As far as independent punk labels go, Slumberland Records can
pretty much do no wrong. In its 20-year run of putting out awesome
records by bands like the Swirlies, Black Tambourine, and
the Aislers Set, the label has acted as a premier outlet for
reverb-soaked, lo-fi, alternately sunshiney and saddo bedroom pop. That
sound has made a major resurgence in the past year, and, appropriately,
the label is back at the forefront of things following a five-year
hiatus, resuming a regular release schedule with new records by
indie-pop acts such as the Pains of Being Pure at Heart,
Crystal Stilts, and Cause Co-Motion!
With this week’s release of Songs for Tuesdays, the debut LP
from Melbourne, Australia’s Summer Cats, Slumberland continues
its nefarious plan to take over your stereo. It’s winter in the band’s
hometown, but true to their name, Summer Cats sound like they’ve never
been cold in their lives. Songs for Tuesdays is packed full of
skuzzy guitars, straightforward drums, and jacked-up keyboards in
service of poppy, fun-bent tracks perfect for rocking a basement on a
Friday night. As luck would have it, the band are bringing their
shining faces to Seattle’s New Crompton this Friday, July 17, and if
their live show feels anything like their album sounds, wear your
sunblock, ’cause shit’s going to be HOT. 
Fri July 17: Fighter X, Circles, Kids Get Hit by
Buses, SeanBad at KTUB, 7:30 pm, $6.
Fri July 17: Made in Mexico, Magick Daggers,
Shearing Pinx, the Last Slice of Butter at the Black Lodge, 9 pm,
$5.
Fri July 17: Summer Cats, the Tartans at New
Crompton, 8 pm, donation.
Sat July 18: If I Were a Gladiator, Fester in
Exile, Annulus, Morkt Hav at KTUB, 7:30 pm, $6.
Wed July 22: Whitney Ballen, the Medication, Ian
Lowery at the Old Fire House, 6 pm, free.