Royal Teeth
Act Naturally
Independent
Now here’s an album you can blast from your car stereo—windows down, naturally. In true summer release fashion, the debut EP from New Orleans/Lafayette group Royal Teeth has five tracks of belt-along pop anthems and indie darlings already finding their way to stages across the state. Vocalist duo Gary Larsen and Nora Patterson are a compelling match and demonstrate the delicate but powerful balance of male-female intertwining voices. The chorus of “Wild”—a lighthearted look back on the blissful naivety and carefree, can-do attitudes of youth—insists, “I believe that I can make you scream,” before launching into vocal interludes so inescapably catchy, you can’t help but “oo-oo-ooo” right along with them. The drums were recorded and mastered perfectly for this EP: there’s a faint echo to it, as if the drums were recorded alone in a massive open room, to where you can almost feel the burst of air from each booming bass drum kick and tom fill. Drummer Josh Hefner’s raw, unabashed performance is keenly matched by the unwavering melodic foundation from bassist Joshua Wells, whose presence as a thudding heartbeat, especially in “My Donna,” is indispensable to the group’s overall sound. Hazy, psychedelic guitar riffs from Larsen and guitarist Stevie Billeaud complement bright, infectious synths and samples, manned by Billeaud and Andrew Poe, which together set the sunny, eclectic mood of the EP. Whether it’s a pick-me-up, good times or solid jams you’re looking for this summer, search no further—Royal Teeth just might be on to something here. —Carolyn Heneghan
Impulss n’ Bazooka Joe
Bronx, New Orleans: Respect Where It Started
Quarter Rat Musique
Eighteen tracks of laughs, local beats and lyrical authenticity—we should expect nothing less from the latest release of native hip hop devotee, Danny “Impulss” Perez. While stirring up local and underground acclaim throughout his active career, Impulss has found a musical partner-in-crime in New York native and producer, DJ Bazooka Joe. The two resolved to use only original New Orleans music samples in the entire album’s worth of beats, and the lyricism similarly reflects both appreciation and concern for New Orleans and the city’s many cultural perks and unresolved issues. The album aligns with the conceptual framework of Bazooka Joe’s other work, such as Pressure Busts Pipes (2011): Bronx, New Orleans boasts a cohesive sound from track to track which, despite its more apparent lyrical and melodic themes, still retains the 90s New York hip hop influence of his Bronx roots. In his own unique tradition, Impulss includes snippets of interviews and live performances as well as goofy skits such as “Pookie Ray on Defensive Driving,” in which he humorously addresses, in several silly voices, the long-standing joke of crazed drivers in the city. Other songs, like “Gettup,” take a more serious approach to social and political commentary, dropping line after line of thoughtful articulation about the state of public and higher education, teachers’ pay, the war on drugs and street violence. Don’t miss this hot new release from one of New Orleans’ most promising hip hop duos, available for download on their bandcamp site.—Carolyn Heneghan
Terranova
Tried and True
Self-Produced
The all-female punk group Terranova proves that women can rock just as hard as anyone with their debut album Tried and True. The classic punk anthems like “Bad Baby,” “Ultra Bait,” and “Zombies to Heaven,” showcase Terranova’s raw style and penchant for 70’s punk akin to The Runaways. Although it’s a relatively new band, these musicians have been playing in bands for years and bring their talent with them to this band, which you can often find playing around town. Catherine Terranova plays great distorted chords, and Michelle Lacayo really shines in the more rock-inspired songs like “Miracle” and “Fallen Down.” Jenn Attaway, also the frontwoman of surf punk band The Unnaturals, throws done an awesome bass line in the rockabilly song “Shotgun Wedding.” Terranova has the classic sound and determination that will make Tried and True a standout album.—Emily Hingle
Brickwar
Warpath
Savage Records
Rock band Brickwar’s E.P. Warpath (produced by rock musician Jay Yuenger) exemplifies their diversity in just four songs. “Bone Trail” has a dark rockabilly sound with jazzy moments. Influenced by the spaghetti westerns of the 50s and 60s, “Silverado Sixpack” is like a western movie soundtrack with some surfer (also 60s) elements from Julien Fried on guitar. The next curveball is “Deviled Oyster” which is a cool bluesy song complete with the perfect drum beat by Paul Rotzz, from punk band Die Rotzz, harmonica and some sinfully distorted vocals by prolific frontman King Louie Bankston who uses a creation called a tele-mic to get the effect. “Lonesome Shoes” is also very different being a 1950s style ballad, but with an edge. Warpath is available on vinyl through Savage Records for those wanting a complete musical experience. —Emily Hingle
