Appendixes play the type of lively, dreamy music that can illustrate the black and white moments of your day to day life. I was listening to their new EP, “False Color”, as I walked to the grocery store today. It turned the usually monotonous experience of buying eggs and Sriracha into a bright and interesting trip in which I was swaying back and forth all the while (I got a few strange looks in the checkout line). The dreamy vocals, effects drenched guitars and distant, lo-fi drumming create colorful, introspective songs that stay in your head for hours after they’ve ended. The EP makes it’s physical release on cassette September 1st at the Record Room, you can also download it here. -Benjamin Toledo
Philadelphia
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New Track: “Coke Beat” – The National Rifle
Below is the lead single from The National Rifle called “Coke Beat” off their upcoming LP Almost Endless, which was produced at Miner Street Recordings. You’ll find the song to be a much more laidback, patient offering from the band than anything that you might have heard from them in the past. We dig. Hope that you do too.
Philadelphia
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MilkBoy Philly Kicks Off Its One-year Anniversary Celebration Run
Tonight is the kick-off to MilkBoy Philly’s one-year anniversary celebration run. Since expanding from Ardmore, they’ve also moved their studio work to Philly taking over the fine space that used to be Larry Gold’s The Studio. The fledgling Center City venue has invited New Jersey songwriter Pete Donnelly, local Americana rock five-piece The Kalob Griffin Band, and Reed Kendall’s Up the Chain to get things rolling this evening. All the shows that are part of the anniversary celebration are free so swing on by and toast to what has already been a good beginning. Cheers! MilkBoy Philly, 1100 Chestnut St., 9pm, Free, 21+ – H.M. Kauffman
Chicago
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TheWHOevers “Ruff and Rugged”
TheWHOevers released their album Renovations last year but just released the video for the track "Ruff and Rugged" yesterday. The video was directed by Christoper Yankton, and they could not have picked a smoother track. Love it!
You can catch TheWHOevers @ Elbo Room on August 18th with Sam I Am the MC.
L.A.
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The Mowgli’s light up the Roxy on 8.18
Lively local collective The Mowgli’s have been lifting the spirits of their eager disciples this whole summer. They’ve been tirelessly trekking the local circuit promoting their latest release Sound the Drum, and it all culminates with an upcoming performance at the Roxy Theatre as part of the Sunset Strip Music Festival, which takes place this upcoming weekend. Sound the Drum is still available as a full stream on their bandcamp page.
L.A.
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Youngblood Hawke release self-titled EP
Things are looking mighty fine for indie pop outfit Youngblood Hawke, who are beginning to sense the smell of success with their spangling summer jam "We Come Running". It’s the kind of celebratory charge that’s fueled with an innocent pop panache, meant to consume your radio dial for weeks on end. Due to their recent success, their self-titled EP was pushed forward to coincide with its "single of the week" mention on iTunes. The band will be making an appearance at the Echo Park Rising event on August 25th.
Chicago
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Mannequin Men @ Empty Bottle
Mannequin Men are releasing a new split 7" with Rooftop Vigilantes on August 30th through Replay Records.
Bassist Miles Raymer is leaving the band, but they are planning to send him off in style this friday, August 17th, at Empty Bottle.
Chicago
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Gemini Club “Here We Mix”
Gemini Club recently announced a September tour to the East Coast and that they will be releasing a new mixtape each month through the end of the year. The first mixtape was released last week along side their new single "Sparklers". The track comes from their latest EP "Here We Sit" which was released back in April.
Chicago
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Sharkula & Jams Dean @ Subt
"Historic Event" is what it is dubbed, and who would want to something like that? Sharkula and Jams Dean together and apparently releasing an album. I am having a hard time locating details on the album, but if you are as curious as I am I would recommend stopping by Subt on August 18th to check it out.
Here is a freestyle from Sharkula that was featured on the recent mixtape from City of Win.
Chicago
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Save The Clocktower
Last Friday Save The Clocktower celebrated the release of their sophomore album, Through The Glass, at Double Door. The album is much more dance oriented and synth-pop driven then their 2011 debut album Carousel, but is still very enjoyable despite the sharp contrast.
If you missed their concert at Double Door you can still stream it at gigity.tv.
NYC
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The Absolute Monarchs Opening for Love Battery at the Mural Ampitheater
Photo Source: Robin Dupuy
The Absolute Monarchs are hitting the Seattle Center stage this weekend on Friday, August 15th. They, along with Wayfinders, are opening for the seminal band Love Battery.
This four piece released their debut LP this past spring on Good To Die Records; the name of the album is 1. Its hybrid, in-your-face jams carry a lot of punch, driven straight to your gut with fiery shouts and yells.
Consider the opening track "Attack," which lives up to its name, blistering all the way through. Beginning with a twisting and shimmering riff, it quickly shifts into an immensely powerful shouted chorus. This song will knock the dust right off your old speakers.
"Fell in Line" starts off with an off-kilter and chugging guitar line before switching into a head thrashing anthem. The Absolute Monarch’s medley of abrasiveness and catchiness does not go unnoticed or unappreciated.
Post-punk, noise rock, alternative rock – you could stamp their music with these descriptions and more. What they do ecstatically bring to Seattle’s sonic round table is an infectious sense of melody told through a kaliedoscopic view of loud music.
Catch The Absolute Monarchs at the Mural Ampitheater this Friday the 17th starting at 5:30pm. The Concerts at the Mural series is a great summertime opportunity for fans and musicians to come together for outdoor performances. Admission is completely free! Listen to "Fell In Line" below and then check out their bandcamp to stream all of 1. You can purchase a copy on cd or vinyl courtesy of GTD.
– Cameron LaFlam
Philadelphia
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Recap: KahBang Day 1: Part 1
The Milkman’s Union, for us, was possibly the best “discovery” of this KahBang, by not only backing some of the most anticipated acts of the fest, but also delivering one of the more captivating sets of music we have seen in a while. When they were on stage, there was a nonchalance and introverted swagger to the group, while their intricate folk songs showed a deep knowledge and appreciation for the music they make. Frontman Henry Jamison writes thoughtful, naturally steeped laments. The lyrics are barrel-aged, romantic. His voice is various shades of blue. Their music is loosely labeled as fingerpicking folk, but it utilizes their large range of influences. We saw their set at the Think.Maine Stage on Friday at KahBang as well as the night before at Sea Dogs Brewery. They killed it both times, and had Aly Spaltro a.k.a. Lady Lamb the Beekeeper join them both times to perform their most recent single “Texas Hold Me” which featured Spaltro on vocals, obviously. Ever since their jarring, beautiful rendition of “Bright and Future” on Friday, we haven’t been able to stop listening to them. Check them out, and we imagine that you’ll do the same.
We caught a few songs by Aloud from Boston. They, as their name depicted, were loud-as-shit, guitar-driven rock. The female-fronted act featured powerful vocals and rollicking roots rock guitar.
Over on the 2nd Stage, we caught a great set by Darlingside. The globetrotting string-folk collective utilize unintimidating instruments to make, at times, surprisingly hard-hitting music. Made up of individual songwriters each with their own flair, the classically-trained band creates layers of harmonies and laced melodies. The violin playing was especially impressive, though they could all play. In my notebook, I wrote down “Blow the House Down” so that song was apparently especially good, but also the hanging speakers were blowing a precariously large amount, so I could have just been nervous.
Keep an eye out for more coverage soon!
Check out our photos from Day 1 right HERE. – Adam G.