Hi! Hello! Here we are with some bite sized goodies and a taste of a some new things that we dug that came out in the last week(ish), quick fire responses to some great new music we think you should check out. This week Chantal, Kate and Mike weighed in on some killer songs— give ’em a listen!
And though we can’t possibly cover all the music that is released each week (we wish!), we do get to as many songs as we can. As always, if you’re in a band or from a label, don’t hesitate to reach out and let us know about you! If we dig ya, you’ll get a nod in the column. Read on to find out what we dug the last week or so and check back every Friday for more:
Atsuko Chiba– Link. The latest track from this Montreal band is pounding, psychy (and a bit mathy in some of the guitar work) and bass driven. The accompanying video is trippy and fascinating, but best avoided if you have an insect phobia. Their new album Water, It Feels Like It’s Growing is out on Jan 20 via Mothland. [CW]
Bad Bad Hats– Super America. To celebrate the 10th anniversary of their debut EP, It Hurts, the indie greats are re-issuing the EP in full (and remastered) along with demo versions of all five songs. It will also be the first time these songs are available on vinyl. Check out the brand new animated video for “Super America” for a fix of some sweet indie pop gold. [KH]
Bass Drum of Death– Head Change. The third single from Say I Won’t, the upcoming album from the long running garage trio and this one is a mid tempo rocker, dialed back from some of their early fervent work but keeping in line with the refinement in production and style we’ve heard from the first two singles “Say Your Prayers,” and “Find It.” I’ve loved getting to know a newer side of the band and the growth as much as I love their early work, so I’m very ready to find out what the rest of the record has in store. The full album drops 1/27/23 via Fat Possum.
Brian Jonestown Massacre– Fudge. The psych greats have just announced their 20h album The Future Is Your Past (2/10/23 A Recordings), and so far have released two singles, the title track and the latest, “Fudge,” which sees the band in familiar swirly psych territory, layers of guitars weaving together. [KH]
Jess Kallen– A Garden Bed of Thistle Weeds. This country-tinged indie rock song uses layers of guitars to carry Kallen’s voice along with ease, and then opens up into a louder mode—just briefly, before hitting a lovely subdued end. Their debut album isn’t planned until 2023 (via New Professor), but this is a great preview. [CW]
Jigsaw Youth– Skin. With walls of fuzz and a full distortion onslaught, the Staten Island trio pulls the heaviest of right hooks on that pay-off southpaw chorus. Ducking between belly growls and guttural screams, at one point Nastacha Beck’s guitar goes full on crunch-metal while Maria Alvarez (bass/vocals) and Alex Dmytrow (drums) bring down the thunder on rhythm. I’ve been a huge fan of this band since first catching them play a Brooklyn basement back in 2017—this is the hugest they’ve ever sounded, and I’m here for it. Catch them opening for Sasami on 12/12 at Baby’s All Right. [MB]
Los Bitchos– Los Chrismos. This cheeky UK based foursome recently released a holiday themed single and now have added a ridiculous 80s themed music video to enhance the holiday cheer. Read more about it here. [KH]
Mui Zyu– Rotten Bun. Hong Kong British artist Eva Liu aka mui zyu has announced her debut album Rotten Bun for an Eggless Century (2/24 Father/Daughter) and released the beautiful piano driven title track. Via her Bandcamp:
“As mui zyu, Hong Kong British artist Eva Liu navigates the tricky territory of ever-changing identity, merging fantasy and folklore to create a stage for self-acceptance and deliverance. On her debut full-length Rotten Bun for an Eggless Century, Liu utilizes chopped-up soundscapes, delicate industrial ambience and sweet pop melodies to introduce a character––a guide––who can be stretched across worlds to offer the catharsis of patience, perseverance and understanding. This isn’t a character formed from a desire to escape or flee the real world, but rather a way to submerge even deeper into ourselves. Rotten Bun for an Eggless Century is a reflection of everyone, and everything, that made us who we are.” [KH]
The Natural Lines– Monotony. The latest from Matt Pond (fka Matt Pond PA) this sees him evolving and building upon his existing body of work. Read more here. [KH]
Nicole Dollanganger– Runnin’ Free. This single is in fact a reworking of a demo from the Heart Shaped Bed era. The newest version features more layers of Dollanganger’s ethereal voice while piano takes the lead from the guitars. At once more delicate and with a harder pulse, it’s an interesting reworking. Her still untitled album will be out January 6th. [CW]
Omer Leibovitz– Wide Open Feeling. Another beautifully executed track by the Brooklyn songwriter. It’s that masterful understanding of melody and sound that we’ve come to expect from Leibovitz, only this time leveled up in intensity with a blend of distorted guitars overdriven just to the point where you can hear its broken bits. And lyrically, he once again again make no qualms about exposing his broken bits. [MB]
Sad 13– Wrapped. Sadie DuPuis’ annual holiday song is here and this one takes a critical poke at year end lists with a sharply worded look at the culture that has arisen around this now deeply ingrained aspect of the music industry. There are no words minced with the line “If it’s not the list, why’d you bother with listening?” the sarcasm dripping off of each word. And I’m inclined to agree with the sentiment because so much that never makes a major list still matters, very deeply, but gets lost in the shuffle of the popularity contest. It all begs the question, why not just listen to what you love and forget the lists?!
(That being said, FTA does participate in the tradition because it can be fun and I like to check out stuff from smaller outlets because you can find some real gems that way, but we don’t rank our list nor do we present one as an entity or “Best of.” Rather we list ours as a “favorites” with each individual contributor sending their own as a snapshot of what they loved over the year. My personal one will be alphabetical this year to avoid a hierarchy like structure. What can I say? It’s the punk rock in me.) [KH]
Slow Fiction– Top 10 Movie Scenes. Take 1, take 2. The arty Brooklyn indie rockers drop the first single marked for their upcoming 2023 self-titled EP. This track is pure sweet melancholy to the point you can feel the emotion dripping from every instrument. The bass weeps over the somber heartbeat, giving way for the guitars and vocals to ebb and then soar. Just allow yourself to be swept up, because they’ve got a hold on you anyway. [MB]
Tropical Fuck Storm– The Golden Ratio. The art punks from Down Under have just announced a new 12″ and amazingly started beef with Zayn Malik in the process (maybe). Grab your popcorn and read more here. [KH]
Weird Nightmare– Our Love Will Still Be There (Troggs cover). Alex Edkins’ (Metz) side project, Weird Nightmare, has released a fuzzy power pop version of the 1966 song by The Troggs. The original appears on The Troggs debut album, From Nowhere, the same album that brought us the cool classic “Wild Thing.” Listen to both versions below. [KH]
Zulu– Fakin’ Tha Funk (You Get Did). The epic LA based powerviolence band has announced their first full length, A New Tomorrow, and released the first single which follows their two previous EPs. At just over a minute long, the song is a heavy crusher and will vibrate your skull through your headphones (in all the best ways). The album arrives 3/3/23 via Flatspot and will feature guest spots from Pierce Jordan (Soul Glo), Paris Roberts (Truth Cult), and Obioma Ugonna (Playtime). They will head out on tour in support of the record with Show Me The Body, the tour hits Brooklyn Steel on 3/24/23. [KH]
Hello and welcome to FTA’s list of what we are excited for this Bandcamp Friday, aka every music nerds favorite day! A bunch of us weighed in on what we’ve been into lately and we’ve got plenty of goodies old and new for you to dig into over a wide range of genres. But don’t take our word for it, dive into these tracks/albums and judge for yourself. Feel free to let us know what you think and tell us your suggestions.
It’s the last BC Friday of the year and we’ve had a bunch of great lists over the last several months which you can check out for plenty of inspiration on variety of tunes for you to explore. Check them out here: April, May, June, September, October and November.
Kate Hoos- Editor In Chief
Feces– Black Mold. Need a little sludge in your life? Then Feces has you covered with Black Mold, their 2019 EP that perfectly blends noise, sludge and grunge. Gross bodily secretions and hazards to breathing aside, this is some Bleach era shit and I can most definitely get behind that. (One of Kurt Cobain’s early pre-Nirvana bands was called Fecal Matter, so it tracks influence wise.) My favorite track is the closer, “Brown Cloud,” it’ll dig right inside your brain with its mesmerizing Sting Ray bass line and gang vocals. It may or may not also be about shit (but true to form, the lyrics are muddy and my old battered ear drums can’t quite make them out).
Rotten Blossom– Let’s Hang Out.I hate you! You’re so mean! Piece of shit! You’re so mean! We are heading into the winter months and I live in NYC so those two things right there are making me extra cranky lately. But all you really need to make you feel better when you’re cold and packed in like sardines in a subway car is some bratty fucking punk rock. This now defunct band (I think anyway) from Honolulu has that in spades, blending riot grrrl attitude with zippy hardcore shreds and I’m here for it.
Teen Mortgage– Life/Death. The riffs are heavy and hypnotic, and pack more than a healthy dose of grungey surfy psych which for me, has been a huge theme for my 2022. This 5 song EP was released in 2019 and the band recently released a new single so hopefully more new tuneage is on the horizon for them soon.
Billy Faith- Contributing Writer
Aaron West and the Roaring Twenties– We Don’t Have Each Other. Wonder Years vocalist Dan Campbell’s side project, a concept band. This first album begins the fictional story of lead singer West, with lyrics as detailed and potent as a novel and emo folk music that sounds like it’s coming out of a small, bare apartment across from the Neutral Milk Hotel.
Annalibera– Nevermind I Love You. In this dark debut from the Des Moines band, Anna Gebhardt and company combine influences ranging from shoegaze to 90s electro pop, and Americana church music to Enya, creating a midwest indie rock appropriate for sitting in the pitch black fields of Iowa at night, seeing the blinking lights of the windmills in unison that look like an alien invasion.
Kero Kero Bonito– Bonito Graduation. On the second album by the pop trio, they streamline their J-Pop and hyper pop influences to create a one of the most stunning, well produced, and re-listenable pop albums in recent memory, all while providing subtle tongue and cheek criticism of collegiate and post-grad society. Add in the lyrics in both English and Japanese and you have an album that is truly unlike anything else.
Scratchy Blanket– Something For Everyone. Shannon Keating fronts the Pittsburgh band whose infectious emo indie guitar pop perfectly invokes the feeling of being in the room depicted on the album cover, complete with sleeping cat and all.
Diskette Park– Hypomnesia. 80’s influenced synthwave, perfect for neon lights and night driving. Get it on cassette!
Lil Sluggers– Bells Below. Billing themselves as “theatrical art rock” this album has more than a little alt-country flair, and is a rollicking good time.
Psyche– All Things Pass Into The Night. This 10th anniversary edition of the original EP from the legendary band includes new tracks and remixes and will have all the goths dancing in the club.
Kate Bell- Contributing Writer
Big Joanie– Back Home. If you don’t know about the Black feminist punk band Big Joanie, it’s time to get acquainted. Released last month on Kill Rock Stars, Back Home is their first full-length release since 2018’s Sistahs (which is also fantastic). This superstar trio has been rocking the London DIY scene since 2013, and they will be on tour in the United States this spring. I got my tickets already for their show at Union Pool, and I suggest you do the same.
Smiling Beth– A Piano Walks Home Alone at Night. My band had the pleasure of sharing a stage with Smiling Beth a couple of weeks ago, and she was so original and refreshing. Beautiful voice, rippling keys and electronic looping, and Bjork-esque experimental energy. Jean Delkaste (aka Smiling Beth) recently moved to NYC from LA, and right now is playing solo (she formerly had a full band back in California). This avant-goth gay piano demon is truly unique.
Savak– Human Error/Human Delight. The same night I discovered Smiling Beth, I also finally got to see Savak live! These indie rock heavy hitters released a new album, Human Error/Human Delight, in April of this year, and later this month will release Error/Delight which features remixes of the album created by other musicians (such as Mogwai and Dan Friel).
Weeping Icon– Ocelli. I was among the fortunate to be at the EP release show that Weeping Icon played at Alphaville a couple of weeks ago (see my review) Ocelli builds on the band’s exciting first self-titled release from 2019, and brings more of their pleasing political noise punk. You can check out Mike Borchardt’s FTA review of Ocellihere.
Kevin McGann- Contributing Photographer
Disq– Desperately Imagining Someplace Quiet. Recently covered by FTA at their Baby’s All Right gig (see pics), this Wisconsin based band expands on their 2020 debut album. Whether its strumming along to a 60’s sounding pop jam, or rocking out to a 90’s indie vibe, or throwing some electronics/sound effects into the mix, Desperately Imagining finds Disq pushing themselves further and the album is all the better for it.
Jockstrap– I Love You Jennifer B. Fun, eclectic, dizzying (in the best way) debut by UK duo Jockstrap. Fellow music/theater graduates, Georgia Ellery and Taylor Skye, bring the drama on a diverse set of tracks that at times recall Bjork’s body of work which can waiver between accessible and inaccessible and sometimes within the same track.
Sorry – Anywhere But Here. North London’s Sorry released their sophomore album last month. “Tell Me” is a standout— it’s a stark look at post-breakups and builds from its quiet intro to a densely layered conclusion between guitar, synth, and vocal trade-off between Asha Lorenz and Louis O’Bryen. Where Human League was exuberantly asking “Don’t you want me, baby?” nearly 40 years ago, Sorry’s response is a more despondent, “Tell me where the sun will go down, I’ve been standing here on my own.”
Mike Borchardt- Contributing Writer
Dead Stars– Their entire catalog. The band is back. Maybe? We think. The fuzz rockers just played a show at the new Main Drag (see our coverage) which was their first time together on stage since before the pandemic. We hope this means there’s new stuff down the pike, but for now binge on their entire back catalog which is bursting catchy grunge-pop goodies.
Dead Tooth– Sporty Boy.Trash Casual heroes’ frantic ripper of a track to follow up their “Pig Pile” masterpiece from earlier this year. Read my full review here.
LaPeche– Blood in the Water. We recently covered their new single “Slight” (read here) but their 2021 LP Blood in the Water from New Granada Records is a nearly perfect record and spends a lot of time on our turntable at home.
Nevva– Fer Sher. One of our favorite records by one of our favorite bands. This punk rock trio slaps. Slaps hard. Nevva 4 eva!!
sock jock– anothernovember. The latest release from Totally Real Records is an indie rock gem and a beautiful piece of music. Read my full review here.
Fritz– Pastel. I recall when I first heard Pastel back in February 2021, thinking that I had discovered my first top ten album of the year (2021). A coming of age album by a 20 year old female from Newcastle, the lyric content theoretically shouldn’t have resonated with this old New York dude at all, but sonically, from the opening reverb heavy guitar strumming and the pounding thumping of the drums on “Sweetie,” I was immediately hooked.
The album is shoegazey but not quite shoegaze. It’s also dream poppy but likewise, not quite. I’m not sure if it was done on purpose but Tilly Murphy’s (FRITZ is pretty much her project) vocals are presented way low in the mix which I kind of like about the album, being as I said earlier, its the music and instrumentation which I truly love about this album anyway.
Unfortunately we haven’t gotten any new material from FRITZ in 2022, nor have we been blessed with them visiting our shores. But with that being said, Pastel has crushed the test of time and still more than stands up after almost 2 years of enjoyment.
Ghum– Bitter. GHUM hails from London and Bitter is their debut full length. Having released a pair of EP’s, The Coldest Fire and GHUM prior to pandemic, the subsequent lockdown didn’t do these women any favors in terms of getting their name out there. What it did was allow them to seriously hone their craft and sound. Bitter is, to say the least, a massive album. Massive in sonic terms not necessarily size, clocking in at just under 40 minutes. Lead vocalist, Laura Guerrero reminds me of PJ Harvey from the early 90’s. Originally from Spain she alternates singing in both English and Spanish. She also, stylistically, brings to mind a little bit of Jehnny Beth from the first Savages album. And as long as I’m bringing up Savages, this band reminds me a lot of that Savages feel. Upon first listen, the dark, subversive grit which I originally felt with Silence Yourself is exactly what I felt while listening to a song like “Shallow” from this LP. With its swirling guitar lines cascading into a whirlwind of angst, guitarist JoJo Khor emits a direct throwback to the understated yet mesmerizing melodic noodling which we came to love from Gemma Thompson.
One other thing, as I was listening to Bitter, I found myself turning up the volume on every song to the point that I was maxed out by the time it was over. It’s one of those albums which you wish you had an 11 on your volume control for.
Looking for a good show in NYC? Well here you go! We’ve got a nice big list of what is going on this week, shows that we are excited about and want you to know about too, with plenty of live music from the local scene and national acts at bigger venues to choose from. This list is brought to you by our EIC Hoos along with our indefatigable live correspondent, Mike Borchardt (of the band Nihiloceros) who is in touch with the local Brooklyn/etc scene like no other. And we’ve got a sprinkling of live photos to get you in the mood for your show of choice too. Check back every Monday for updated listings on what is good for the week to come!
Hi! Hello! Here we are with some bite sized goodies and a taste of a some new things that we dug that came out in the last week(ish), quick fire responses to some great new music we think you should check out. This week was a little on the lighter side but still some sweet new tunes to check out, Chantal and Kate have the scoop on those below.
And though we can’t possibly cover all the music that is released each week (we wish!), we do get to as many songs as we can. As always, if you’re in a band or from a label, don’t hesitate to reach out and let us know about you! If we dig ya, you’ll get a nod in the column. Read on to find out what we dug the last week or so and check back every Friday for more:
Gibbons– Fuck Around And Find Out. Brand new music from the best pop punk duo you’ve probably never heard of (but really should have on your radar). It’s their first new music since their 2019 self titled debut EP, and it’s a zippy burst of saccharin angst with singer/guitarist Rachel Alicea laying her feelings of trying—and the warning to give her space to do so—out on the line. Her plaintive voice is the quintessential sound of the genre and pairs perfectly with her goddamn catchy as hell guitar work, the breakdown at the end of the song will make you bang your head and feel hope in the angst all at the same time.
Backed by her longtime partner in crime, drummer Wes Ruiz, who provides punchy, energetic drums, the pair are locked in and the sound is full. Sure it’s still DIY at its heart, but a big step up production wise from their previous work thanks in part to up and coming engineer/producer, Eamon McMullen, who has been making a name, and his mark, in the local Brooklyn scene. This is a one off single for now, but here’s hoping we hear more from this dynamic pop punk duo in the very near future. [KH]
High Waisted– Tan Lines. The self described “shit talking surf pop” band has a brand new groovy bossa nova to keep you warm and dreaming of summer right as the freeze of winter is starting to tighten its icy grip on us. The surfy guitar licks and sax mixed with the lush and dreamy vocals will keep you company during the cold season and have you more than ready to pour fruity oceanside cocktails at Rockaway Beach by time the city has thawed out. [KH]
Joe Rainey– once the reaper/d.m.ii. The Ojibwe Pow Wow artist has released a captivating new double single as part of the Psychic Hotline Singles Series. These new songs build off of the work of his beautiful debut album released earlier this year, Niineta. Like the album, the song blends traditional Pow Wow singing with electronic music and percussion along with samples and field recordings for a layered and emotional journey that will stop you in your tracks.
Via Bandcamp he shares that the new music is “Entering new sonic territory,” and “unleashes a vocal barrage over storming percussion, spectral vocal samples and unrelenting kick drum patterns provided by producer Andrew Broder. ‘once the reaper’ is a song of defiance, about confronting grief head-on, about fiercely guarding the memory of relatives taken too soon.” Rainey elaborated further via a press release saying “‘once the reaper’ means when the reaper comes for me, who knows if I’ll have a chance to punch him for the people he took too soon.”
“Joe is kicking down the doors, closed for too long to Native artists in America and demanding new space be made for Pow Wow singing- in the same conversation as any other modern music. He insists that his culture not be thoughtlessly shoved in the ‘World Music’ bin, not be relegated to the past, to be admired behind glass or in halls of academia-but blaring out of car windows, in the earbuds of a kid on the basketball court, and in dimly lit concert venues, rattling the subs.
Joe is not telling ancient stories – he is telling modern stories that often go unheard. It’s impossible not to hear this.”
Miriam Clancy–Head Like A Hole. This slice of indie rock has an eye turned toward the dichotomy of “our codependency with the internet:” all the knowledge of the word is at our fingertips, but is information overload killing us? I’m a big fan of all the gorgeous guitar tones on this one. Her full length Black Heart is out on January 20th; catch her in Brooklyn 12/29 at Pete’s Candy Store. [CW]
Quasi– Doomscrollers. The long running Portland duo are set to release their first album in nearly ten years, Breaking the Balls of History, and for the second single have released their sardonic take on the one thing everyone (justifiably) loves to hate (yet still does, myself included), doomscrolling. Mid tempo drums and ominous organ perfectly fit the mood of the song, with a chorus that everyone will relate to “Everybody baking bread, doomscrolling going out of their head.” The song is paired with a music video directed by B.A. Miale and features the band being driven around the various chaos of “the timeline” in a pickup truck (complete with “keep on trucking” plates) by a grim reaper like character. Breaking the Balls of History will release in full on 2/10/23 via SubPop. The duo play NYC at TV Eye on 3/16/23.
Skinny Pelembe– Like A Heart Won’t Beat. The dynamic, genre defying artist has just signed to Partisan Records and released his first single for the label (a new album is due next year). It blends gauzy soul and fuzzy rock for a song that will immediately having you hitting repeat as soon as it finishes, an intriguing peak into what is to come with the new record. [KH]
triton– orchids. The third single from the upcoming Geoff Rickly produced album, Sundown in Oaktown, features contributions from members of Thursday and MCR who leave their mark on the song which is a chill indie vibe with a nice laid back emo undercurrent. Songwriter Scott Murphy shares “This song started out as a kinda delicate acoustic song with just a little kiss of synth,” says Murphy. “Geoff (Rickly) had suggested making it a high-point of the record, the apex of a build of energy. We talked about making it big, and sounding more blown-out. With that in mind, I sent it off to Tim (Payne)and Jarrod (Alexander) to do their things on it.” Sundown in Oaktown will release in full on 1/27/23 and is available for pre-order now [KH]
LA based singer/songwriter/producer Rozzi treated her NYC fans to an intimate live show last week to celebrate the release of Berry (Deluxe) which combines the songs from her previous EPs, Berry and Hymn For Tomorrow, and sees her continuing her impressive string of collaborations with contributions from legendary producer/composer Nile Rodgers, as well as PJ Morton, and Scott Hoying. These come after previous work with Maroon 5 and Kendrick Lamar among others. Rozzi also recently shared the stage with Haim and Sheryl Crow, making for a busy 2022!
The album comes an additional four songs including a stirring rendition of the Alanis Morissette classic “Hand In My Pocket.” On her version of the song Rozzi shares “I feel like we need this song right now—I certainly need it. With the pervasive darkness of the times we’re living in, I’ve been craving a little 90’s optimism. I’ve wanted to feel like everything really will be “quite alright.” Beyond that, Alanis Morissette is a guiding light for me as an artist. Like her, I strive for extreme vulnerability and honesty in my lyrics. I’m doing my best to follow in her footsteps and I wanted to pay respects to that.”
For the live show, the audience was treated to a wonderful performance which saw her playing songs from the album with her full backing band, who she shares a close bond with, thanking them often, making the love in the room feel palpable. The band also included a last minute additional backup singer that was found the day before and impressively learned the set in a day after her previous backup singer couldn’t make it due to illness. Rozzi showed off her range and great control of her voice going from really soft and subtle one minute and then a full out soulful belting the next, delighting her devoted fans who she also very graciously thanked more than once. Her love for her band and her fans being obvious and genuine only added to the magic of the night.
Whatever Mike opened the show with a set that featured a blend of pop, R&B, dance, and socially conscious lyrics.
Check out our recent Q&A with Rozzi where she talks about her new music, her creative process and her career.
Scroll down for pics of the show (photos by Kevin McGann)
