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 LOTS 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.
Goolagoon– Life of Crime. “Patrickviolence” aka Deep sea queer powerviolence with a SpongeBob motif (though just artwork wise, not lyrically like other “theme” bands such as the X Files themed F. Emasculata or Ned Flanders themed Okilly Dokilly) I recently thought about this band and pulled them off the shelf again after a while. I don’t tend to be big into powerviolence in general, but there is something about this band that I’ve always loved. I’m not sure if they are still active and their most recent post on Instagram from earlier this summer reads: “GOOLAGOON has been committed—we have been unable to print more merch and play shows due to all of us being absolutely insane” but these songs still slay and stand tall. The title track which calls out abusive men is the real standout here and my favorite. Hope to see more from this band in the future, you know when they get back on the outside.
Julien Baker– B-Sides. Extra tracks from the Little Oblivions sessions that didn’t make the album, I find these three tracks excellent slices that show the past, present, and a nod to perhaps the future of Baker’s exceptional body of work. Read my full review.
Middle-Aged Queers– Too Fag For Love. I discovered this band right before I sat down to write out my entries for this list when I saw a show flyer for another band I know (the way I still discover a lot of music truth be told), and never has a band name felt closer to who I am. Proving us punx over 40 are still fun and dare I say flirty, this group hails from the Bay Area and has all the hallmarks of the classic Lookout! pop punk sound that I was obsessed with in the mid 90s (complete with a Green Day Kerplunk flower spoof t-shirt). It was love at first listen to their debut, Too Fag For Love, and I knew right away I had to include them on my list for this month. I also found myself forking over my gay ass money pretty much immediately for a copy of their 10inch record AND the accompanying “go fuck yourself” Golden Girls t-shirt. With merch like that and lyrics in their theme song like “We are the queers. The Middle-Aged Queers. We’re the fucking queers. Go fuck yourself” I think you all already know this band speaks to me on a deep level.
Surfyer– Surf In Blood. I’m not sure who is ready for this collection of ten Slayer shreds reworked to reverb soaked surf jams, but I sure as hell was when I learned of its existence. I’ve already established in this blog that I love off kilter covers (read our listicle of favorite covers) and this? Wow was this ever an example of that! So far these ten songs seem to be all the band ever did but here is holding out hope that they hit more thrash classics and drench them in reverb. SURF IS METAL METAL IS SURF \m/
Unsanitary Napkin– All Billionaires Are Bastards. Blistering anarcho-punk from Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Aotearoa, (Māori for Wellington, New Zealand). A deeply political band with razor sharp wit, absolutely ZERO words are minced on these 12 fucking rippers and I often find myself hitting play on track one again immediately after the last song is finished (that last song being a cover of the 1978 Crass classic “Do They Owe Us a Living?”). The stand out for me is “Dildo Baggins,” a minute and a half of pure rage with a beautifully nasty bass line and rapid fire drumming. Also quite possibly the only political song I’ve ever heard that combines mention of chucking sex toys at politicians (based on a 100% true story) with references to The Hobbit and Lucy Lawless—which you know is ticking a whole hell of a lot of boxes for me in one fell swoop.
Chantal- Contributing Writer
Bev Rage & The Drinks– Exes & Hexes. Fronted by drag queen Bev Rage, this Chicago-based group puts out fun poppy queer punk that will have you bouncing.
Folklore– Constellations Form And Fall Apart: Dadurday Light Soundtrack, Vol.1. Folklore is a band that put out a few albums of lush, story-based songwriting over a decade ago that I thoroughly enjoyed. They’ve resurfaced and are releasing music again, including this, a soundtrack to a series of video shorts which are easily enjoyed on their own.
The newest issue of the zine The History of Heavy Metal is finally here! Look for a forthcoming review on this blog; in the meantime, you can snag a copy right now.
Edwina Hay- Contributing Photographer
Big Joanie– Back Home. London’s Big Joanie will release their sophomore record on Kill Rock Stars in the US in November and I can’t wait to hear the full record when it is released then.
Katie Alice Greer– Barbarism. The former frontperson for the Washington, DC punk band Priests released a solo album in June.
The Koreatown Oddity– ISTHISFORREAL? I loved Little Dominique’s Nosebleed that was released in June 2020 and have been digging their newest album too.
Mr. Muthafuckin’ eXquire– This is a single originally released a decade ago that finally hit Bandcamp digitally in June but will be released on a 7″ in a couple of months. Features a b-side with Danny Brown and fellow NY rappers Despot, El-P, and Das Racist (RIP).
Wrecking Crew– Sedale Threat. Wrecking Crew (rappers Zilla Rocca, Curly Castro, and PremRock) released an album that takes its name after a basketball player that played for the Philadelphia 76ers, Chicago Bulls, Seattle SuperSonics and the L.A. Lakers.
Jenifun- Webmistress
Adwaith – Lipstick Coch. Every song on the album ‘Melyn’ is a banger, particularly this one.
Bad Waitress – Strawberry Milkshake. Can’t stop listening to this—so I’ve added it to three of my playlists and I don’t care.
Bis – This Is Fake D.I.Y. Blew me away when I was very young, and still does to this very day.
JOHN (TIMES TWO) – Future Thinker. Two piece punk with a gruff voiced lead singing drummer, enough said!
Petrol Girls – Fight For Our Lives Ft Janey Starling. Money from this Bandcamp-only release goes to LevelUp who help people access healthcare. It’s a common misnomer that abortion is legal in England, Scotland, and Wales, but it isn’t and there are actually significant barriers in place to prevent those seeking abortion care from receiving it. (Read more detailed info at the LevelUp link.)
King Hannah– I’m Not Sorry, I Was Just Being Me. Liverpool duo Craig Whittle and Hannah Merrick recently released their gorgeous debut I’m Not Sorry, I Was Just Being Me. Low-key, moody, atmospheric sounds for fans of Mazzy Starr, PJ Harvey, and Portishead. Check out the subdued enthusiasm of ‘Go-Kart Kid (Hell No!).
Trash Moth– s/t. Recently featured in an FTA piece for the album release, Brooklyn’s Amelia Hazen unleashed her album Trash Moth on August 19th. See the article for more details on this labor of love.
TV Priest– My Other People. London post-punk band released their 2nd album My Other People in June as the follow up to their excellent debut Uppers. Finally able to tour after not hitting the road for their debut album in 2021, TV Priest has been tearing up stages including NYC’s own Baby’s All Right earlier this summer.
Mike Borchardt- Contributing Writer
Baby Delgado– Don’t Cry. Some industrial heavy synthy goth goodness perfect for dancing while out roaming and embracing the night.
Bummer Camp– s/t. The long awaited release from the self-proclaimed goth pop rocker dropped last week. Dive face-first into layers upon layers of sound that evoke melancholic Summer evenings, shed some tears as you peel away the onion and discover Eli Frank.
Dad– Human Garbage. The original Dad is back and their 2022 release Human Garbage will knock you down and rip your face off. Still heavy as fuck, get ready to party with your Dad like it’s 2017 all over again.
The Royal They– Foreign Being. Completely sold out of every copy. Ages ago. But the band is back after a three year complete silence and are working on new material, so in the meantime, why not revisit this 2018 masterpiece? And if you message the band, maybe they can find you a spare cassette tape that fell thru the cracks, but probably not.
A Very Special Episode– Fix Your Hearts or Die. Do you like noisy guitars, thunderous drums, and killer vocals? You (along with everyone else) probably already scooped this David Lynch inspired red vinyl soundscape, but if for some reason you haven’t, the band has a few remaining copies in stock.
Nick AD- Contributing Writer
Harvest of Ash– Ache and Impulse. Pulverizing, yet melodic doom/sludge out of Salt Lake City.
Heavy Looks– Apathy. Power pop from Madison, Wisconsin. First record in 7 years!
KMES.– King Mike Entertainment System.Fun and infectious garage rock from Screaming Females bassist, King Mike! Also featuring Jenna Fairey of Spowder on drums.
TEEEL– We Live Here Now. Meticulously crafted and executed synthpop, maybe the best of TEEEL’s long career. “Airport Rosé” is a Song of the Year contender.
Ray Rusinak- Contributing Photographer
Lee Baines & The Glory Fires– Old-Time Folks. Alabama native, Lee Bains III and his band, The Gloryfires, released what just might be my favorite 2022 album. Baines, who has a NY connection in that he went to NYU, throughout his career has struggled with his rural southern roots and what it means to be a progressive southerner in today’s society. This dichotomy has played a heavy hand throughout his previous recorded output, from There Is A Bomb In Gilead (not available on Bandcamp) through Deconstructed through Youth Detention as it still does on this new one. The difference this time is, Baines decided to purposely tone down the loud scorching distortion filled guitars and with the help of Athens, GA’s David Barbe (producer). Baines’ poignant and thought provoking words truly shine on this one. Do yourself a favor and check this one out.
On Sunday 8/28, Sun Ra Arkestra, led by 98 year old Marshall Allen, played two sets at Union Pool as part of their Summer Thunder series which offers free outdoor shows every Sunday. Matt Fiveash, a WFMU DJ, spun some records to warm up the at capacity crowd before Sun Ra Arkestra performed as there was no opening act. Tara Middleton provided beautiful lead vocals for the band and some favorites include “Space Is the Place,” “Nuclear War,” and “Angels and Demons at Play.” Even on the small deck of Union Pool’s courtyard, saxophonist Knoel Scott managed to find room to do his impressive space dance.
Union Pool just recently got back in the swing of things after the fire in an adjacent building that damaged the venue and it’s awesome to see them doing shows again.
In conjunction with the show there was also a toy drive at the entrance with toys going to children of asylum seekers being bussed from Texas to New York City. There will be opportunities to donate at the remaining Summer Thunder shows as well, read more info here.
Scroll down for fan shot videos and pics of the show (photos by Ellen Qbertplaya)
Hi! Hello! Here we are with some bite sized goodies and a taste of some new things that we dug this week, quick fire responses to some great new music we think you should check out. This week was pretty busy for everyone with real life stuff, so this list is brief, but Kate and Mike still found a little time to weigh in on some new songs we dug so give em a listen! See you again next week with more.
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:
Babehoven– I’m On Your Team. Talk about an uplifting motivational pep talk, the latest release by Babehoven takes the duo’s typical slowcore melancholy and flips it on its head. The lead single “I’m On Your Team” from their upcoming debut LP Light Moving Time (due out Oct 28) gives us all the warm and fuzzies we can use in these uncertain and scary times. Tucked between the sleepy shuffle and cozy guitar, singer Maya Bon wraps you in her arms and stacks melodies that slowly soar in and out of whispered lullaby. “Even if you feel so alone/Someone’s going to listen/Give you back what you’ve given.” Living lightly in the grey areas of existence when everything today has become so heavily polarized, she invites you into ambivalence with powerfully subdued harmonic crescendo to “Make a choice and then change it/ respect where you’ll take it/ In these end gamеs, we’ve got to Creatе a life that’s liveable.” It’s nice to hear a track offer up such emotional support and promote healthy life balance, and know that after a rough week or a shitty day, Babehoven’s got my back. [MB]
BLKVAPOR– Proxy. There’s a lot to BLKVAPOR’S sound—emo, punk, noise—and it all coalesces into something that is uniquely them. This Baltimore based outfit also puts on an explosive and enthralling live performance and are without a doubt a band you need to be keeping your eyes and ears on. “Proxy” was originally released in 2021 as a Bandcamp exclusive and on it they lean pretty firmly into their emo side. The song now comes with a fun music video that was just released. [KH]
Botch– One Twenty Two. Math metal greats, Botch (which features members who went on to be in Russian Circles, Minus the Bear, These Arms Are Snakes and others), have just released their first new music in 20 years, the absolute ripper, “One Twenty Two.” The band will be re-issuing their catalog on vinyl this year via Sargent House, and as of now this new song appears to firmly be a one off. Bassist Brian Cook elaborated on things on his Twitter, addressing why now and some of the apparent backlash as well as some of the hopes for more from the band. He also addressed things on Instagram saying the song is “a bit of a fluke. Originally written by David Knudson for his solo album, it eventually morphed into a Botch song as former bandmates were brought on board to add their distinctive flair to the piece. No… we’re not back together. No… there isn’t more material in the pipeline. This was just a random thing that happened over COVID and we decided to share it with the world as part of the upcoming reissue of We Are The Romans.” [KH]
The Casual Dots– Frequency of Fear. The indie punk supergroup featuring Christina Billotte (Slant 6, Quix*o*tic), Kathi Wilcox (Bikini Kill, The Julie Ruin) and Steve Dore (Deep Lust) have just released their first new music in 18 years which was quite the welcome surprise to me and I’m sure a contingent of deeply nerdy music fans of a certain age. Read more here and listen to the awesome first single, “Frequency of Fear.” [KH]
Future Teens– Team Sports (feat. Dan Campbell). This is the latest single from Boston “bummer pop” aficionados Future Teens and will be on their upcoming album Self Help (out 9/23 via Triple Crown). “Team Sports” is as catchy as the crescendo is gigantic and they also got some help from The Wonder Years vocalist Dan Campbell who really helps drive the final chorus into the stratosphere. Regarding the song, guitarist/vocalist Amy Hoffman said “The first time I bleached my hair, a surprising number of people asked if I was doing okay. I know they were just razzing me, but it struck me as such an absurd barometer for wellness, like, no! I’m not okay, but that’s not why I’m blonde now! I think it’ll always be challenging to ask for help, or to be honest when my best friend gently checks in about the motivation for my latest self haircut, but I’m grateful I’m not always white knuckling it until my next therapy session anymore.” Elaborating on Campbell’s involvement, Hoffman went on to say that the last chorus “was originally a wordless, rock out ending, but Andy [Park, who is producing the album] felt like there was something missing. Dan happened to visit us as we were working through it and was kind enough to sing on that section. All of our jaws hit the floor as soon as he started, it was such a memorable part of recording the album.” Future Teens will next be in NYC on 10/13 at The Meadows. [KH]
Wild Pink– Hold My Hand (feat. Julien Baker). The second single from the upcoming Wild Pink album, ILYSM (due out 10/14 via Royal Mountain), this one is a tear jerker about singer John Ross undergoing cancer surgery. On this he said “I wrote that song right after my first surgery, about lying on the operating table where a member of the surgical team held my hand right before I went under. It sounds kind of arbitrary, and like it shouldn’t have been as impactful as it was, but I felt very comforted and wanted to capture that loving feeling in the song.” The vulnerability of the subject matter is heightened by the subdued beauty of the music—piano, lightly strummed guitar, with subtle drums played with brushes accompanying—and the addition of the master of heart wrenching songs herself, Julien Baker, who sings a verse and on the choruses. On how the song came together Ross said “I knew pretty quickly that I wanted it to be a duet, and I’m super grateful to Julien for joining me on it. This was one of the first songs we rehearsed together as a band in the studio and David’s piano part felt great almost immediately. There were a couple moments like that in the recording process where a song just immediately fell into place as soon as we started playing it.” [KH]
Hello! Here we are with some bite sized goodies and a taste of some new things that we dug this week, quick fire responses to some great new music we think you should check out. This week Kate and Nick weighed in on some killer songs, so give em a listen! Stay tuned as more of the FTA staff will be rotating in to give their thoughts on new music in the coming weeks.
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:
Automatic– Automaton. The synthy indie trio released their latest album, Excess, back in June and now have released a new video for the hypnotic “Automaton,” a song critical about the evils of capitalism and the ways we feed into it. The video features gripping, stencil-like animation by Yana Pan & Jenny Nirgends and sees the automaton protagonist in a nightmare reality aka our actual current reality. Along with the video the band has announced a tour which will hit Brooklyn on 10/14 at Market Hotel. [KH]
Big Girl– Summer Sickness. According to their Spotify, Big Girl is a “New York project conceived by vocalist and guitarist Kaitlin Pelkey,” and “A Queer-fronted, vivid, and ambitious rock band.” This was my very first time hearing them and I immediately felt transported to what it must have been like in a 1970s arena rock show. Like a Zeppelin anthem, this starts out subdued and acoustic before a sexy guitar lead kicks in and starts to amp the song up. Before you know it, the drums are massive, the riffs are giant, and the song has surrounded you. Vivid and ambitious indeed, this is the first single from the band’s upcoming album Big Girl vs. God due out in early 2023 and is accompanied by beautiful concept video produced and directed by Josefine Cardoni. (See pics from one of their recent shows in Brooklyn.) [KH]
The Beths– Knees Deep. The third single from the upcoming album, Expert In A Dying Field, “Knees Deep” is all about taking risks. Singer Liz Stokes says “I’m the kind of person who wants to go swimming but takes like 10 minutes to get all the way into the cold water, slowly and painfully. I hate this about myself and am kind of envious of people who can just jump straight in the deep end. In a shocking twist, this is also a metaphor?! For how I wish I was the kind of person who was brave and decisive instead of cautious and scared.” And take risks the band does in the video that accompanies the song, each member realllllly going for it by going bungee jumping. They are currently on tour in the US (check out pics from their recent stop at BRIC) and along with the song and video, they also announced more tour dates in the US for 2023. Expert In A Dying Field is out via Carpark Records on 9/16 with the tour hitting NYC at Brooklyn Steel 3/2/2023. [KH]
The Chats– I’ve Been Drunk In Every Pub In Brisbane. The booze loving snot noses from Down Under have a brand new record out today, Get Fucked, and this is another bratty Ramones inspired ode to—you guessed it—beer and being wasted. Not exactly new territory for them musically or lyrically but does it really need to be? Goddamn if these songs aren’t a hell of a lot of fucking fun to shout and pogo along to. [KH]
Deep Wimp– Plume. Take a little bit power pop, add in little bit more indie alt rock, sprinkle a on dash of Midwest Emo and you’ve got the recipe for “Plume,” the latest offering from Brooklyn band, Deep Wimp. The band says about the song: ”This song is mostly about recognizing the quiet comforts in your life. Navigating social situations is still challenging sometimes (even for us in our 30s), and you occasionally have to remove yourself from them and focus on the joy you already have at home, whether that’s a partner, a pet, or a pair of Star Wars sweatpants.” I can definitely get behind finding the joy in life and you can find this catchy song on all major streaming platforms. [KH]
Gun– Mark of the Beast Mode. The latest from the NYC noise punks, this song gives some big 90s vibes and is mostly structured around a grunge rock riff with snarling vocals to match and an underlying synth line complimenting the two harder elements. Then totally out of left field at 1:12min in, the unexpected happens and the song veers into an Amen Break (yes, I did in fact just say THE AMEN BREAK) interlude for a few measures reminiscent of the electro rock of bands like The Prodigy, before picking the grunge back up, hitting a quick hardcore floor punching breakdown, then back to the grunge. But instead of giving me whiplash with these wild genre/feel changes from bar to bar, somehow it all just works and makes for a fun and catchy song that would have done just fine in 1993 but also feels totally of the here and now. [KH]
Hunx & his Punx– White Lipstick b/w Losing My Mind. This new double single is part of the Sub Pop singles club and is the first release from the band since 2013’s Street Punk. Both songs feature the signature bubblegum girl group inspired easy going brand of punk the band is known for and both are fun summertime bops perfect for cruising on your bike to the beach. “White Lipstick” also comes with a video that looks like it was shot with a 1980s camcorder, an excellent pairing as far as I’m concerned. [KH]
Konjur Collective– George Jackson. The inaugural release on cow: Music (an imprint of the terrific Astral Spirits label), this lead cut from the forthcoming Blood in My Eye (A Soul Insurgent Guide) brings a different sonic palette to the free jazz realm. Loops and synth noise join the usual maelstrom of crashing drums and skronky brass, creating a swirl and depth of sound that is absolutely infectious. Snippets of improvised melody are looped, offering the occasional hook within the cacophony. Named for the Field Marshall of the Black Panthers, this tune is full of beauty, rage, uplifting spirit, and exuberant joy. [ND]
LAPêCHE– Mermaid Blues. This is the latest from the Brooklyn indie rockers, a catchy stand alone single, which the band says “expands and contracts around the experience of heavy seasonal depression,” continuing “hope is an imperfect skill that may guide you out.” While the subject matter may be bleak, musically the song features effervescent guitars, dreamy vocals from singer Krista Diem, and is filled with big hooks and dare I say, brushes just at the edge of power pop? Maybe that’s just my take but I can definitely hear the influence here and it sounds great. While this song is not part of a full album, the band is in fact at work on a new record, collaborating with producer Alex Newport (Death Cab for Cutie, At the Drive-In) and that is definitely something to be hopeful for. [KH]
Meat Wave– What Would You Like Me To Do? The latest from the Chicago indie punks, this is a driving fast with the windows down, fist pounding on the wheel affair, no time to wait around, get in and let’s go! As with all things Meat Wave, I love the driving bass, love the drumming, love the guitar work and love the way they all perfectly meld together for a sound that is uniquely them with singer/guitarist Chris Sutter’s anxious yells over top. This is the first official single from their just announced upcoming album Malign Hex due out 10/14 on Swami Records after two stand alone singles were released earlier this year (that will in fact appear on the album as well). If this is a taste of how the rest of it will go then I’m very ready for more. [KH]
Psalm One X Custom Made– Shadow Work. Psalm One has been busy! She recently put out a book, Her Word is Bond, detailing her triumphs and travails as a woman in hip-hop (also get hip to the #BoycottRhymesayers movement she is leading against her former label, Rhymesayers), and now has a new collaboration album with Custom Made called Bigg Perrm due out on Filthē Analects Record Company Sept. 2. Lead single, “Shadow Work,” is part confessional, part manifesto. Psalm One raps openly about her personal shortcomings and her determination to keep improving and thriving: “I am a reformed fuckgirl/I mean it/If that shit don’t line up with my purpose/then I leave it/Had to see my inner demons just to get a little peace.” Custom Made creates an uncluttered groove for Psalm to flow, mixing up her rhythms and cadences and peppering in unexpected hooks. Very stoked for this record to come out! [ND]
Thus Love– In Tandem. Agothy, lustrous offering from this Vermont based queer post punk outfit, it’s hard not to be reminded of a more upbeat Bauhaus here. But that’s certainly not a bad thing because I love Bauhaus. I really like the interplay of the drums with the bass, both driving the song as the guitar shimmers over top. This is the second single from their upcoming album Memorial, due out on 10/7 via Captured Tracks. See pics from their recent show at The Sultan Room. [KH]
Behold! Enjoy the return of our weekly singles column! It’s been a minute but we are back with some bite sized goodies and a taste of some new things that we dug this week, quick fire responses to some great new music we think you should check out. Singles coverage is something that has been sorely lacking from our offerings and we want to fix that so keep your eyes on this space as we continue to build it up and recommend more new music. This week Kate and Mike weighed in on some songs and soon we will be joined by more folks from the FTA crew.
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:
Alvvays– Easy on Your Own? Alvvays is set to release a new album, Blue Rev, their first in five years, and this is the second single. Equal parts indie and shoegaze, there’s no shortage of fuzz or angst, the lyrics touching on singer Molly Rankin’s dissolution and worries for the future, something we can all relate to. Blue Rev is due out 10/7 via Polyvinyl. [KH]
Heatblush– Radio Stars. 80s crunchy chorus-dipped guitar in all the right places, with a dash of Veruca Salt style pop hooks for good measure. This is the kind of song Billy Idol wishes he wrote and a track that belongs to the end of the cruel summer and binge watching Stranger Things. [MB]
Pohgoh– Weeds. Superchunk meets Hey Mercedes with a sweeter touch and powerpop guitar hooks that would make OkGo blush, Pohgoh’s new single “Weeds” tackles serious sentiment with sugar melody ahead of their newest release “du und ich” (German for “you and I”), due November 4 via Spartan Records. [MB]
Russian Circles– Gnosis. The title track from their new album (due out 8/19 via Sargent House), it clocks in at over eight minutes and shows off all of the things the band is best at—a quiet and gloomy build to a sludge fuzz crescendo before heading into firm chuggy metal territory to bring things home. The song also comes with an official music video, a first for the band. [KH]
Santigold– Shake. Musically this feels like quick “feel good in the summer time” style bop but while that is true, it belies the true meaning of the song which Santigold says is about human resilience. She again worked withSBTRKT on the track and had this to say “I can’t say this song is about one thing, as much as it’s about a feeling. It’s about flow, about riding the ebb and flows of life, it’s about rolling with it, moving through it, letting it all move through you. And it’s about the feeling in that moment when you feel life flowing through you, the rapture of it all. It’s about our resilience as humans, and our ability to keep rising back up in the face of hardship and moving forward.”
The song comes with an accompanying music video directed by Frank Ockenfels and features images inspired by Civil Rights protestors with Santigold adding “The strength and fortitude that it took for them, many just teenagers and young adults, to endure what they did and keep going, is monumental. This video is an homage to them, in which I try to power through singing this song while enduring the pain of a high-pressure water hose.” Santigold’s new album Spirituals is due out on 9/9. [KH]
Sleepy Kitty– Bigger Picture. Paige Brubeck (vocals/guitar) and Evan Sult (former Bound Stems and Harvey Danger on drums/tapes), Sleepy Kitty releases their first new music in almost 6 years. The duo combines modern pop sensibilities with a twinge 90s layered garagey distortion that meets somewhere near the intersection of Elastica and The Breeders. Described by Nylon Magazine as “rainbow-tinged indie pop,” Brooklyn Vegan calls them “a grungier, more layered Best Coast.” Lead single “Bigger Picture” coincides with the band’s long-awaited return to the live stage at Arlene’s Grocery in NYC Friday August 12th. [MB]
Surfbort– Never Gonna Be What You Want Me To Be. The latest from the rowdy trash punk quintet, it’s equal parts raucous and actually a little on the subdued side for the band (in parts) and builds nicely off of the slightly more refined sound they began exploring on last year’s Keep On Truckin’. They will soon embark on a fall tour with Me First and the Gimme Gimmies which hits NYC on 10/14 at Palladium Times Square. [KH]
Trash Moth– Roleplay. Trash Moth, which is the Brooklyn based solo project of Amelia Hazen self describes as “Garbage indie power pop for trashy saturniids and other crepuscular dwellers,” and I’ve got to say that feels pretty spot on here. This single is part of the upcoming self titled album due out on 8/19 and features some nice 90s alt vibes and sultry to soaring vocals from Hazen. [KH]
Venus Twins– God’s Machines. Deftly leaning into their metal and sludgier influences, the noise rock duo—and real life twins— show off their full songwriting range on this ten minute opus, loud to quiet to loud to quiet and back again dynamics with fuzzed out interludes featuring more intricate bass work and a few fakeout endings along the way. Stay tuned for their new full length due out in October. [KH]
Vial– Embryo. A bashing floor tom and driving bass line intro sets the tone right before the acidic guitars kick in on this rager which is a response to the cruel overturning of Roe v. Wade and the loss of reproductive freedom for those who can get pregnant in the US. The lyrics mince absolutely no words and make clear how dangerous this decision is and how hypocritical the people who made it/support it are. On their Instagram the band shares “On June 24th, 2022, the Supreme Court made the decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, thus removing the constitutional right to CHOOSE to have an abortion. We are dedicated to donating all profits from “Embryo” to Gender Justice, a nonprofit dedicated to “creating a world where everyone can thrive regardless of their gender, gender expression, or sexual orientation by dismantling legal, structural, and cultural barriers that contribute to gender inequity,” and the National Network of Abortion Funds, who “builds power with members to remove financial and logistical barriers to abortion access by centering people who have abortions and organizing at the intersections of racial, economic, and reproductive justice.” The powerful new single is out now via Get Better Records and comes with an accompanying lyric video. [KH]
Yeah Yeah Yeahs– Burning. The YYY’s came blazing back in 2022 with a new single in June and a new album Cool It Down—their first new music in 10 years—due out at the end of September. “Burning” is the second single from the album and interpolates “Beggin” by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. The YYY’s take sees them building on the classic song and strutting their more soulful side. [KH]
