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)
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 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:
Black Belt Eagle Scout– My Blood Runs Through This Land. Black Belt Eagle Scout is the project of Swinomish, Indian Tribal Community-based multi-instrumentalist Katherine Paul and follows the recent single, “Don’t Give Up.” This stunning track builds upon that first song and leads us further on Paul’s journey, the gauzy vocals the perfect counter point to the grit of the guitars. Both songs are part of the just announced The Land, The Water, The Sky (2/10/23 Saddle Creek) which she calls a “love letter to Indigenous strength and healing, and a story of hope,” adding that she created the album “to record and reflect upon my journey back to my homelands and the challenges and the happiness it brought.” [KH]
Chat Pile– Tenkiller. The heavy Oklahoma band and noted cinephiles have released the soundtrack to a new film Tenkiller which also features the band’s very own Raygun Busch. This follows their own album God’s Country and will see the band enter some experimental territory for them on which they note: “The music we made for Tenkiller is quite a bit different than what you may come to expect from us. We were given the freedom to really experiment and explore territories that we’ve never done before.” Adding “It’s not going to be for everyone, but we hope some of you connect with what we set out to do.” [KH]
Death Valley Girls– What Are The Odds. The groovy LA garage foursome have announced a brand new album Islands in the Sky (2/24/23 Suicide Squeeze) and released the infectious first single “What Are The Odds.” Singer/guitarist Bonnie Bloomgarden elaborated on the track saying: “When we wrote ‘I’m A Man Too’ we were trying to revisit No Doubt’s ‘I’m Just A Girl’ but through a new lens. ‘What Are The Odds’ is in the same way an investigation /revisitation of Madonna’s ‘Material Girl’ but with a DVG spin. We love to think about consciousness, and existence, and we very much believe in some type of reincarnation, but also that this experience isn’t linear, there isn’t a past and future, there’s something else going on! What is it? Is it a simulation, are we simulated girls??!” We are definitely intrigued to hear what else lies in store on the new album. Check out our coverage of their recent TV Eye show. [KH]
Fake Names– Delete Myself. Fake Names is the super group of supergroups with the members coming together after stints in legendary groups like The Refused, Bad Religion, Minor Threat, International Noise Conspiracy, Embrace, Girls Against Boys, and Fugazi (and that’s not even all of them) which is one hell of a pedigree! Their newest release “Delete Myself,” is a speedy little post-punk tune that shows off the band’s great power pop sensibilities, with guitarist Brian Baker saying “In general, Dennis [Lyxzén] writes about revolution, and Michael [Hampton] and I write pop songs. I’m amazed at how it works, but somehow it strikes the right balance of salty and sweet.”
This song is the first single from their just announced second album, Expendables, due out 3/3/23 (Epitaph). The band will embark on a short tour in April to support the album, making a stop at TV Eye on 4/14. [MB]
Fucked Up– Found. The second single from One Day, the upcoming album by the epic hardcore greats, this one confronts the negative legacy of colonization and the poison of modern day gentrification head on. Read more about it here. [KH]
Guts Club– The Gun Collector. Bring on the fuckin doom! That’s exactly what the doom gaze trio has done yet again, with another 10 minute opus full of the relentlessness that makes this band so great. This second single from their upcoming album Cliffs/Walls builds directly from the previously released title track and leads us through another winding maze of anguish and emotion with walls of swelling feedback pummeling you from all sides. Indeed, the work feels like a cohesive statement and not just a group of songs lumped together. The band elaborated on their Bandcamp saying the album was “recorded live in (mostly) one take. The music is very intuitive and we hoped a live recording would better reflect that primitive intensity rather than multi-tracked studio magic.”
Via a press release the band additionally said the song is “a reflection on grief and how we navigate a world overflowing with extreme loss and devastation. Intensely crushing, yet strangely mediative, the track is a refreshing take on the doom genre” and I’m inclined to agree. There’s a nuance and grace here that is not always present in many doom songs, but Guts Club effortlessly pulls it off while remaining true to the heavy, dirge-like roots of the genre. [KH]
H. Hawkline– Milk For Flowers. The project of Welsh song writer Huw Evans (and frequent Aldous Harding/Cate LeBon collaborator) has announced a new album, Milk For Flowers, and released the bouncy piano driven title track. The album will see full release on 3/10/23 via Heavenly and Hawkline will tour in 2023 to support of the album but only in the UK and Europe for now. Having caught his Webster Hall show with Aldous Harding a few months back, I’m definitely keen to see him play in the States again. (He is also a graphic designer and gifted me a beautiful hand printed linocut at the show, see more of his visual art on his website and albums.) [KH]
The Linda Lindas– Groovy Xmas. The LA teen punks released a new track just in time for the holidays. It’s a feel-good sugarplum soaked in harmony and spiked with sleigh bells (and cowbell). The teens deliver a power chord punch of classic Christmas references that will warm your belly like the cinnamon hot toddy they aren’t even old enough yet to drink. [MB]
Maraschino– Hi Desire. Catchy as hell dance pop that owes a debt to the Material Girl (who I unabashedly love), the airy vocals and infectious beat recall the new wave bops of the 1980s. This one will make you want to groove no matter where you are—the club or your morning commute—and before you know it, your head will be bobbing and your feet moving. [KH]
Megadose– Hey 911. The song begins and we are immediately greeted with the line “This country’s lost its mind, what do you say to that?” and sadly, I say you can’t argue with that. In this sweet power pop number the song and the band “offers a winking retrospective on the ironies born of experiencing global trauma, a stunted political uprising, and too much time by yourself. The song paints a picture of the spasmodic confusion, triumph, and disarray spanning not only Seattle’s Summer 2020, but the fragility and absurdity of life itself.” Their press release says “for fans of Jonathan Richman and K Records” and I’d say that feels pretty damn spot on. This is the second single from the groups upcoming album, Heating Up, which is due out 1/23/23. [KH]
R. Ring– Still Life. This is the first single from War Poems/We Rested, the new album just announced by the group—which features Kelley Deal (The Breeders) and Mike Montgomery (Ampline)—and if there is a Deal twin involved with a project, you can pretty much sign me right up for being already on board. But even without one of the members playing in one of my all time favorite bands, this song is still something I’d love, a poppy alt rock commentary on addiction with a cool collage stop motion video reflecting the theme also making pointed commentary not just on how we abuse/use substances to cope with discontent, but social media too.
It’s nice to see Kelley Deal take the lead vocal role here as she mostly does backing vocals in The Breeders (and other projects she contributes to) and she elaborated on the song saying “It’s possible, sometimes, through substance abuse or self delusion, to exist in a realm of altered reality, where you imagine your life to be a delicious bowl of fresh fruit. When you finally wipe the haze off the mirror, you see through more sobered eyes that the fruit is rotting and the bowl is full of worms.” War Poems/We Rested will release in full on 1/27/23 via Don Giovanni. [KH]
Ron Gallo– Foreground Music. With this fuzzed out garage pop song Gallo begs the question “How can you be alive in 2022 and not be anxious?” I really wish I knew the answer to that, but at least I can have a good sound track to my existential dread from this very astute and clever songwriter. Though sugar coated, Gallo doesn’t mince words as he questions many of the poisons that haunt us (and make us so damn anxiety ridden) on a daily basis including overconsumption.
This is the first single and title track from his just announced new album, which promises to take us on a journey as Gallo “screams at the developers turning neighborhoods into unremarkable AirBnB advertisements, corporate overlords deciding how much music costs, and extremists hellbent on bringing forth an apocalypse of racial and civil destruction.” The album will released in full on 3/3/23 via Kill Rock Stars and a tour in support of the album will follow, hitting Brooklyn on 4/6 at Baby’s All Right. I am predicting the future here, but I’m confident in saying just based on this first track alone that this album will find its way onto many best of lists for 2023, including mine. [KH]
Sarchasm– Good News. Open your eyes and it’s Y2K all over again. The long running Bay Area band makes music that harkens back to those halcyon days and certainly stirs up plenty of memories. Think where Weston would intersect Pinhead Gunpowder, the just-serious-enough-but-too-serious pop punk song, “Good News,” is catchy tune to make you think about the scary state of the world while you catch a few waves at the beach. This is the second single from their upcoming final album, Conditional Love (12/2 Asian Man). They have a few more shows left and then this band will be but a fond memory, much like our salad days of the early aughts. [MB]
shame– Fingers of Steel. The latest track by the UK based post punk quintet has a loose groove that is tied tightly together by some really cool melody-work. At times overtly rhapsodic, other times vaguely Dalrympian in its delivery. The angular guitar work serves to subdue the song’s percussive intensity. It’s obvious shame makes music for them, and everyone else just happens to be on board.
This is the first single from their just announced album, Food for Worms, out 2/24/23 (Dead Oceans). The band will embark on a lengthy tour to support the album, first crisscrossing the UK and Europe before coming to the States in May, hitting Brooklyn on 5/14/23 at Warsaw. [MB]
TVOD– Goldfish. The third in a trio of new singles from TVOD, we love everything the rowdy BK collective has to offer. Read more about the new song here [MB]
Weird Nightmare– So Far Gone. I’m a huge fan of Alex Edkins’ main project, Metz, and love every ounce of noise they make. Weird Nightmare is pretty far removed from that sonically and I’ve really enjoyed getting to know the other side of his songwriting via this new project because wow does he have some power pop chops too. This one is catchy gem of a song with a fuzzy bass line high up in the mix (which I personally really love), sweet harmonies and infectious, layered guitar work for an all around slice of power pop perfection. This one is a stand alone single which follows his excellent self titled debut album released earlier this year. [KH]
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:
Beauty Pill– Fugue State Companion. The fastest way to snare me with a song is some good old fashioned Empire Strikes Back references, you can sign me right up for that! And when it comes packaged with the distinct DC post hardcore sound of a band like Beauty Pill, even better. This song is part of Blue Period which is a compilation album that will feature recordings from 2003-2005 including The Unsustainable Lifestyle LP and You Are Right To Be Afraid EP along with previously unreleased demo track and outtakes, “Fugue State Companion” being one of them. The deluxe album is releases on 1/2/23 via Ernest Jenning Record Co. and will mark the first time the songs are available on vinyl. Pre-orders for the double LP are up now. [KH]
Bartees Strange– Wretched (keiyaA remix). The Chicago native, keiyaA, delivers a fresh take on Bartees Stranges’ hit “Wretched” from this year’s Farm to Table. Driven in part by a new glitchy backbeat and electric pianos, the critically acclaimed artist restructures the arrangement infusing the modern jazz and R&B styles in which she flourishes. The soulful reimagined vocal interplay is a true highlight that really pushes the track into new territory for both artists. [MB]
Dizzy– Barking Dog. The follow up to their 2021 EP, Separate Places, the Canadian alt pop band is back with a beautiful new offering, an emotional exploration of past pain that the band says is “mostly about how we’re all just products of our youth, doomed in various ways none of us asked for.” The emotions of the song hit hard and are perfectly emphasized by the fuzzed out guitars and sweeping choruses/backing vocals. [KH]
Fixtures– Jimmy Needs the Money. The first single off an upcoming LP (due 2023) is a laid back alternative rock song that builds on the choruses and includes a loping melodic guitar solo that I wanted to whistle along to (if I could actually whistle). The accompanying video uses public domain footage to make a visual collage that includes, among other things, vintage subway scenes. [CW]
Gina Birch feat. Thurston Moore– Wish I Was You. Gina Birch wears many hats—filmmaker, painter, former member of The Raincoats—and her newest single is proof she’s still got it (if you ever dared question that). This fun, punchy track features Thurston Moore on “thrash chords and noise action” (in his words) and deals with the age-old desire to be “cool” and acceptance of one’s self: “so many brilliant people I wished I could be / time has carried me forward, now I’m happy with me” with a triumphant conclusion: “I used to wish I was you and now you wish you were me.” Birch’s solo album I Play My Bass Loud will be out next February on Third Man Records. [CW]
Hekla– Ghost. This song was actually released in August, as part of their more space junk EP, but the Brooklyn based punk and rollers have just released a fun new video to go with the song. Soaked with 60s garage vibes, this is a fun romp of a song, with the accompanying video seeing the band hamming it up on the picturesque banks of the Newtown Creek aka the site of one of the largest oil spills in North American history (true story). You know, perfectly New York! [KH]
King Like Mom– Tantrum. An epic 6 minute fit of guitars, soaring vocals and a flurry of drums, “Tantrum,” is quite the breakout debut for the Staten Island quartet. Half the band consists of the former rhythm section of Pussywolf (RIP), twins Alex and Amanda Gonzalez, who really bring the bass end hammer due in part to literal lifetime of knowing how to play off one another. Julia Simoniello and Rose Couchon round out the group, trading loud/quiet duties on guitar and vocals that somehow manage to toggle between Deftones and The Cranberries in ways I couldn’t have previously imagined. [MB]
Madi Diaz, S.G. Goodman, Joy Oladokun– Be Careful (Patty Griffin cover). This song is a cover of the 2002 song by Patty Griffen which is a lovely acoustic contemplation. For this version, released this week just ahead of the Midterm elections, it doesn’t stray far from the musical roots of the original but Diaz adds a powerful new verse to bring the song into a more contemporary place: “For all the parents who are losing sleep // For all the babies that will come to be // For all the reasons that are ours to know // It’s my choice and I am not alone // For every man who’s standing next to me // and queer and trans and non-binary // For everybody with their own body // I will meet you all out on the streets // So be careful how you bend me // Be careful where you send me // Careful how you end me // Be careful with me.”
Proceeds from downloads of the single go to benefit Abortion Within Reach, who aims to “make abortion accessible, compassionate and affirming for all identities, and safe for everyone who needs it, free of politically motivated barriers and without cost as a barrier to care. [KH]
Manchester Orchestra– No Rule. Is there any song this band does that isn’t gorgeous and makes me feel every last feel there is to feel? I’d say the answer is no and “No Rule” is yet another resplendent offering that came is a stand alone single that came out of the sessions for The Million Masks of God with the band saying “We are very proud to release our new song ‘No Rule’ into the world. Written and worked on during the Million Masks sessions, this brave soul took a little longer to cook than the rest. We hope you enjoy. All Love. M.O.” It serves as a lovely footnote to the album and showcases everything there is to love about this group. [KH]
Narrow Head– Moments of Clarity. Narrow Head have really locked into the post-grunge sound, with driving guitars piled over propulsive drums. The video for “Moments of Clarity,” the title track off their just announced third LP (2/10/23 Run For Cover), plays with throwback DIY aesthetics as well, as singer Jacob Duarte is pursued by a woman who might be a memory (or a ghost?) while he drives to a pet store and a mall. The band will be on tour next February to promote the album, and as FTA experienced, they put on a heck of a show. Check out our article here. [CW]
Panic Shack– It’s Good to be back (Metronomy cover). The more I hear from this Cardiff based band, the more I’m in love (check out my thoughts on their most recent single “Meal Deal”). While I’m waiting for their debut full length, I’ll take whatever I can get and this delightful collab/cover with the electronic group, Metronomy, takes the song from its electro pop roots to the snarky punk place they so cooly inhabit.
The song is part of the deluxe edition of Metronomy’s album, Small World, which will feature reworks and remixes of songs from the album from a host of different collaborators. In the way only a punk band can, they’ve “remixed” it by actually doing a full on cover and their own arrangement of it, replacing the bouncy and airy electronics for riffs galore, a hyper driving rhythm section and shouty gang vocals. In other words, made a ripper of it and I absolutely love it. [KH]
Pile– Loops. Brand new music from the long running band, it’s a dark and driving tune that frontman Rick Maguire says is “about the confusion I’ve experienced in the place where those two roads meet, and reflecting on whether what I’m creating is for personal growth or for personal gain has ended up leading to more questions than answers.” The tension is palpable in the track but leaves one feeling hopeful. This is the lead single from their just announced 8th album All Fiction which is due out 2/17/23 via Exploding In Sound. Check out our recent coverage of their show at Market Hotel. [KH]
She’s In Parties– Cherish. I was in a short-lived Bauhaus cover band with the same name but I’m glad to change it if we ever revive, because She’s In Parties are absolutely lovely. “Cherish” is a super-solid dreampop track, with layered vocals and echoing guitars floating over an upbeat rhythm section. Their discography so far includes only a few singles, but we’ll be looking forward to more music from this UK band. [CW]
Sunfruits– Believe It All. The latest from the Melbourne, Aus based group which we premiered earlier this week. Check out more on this catchy new jam here. [CW]
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 and Kate weighed in on some killer songs, so 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 to see more:
A Place To Bury Strangers–Love Reaches Out (Xiu Xiu Remix).Angela Seo and Jamie Stewart of Xiu Xiu fame lend their talents to remixing this track, taking the New Order-tinged original (from See Through You, released earlier this year) and turning it into a punchier, stripped down version of itself with swirling vocals. Find this one out on APTBS Oliver Ackermann’s own label Dedstrange. [CW]
Bob Vylan– The Delicate Nature (feat. Laurie Vincent). After releasing their stellar album Bob Vylan Presents The Price Of Life earlier this year, the London based electro/punk/hip hop duo are back with a new single which features Laurie Vincent of Slaves who also produced the track. The song starts out on the subdued side, a lower key smokey vibe persisting until around the 2:40 mark when the song blows up and turns into an all out shredder.
Vocalist Bobby Vylan says the song was inspired by “This idea of life being a fleeting moment that can end or change at any moment is something that I have attempted to dissect so often in my life,” continuing “Watching people make split-second decisions that impact their lives forever is something I’ve always found incredibly fascinating. When I look back at my life I realise how some of the decisions I made could have landed me in places that would have taken away my freedom, my autonomy or my health but I’m also able to see how some of those same decisions equipped me with skills that allowed me to better myself, my life and help me grow as an individual.” Read more on the creative process behind the track, here. And check out our recent coverage from their incredible show at Terminal 5. [KH]
Buffalo Nichols–Meet Me In The Bottom / Friends.Buffalo Nichols’ modern take on the blues will burrow through your ears and straight into your soul. On the heels of last year’s self-titled release comes a new double single on Fat Possum, produced by Kyp Malone of TV On The Radio. Held together by Nichols’ rich voice and carried along by a fuzzy bassline and soaring guitar, “Meet Me In The Bottom,” a re-working of a traditional song made famous by Howlin’ Wolf, is honestly a headbanger. The more delicate “Friends” is a showcase of Nichols’ songwriting talents, “a plea for understanding from a highly anxious and isolated person” according to the artist. [CW]
fanclubwallet– Roadkill. Following up her excellent debut album, You Have Got To Be Kidding Me, the Ottawa based indie/bedroom pop songwriter fanclubwallet aka Hannah Judge has released a brand new single, “Roadkill,” a song that starts out subtle before blossoming into a mesmerizing and epic instrumental build up and fade out, perfectly emphasizing the emotions of the lyrics. On the subject matter, Judge says the song is “basically about the way men put female musicians or just women in general up on strange pedestals. Idolizing and viewing them as an object or prize to be won.”
She directed and edited the accompanying music video “It’sa simple video reflecting my love of horror movies while utilizing my experience with practical visual effects and horror makeup,” she says. “When I was younger I would fake sick and stay home from school. I would watch horror makeup tutorials and my mom would always come home to me with some wacky horror makeup on. The video’s series of slow zoom-out shots that reveal that I’ve been wounded reflect the lyrical theme on ‘Roadkill’ and feeling hunted.” [KH]
The HIRS Collective– We’re Still Here (feat. Shirley Manson). The dynamic and influential Philly queer grind/hardcore collective have announced a new album, We’re Still Here, due out 3/24 (Get Better Records) and released the title track which features Shirley Manson of Garbage. There are over a dozen other guests who make appearances on the record, members of Soul Glo, My Chemical Romance, Thursday, Gouge Away, Screaming Females and many more. The collective said in a statement “We always want to go the pessimistic route and be like ‘We’re only here out of spite’ but really, we are spite. And we’re going to do the work and to be as happy as possible for as long as we can. We’re here to say ‘Fuck you, what we want to do is go on tour with our friends and hang out with them. We want to have all the positive, wild experiences. We want to contribute to the actual community of people around us. We want to connect with everyone who comes into our world.” And any marginalized person knows the power in saying the words “We’re Still Here.” Read more about the album and place pre-orders here. [KH]
Horrible Timing– Inconceivable. Brooklyn’s very own “anxious pop punk” outfit, Horrible Timing, have released their second single, “Inconceivable,” a supremely catchy new track that hits all the right spots and high points of the genre—big riffs, catchy leads, and soaring vocals from singer Melissa Licciardello with some killer harmonies to top it all off. Licciardello tells us the song is about avoiding saying “I Love You” to someone and shying away from commitment: “‘Inconceivable’ is our softest tune about me being a little bitch, essentially. It’s about knowing in your heart somewhere that you want to commit, but not having the words to express it,” and calls it an “I really really capital L Like you a lot” song. Slick production from prolific NYC engineer Jerry Farley makes the song sound larger than life and it, along with their previously released song “Ballroom Fitz,” will be part of their upcoming debut EP due out in early 2023. [KH]
Ladytron– City of Angels. This track is just what you’d expect from Ladytron, and that’s a compliment. After over 20 years they continue to execute their signature sound well: a beat that gets under your skin, dark, droning synths, and sultry vocals on top of everything else. The newest LP Time’s Arrow will be out in January 2023—hope you haven’t put your dancing shoes away quite yet. [CW]
Laura Veirs– New Arms (Demo). The prolific singer songwriter Laura Veirs has announced an expanded edition of her most recent album, Found Light, which will feature five demo recordings from songs on the album including “New Arms.” Via a press release she said “Musicians have told me over the years how much they enjoy hearing my demos. There’s something about sitting around in my living room and hitting ‘record’ on my phone that allows me to capture very relaxed performances of songs as they are just forming. It’s gratifying to share for the first time these intimate, raw versions of some of my new songs.” I wholeheartedly agree and always love hearing a demo of a song; this one in particular, stripped down and bare bones—just Veirs and an electric guitar—it shows off what I’ve always loved about her work, the raw vulnerability of her songwriting and voice. The expanded album releases in full today. [KH]
Miss Grit– Follow the Cyborg. The electronic project of New York based Korean-American artist Margaret Sohn has announced their debut album, Follow the Cyborg, and released the title track, a song that is bright and effusive before dialing it back to a contemplative instrumental fade out. We described their previous single “Like You,” as “having a good beat without being clubby” and I’d say this song feels similar, the beat moves you, but never overwhelms, keeping it in your mind and your head bobbing while you contemplate the implications of the lyrics which the artist says via a press release “pursues the path of a non-human machine, as it moves from its helpless origin to awareness and liberation.” They also add that the album is “At times gentle and sparse, at times volatile and explosive, it occupies a sonic world of electronic experimentation and stirring electric guitars.” We are looking forward to hearing what else Sohn has in store for us upon the full release.
Follow the Cyborg is due out on 2/24/22 via Mute and will feature collaborations with Stella Mozgawa (Warpaint), Aron Kobayashi Ritch (Momma) and Pearla. [KH]
Panic Shack– Meal Deal. If there’s one thing I love, it’s a catchy/snarky punk rock song. And if there’s another thing I love, it’s snacking and in particular, a good UK meal deal (which is something we really need to get on in the States btw). The Cardiff based band has combined these two great things into a brand new single with the delightful refrain “Feed me I’m skint and hungry! Just want a sammy, nothing fancy” I don’t know about any other punx out there, but I can definitely relate to that sentiment. I had previously been unaware of the band before I happened to catch them live by chance in Bristol (England) last month and was thoroughly impressed. I quickly dug right into their recorded catalog which right now only includes their fantastic EP, Baby Shack, and now this single. They’ve been getting a lot of well deserved attention in the UK and will be making their US debut at SXSW in March 2023. Here’s hoping a tour including NYC is built into those plans.
(PS:This review coming to you from the person who makes her very first stop on every trip to the UK the M&S outside of baggage claim at Heathrow to get two prawn mayos, a Fanta and a bag of crisps—I don’t mess around. And for just barely £5, it’s a mighty bargain.) [KH]
Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs– Mr. Medicine. The UK based stoner/psych/doom noise kings have announced a new album, Land of Sleeper, and released the first studio track from it, “Mr. Medicine.” Clocking in at a spartan (for this band) two and a half minutes, it’s a pretty hard driving and catchy affair, less doom and more in the psych, almost bordering on garage territory. This follows the recent release of a live video for “Terror’s Pillow,” which will also appear on the record. Read more about the full album and place pre-orders here. NYC audiences can catch the band on 3/11/23 at Saint Vitus. [KH]
Pozi– Slightly Shaking Cells. An infectious new, head bopping groove from the London based violin/bass/drums post punk trio which the band says “acknowledges the disappointment that comes with the realisation you are ageing, but counters this with the argument that time brings knowledge of your own mind was” continuing that it was inspired by figures such as Boudica, Cleopatra and Xena the Warrior Princess, and the kind of immortality you can create through believing in your own strength. The song then switches to someone admiring another person from afar, zooming into everyday existence away from matters of life and death.” [KH]
Sarchasm– Crazy. The long running Bay Area band have announced their final album, Conditional Love (12/2 Asian Man), and with it comes this catchy first song, “Crazy,” a song about a classic subject matter, human relationships (both with others and ourselves) and how they shift and change. Tempting to call it a break up song, the refrain belies that it is in fact about more and about self reflection too: “I’m not jealous, I’m just crazy about the way you say you’re over me, guess what I’m over me too so let’s get together and talk it through.” The band will release the album and play their final shows soon after, wrapping up their run at the legendary venue 924 Gilman on 12/30 and 12/31. [KH]
We Are Scientists– Less From You. Long running NYC indie group We Are Scientists first captured my heart years ago with their catchy songs about being damaged and the excesses of youth/young adulthood. They’re still going strong and are set to release their eighth album, Lobes, in early 2023 and released the disco infused new single “Less From You,” keeping the bass grooving and the party moving. [KH]
White Lung–“If You’re Gone.” According to the band, their newest LP Premonition (12/2 Domino) is “the last album we’ll be getting from one of the best bands to ever do it.” I’ve been a fan since their last record, 2016’s Paradise, so that’s unwelcome news. “If You’re Gone” finds them indeed doing what they do best, pumping out mosh-worthy, punky-hardcore-rock songs with thrashing drums, sharp guitars, and Mish Barber-Way’s melodic, punchy vocals, while lyrically wading in deep waters: according to Barber-Way, the song is about children dealing with the loss of a parent who took their own life. [CW]
