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Dikon

Dikon | Fighting Words | 3hive.com
Dikon | Fighting Words | 3hive.com

Dikon’s Fighting Words was passed to me by my good friend Jason, whose first language is music and his second language is being an ass. Let’s not get into Jason and my complicated friendship; let’s get into Dikon and their fabulous EP/mini-LP Fighting Words.

Their Bandcamp bio reads, “Dikon is Bangkok’s premier jazz and funk collective, producing concept albums about the Thai transit system. cartel bosses, and an homage to the high priest himself – Monk.”

Fighting Words is a concept album based around the Chris Rock v. Will Smith incident. It’s a jazz-heavy funk and soul album driven by an amazing rhythm section. Check out the end of “Fuck Around and Find Out” (below) for a taste.

To quote Jason, “Come for the incredible cover art and stick around for the very good music.”

Fighting Words is out now and available on their Bandcamp page. Enjoy.

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Grey Causeway

Grey Causeway | Grey Causeway | 3hive.com
Grey Causeway | Grey Causeway | 3hive.com

Hailing from bands like Smokers, Nuisance, The Peechees, The Pattern, Papercuts, and Jim Yoshii Pile Up, Bay Area band Grey Causeway are a supergroup of sorts or at least super experienced at their craft. The new single, “I-580,” is a jangly, post-punk number that begs to be played on repeat. You can check it out below.

They are releasing their debut self-titled LP at the end of May via Dandy Boy Records.

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GMO

GMO | Doble Sided Gemini | 3hive.com
GMO | Doble Sided Gemini | 3hive.com

The latest single from Los Angeles band GMO, “Double Headed Gemini,” is a dingy, electro-pop gem that is sure to delight any fans of Broadcast. Hopefully there will be more from these guys, including a full-length LP, which would be rad! Check it out below.

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Constant Follower

Constant Follower | The Smile You Send Out Returns To You | 3hive.com
Constant Follower is the recording moniker of Stephen McAll (and a revolving group of friends) from Glasgow, Scotland.

McCall barely survived a violent attack in his late teens and struggled with addiction in his path to recovery. His melancholic, understated ambient folk has mirrored this journey, as his body and mind relearned to play guitar and observe the small, intimate details of life.

His third album, The Smile You Send Out Returns To You, delivers more of the same, only now he is a father, partner, and further along in his recovery. You can hear hope and optimism amidst the minor keys – and it’s an utterly gorgeous and cathartic listen.

The Smile You Send Out Returns To You was released by Last Night From Glasgow.

You can buy Constant Follower vinyl at 3hive’s online shop.

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Motorbike

Motorbike | Kick It Over | 3hive.com
Motorbike | Kick It Over | 3hive.com

Cincinnati bruisers Motorbike are back with their sophomore LP, Kick It Over. We’re pleased as punch to premiere the second single from this ferocious garage punk album, “Afraid of Guns.”

At just two minutes, “Afraid of Guns” is a pummeling of razor-sharp guitar, machine-gun snare, driving bass, and snarling vocals. Check it out below and prepare to be blown away.

Kick It Over drops on March 21 via Feel It Records. You can get it from us too. Either way, you should get it. Enjoy.

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GAYTHEIST

GAYTHEIST, the renowned Portland-based trio, has made a powerful comeback with their latest album, The Mustache Stays. This marks their first release since 2020’s How Long Have I Been On Fire? and features 10 new hard-hitting tracks, plus an insane cover that packs an equally forceful punch.

From the opening track “Shelved” to the closing “Brave The Swarm,” the trio delivers 32 minutes of relentless, heavy post-hardcore, mingled with some sludge and stoner punk. This album demands to be played on repeat and I highly, highly recommend it.

We’re excited to bring you an exclusive opportunity to listen to the entire album before its official release on Friday, February 21st. Check it out below.

The Mustache Stays is available via Hex Records’ Bandcamp page and from us as well. Hit the links and grab yourself a copy.

Upcoming GAYTHEIST dates of importance:
Feb. 28th– record release show- High Water Mark- Portland, OR
March 1st– record release show- Southgate Skatebar- Seattle, WA
March 8th– FREE in-store performance at Ronald Records, Vancouver, WA
March 9th– FREE in-store performance at Music Millennium, Portland, OR
March 22nd– Airport Tavern, Tacoma, WA w/ High On Fire
May 8th– Revolution Hall, Portland, OR w/ The Jesus Lizard

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Cutouts

Alex MacKay, the bassist for Nation of Language, has released a new album under his solo project, Cutouts. The album, titled Snakeskin, is a captivating blend of shimmering synths and vocals layered over pulsating beats and bass lines. It defies easy categorization, occupying a space between synth-pop and darkwave with its unique fusion of dark and heavy elements. From the opening track “Narc” with its growling bass and driving beat, Snakeskin immediately commands attention and refuses to let go. I highly recommend it.

Check out “Narc” and “Paw of the Monkey” below for a taste.

Snakeskin is self-released and out now. It’s available digitally via Cutouts’ Bandcamp and on vinyl from Cutouts’ website. Alex only pressed 500 so don’t sleep! Enjoy.

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little oso

little oso | How Lucky To Be Somebody | 3hive.com
little oso | How Lucky To Be Somebody | 3hive.com

These are certainly challenging times, and it’s easy to get caught up in the negativity that surrounds us. I’ve been struggling with this myself, constantly dwelling on everything from political turmoil to personal uncertainties.

However, I had a surprisingly uplifting experience this morning. While driving to work, I listened to the new album, How Lucky To Be Somebody, by Portland, Maine’s little oso, and it was truly transformative. For 36 glorious minutes, the jangly guitars, dreamy vocals, and driving rhythm section swept away all my anxieties. Thank goodness for music!

little oso’s How Lucky To Be Somebody is out now via Repeating Cloud. It’s a charming* record that reminds me of bands like Camera Obscura and The Umbrellas, to name a couple. Check out one of their standout tracks, “Other People’s Lives” (below), and get your hands on this record. Enjoy.

*©samaman inc.

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Smalltalk

Smalltalk | as if | 3hive.com
Smalltalk | as if | 3hive.com

I’ve been listening to Smalltalk’s new EP as if on repeat the past few days, and it’s a nostalgic trip for me. The entire EP takes me back to the early ’90s when bands like Veruca Salt, Liz Phair, Smashing Pumpkins, and Velocity Girl were making waves. The Savannah, GA band calls their sound “griddy gaze,” which hits the nail right on the head.

Please check out “snaggletooth” below. You’ll be glad you did.

as if is out now on Candlepin Records. If you’re into physical media, Candlepin has a few cassettes left—don’t sleep! I highly recommend this EP. Enjoy.

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Prism Shores

Prism Shores | Out From Underneath | 3hive.com
Prism Shores | Out From Underneath | 3hive.com

Mark my words, Montreal’s Prism Shores are going to take the indie-pop world by storm with ten new tracks of jangly, power-pop-leaning tunes that are mingled with just enough gaze to put smirks on the faces of even the saddest of indie rockers.

Check out “Overplayed My Hand” and “Holding Pattern” below for a taste.

Their new album is called Out From Underneath and it drops on Friday 01/17/2025 via Meritorio Records. DO NOT SLEEP!