AltWeeklies Wire
Barren Girls' Hell Hymnsnew
This four-song debut EP, every bit a punk record, preserves a rookie band's steady first steps.
Beloved Binge's Pocketsnew
They might've left town for a while, but Pockets proves Beloved Binge kept pace with Durham.
Tags: Beloved Binge
Some Army's Second EPnew
Within a modest 29 minutes, this six-strong Carrboro outfit synthesizes shoegaze and indie-pop sounds; despite their far-flung touchstones, these songs still feel distinctly Southern in execution. (self-released)
Tags: Some Army
The Old Ceremony's Fairytales and Other Forms of Suicidenew
As a whole, this is the most convincing collection in The Old Ceremony's catalog, proof that the past, present and future of this veteran ensemble remain exciting. (Yep Roc)
The Evil Tenors' Peach Fuzznew
Peach Fuzz finds Durham's Nathan White breaking in a new sound and a new personality, adapting to unfamiliar surroundings and figuring out how to fit in.
Tags: The Evil Tenors
American Aquarium's Burn. Flicker. Die.new
"Pretty soon I'll hit bottom, but at least I've enjoyed the ride," BJ Barham sings during "Harmless Sparks," which rests in relative peace at the middle of American Aquarium's new album. (Last Chance Records)
Spider Bags' Shake My Headnew
At its foundation, Shake My Head is a collection of straightforward bar-rock songs. Walking (well, staggering) rhythms lend a vintage R&B swing behind overdriven guitar lines that mine '70s rock and pop.
Tags: Spider Bags
Oulipo's Primitive Waysnew
Primitive Ways sounds like the next step of an almost great band, drunk on possibilities but still learning how to present them.
No Eyes' No Eyesnew
No Eyes' self-titled EP is like a Texas psych-rockin' longhair in the midst of getting his mop snipped into a neat London bowl, but some loose ends still await their trim.
King Mez's My Everlasting Zealnew
As far as rap in The Tar Heel State goes right now, King Mez is our leader. And like The Listening a decade before it, this is the new classic text. (self-released)
Tripp's We Are Happy Herenew
Tripp is a purer brand of pop than the indie realm tends to traverse. Alex Wilkins has no interest in hiding behind sonic overload or trickery, putting the vocals up-front and pointedly singing with clarity. (self-released)
Tags: Tripp
Lost in the Trees' A Church That Fits Our Needsnew
If you've come to get your heartstrings tugged, you won't be disappointed.
Caltrop's Ten million years and eight minutesnew
When it's exciting, Ten million years is a reminder of the energy to be found at the borders of hard rock and heavy metal. (Holidays for Quince)
Bowerbirds' The Clearingnew
A few verses into The Clearing, it's clear that Bowerbirds aren't so interested in keeping things simple anymore.
Organos' Conchanew
Organos and Concha are happily different both in source and sound, offering a humbly memorable reappraisal of the limits of pop.
Tags: Organo
