Tuneyards, Beirut, Jetstream Pony + more | Brave New Brief

06.29.25 How big is the rainbow?

Per my last email, I am reporting back on a slew of recent music outings. Just Like Heaven fest was a Winner 🏆 — the layout and scheduling gave it a rare-for-the-U.S., almost Euro-festival vibe. Rilo Kiley was a major highlight. I was pleasantly shocked by how many fans they’ve gathered since disbanding in 2011-ish — at least 4x the audience size I ever saw back in the day. But truth be told, Vampire Weekend stole the show at the end ❤️ ! I did miss Yo La Tengo at the Novo (still stings a little), but Hurray For The Riff Raff at Pappy & Harriet’s was well worth the 6-hour round trip. A little antique shopping in Riverside on the way didn’t hurt either!

Valerie June made June — see what I did there — especially festive with a dazzling show at The Fonda. It was my first time seeing her live, and she 1000% delivered. So talented, so charming. Even my husband walked out a super-fan — and trust me, he’s a tough crowd.

I closed out the month with a family trip to Yosemite. I hadn’t been as a grown-up, and yes, it’s just as jaw-droppingly beautiful as everyone says. I felt wildly lucky — and totally humbled — to spend a week in all that natural glory.

Which brings me, quite naturally, to the latest batch of beauty battling for space in my headphones. Let the obsession begin.

~tricia

Supergroup quiz: Wedding Present x Popguns x Trembling Blue Stars = what band …

Jetstream Pony “Bowerbirds and Blue Things”
https://album.link/bnw115
If you miss the 90s its right here for you.

Who is dreaming of a future where *every* person is respected and considered …

Tuneyards “Better Dreaming”
Unsurprisingly, its astonishing. Poetess extraordinaire.
https://album.link/bnw119

Which album was created as a soundtrack for a Swedish circus …

Beirut "A Study Of Losses"
Meditative, addicting, beguiling.
https://album.link/bnw121

Who counts Billy Bragg as one of her biggest fans …

Billy Nomates “Metalhorse”
She somehow mixes Fleetwood Mac, PJ Harvey, and Lucinda Williams vibes into a delicious stew
https://album.link/bnw116

My ride or die for July …

Shamir "Ten"
After the first listen I couldn’t live without it. Authentic and unique.
https://album.link/bnw118

Who wrote their debut album during an adrenaline-fueled U.S. tour …

HotWax “Hot Shock”
Back to basics. Not a keyboard in sight.
https://album.link/bnw117

Meet the latest buzz band from Future Classic …

Freak Slug “I Blow Out Big Candles”
In a word: vital. Girls rock!
(It’s a 2024 release, but I’m claiming it for 2025. Time is fake anyway.)
https://album.link/bnw120

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