New Music Monday: Sea Wolf, Soft Pack and Ariel Pink

This is the all LOCAL addition of new music Monday. (Ok, I’m cheating a little with TheSoft Pack, who are from San Diego, but since you can hear KCRW there, I decided it counts!)

The Soft Pack — Saratoga

I first saw The Soft Pack playing in someone’s backyard garage which is pretty appropriate since their music is definitely garage rock, but with a melodic touch that makes it easy on the ears. We got a preview of their new tunes when they played the Hammer Museum’s “Also I Like to Rock” series last year and now we finally have the first single off their album “Strapped”, which will be out September 25 on the Mexican Summer label. They’ll be playing FYF Fest over Labor Day weekend.

Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti – Only in My Dreams

Ariel Pink is really getting me excited for their new full length “Mature Themes” because their latest single is dreamy pop perfection with jangly guitars. A super sweet romantic ditty that manages not to be saccharine. Their debut single “Baby” has been on regular rotation and I’m ready to add this one too.

The latest from Sea Wolf shows a songwriter who has been honing his craft. It’s in the same folk-pop vein of his previous work but it seems more…direct. It’s a lovely song that is already getting regular airplay on the station. Sea Wolf plays at the Skirball Cultural Center on Friday night if you want to see it live (KCRW’s Anthony Valadez will also be doing a DJ set). The new album is called “Old World Romance” and will be out September 11.

Old Friend by Sea Wolf

RR