly to our current surroundings. The second single "Chained" is a feathery cut about lovers drifting apart, and exhibits a stumbling beat until it finds its rhythm towards the end. The band will weave through Canada, the U.S., and Europe in support of the new album.
     Fresh off the heels of Battle Born, alternative rock outfit The Killers are making some noise of their own. The arena-rockers have offered up "Runaways", which finds frontman Brandon Flowers telling a story of wanting someone not to leave them. Check them out as their tour makes stops at some bigtime venues, including Madison Square Garden and Air Canada Centre.
     Autumn is one of the best times of the year, and also hands out some of the best music. This time was no different as the colorful array of sounds made for smooth accompaniment alongside the picturesque tree lines. As we officially say goodbye to the summer, we gladly throw on our jackets and head out into the cool air to enjoy the fresh scenery, not to mention the crisp music.


September 2012 Playlist


1. M83 -  Reunion

2. Minus the Bear - Steel And Blood

3. Green Day - Kill The DJ

4. Atlas Genius - Trojans

5. Passion Pit - Mirrored Sea

6. The xx - Chained

7. Yeasayer - Longevity

8. Brothertiger - Lovers

9. The Killers - Runaways

10. Freelance Whales - Spitting Image

11. Rubblebucket - (Focus) Oversaturated

12. Les Sins - Fetch

Check in every month for the latest in alternative/indie music.

Please try and support the artists on the FW Monthly Playlists!

For more, follow Steve Ferris on Twitter: @s_ferris