Har-Di-Har, Hard Parent/Thick Child

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Har-di-Har, an ethereal, experimental husband-and-wife duo originally hailing from Iowa, have danced their way into the Twin Cities music scene with dreamy singles like “Once Branches” and “Move Over Forward.” They now present their ambitious new EP Hard Parent/Thick Child. Out now, the six-song EP showcases Andrew and Julie Thoreen’s enticing vocal harmonies and fluttering instrumentals. Not to mention their unconventional setup: One half of the band plays keyboard and the hands of the drum, while the other plays the guitar and the feet of the drum. Har-di-Har will release Hard Parent/Thick Child at their EP Release show at Icehouse tonight (Tuesday).

G’Beau, The Tears

The Tears, the newest effort by soul-pop singer-songwriter G’Beau (pronounced Je-Bo) and his eponymous band, is a collection of emotive, sensual soundtracks to love, life, and yes, tears. G’beau’s lyrics are personal and confessional, and the instrumentals ring with horns, snaps, and soulful bass lines. “Woman Lover Friend,” a Jackie Wilson cover, even finds G’beau hitting a Prince-esque falsetto. G’Beau will celebrate the release of The Tears at the Cabooze with a CD release show on Thursday, hosted by Ce LeFreq and accompanied by Ryan Liestman, Scarlet Haze, Ladyboi, and Richard Hennesy.

The Parlour Suite, Pressure

With danceable beats, high-energy synth, and polished vocals, the Parlour Suite’s newest EP Pressure follows the recipe for a superstar pop record. The EP’s title track finds this husband-and-wife band’s production and musicianship at an intersection of Top 40 infectiousness and indie pop knowhow, making singer Inga Roberts sound like she could easily rub elbows with Robyn or Rihanna. The Parlour Suite will celebrate the release of Pressure with Communist Daughter—friends and fans of the Robertses—at a release show at Icehouse on Saturday.

France Camp, France Camp

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Hard-rocking Minneapolis oddballs France Camp have confessed that their self-titled full-length had to be recorded twice, since the first version was saved on a MacBook that met its demise in a toilet. The second attempt, recorded at Ecstattic studios with Ali Jaafar, is safely set for release, thank goodness, and worth many raucous listens. France Camp is part surf, part punk, and part psychedelia, sprinkled with reverb and chock-full of heart-pounding percussion and riotous guitars. The band’s album release party will take place at the 7th Street Entry on December 14, with special guests Frankie Teardrop, Hollow Boys, and Teenage Moods.

Dial-Up, Cold Rinse

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A slow-burning, noisy, pop record from a unique trio of Macalester graduates, Dial-Up’s Cold Rinse, set for release on December 15, is as attractive and successful as it is weird, and as much dance as it is drone. “Tom Cruise” soars with a shoegaze refrain while, on “Shot Me,” a Bossa Nova riff mingles with near-alien vocals. Dial-Up will celebrate the release of Cold Rinse with Carroll at http://www.icehousempls.com/events/dial-up-cd-release-cold-rinse-w-carroll/" target="_blank">their CD release show at Icehouse on the 15th.

Body Omara, Body Omara

Body Omara are a trio of musicians who combine elements of diverse genres, including jazz and folk. Chief composer, songwriter, and guitarist Joseph Damman also brings a major African influence to the group’s breezy, acoustic sound. Predominantly an instrumental band, Body Omara invite Mankwe Ndosi to contribute guest vocal talent to their debut full-length, and Ndosi will also be joining them for their CD release show at Icehouse on December 16.

Jillian Rae, Heartbeat

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Jillian Rae is a familiar face on local stages, singing and playing fiddle with the Blackberry Brandy Boys and other collaborators. Heartbeat, her solo debut, is an appealing and crisply produced collection firmly in the bourgeoning Americana vein, with a pop sheen that should help it appeal to a broad audience. The album is out today, and there will be a release show on December 14 at the Cedar Cultural Center.

KT Lindemann is a senior at the University of Minnesota, Morris, pursuing studio art and Spanish. She is a native of the Twin Cities and is a wannabe musician, artist, and music writer.