Portland

Pegasus Dream to release new EP ‘In Absentia’ 7/10

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Taking distance from the erratic beats of their debut album ‘Painting Pantheons‘, Pegasus Dream have developed their polyphony to deliver far more mature a sound on forthcoming EP ‘In Absentia‘. With the experience of their percussionist, music producer Jeff Bond (who joined the band shortly after the release of the first record), they structured the new tracks to emphasise one instrument at a time, thus giving the sound a sense of purity. Harsher guitars, authentic percussions, short synth notes fuzzing through the space and the fragile voice of singer Jt come together in harmony, with just enough distortion to give its strange glow to this feel-good indie-pop piece out July 10th. 

Here’s a little treat for you- ‘Righteous Tiger’, second track off ‘In Absentia’ with a music video shot in Bond’s studio, courtesy of Dead Not Dancing.- Tracy Mamoun, from the shimmering confines of my comfort zone.

NYC

July artist of the month: Dollar Fox

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Congratulations to Dollar Fox for The Deli – Kansas City’s artist of the month for July! They won by a landslide!

This 5-piece folk/Americana group plays music with precision, character, and heart. Since forming about 3 years ago, Dollar Fox has found success on Money Wolf Music with a full-length album under its belt and a wide fanbase. Between the 5 of them, the band uses probably 10 or more instruments in a set. That alongside Tommy Donoho’s sincere voice and lyrics helps make Dollar Fox stand out, even in an ever-growing base of Kansas City’s Americana scene.

Look forward to October 19 when Dollar Fox releases its sophomore effort, Little Mother’s Things I am Keeping.

Dollar Fox is:

  • Tommy Donoho
  • Nick Dothage
  • Justin Penney
  • Ethan Taylor
  • Ryan Watkins 

Check out a few tracks from Dollar Fox’s 2010 release, Close to Home.

And check out the band’s recent performance on FOX 4, playing a track called "Letter" off the new album:

 

Philadelphia

West Philadelphia Orchestra CD Release Party at Underground Arts July 5

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All-night Balkan Dance Party. Let that combination of words sink in for a second. All-Night Balkan Dance Party. Maybe that sounds more quirky than exciting, but trust us, it’s the latter. This glorious event is happening tonight at the Underground Arts as the wild West Philadelphia Orchestra plays three sets in celebration of the release of their new CD Live at Tritone. Don’t let their name fool you; though “West Philadelphia Orchestra” suggests suits, padded seating, and monocles, the WPO are far from stuffy. They’re an energetic ruckus, a collective of classical musicians playing Eastern European grooves so tight that after an evening of them, you might start waxing nostalgic about “the old country." Get to Underground Arts and jig, baby. Underground Arts, 340 N. 12th St., 9pm, $5 – Adam Downer

NYC

Outernational launches video with Tom Morello and Chad Smith + plays Bowery Electric on 07.11

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NYC quintet, Outernational, have had a whirlwind of a year so far. Touring since last year and recording all last spring/summer, these rockers have masterminded their second release, “Todos Somos Ilegales,” an 18-track album that revolves around the issues that haunt the American southern border and aptly combines fiery rock in English and en Espanol, rap, and World music vibes. Just a week ago, the title track’s eye-catching music video, featuring musical collaborators, Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine, Chad Smith of Red Hot Chili Peppers, Residente of Calle 13, Pop/Latin Rock Producer, Thom Russo, and photo/video submissions from over 100 fans worldwide, dropped and has nearly 34,000 views and counting on YouTube along with heated commentary and debates. “Todos” made it onto a segment of CNN en Espanol and has aired in Venzuela, Cuba, Colombia, Mexico, and the UK so far. Check out the video below and visit www.weareallillegals.com to download the album in its entirety. Outernational will be headlining Bowery Electric on July 11 before heading back out on the road for a summer/fall tour. — Meijin Bruttomesso

NYC

The Hoot Hoots Performing at The Sunset Tavern Later this Month

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 Photo Source: The Hoot Hoots

The Hoot Hoots are playing with Caught in Motion and The Torn ACLS at The Sunset Tavern on Saturday, July 21st; it is the latter group’s CD release show.

This band is, in a word, delightful! Their tunes are driven by floating, bubbly synth arrangements, energetic drums and playful harmonies. Their lyrics are often quirky, like they are reeling off their own versions of bedtime stories. At times, the words take a turn towards poignance, like the Broken Social Scene-esque song "Brighter" – (although still retaining their decidedly power pop flavor).

You will inevitably hoot, stomp, surf, and cheer your way through their full-length Appetite For Distraction, which came out in December of last year. "Do You Know What They Say About the Pacific?" is anchored by a voice that sounds remarkably akin to Robin Pecknold of Fleet Foxes; they then promptly guide it out of bucolic territory with a happy, buzzing synth melody.

Songs like "Mr. Ghost" and "Scully" show they can rock their fuzzy pop with the best of them. Listen to the former track below, and take care to visit their bandcamp to stream the whole album. The Hoot Hoots will be at The Sunset Tavern on the 21st of July – tickets cost $8 and the doors open at 9pm.

– Cameron LaFlam

Portland

Black Pussy Out On The Town.

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Humble revivalists marching onto the rock scene with the bold, macho sounds of their debut album ‘On Blonde‘, Black Pussy set themselves aside the hyped-up escalade of musical violence to develop the softer stoner rock aesthetics of the late 60s/early 70s. Amidst hardcore this, trash that and lo-fi everything, surely that’s a tricky card to play, right? But having found a right balance between blues-rock basslines, persistent distortion and Dustin Hill’s soothing pop voice, the sextet successfully take us right back to the origins of heavy rock & Co, with no pretension to replicate the mindfuck of earlier generations. Wishing you a pleasant 4th of July, I can only suggest a trip to Doug Fir tomorrow evening to check them out! They will also be playing Rontoms & Kelly’s Olympian in the next couple of weeks.

PS: Guys, if you go looking for ’em, remember to type in ‘band’; you’ll get far too distracted if you don’t.- Tracy Mamoun

NYC

The Dead Exs releases single for July 4th

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The masters of keeping gritty blues and old time rock ‘n roll alive, The Dead Exs, are serving up a brand new single for the 4th of July. Recorded at Converse’s Rubber Tracks in Brooklyn, “Relovolution,” streaming below, showcases the New York-based duo’s signature slide guitar-driven garage blues merged with energetic rockabilly, teasing fans with a fun track that builds anticipation for the rest of The Dead Exs upcoming record. – Meijin Bruttomesso

NYC

Black Whales Release New Single, Play Tractor Tavern July 13th

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Black Whales, Seattle’s answer to Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, have released a new single entitled "Vietnam."The fuzzed-out rock track features echoing vocals courtesy of lead singer Alex Robert, and an undeniably catchy chorus ("I can’t get out of Vietnam"). What with it’s psych-rock sound and it’s title, "Vietnam" is a love letter to 60’s music, but still feels fresh and modern. The band will play Tractor Tavern July 13th, and "Vietnam" is streaming below. – Josh Johnson

L.A.

Everest release new album “Ownerless”

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LA four-piece Everest released a new album today, entitled “Ownerless.” The group’s third album is stocked with rocking guitars and confident vocals, courtesy of lead singer Russell Pollard (formerly of Sebadoh). The band changes things up a bit with “Rake Me Over the Coals,” in which Pollard’s voice takes on an especially dreamlike quality, forming one of the album’s best tracks. Everest is on tour this summer with Alberta Cross, and they’ll make a stop at the Troubadour on July 24th. You can listen to “Rake Me Over the Coals” below. – Joshua S. Johnson

 

NYC

Monogamy Party Bringing their Jams to Two Upcoming Shows

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Photo Source: Robin McGarrity

Monogamy Party are set to appear at local D.I.Y. venue the Black Lodge this Saturday, July 7th. The following week they play Chop Suey, opening for Mean Jeans and The Spits.

Made up of a primary vocalist, bassist, and drummer, the fiery group pummels ears with its distinct musical creations. Equal parts noise rock and fuzzed-out punk, they channel the abrasive grooves of a band like Death from Above 1979, but move into territory significantly more aggressive and defiant. 

This past fall they debuted their first EP Pus City via Good To Die Records. The track "Drunk or Dying" introduces itself with a stop-start drum/bass part that gives the impression of a by-the-books punk song before crashing into a wall of noise and shouts. The vocals oscillate between taunting and expressive singing to deeper, roaring screams. 

Eponymous song "Pus City" begins with a segment of quiet and spaced bass tones, the occasional tom roll and bell, before turning into a twisted march of distortion that burns with intensity.

See Monogamy Party at the Black Lodge this Saturday, or Friday, July 13th at Chop Suey for $10. Stream "Pus City" below and check out the band’s entire EP at their bandcamp where it can be purchased digitally or on vinyl.

– Cameron LaFlam

Philadelphia

Pre-Independence Day Festivities!

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There’s a lot going down for a Tuesday tonight since Independence Day falls on a Wednesday this year. And hopefully you don’t have one of those crappy jobs where you actually have to work tomorrow. If you already have your dance gear planned out, then the Making Time “Your Welcome America” RAD-B-Q with Tanlines at the Bamboo Bar is where there will definitely be some hyper-ragin’ going on. And like last year, The Roots seem to be dominating both days so you have plenty of choices to get your groove on this evening. There is the ?uestlove presented PSK – Philadelphia Sound Konnoisseurs happening again this year at Voyeur with sets from Jazzy Jeff, DJ Drama, Rich Medina, DJ PHSH and J Rocc. Rising hip hop collective Ground Up is opening for the legendary Talib Kweli at the TLA so South Street should be bumpin’ along with its usual Jersey Shore boardwalk-like traffic. (Unfortunately, there will be no undercooked Lorenzo slices consumed this evening.) If dancin’ is not your thing, then rock ‘n’ roll will be represented at Johnny Brenda’s by locals Adam & Dave’s Bloodline and Jukebox Zeros. And finally, if all this shit isn’t punk enough for you, then Sickoids at Cloud City should make you feel right at home. (You’ll need to email Andy@r5productions.com for deets.) So there you have it – now sneak out of work today for an early happy hour and try not to get arrested before gettin’ some BBQ tomorrow! Cheers!
 
NYC

Show recap: Chris Haghirian’s Birthday Bash at recordBar, 6.29.12

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(pictured above: Oriole Post)

Friday night saw the celebration of a few events at the recordBar. First, the birthday of Chris Haghirian of Ink Magazine. 
 
 
Second, the farewell show for Oriole Post, who performed a hearty but bittersweet set to a packed dinner crowd.
 
 
 
 
An unspoken celebration was one for the local music scene. The early show (Olassa/Oriole Post) was packed nearly to capacity with the faces of familiar musicians, families and friends. The late show was not quite as full, but the spirit was jovial with the lively sounds of The Hearts of Darkness and the dynamic instrumentation of She’s A Keeper. 17-year-old Georgia Gordon, who hails from Scotland, opened up the show with a series of acoustic songs to lead into the other eclectic acts of the evening. Chicago’s Stephen Paul Smoker also added a heavier, psychedelic element to the show, keeping the crowd on its feet for the headliner, The Hearts of Darkness. With a blend of fantastic local acts and emerging national/international acts, and a mixture of new and old faces, recordBar helped prove that there’s a viable, up-and-coming music scene in Kansas City.
 

Olassa

Georgia Gordon

She’s A Keeper

Stephen Paul Smoker

The Hearts of Darkness

Photos © Todd Zimmer, 2012. Please do not use without permission.