L.A.

Saint Motel’s First LP “Voyeur”

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For this first full-length album, Saint Motel playfully indulged the usual fantasies of the so-called ‘debut’, i.e some questionable ventures out of the infamous box; the trick is to do it en finesse, but hey, isn’t that just their field of expertise? On Voyeur, released July 14th, the band added to their sharp slick brand of indie-pop/rock a touch of latin rhythms, a little pastiche, some swing and some sarcasm, but did so with such subtelty that all twists and turns seem to smoothly blend into the arrogant thread of this record. Currently on the roads with Races, the band will soon be back to California, with a couple of shows booked in Santa Ana & San Diego and an appearance on September 14th at L.A’s… Lobster Fest? Don’t ask. Tracy Mamoun

Philadelphia

Juston Stens & The Get Real Gang Opening for Zeus at North Star Bar Aug. 1

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Juston Stens & The Get Real Gang are the type of band that re-imagines the past. Taking cues from classic rock, yet spinning them off in a new direction, Stens and the gang create music that share the traits of their musical predecessors – the casually addictive groove of the bass guitar, memorable guitar licks that beg for increased decibel levels. While energy is a key component, the group plays it cool rarely going into overdrive, yet somehow moving at a steady pace: cruising along. These songs serve as tributes to their music heroes, while also taking triumphant modern steps – a band that knows where it’s going because it knows where it’s been. They’ll be opening for Toronto rock gods Zeus at the North Star tonight. North Star Bar, 2639 Poplar St., 8pm, $10, 21+ – Michael Colavita

Portland

Kite Sun Kid play Someday Lounge 8.9

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 Kite Sun Kid reminds me of dreams that are impossible to put into words after they’ve been experienced. They write complex, fluid songs that borrow elements of folk, math and progressive rock to create some of the most musically interesting pieces I’ve hear out of Portland to date. The lead vocals hover above the instruments, accented by an enticing falsetto and adding a certain pop sensibility to their vivid compositions. It has depth, is well arranged and possesses a tone of maturity that many other bands in this scene lack. You can see Kite Sun Kid play at the Someday Lounge on August 9th and you can also listen to their self-titled release for free here. I recommend giving it a few listens, I just had my fifth in a row and it was the best yet. –Benjamin Toledo    

Chicago

Netherfriends “Middle America” @ Schubas

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Netherfriends (aka Shawn Rosenblatt) will be releasing the pink vinyl edition of his album Middle America through Chicago’s Kilo Records on August 21st. Rosenblatt will be touring in support of the release, but for the Chicago fans he will be performing the album in its entirety with a full band at Schubas on August 18th.

Portland

Arrange: the brainchild of 19-year-old Malcom Lacey

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19-year-old experimental artist Malcom Lacey created something magical with his solo music project Arrange. His 2011 release Plantation generated a lot of buzz, including write-ups in The Guardian (UK) and Pitchfork, and established his identity as an emerging new alternative artist. Arrange’s sixth LP New Memory, released earlier this month, features an ambient, kaleidoscopic sound that reaches out into infinity and then collapses back in on itself. Lacey, who wrote, arranged, and recorded New Memory, succeeds in creating a stunningly vast atmosphere. His vocals float and echo, while soft piano chords and guitar riffs flow beautifully with more non-traditional instrumentals. New Memory is something special.- Sarah Walters