Chicago

From Our Open Blog: Geronimo! Releases 2nd album Oct. 5th

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The buzz surrounding Chicago power-trio Geronimo! isn’t just critical. It’s also in the rich, gnarly tones that these gents ride night in and night out, wowing a wide range audiences, as they’ve shared stages with 90’s alt-rock heroes (Meat Puppets, Local H) to some of today’s indie-rock’s workhorses (Zola Jesus, Cloud Nothings). Whether it’s heavy, head-bobbing riffing ("Natural Feeling"), instrumental thunder (the humorously-titled "Crushtapher Robin") or franticly-paced noodling ("Electric Heart,"), Geronimo! soars at every turn on their sophomore album, "Exanimate." Most of these highly-engaging tracks, while still not out of place in the same breath as Dinosaur Jr. or Mudhoney, are lead by vocalist Kelly Johnson’s cries of boredom with the daily grind, leading the music’s overdrive mentality to be more about the ecstatic release of tension rather than just being loud.

The band – rounded out by drummer Matthew Schwerin and keyboardist Ben Grigg – will release Exanimate on vinyl with a show October 5th at Burlington Bar. Deserters and Hospital Garden will open. Geronimo! is also booked for CMJ later this year.

Chicago

Joan of Arc “King Song”

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Joan of Arc have announced that they will be releasing a new album on Nov. 27th through Joyful Noise. The album is a stripped down offering from the band and is filled with mostly acoustic guitar and solo vocals. The first single from the self-titled project is called "King Song", and the band released a video for the song this week.

Tim Kinsella also announced that he will be embarking on a 10 city "Living Room Tour" to coincide with this release begin Nov. 1st. Unfortunately there are no Chicago dates on that tour.

Philadelphia

Vacationer Making You Miss Summer Already at Underground Arts Sept. 28

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With reverb-soaked keys and lyrics delivered almost exclusively in wistful sighs, Vacationer is a band that literally wants nothing more than to help you chill out, which should be good for those who still have summer in their minds even though it officially ended last week. The project fronted by Kenny Vasoli travels far from the roots of his previous pop-punk and prog-rock bands The Starting Line and Person L, but he seems to be finding solace on his latest journey. However, it doesn’t mean that he’s completely turned his back on his past. Vasoli will be hitting the road soon with his compadres from The Starting Line for their Say It Like You Mean It 10th anniversary tour. But tonight Vacationer are coming to the Eraserhood, and headlining at Underground Arts with support from up-and-coming pop-rock outfit Cold Fronts, electro-dance duo City Rain, and DJ Les Professionnels. Underground Arts, 1200 Callowhill St., 9pm, $14, All Ages – H.M. Kauffman

NYC

Great Caesar premieres song from upcoming EP, out on CMJ week

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You never know what you’re going to get with Great Caesar. A band that got their start generating ska anthems and jazz-inspired rock fusion, they’ve since moved in the direction of the Big Rock Star Anthem. These days, whenever I’m handed a new release, I never know what kind of Great Caesar I’m going to get. But each new release seems to signal a new depth to songwriting, a new risk, and a sharper pull toward a honest confession. New single ‘Tuned to Break’ finds the band shrugging off heartbreak, replacing cold rejection with overpowering harmonies. It’s a big moment for the group, and captured nicely in the high-def acoustic video of the tune recorded live from their friend Ellis’ apartment (he’s a good dood). The song will appear on the band’s upcoming EP release, ‘Scattered Air.’ Check it out below and see the gents live when they play Spike Hill this Saturday, September 29th. – Mike Levine

Austin

New Single- GAL PALS- “For Our Sake”

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You’ve heard this idea before. Surf beat, reverb vocals, lo-fi-ness all around. But unlike other garage pop groups, GALPALS isn’t wholly boring; quite the opposite in fact. Bands that use retro aesthetics (so…all of them basically) are under the misperception that their music has to be lackluster and mellow (because I guess that’s what they think 1950-1988 was like). They follow this concept to a fault. This is not a mistake to be made by learned people. GAL PALS seems to have picked up on this as their new single “For Our Sake” is far from jaded. The guitar progressions are quick, bouncy, and have a natural feel. The vocal melodies are what sell the track. Even the reverb heavy background vocals instill vigor and swing into your step (the backup vocals which are, by the way, perfectly placed within the song). To miss this new group would be folly. –Taylor Browne


Philadelphia

Gypsy Death and You EP Release Show at Cha-Cha’Razzi Sept. 28

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If you ever wondered what local dreamy-shoegaze two-piece Gypsy Death and You would sound like with a full band backing them, then tonight at Cha-Cha’Razzi is your chance to find out. The duo of Emily Cahill and Alex Wilson will be joined by some of their friends to fill out their sound for the celebration of their new release EP no. 2. You can preview a bit of the album by listening to the track “Ghosts” HERE, a catchy track made up of fuzzy guitars and soft dreamy vocals. So head down to South Philly for some “new songs and new merch” courtesy of Gypsy Death and You. They’ll also be supported this evening by locals True Gold, Great Red Spot and New Jersey’s Green Paper. Cha-Cha’Razzi, (Please contact one of the acts or the venue for more deets.), 8pm, $5 – $10 donation, All Ages – Dan Brightcliffe

Philadelphia

Chill Moody Performing Who Do You Love? in Its Entirety at Love Park Sept. 28

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Well, hopefully the weather gods will be kind to Chill Moody today. The West Philly hip hop artist will be putting on a free show at Love Park at noon. He’ll be joined by co-conspirators Beano and Hank McCoy as well as Band for Higher to perform Who Do You Love? in its entirety. The prediction is coin flip on whether it will rain or not. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for the latter. Love Park, 15th & Filbert Sts., 12pm, Free, All Ages – H.M. Kauffman

NYC

Emerging NYC bands: The Argentine at The Studio on 10.06

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When the first song of an EP is called ‘How it Ends,’ you know things are about to get deep. The Argentine’s debut, self-titled album takes you far back through history to explore Scottish-sounding ballads (How it Ends) and Weimar-era acid jazz (The Argentine), and back again with haunting bangers like Red Flesh Dogs. Not a simple thing, but singer Mike Cades and company manage to pull these disparate worlds together, ending up with something William S. Burroughs might have had in his car while waxing lyrical. Buy the ticket, and take the ride. 

See the band when they play Webster Hall’s studio on Saturday, October 6. – Mike Levine (@Goldnuggets)

NYC

The Disappointment release “Damn Righteous” at Rock Shop tonight (09.28)

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Melding elements of indie rock and blues, tonight (09.28) Brooklyn’s The Disappointment welcomes their debut EP, “Damn Righteous” with a show at Rock Shop. With their witty lyrics, vocals dripping with drunken swagger, and themes that ooze with booze, The Disappointment insert themselves in the rich tradition of rocking American songwriters inspired by roots music. “Where’d The Drink Come From?” starts the buzz with synths the creep along and crescendo into an impassioned chorus. “The Prince and the Playground” chugs along and narrates a fantastical ode to their hometown, and “Sharp As Knives”­­ floats with syncopated hi­hats and smooth guitars while “Technically 17” (streaming below) centers around humorous verses. The final track, “The Best Pereson of All Time” returns to the opening sonic motif of haunting progressions. Joining the Disappointment at The Rock Shop are Chainwave, The Archive, and XVSK. Doors at 8pm, 21+, $10. – Meijin Bruttomesso

NYC

On The Beat with Pat Tomek

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(Photo by Chip Duden)

Pat Tomek is one of the most versatile people you’ll meet in the Kansas City music community. He plays drums in town with legendary KC songwriter Howard Iceberg, spends time rocking across Norway with the Rainmakers, and engineers albums for local groups. This week you can find out a little bit more about one of the most successful drummers in the area. Catch the beat right here!

On The Beat is typically brought to you by Sergio Moreno, but has been overtaken this week by KKFI 90.1 host of Signal To Noise, Barry Lee. This weekly interview features some of the many talented drummers in the area.

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Chicago

Outer Minds “Behind The Mirror”

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FDH Records and Resurrection Records are releasing the new LP, Behind The Mirror, from the garage punks Outer Minds later this year, but the label released it digitally today. You can pre-order the physical release here. The band will be playing a release party at Empty Bottle on Dec. 15th.