Elephant Stone: ASHA

photo: Bowen Stead

Canadian psychedelic raga band Elephant Stone keep it closer to home on their new album ASHA, a mixed bag of politically charged rockers, soul-searching love songs and dealing with the suicide of Christian Dorey, a friend of band leader Rishi Dhir. He was looking for a way to bottle his anger (Fascists Killed Yer Rock 'n' Roll, I Got A Pill) and counting his blessings (A Beautiful Fate) in one big swoop. That could have led to a directionless mess - biting off more than he could chew - but it all comes together with the hope that everything will work out some how.

While its predecessor Back Into The Dream found the band expanding their musical palette, they have returned to their dreamy melodies with a hint of progressive rock. Parallel And Contrary Motion, named after one of Rishi's daughter piano instruction books, is the centrepiece of the album. Being torn apart by emotions it downed on him that it was about his friend's decision to take his own life. Horrible as that might be, it made him rethink and respect that choice.

Wine Lips: TV Dinner

Garage punk psych rockers Wine Lips keep it simple and straightforward on their new album TV Dinner, serving up a baker's dozen of songs about fucking up, brawls, trying to make amends adn the like. They sound rough and muzzy, but the unrelenting energy is just what one might need after a bad day. And listening more closely will unveil the smart licks and spot-on stop-and-start shenagigans.

Anyone claiming that fast-paced guitar driven is a thing of the past will stand corrected. This band is a force of nature and you can't argue with nature. unless you want to make a complete fool of yourself.

Female Gaze: Bury You

photo: Clay Lyon

Tuscon, AZ based alt-rock trio Female Gaze latched upon Kim Deal's bass sound for their Bury You single. Lead singer Nelene DeGuzman had some serious doubts about bringing a child into this world - it became the main theme for their forthcoming new album linea nigra, but on the single she tries to forget about her worries and lead her bandmates through an infectious, sexy mid-tempo dance track. Just enough of echo on the vocals gives the song enough space to set up a three-way conversation between the instruments.

Oliver Wood: solo tour dates

Singer-songwriter Oliver Wood goes out on his own with a short tour, playing his Southern Americana songs about animals and some that will piss off rednecks.

Live dates:

• 09/12 Nashville, TN @ Harken Hall
• 09/25 Naples, NY @ Hollerhorn Distilling
• 09/26 Saratoga Springs, NY @ Putnam Place
• 09/28 Arundel, ME @ Vinegar Hill Music Theatre
• 09/29 Exeter, NH @ The Word Barn (2 shows)
• 09/30 Northampton, MA @ The Iron Horse

» oliverwoodmusic.com

Neighbour Club: Only Fractions

English slacker rockers Neighbour Club got a lot of alcohol in them to come to terms with a relationship that was doomed from the start. Pretty hung over and a bit confused is the mood they wanted to project on their single Only Fractions, now that they realise that the involved party was only looking for a good time during the night and nothing more. It is a track from their debut EP Snail Mail, due for release on September 25th.