You're used to hearing great new music on OpenAir and this week is no exception. Stay tuned to OpenAir, new music from Colorado Public Radio, to hear the latest from Mikal Cronin, She & Him, and The Rouge
Mikal Cronin – MCII
Multi-instrumentalist Mikal Cronin follows up his 2011 self-titled album with his sophomore LP MCII, his first for Merge Records. Combining summery surf rock hooks with jangly acoustic instrumentation, Cronin creates a sound that’s simultaneously familiar yet immediate. A feel-good album that’s sure to be a poolside favorite in the coming months, MCII also features friend and frequent collaborator Ty Segall on “Am I Wrong” and “I’m Done Running from You.”
Highlight track: “Am I Wrong”
She & Him– Volume 3
M. Ward and Zooey Deschanel are back with the third volume in their ongoing She & Him project, out on May 7th on Merge Records. With the exception of three covers, all the songs on this album were penned by Deschanel, who was introduced to M. Ward on the set of the 2007 film The Go-Getter. Continuing the signature sound heard on their previous two installments, Volume Three offers more of the same adorable, infectious pop we’ve come to know from these two.
Highlight track – “I’ve Got Your Number, Son”
The Rouge - Blurry
The Rouge return with their Blurry EP, their first outing for the Atlantic label. Produced by Adam Landry and Justin Collins who have worked with the likes of Deer Tick, Those Darlins, and Daniel Ellsworth, the EP was recorded and mixed entirely with vintage analog equipment, complementing their stripped-down, rootsy sound. Though the once-local group now lives in Nashville, they still pay homage to their old stomping ground, name-checking Denver restaurant Sputnik in their song “Hand Cuffs.”
Highlight track – “Hand Cuffs”
