Since 2007, garage-pop quartet The Hugs have radiated nothing but sheer entrancing energy. Sometimes more on the rocking side, sometimes more on the power-pop side, The Hugs have never ceased to embed a sense of angst in their tracks despite their affectionate name. And now, on the day truly meant for love in a calendrical sense, The Hugs are sharing some new tunes with just as loving of an air.

Sure, the band have touched on romantic notes before, but this Valentine's Day release sees the band occupying more of a sweet realm with their new EP New Utopia, manifesting amorous undertones through a more tender, dreamy synth-pop that's just as indelible as songs the before it. It's the perfect triad of love-themed tracks from one of your favorite bands, and it couldn't have come on a better day.

Listen to all three of New Utopia's tracks below, accompanied by their saccharine video for "L.A.H.L.I.T (Look At How Long It Took)" below.

Good pop punk seems to be hard to find nowadays. Our remembrances of the genre call us back to a late 90's, early 2000's period where a particular innocence was captured in the chaos of bouncing about. 

Thankfully, local trio the Toads exist to make sure pop punk isn't dead. Their new EP Always Be Nice, due out tomorrow, showcases that.

From its opening title track to the garage tinged and vengeful "I Don't Get Hungover (I Get Even)" rounding it out, it's solid enough to make us crave more.

Join the Toads tomorrow at the Firkin Tavern for the Always Be Nice EP release show, along with CASTLES and Kings & Vagabonds and then again on the 29th for a pre-Halloween party with the Hugs and Stunning Rayguns at the Kenton Club. There are the last two shows with drummer Mitch Gonzales, so come see him off properly!

The Hugs have just released a video to accompany “Let It Go”, a calm and reflective song that explores the emotions that surface as a relationship comes to a close. The video, directed by Sean Allen, features images of the shores on the Willamette beneath an overcast sky that mirror the intonations of vocalist Danny Delegato’s voice as he recites and sings his lyrical content into the camera. Watch the video below and be sure to listen to The Hugs latest album, Love Led You Here, on bandcamp. - Benjamin Toledo

 The psychedelic garage gods, The Hugs are set to release another full legnth album Love Led You Here. The thrashing guitar riffs and spacey vocals that define their sound is as prevelent as the amount of work and effort put into this. The physchedelic element has come a long way and took the uniqueness of The Hugs sound to a new plateau. Although the album does not officially release until July 30th, you can stream here for a Deli exclusive. - Colin Hudson

The Hugs are showing off their spacey side with the new single off their forthcoming record, titled “Magnify.” Layers of psychedelic tones, driving rhythms and a bright lead guitar blend together to showcase the next step in the evolution of these local garage-pop favorites. Listen to the song (available for download on July 16th) below and get ready for the new album, Love Led You Here, out July 30th. - Benjamin Toledo