by Shasha Leonard | Apr 3, 2023
Panic Shack at SXSW (photo by Shasha Léonard)
We all know what SXSW is by now, but long gone are the affordable $10 tickets of yore. I had never even entertained the idea of going but this year a bunch of my friends were playing and my work in media got me a free platinum badge. And so, high off the post-lockdown urge to travel anywhere, I booked my Airbnb and a round trip to Austin, Texas, for my first SXSW experience. Given that I’d only been to and photographed one other festival, which was Gov Ball last year, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I mean, how crazy can a six day music festival spread throughout an entire city really be???
I didn’t sleep that night (insomnia fun!) and when I got to JFK the security line was the worst I’ve ever seen it, the signs approximating over a two hour wait time. I somehow miraculously made it to my gate well after the final boarding call, with about three minutes before the doors closed. Given that I had run the length of Terminal B in cowboy boots, I gave myself permission to keep the rest of the day simple. I took a Lyft straight to the convention center in downtown Austin where I picked up my badge and camera tags, noting that all NYC artists pretty much dress the same: we’re so tough in our leather jackets, lol.
After not hearing back all day, I realized my Airbnb host was ghosting me. I had a consolation taco at Veracruz All Natural to center myself, even though it cost me more than a Brooklyn taco. “SXSW menu,” apparently. I regretted my decision to bring a duffel and not a rolling bag for the next two hours but then thankfully a friend of a friend came through (thank you Sam) and put me up for next two nights. After I finished my claim with Airbnb, I met him at Hotel Vegas where, wielding my shiny new platinum badge, I paid the $10 cover fee because I didn’t care anymore, I just wanted to see some goddamn music.
DAY 1 – Monday, March 13th 2023
Razor Braids had just started playing inside and I felt grateful for familiar faces. A Brooklyn band I’m fond of, we’d crossed paths multiple TV Eye shows. I cracked my first Lone Star and settled into an animated set, all four members dressed head to toe in their signature red. Whenever I see a band like this play live I’m reminded of how much punk and panache can be lost in translation when it comes to having to record it. While guitarist Janie Peacock tore up the edge of the stage, Sid Nichols, on drums, kept the crowd in line with a smile on their face. I lost my phone in the crowd when bassist Hollye Bynum and guitarist Jilly Karande clashed instruments, but retrieved it later from the bartender who said someone turned it in. Not sure that would have happened in NYC. Razor Braids finished out their tour at TV Eye March 31st, with Closeby and Trophy Wife.
Afterwards, we caught back to back Austin bands at the patio outside, Billy Glitter and then Rickshaw Billie’s Burger Patrol—sharing both a name, a city, and a genre. A small but obliging mosh pit had formed at the front of the stage, kicking up dust under the midday sun.
Billy Glitter is a newly formed group of five, brought together by frontman William Grover in 2021. A self-described prog rock band, I could hear the influence of the Stooges in their set, which was already the 2nd of five shows they’d play during SXSW. Gotta say I really dug the keyboardist’s style.
Rickshaw Billie’s Burger Patrol was similar in sound, if not aggressively more metal. They played fast and tight, with a Nirvana-worthy grunginess. The lead singer Leo Lyodon has a Jack White-like strain to his voice, cutting through Sean St. Germain’s shotgun spray drumming while the bassist Aaron Metzdorf deftly threaded through them. Put Turnstile and Wolfmother in a blender and I feel like you’d get Rickshaw Billie’s Burger Patrol. Needless to say the mosh pit was loving them.
I caught the end of Pelvis Wrestley inside, a queer approach to country I can get down with. I realized I’d met the frontman, Benjamin Violet, at a wedding last year in Austin, but we’d never spoken. There is an epic glam to this band that’s hard to put a finger on, which feels all at once nostalgic and futuristic. This was my SXSW “one that got away,” I regret not catching any of their other shows, but I’m looking forward to whatever music they put out next. Pelvis Wrestley’s debut album, Vortexas Vorever was released this month on streaming platforms.
Last band I watched before leaving Hotel Vegas was Iguana Death Cult outside on the patio. I think they played like ten shows at SXSW; I saw them almost everywhere. A Netherlands band, they have a very juicy pop rock quality, reminiscent of early The Hives. I feel like they might not like the comparison but I mean it as a compliment. I would love to know more about their name though. Their forthcoming album Echo Palace is out May 12th via LA label Innovative Leisure.
Nearing almost 48 hours without sleep, I walked all the way to the British Embassy showcase hoping to catch Gen and the Degenerates for my final show of the night, but it wasn’t in the cards for me. I’m not sure what happened but it was no real loss because I caught Panic Shack instead, managing to get pretty close despite the room being at capacity. As I understand it, this group of four young women is blowing up back in the UK, much like Die Spitz is in Austin. They were having fun with their set, chatting amongst themselves and to a very responsive crowd between the thrashing explosion of each song.
They are a Cardiff, Wales based band that came up from the DIY scene in 2018 and you can feel that can-do energy throughout their music. They were especially fun to watch, the endearing charm of their chutzpah was lost on no one. During the finale of one song, all four lined up at the front of the stage and mimed shooting off AK-47’s with their instruments. What’s refreshing is that Panic Shack isn’t trying for “revolutionary all-woman punk band,” they’re just women, but more importantly, friends, having fun playing music together.
DAY 2 – Tuesday, March 14th 2023
After getting some food and coffee in me and feeling (mostly) rested, I headed straight to Cheer Up Charlies for their incredible line up as part of the Women Who Rock showcase. If only all venues made it that easy for me. When I got there, Barrie was playing, or rather, dancing, which is a big part of the set. The band is short for the artist behind it, Barrie Lindsey, who just released a new EP, 5K.
Cafuné was on next, a band I’ve really been looking forward to seeing live. I describe their sound as Japanese café lo fi meets electro-pop. The way Sedona Schat applies autotune selectively and tastefully throughout the set adds that little J-pop vocaloid touch to their music. Noah Yoo shreds so hard it’s incredible his glasses don’t just fly straight off his face (though they did come close several times).
Jaguar Jonze, the musical project of Taiwanese-Australian artist Deena Lynch, drew a large crowd with her defiant lyrics and rock n’ roll stage presence, playing banger after banger. It feels like Velvet Revolver meets Sasami in an eclectic genre mash up of punk pop. This cat screams.
Overcoats closed out the Women That Rock showcase, debuting some new choreography they joked about coming up with at the hotel. The duo is composed of Hana Elion and JJ Mitchell, Brooklynite singer-songwriters with an indie-Americana sensibility. Their gorgeous harmonies and catchy pop hooks are so infectious, they had the whole crowd cheering and swaying as the sun set.
As we moved into the evening showcase, Bailen, a trio of siblings from NYC played a lovely set of alt indie tracks. They were a great follow up to Overcoats, in the same vein of pop-Americana with particular attention to the percussion, manned by fraternal twins Daniel and David Bailen on bass and drums. Their younger sister, Julia, leads with vocals and winding guitar riffs.
Next, I checked out what was happening inside to find Charlotte Rose Benjamin on the stage, my friend Luc Swift opened for her at Brooklyn Made a while ago and I stuck around long enough to hear her hit “Slot Machine” before heading back outside to make sure I caught Model/Actriz.
Before their set, I ran into drummer Ruben Radlauer and congratulated him on their freshly release debut album, Dogsbody, which earned them a mighty 8.2 from Pitchfork (if that sort of thing matters to you). The man is a machine. Really, the whole band is;. Big purveyors of noise, something about the grind and wail of their sound just hits me right where I need to feel something. Model/Actriz is especially fun to watch live due in part to the frontman, Cole Hayden, and his off-stage melodrama. He crawls through the crowd, climbs picnic tables, and stares deep into the souls of strangers. Back in 2019, at the short-lived NYC venue The Dance, he scrambled up an amp in a blue sequin catsuit to hump a disco ball not unlike the one hanging up on the Cheer Up Charlies stage. Even if you aren’t into the genre, Model/Actriz has an intensity that even the most averse have a hard time turning away from.
Next, I headed to The North Door to catch Juice, a genre-bending group consisting of six musicians originally from Boston, now based in Brooklyn. The stage was a little cramped for such a musically expansive band, but they made it work with a smile. Through their soulful harmonies and vibrantly funky R&B riffs, I found myself smiling back.
Nearing 1am, I trudged down to Rainey St., dodging drunk people on my way to Half Step to see Adwaith. They came recommended to me by our EIC Kate Hoos, and for good reason. This indie rock trio comprised of Hollie Singer, Gwenllian Anthony and Heledd Owen champions the Welsh language and its cultural heritage with their music. The crowd and I perked up at the dreamy vocals and power-pop beats, all of us catching a second wind. During the set I found myself trying to make meaning of words that sounded familiar enough it seemed possible to sing along—and I really wanted to. (Check out our recent coverage of Adwaith in NYC at New Colossus Fest.)
DAY 3 – Wednesday, March 15th 2023
I’ll admit it, I started to lose a little steam by the third day but the band I was sharing an Airbnb with was getting into town later in the afternoon so I knew I’d get a breather.
I joined my friends at High Noon for Paste Magazine’s showcase because I’d told them Miss Grit was playing and their EPs had been on my heavy rotation for the past year. I’d just seen them at Baby’s All Right in Brooklyn a month before but I’d really been enjoying their debut album that was just released in February called Follow the Cyborg (read our review). Miss Grit is the musical project of artist Margaret Sohn, whose nonbinary, half Korean identity fuels a lot of their work. As someone who is also nonbinary and half Asian, I find myself drawn to their themes around selfhood and liminality. I hear a lot of Mitski and St. Vincent in Miss Grit’s synth pop sound, and it really hits the spot.
The next band was a complete surprise. Somewhere between a gospel choir and an exorcism is where you’d find SUSU. I’ve heard people want to keep Austin weird, but I was really happy to see a band bringing NYC weird to SXSW. Soulful, psychedelic and seductive, the leading duo—Liza Colby and Kia Warren—had range in both a vocal and acrobatic capacity. Their set was a marathon of energy that left me feeling refreshed. Also, the body harnesses they were wearing? DIY’ed from store-bought back braces. Insane.
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I met up with Plastic Picnic afterwards at the convention center where snapped a quick photo in front of the official SXSW backdrop.
After grabbing a bite to eat, I rushed off to catch the second half of Ava Vegas at Las Perlas. Elfin and bathed in golden light, her ballads were luxurious and dreamy. The Berlin-based singer was giving German Lana Del Rey and the audience was rapt for it.
I booked it to Stubb’s next so I could see Hermanos Gutiérrez, which was the first SXSW official photo pit for me. The Swiss-Ecuadorian brothers have been enjoying the spotlight recently, and their music has been written about extensively. I felt lucky to catch the set for free, but wished I was more of an audience member than photographer because their music is a soundscape I wanted to be able to close my eyes and enjoy, especially as a live set.
Before I got to SXSW, Kate also recommended I check out M(h)aol, a punk band from Ireland that had just released their first full length album Attachment Styles, in February (read our review). I fell in love at first listen with Róisín Nic Ghearailt’s voice, her anger, and her optimism, especially when singing about the ubiquity of sexual assault on “Asking for It. ”I headed to their set at Mohawk and ended up in the front row, delighted to find that the singer was exactly the same in real life; a bubbly force of nature. In between songs she spoke fervently about abortion and trans rights being taken away, and how it was important not to lose hope because all our struggles were interconnected.
Before “Bisexual Anxiety” she asked everyone who identified to raise their hand and because I was in front, we high fived. She turned down a kiss from me, shouting “I’m monogamous!” “I’m greedy!” I shouted back, quoting a line from the song, and she winked. Later she told me that because of their Visa, they weren’t allowed to sell merch, so she gifted me one of their totes which reads “It’s not personal, it’s just vibes.”
Tired after a long day, I joined Plastic Picnic at Seven Grand where they were watching Overcoats play a late show. I’d seen them the day before but their music is so catchy and I liked their new choreography so I stuck around to listen again. Plastic Picnic will be opening for Overcoats on a six day leg of their tour in May.
Stay tuned for the second half of our SXSW coverage coming soon!
by FTA Staff | Nov 11, 2022
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]
by FTA Staff | Nov 4, 2022
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’s a 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]
by FTA Staff | Oct 7, 2022
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.
Check out our past lists from April, May, June and September 2022.
Kate Hoos- Editor In Chief
IZAGUF– Not So Sweet and Still Low. A very interesting collection of slowed down and sludged out Fugazi covers which is described as “Nine Fugazi tracks performed at exactly half-pace and dragged through a thick, moldy swamp via producer, engineer, and multi-instrumentalist Aaron D.C. Edge of Hellvetika. This comes complete with instrumental “musac for metalheads” versions,” and anyone who reads this blog regularly will know that this ticks a lot of boxes for me—interesting covers that make the song their own, some of my favorite Fugazi songs, and the inclusion of the instrumental versions to really put the cherry on top. It even got an endorsement from Guy Picciotto who said “Hey Aaron – just wanted to send props for these Izaguf covers. They’re fucking crushing! thx for engaging with the songs.”
Lung– Let It Be Gone. The latest from this bombastic cello and drums due from Cincinnati who also happen to be one of the hardest working DIY bands going and one of my all time favorites. They keep getting better and better with every release and this one is no different. And in fact this newest collection of songs showcases a new refined poise and a slightly more subdued sound from their previous highly intense offerings, though the songs are no less emotional and cathartic despite the dialed back approach; it’s a direction I’m very happy to hear and embrace. They are currently on tour with Mac Sabbath and will make their first stop in NYC since before the pandemic on 10/21 at Brooklyn Bowl.
Good Music to Ensure Safe Abortion Access to All– Act fast on this one because it’s only available for one day. Per the Bandcamp page, this “is a compilation made up entirely of previously unreleased recordings from some of the most important names in music today. The album features never-before-heard new songs, covers, remixes, live versions, and unreleased demos from incredible artists across many genres. The collection is available exclusively for 24 hours only via Bandcamp TODAY Friday, October 7”
For $19.73 minimum donation you get 49 songs from prominent artists like Bully, Death Cab, Fleet Foxes, King Gizzard, Maya Hawke, Sunflower Bean and many more. There’s also limited edition shirts for pre-order that were designed by Kim Gordon. Proceeds go to benefit Brigid Alliance, Abortion Care Network and Noise For Now. Brigid Alliance is a referral-based service that provides travel, food, lodging, child care and other logistical support for people seeking abortions. Noise For Now is a national initiative that enables artists and entertainers to connect with and financially support grassroots organizations that work in the field of Reproductive Justice, including abortion access and is working with Abortion Care Network to support independent abortion clinics.
Panic Shack– Baby Shack. Up until my recent trip to the UK, I’d only heard one song by this band and didn’t know much else about them, but if the line to get in to see them was any indication, they are pretty popular. I was waiting for Los Bitchos to play at a venue down the street when I found myself with a little extra time and thus stuffed against the back wall of a very crowded Rough Trade in Bristol watching this Cardiff based band, loving what I was hearing. While I wasn’t able to to stay for their whole set, I have enjoyed listening to the EP they released this past April, Baby Shack, several times since the night of that show. Snarky and zippy grunge punk tunes that are right in my musical wheelhouse, I definitely will be keeping my eyes on this band and watching for when they (hopefully) come to the States.
Petrol Girls– Baby. One of the most crucial political bands currently going, their latest album, Baby, is unflinchingly feminist and sharply critical of the interlocking systems of oppression that seek to crush all who are not rich, white, cis, straight and male. And it’s also their most ambitious offering yet musically, an incredibly nuanced and complex record with clever compositions and arrangements, far from the usual “crash and bash” sound the words “political hardcore band” tends to bring to mind with rich layers to uncover as you listen again and again. I just saw the band play in Cardiff and asked them when they think they’ll make it to the States (a 2020 tour was scrapped due to visa issues right as Covid loomed on the horizon) and they said that while no plans are concrete yet, they are hoping to come over in the latter half of 2023. Fingers crossed that this comes to pass because you know I’ll be there front and center.
Chantal- Contributing Writer
Kam Claudel– Romantic Atrocities. Cassette and zine that tells the story, in poignant, poetic singer-songwriter style, of two boys on a road trip in 1997. B-side is a tribute to a beloved 70’s manga. If you know, you know.
Karl Hohn– dirby dreams. A fun EP of surf-rocky tunes that act as a concept for a videogame soundtrack. Come for the guitar work, stay for the groovy Casiotone MT-45.
Nick Vivid– No More Secrets. Funky danceable tunes that will please fans of Midnite Vultures and Skeletal Lamping. I caught him live a few months ago and I definitely recommend that!
Oddysseys– Softcore. Another band I first heard live, Oddysseys (note the spelling) have a dark punk sound and a DIY spirit (and zines at the merch table <3).
Jenifun- Webmistress
John Times Two– Nocturnal Manoeuveres.
Rash Decision– Year of The Silence.
Tin Vulva– Notes From TV Underground.
Juliette Boulay- Contributing Photographer
amelia cry til I die– high on my own supply. Amelia Swain (drums in Sadurn and bass in Ther) has an amazing solo project I didn’t know about until last week. Her songs are genuine, angsty, and healing as a warm bowl of soup. They’re actually so good I made a fun day trip out of going to see her play in Philly last week. I highly recommend this album to anyone who’s ever felt different or misunderstood.
MOP– Bloodlust. This new album by MOP is another shoegaze banger by Oakland duo Moira Brown
and Samuelito Cruz. I found this band by looking through the bands covered by TAGABOW’s label, Smoking Room. It looks like MOP doesn’t tour or have any social media accounts so they’re truly a diamond in the rough in my opinion. Both this album and their prior EP are amazing. Check ’em out!
Mx Lonely– Cadonia. As FTA’s resident shoegaze lover, I wanted to share one of my favorite new albums by Mx Lonely, a cerebral shoegaze band from BK. My favorite track is “Paper Cranes” with the opening track being a close second. The album is a must-listen for anyone who’s ever battled with addiction or just loves hard-hitting slow rock.
Thus Love– Memorial. I’ve been waiting a while for this EP to come out, so I’ll be listening along with anyone who picks up this record. Thus Love’s music is a great listen for anyone who loves Echo and the Bunnymen, Joy Division, or any melancholic post-punk really.
Kate Bell- Contributing Writer
Bacchae– Left of the Dial Live. I recently caught Bacchae opening up for The Linda Lindas at Music Hall of Williamsburg, and they blew me away. Frantic fun from Washington DC!
Elk City– Above the Water. WFMU has been giving a lot of love to this great group from Montclair, New Jersey, and as always, I’m grateful to the best radio station in the world for introducing me to yet another fantastic-sounding band. This doesn’t officially release until 10/22, but you can pre-order now, and they are playing live to celebrate their release on 10/27 at Mama Tried and on 10/30 in Montclair at a house/yard party. I hope to catch one or both of those shows; haven’t seen them live yet.
Johanna Warren– Lessons of Mutants. One of my absolute favorite artists that I discovered during the pandemic, this is Johanna Warren’s first full-length release since 2020’s Chaotic Good, and I could not be more excited. Musical magic from Wales, this album is released on Friday 10/7 aka today!
Leopardo– Malcantone. These lovely folx were on a bill with my band at Our Wicked Lady in September, and they got me dancing. They were on tour all the way from Switzerland.
Mike Borchardt- Contributing Writer
Brook Pridemore–
Glad to Be Alive. I’ve already said enough about this beautiful record (
read my review here). The hand-painted lyric test pressings are all sold out, but the record itself is available for purchase and highly recommended.
Haybaby–
Their Entire Catalog. One of the best is calling it quits after a decade of making some killer music. If you can’t make the band’s final show Oct 21 at
Purgatory, then definitely make sure you snag some Haybaby swag on their Bandcamp cuz it’s going fast and when it’s gone, it’s gone.
A Very Special Episode–
Remix Your Hearts or Die. I had the pleasure of doing a remix of one of the band’s songs off their 2021 full length release
Fix Your Hearts or Die. Artists like
Ilithios,
Atlas Engine,
Colatura, and
Jon Daily contributed beautiful reimaginings of an already kickass record. The Cigarettes For Breakfast remix alone is worth scooting over to their Bandcamp and purchasing a copy.
Ray Rusinak- Contributing Photographer
Closure- Innocence. This is almost a perfect storm kind of Bandcamp Friday kind of release because to the best of my knowledge bandcamp is the ONLY way to hear or procure this. Making this as short and simple as possible, Closure is a post punk quintet out of Indonesia that harkens back to the days of early The Cure, The Chameleons (UK) and especially Sisters of Mercy, this album will immediately make you want to load up on that black eyeliner.
Drew Beskin & The Sunshine- Somewhere Sideways Same As You. Beskin just might be the most talented and prolific songwriter absolutely no one (outside of Athens, GA) knows of. He’s been churning out masterful albums for over 10 years now with bands like The District Attorneys, Party Dolls, Purses, as well as under his own name. Somewhere Same As You follows in his tried and true formula of intelligent lyrics backed by soulful pop with a southern sensibility.
Nick Cory Young- Crow Got Drunk. If you, like me, are a fan of mid 90’s alternative rock that wore its allegiance to Neil Young right on its sleeve for all to see and more importantly hear, then Crow Got Drunk is the album for you. I’m talking about bands like The Lemonheads, Soul Asylum, early Wilco and The Old 97s to name just a few. You’ll hear traces of all of these and then some throughout Crow Got Drunk.
Remember Sports- Leap Day EP. Remember Sports is yet another Philly indie band that has captured my attention over the past couple of years. With a vocal style which reminds me of Katie Crutchfeld of Waxahatchee, vocalist, guitarist and primary songwriter, Carmen Perry sounds as good as ever on this one. Interestingly, while listening to Leap Day, I did think to myself that this one definitely had a little bit more of a synthy/dance kind of feel to it compared to past efforts. Then I saw that the band recorded this EP without a human drummer and I can’t help but feel that the drum machines and the rhythms produced had a direct cause and effect on this sound…one which I quite liked, I might add.
Timeshares- Limb. Timeshares have been making the rounds on the pop punk touring circuite (especially here in the Northeast (they currently call Philadelphia home but are originally from Long Island) and have really hit their stride with Limb, their fourth full length. Playing a version of pop punk which incorporates both the punk rawness (and sometimes sloppiness) of The Replacements mixed with the alt-country sensibilities of a band like Slobberbone, Limb just might be their most accomplished album thus far.
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