For garage rock lovers who dig 1970s classic guitar rock with plenty of slow jams - meaning longer songs - the brand new release from Weird Owl is worth checking out.

On the whole, there are some solid rock songs on this album, but Weird Owl would do even better to instill more variation in their songs. Hopefully the next release will see Weird Owl step it up and break out more. They have the elements to make more captivating rock like The White Stripes and The Strokes.

As one EMusic observer put it, there is "much needed personality to the sleepy locomotion of the songs." That quote hits it on the head. But still, this is a decent debut rock album for music lovers inclined to a chilled out experience heavy on electric ooze.

"Do What Th' Owl Wilt" - Weird Owl from self-titled debut
"Skeletelepathic" - Weird Owl from self-titled debut

Stream more songs at Weird Owl's MySpace page. *

* Just a minor note to the band: The page background color makes it really hard to read stuff.

Other posts this week:

New Indie Rock Songs from Throw Me The Statue and Papercuts - 2/20/09
More Best Indie Albums of 2008: Person Pitch by Panda Bear - 2/19/09
M. Ward's New Release 'Hold Time' - 2/18/09
Laura Gibson Artist Profile and Upcoming Release - 2/16/09...plus, new releases from Ben Kweller, Bishop Allen and The Decemberists (2/12/09).

Labels: 2009 Releases, Alternative Rock, Weird Owl

Brooklyn's New Villager caught attention recently by performing with High Places and are set to release their new 7 inch. Take a listen.

"Rich Doors" - New Villager

Pre-order the Rich Doors 7" at twosyllable Records via their MySpace page.

The Sea Lions, out of Oxnard, California, north of Los Angeles, dish out fast and excited dance-pop. Check out their debut new single from YAY! Records.

"Beautiful Day" - The Sea Lions

Fans of Suburban Kids with Biblical Names, especially their album 3, and now the band is back with a new EP titled 1999. Hey guys, you can do better, but sharing with SKWBN fans and the curious anyways.

"1999" - SKWBN from 3

Labels: 2009 Releases, New Releases, New Villager, The Sea Lions