NYC

Erik Blood Performing at Vibrations 2012 at Volunteer Park

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Photo Source: Erik Blood

Erik Blood is playing at Vibrations 2012 tomorrow, the second annual day festival curated by Cairo. Other musicians performing include King Dude, Night Beats, Witch Gardens, Stickers, and more.

Blood’s latest is the full-length Touch Screens which came out earlier this month. His music tends to oscillate between raucous, drum-driven works and subtler, pulse-beat pieces which lift their bouyant weight to levitate.

"The Lonesome Death of Henry Paris" introduces itself orchestrally before mutating into a hypnotic pairing of bass and beat. His vocals are clear, without effect, speaking sans reservation; their forthrightness makes for good storytelling. Urgent noises start to erupt halfway through, including the entrancing reverberations of a siren-like synth.

"Constance and Casey," on the other hand, tears right into the fabric before letting up on the gas a bit. The guitar see-saws and whirs like My Bloody Valentine; the passages which bookend the shoegazey, psychedelic spinning are tap your foot, come and sing along worthy.

Touch Screens malleability as an album is of the highest order, revealing its water-like quality that allows its sonic forces to form whatever shape is necessary for the song at a given moment.

Make sure to check out Volunteer Park tomorrow August 25 between 1:00-10:00pm for Vibrations. Attendance is free! Listen to "Amputee" below and check out Erik Blood’s bandcamp to stream the entire record. You can purchase a copy for $10.

– Cameron LaFlam

Chicago

The Sea & Cake

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Just in case you’ve missed it, I doubt you have, The Sea & Cake are releasing a new album on Sept 18th called Runner through Thrill Jockey. The band recently released the seconded single from the album called "On and On".

The band has been with Thrill Jockey since 1994, and Thrill Jockey turns 20 this year. To celebrate they are reissuing a bunch of classic LPs including four from The Sea and Cake in limited editions.

You can catch The Sea and Cake at City Winery on October 29th.

NYC

Skaters release new video + play Bowery on 09.19

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Brooklyn’s Skaters are hard at work to become one of the most fun indie rock band in NYC. This is the second video they release this year. Probably inspired by* the [orange sexy alert if you browse from work!!!] Esquire video of Daisy Lowe dancing on the track "Tiger" by Dave Sitek’s Maximum Balloon, their new video of "I Wanna Dance" focus its attention on a cute African American girl dancing in various places – probably in Brooklyn. Enjoy it below and don’t miss their next show when they’ll be opening for the Whigs on September 19th at the Bowery Ballroom.

*Some of our more open minded writers (we pretty much only listen to NYC bands) suggest that this video could be an answer to the [blue sexy alert if you browse from work!!!] Black Keys’ video of "Lonely Boy".

Philadelphia

FYI on DIYs in PHL: Sofar Philly

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Songs From a Room (Sofar) is a worldwide movement to bring music lovers and musicians together at secret living room concerts for all to enjoy an intimate and special evening. Sofar has now spread to about 17 cities – from London (England) to New Delhi (India) to Paris (France) to NYC and beyond. We recently had a chance to catch up with Sofar Philly’s coordinator Carolyn Lederach. The local branch is back after a summer hiatus, and will be holding another showcase this Saturday in South Philly. If you want to know where, then you’ll have to contact them at phillysofar@gmail.com. If you want to know who will be performing, we do know, but you’ll just have to show up and discover for yourself or view the livestream HERE (now, that just isn’t as fun, but to each his/her own). However, take a moment to read our interview with Lederach HERE to learn more about Sofar Philly.
 
New England

Earthquake Party! Playing Hometown Show 9.4

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I’m not sure that any band’s name so perfectly describes a band’s sound better than Earthquake Party!, a three-piece noise-rock outfit from Boston. “Pretty Little Hand,” off the band’s three-track “vs. Pizza” album, is the exact combination of chaos and celebration. In case you are already planning a party for the Roland Emmerich-style apocalypse happening later this year, Earthquake Party! are here to provide the soundtrack. The band will bring its high-energy sound back home with a show at the Middlesex Lounge on September 4th. Watch the video for “Pretty Little Hand” below. – Josh Johnson

"Pretty Little Hand" by Earthquake Party! from loroto on Vimeo.

Philadelphia

Free Download: “Pretty Girl” – Residuels

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Take a listen to the fuzzed-out garage-ROCKER “Pretty Girl” from Residuels, the new collaboration from Creepoid’s Pat Troxell and Moon Women’s Justin Pittney. It’s from their upcoming 7”, and you can download it for free below. Residuels will be making their live performance debut tonight at Vox Populi with Puffy Areolas (Siltbreeze), Servant Stairs (featuring members of Leather and Fresh Meat who are also making their first live outing), and Mainline Cocksuckers. Enjoy!

Chicago

On An On “Ghosts”

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A new side project from members of Scattered Trees, Nate Eiesland, Alissa Ricci and Ryne Estwing, has surfaced and in a big way. On An On have released a digital single called "Ghosts" which is taken from their forthcoming debut album Give In. The band is also hitting the road with Reptar and Rubblebucket.

You can catch this solid line up at Lincoln Hall on Sept. 11th.

NYC

Fort Lean plays Rockaway Beach Boardwalk with Tony Castles on 08.26

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With their sound that often builds on heavy drum patterns as single stroked guitar chords chime down over distant synthesizer pads, and passionate vocals frequently giving way to atmospheric lead guitar figures, ambient psych-pop band Fort Lean will headline a free end of summer party at Rockaway Beach Boardwalk this Sunday, August 26. Songs like “The Precinct” come at you with measured pacing by way of a deceptively calming descending chord progression, until the big coda crashes you over the head with layers of guitars, cymbals and voices.

Also playing are (The) Tony Castles, who operate on an even dreamier level as on their song "Black Girls in Dresses," offering also a distinctly soulful element carried by lead and background vocals. Atmospheric and spacious, the instruments used in their songs are unpredictable, creating an appealing sense of wonder.

There are two more NYC bands on this bill: theatrical rock quartet Workout and synth-droners Behavior, while a DJ set by Timmy (Of Call Box Lounge Fame) will keep the crowd pumped after the live music. – Dave Cromwell


Philadelphia

Light Heat Makes Its Live Performance Debut at Fleisher-Ollman Gallery Aug. 24

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Quentin Stoltzfus makes a long-awaited return to the stage tonight at Fleisher-Ollman Gallery for the closing reception of "A Complete Die, etc." The former centerpiece of Mazarin, who released 3 LP’s over a seven-year run 1999-2006, dropped out of the public eye after the psych-rock outfit disbanded due to a naming conflict with a wedding band from upstate New York and other issues. His new venture called Light Heat finds Stoltzfus combining forces with members of local favorites The Walkmen, whose Walter Martin appeared on We’re Already There, and Alec Ounsworth of Clap Your Hands Say Yeah.
 
“And the Birds” the project’s lead single is a testament to Stoltzfus retro rock/pop sensibility. Uniting crafty organ and keys with percussion that provide a solid structure and direction while still allowing the vocals and lyrics to shine through. The harmonies develop a depth without attempting to overachieve. This early peek at Light Heat is an indication that Stoltzfus still has a lot to offer to our thriving local music scene. (BTW: He also tweeted that he’ll be pre-gaming at Oscar’s before the show if anyone would like to join him.) Fleisher-Ollman Gallery, 1616 Walnut St., 7pm, Free, All Ages, – Michael Colavita

Philadelphia

Circa Survive Album Release Shows at Union Transfer Aug. 24 & 25

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Doylestown rockers Circa Survive have a two night residency at Union Transfer this weekend for the upcoming release of their new album, Violent Waves, which will be officially available on August 28. The group, led by frontman Anthony Green, has decided to release the follow-up LP to 2010’s mainstream success, Blue Sky Noise, completely independently and finance it themselves. The album is an attempt to capture the group’s live energy, and was recorded in a week and mixed by the band. Violent Waves features local music scene veteran Rachel Minton of Zolof the Rock and Roll Destroyer on guest vocals for the track “Suitcase.” You can preview the album via Rolling Stone in its entirety HERE. Come out and support a band working hard to buck the system and taking chances! Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden St., 8 pm, $20, All Ages – Dan Brightcliffe
 
NYC

Slam Donahue releases new EP “Hemlock Tea”

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Brooklyn based, gritty pop duo (sometimes trio) Slam Donahue last night released their new EP "Hemlock Tea" with a show at Bushwick’s new venue Delinquency. The band has a knack for simple, catchy melodies, delivered by front man David Otto’s alto, slightly reminiscent of Billy Corgan’s nasal sneer. – The first single from the EP, "Bug in the Sun," was added to our NYC Indie Rock SoundCloud Channel here.