Brooklyn indie rockers San Fermin are on the eve of releasing their brand new LP titled Jackrabbit, the follow-up to their stunningly accomplished self-titled debut album.

Recorded in the midst of a year of heavy touring, Jackrabbit promises to blend the lush, pop-leaning elements that made the band so infectiously endearing, with the more manic and evolved sound of an experienced eight-piece rock ensemble.

Bandleader Ellis Ludwig-Leone wrote the record by himself from start to finish, only to find that after a year testing the songs on the road – which included shows with St. Vincent, Arctic Monkeys, a co-headlining tour with Courtney Barnett, and festival stops at Lollapalooza, Fun Fun Fun Fest, and more – the album wasn’t nearly finished.

Ellis explains, “I went from being this isolated composer guy, out in the woods, to sitting in the back of a van with seven other members playing shows in rock clubs every night. When I got back, I revisited it all, ripped these holes in the middle of all the existing songs and added some new songs. I rethought everything I had been writing.”

Now finally ready to unleash the tracks onto the world, this April 17th (Create/Control | Downtown) Jackrabbit is proving to be a must watch record of 2015. To celebrate its release, band member John Brandon has curated a mix of his favourite beautiful soundscapes, check it out below and visit www.create-control.com for more info.

Header photo credit: Gaby Alvarez.

Laura Doggett – ‘Phoenix’
Love the combination of glitchy, reversed piano sounds and dizzying synth. Laura’s deeper voice gives wonderful gravitas to the lyrics.
Mammals – ‘Depraved’
The ceaseless, whirling, synth and lonely guitar line is perfect with the vocals. Every bar is haunting.
Until the Ribbon Breaks – ‘Pressure’
I find it rare for the tune to support the lyrics as effectively as this. Too often melancholy lyrics will be paired with upbeat music, or vice versa. Sometimes that cognitive dissonance is interesting, but often I find it aggravating. “Pressure” avoids that and creates a fantastic pairing. This song has been on repeat for months now.
Indiana – ‘Shadow Flash’
Lauren has this really alluring voice I love listening to, and I really dig all the trumpet accents throughout.
Cathedrals – ‘OOO AAA’
I really dig all the tracks Cathedral has put out. This one has great energy while still managing to be melancholy. My kind of track!
Mmoths – ‘Heart’
This tune is more relaxation and less brooding. Maybe it’s the rain sample in the background, but it puts me a good place.
Disclosure – ‘You & Me’ (Flume Remix)
This is not a remix as much as it is a complete recomposition. Flume is a fantastic musician, and this is so tasteful. It was also the star of the Lacoste commercial last year.
FYFE – ‘For You’
Paul Dixon’s voice is so mesmerizing, and the soprano sax solo at the end really puts it over the top. I love the fact that it’s not just for 8 bars, but takes over the song and ends up playing it all the way out. Fantastic.
MS MR – ‘Hurricane’ (Adventure Club Remix)
This remix is so beautifully restrained. Adventure Club has the power to unleash massive synth lines, but they kept the ghostly vocals and gently pulsing bass at the forefront. Even when it explodes, it remains artistic.
Banks – ‘Beggin for Thread’
The great, dark vibes this woman creates is the reason I still haven’t been able to get into any of her live shows.
Murakami – ‘Made in Heights’
I don’t know what I enjoy most – Kelsey Bulkin’s delicate vocals, layered vocal harmonies, or the great pulse that builds throughout. A great track beginning-to-end.
Josef Salvat – ‘This Life’
Another beautifully minimalist track with a great melody.
Wet – ‘Don’t Wanna Be Your Girl’
The simplicity of this song, combined with lyrical sincerity and great melody make. Solid song writing that translates into a beautiful track.
Chet Faker – ‘I’m Into You’ (Live at WNYC)
Chet is such a skilled, soulful musician, and this live performance proves that better than any studio tracks. We opened a club show with him in Paris last year, and it was beautiful how the audience held onto every word.

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