Saturday, June 2, 2012

Listen to I Dream of Chicago by Parlours

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If Parlours had to pick a genre, something like indie-folk-pop would suffice, but one could hardly stop at those three words. After several months in the studio, Parlours’ self-titled EP promises to satisfy a diverse audience, ranging from ’70s pop nostalgia of Fleetwood Mac with synth-dance rhythms to Iron-and-Wine-like ballads.

Hailing from the heart of the midwest, Parlours is best known for their diverse ensemble of both regionally and nationally established artists. Parlours’ themes embrace a contemplative and reflective nature while remaining playful, rooted in Halferty’s journal-like song writing that began in a dormitory parlor at Iowa State. When put in the hands of friends and previous band mates Scott Yoshimura of the Envy Corps, Erik Knudtson, and Wayde Stover, Halferty’s melodies evolved into full-bodied creations that never cease to surprise and stir listeners. Like their genre-diversity, Parlours is a band that can seamlessly morph from a 5-piece ensemble producing a sound that fills a music hall, into a coffee shop acoustic duo that speaks to the soul.

Listen to Chinatown Girls by Death Ships

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Don’t be fooled by the ominous name, when Chicago/Iowa City rock/folk/pop/country band Death Ships sails into Ankeny, they’ll bring nothing but a boatload of great tunes. (Ok, no more nautical puns)

Over the years the band has supported many high profile acts like The Decemberists, Low, Delta Spirit, Pinback, Tapes ‘N Tapes, and Blind Pilot, and has played festivals like CMJ, SXSW, Mission Creek, and Milwaukee’s Summerfest. The bands music has also been placed in several TV shows like Vampire Diaries (CW), Teen Mom (MTV), 16 & Pregnant (MTV), T.O Show (VH1), Hellcats (CW), and Cho Show (VH1).

Listen to Bronze Sea by Hanwell

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Rooted firmly in the narrative traditions of alt-country and guitar pop, and influenced by such diverse writers as David Foster Wallace and G.K. Chesterton, Hanwell have crafted ambitious pop since their formation in the fall of 2007. They are currently writing and recording an LP with Logan Christian (Midday Studios, Des Moines). Hanwell have gained a reputation for live shows that synthesize relentless energy and pop precision. Their sound has been compared to Blitzen Trapper, Wilco, and Arcade Fire.

Listen to Birdhouses by Milk & Eggs

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Born on the bluffs of the Mississippi in Burlington, Iowa, visual artist Jordan Sellergren began actively songwriting in 2009 while living and working in Auckland, New Zealand. After returning to Iowa in the spring of 2010, she started playing her songs locally under the name Milk & Eggs. In July 2011, Milk & Eggs recorded and released her eponymous first full-length, self-produced album.

This week sponsored by: