Al Menne’s debut solo album, Freak Accident, explores the uncertainty and chaos of life, inspired by their extensive driving experiences. Previously the lead singer of Seattle’s Great Grandpa, Menne now delves into songwriting after relocating to Los Angeles. At just under thirty minutes, Freak Accident is a reflective meditation on finding solace amidst life's unpredictability, with nine tracks offering comfort and insight through life’s turbulent journeys.
Los Angeles band Cartalk releases their debut album, Pass Like Pollen, hailed as an "explosive and promising debut" by Stereogum. The indie-rock, alt-country LP has already gained praise from KEXP and Buzzbands.LA for its blend of dreamy shoegaze and Americana. Cartalk's Chuck Moore describes it as capturing the aftermath of a relationship, both beautiful and painful. With a team including Sarah Tudzin and Dean Kiner, the album is a standout debut.
Daniel Brouns, originally from Turlock, CA, moved to Los Angeles in 2013 to pursue audio engineering. After landing his dream job as a mastering engineer in 2014, he decided to focus on making music, a childhood dream. In 2017, Brouns self-released his EP Boy’s Normal, reflecting on his mother’s death in 2015. After meeting Jake Tittle, the EP was re-released on Anxiety Blanket Records in 2019.