Hello all, welcome to this week’s #OutToday, where we showcase the week’s best fresh finds and new releases. This week, we’ll dive into albums from San Francisco garage-rock institution Oh Sees, pop-rock staples Blue October and the up-and-coming, Top 40-bound band My Brothers and I.
If you’re a fan of lo-fi rock and roll and have not heard of Oh Sees, then consider this the best day of your life. Allow me to introduce you to the band’s 21st album Smote Reverser, out today on Castleface Records. Having changed their name between Thee Oh Sees, Oh Sees and OCS multiple times in their 20-year existence, this band is known to change it up with every record they put out. Smote Reverser is no exception, following up last year’s Orc with a prog-tinged unpredictable selection of songs. Check out the screaming lead single ‘Overthrown’ below and listen to the full album here.
Blue October has a knack for making minimal yet immersive and substantial pop pieces. They’ve been doing it for over two decades now (remember ‘Into The Ocean?’), and the band’s new album I Hope You’re Happy follows suit without skipping a beat. Inspired by humanity finding the beauty in struggle, lead singer Justin Furstenfeld told Billboard that this record is made up of songs “about other people and what they’re going through, which might not be the happiest moments in their life — or they might be.” Get a taste with the title track below and listen to the album here via Up Down Records/MRI Entertainment.
What better way to start your weekend off than with some straight up jams? We’ve got the perfect addition to your Friday playlist with a new record from My Brothers and I, a Portland pop four piece that specializes in smooth hooks and vibey breaks. The band’s new EP Hearbeat, out today via Expunged Records/Burnside Distribution, is a look inside of what this band is capable of. Listen to ‘When You’re Ready’ below and, when you’re ready, listen to the Heartbeat EP here.
There you have it, three of The Orchard’s finest for your weekend selection. Enjoy!
