NYC

The Stepkids, HEAVy, Emefe, Pitchblack Brass Band & more to play Brooklyn’s Funk Fest (11.28 to 12.01)

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For those seeking some warm vibes as we march on towards winter, the guys over at Heard have put together another one of their fun events: Brooklyn’s first Funk Fest, for which have been lined up an exciting cast of -mostly local- funk/afrobeat-based acts spread over four days. Where? At Paper Box, Meadow Street. Yup, the one with the hole-in-the-wall taco guy.

Headlining this series of shows – which will kick off on November 28th, ending on December 1st –  are The Stepkids, featured on the cover of The Deli’s 2011 CMJ issue, sharing the top of the bill with local soul/r’n’b band HEAVy, and playing alongside Emefe, Zozo Afrobeat, Sophistafunk, Pitchblack Brass Band, Night Of The Living Funk (the names alone are a definite giveaway!) & many more. Full details regarding line-up, tickets etc. can be found on the event’s website – stay tuned, as a couple of surprise guests should be announced early next week!

Austin

EP Review- Residual Kid- “Faces”

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Perhaps you’re familiar with the schmaltzy School of Rock thing (thank you Jack Black).  But you know, in the "life is stranger than fiction" vein, a real honest-to-goodness School of Rock does exist, and it… (wait for it) ROCKS. And guess what else – there’s a real honest-to-goodness band comprised of adolescent boys called Residual Kid and they… (wait for it) ROCK.  Yep – The drummer is 14, the guitarist is 14, and the bassist is 12. 

You can’t make this stuff up.  Well, you can, but it’s not as good as the Real Deal.  Because if you or I concocted this story, the kids would be heartthrobs and play a radio-friendly brand of pop.  You know, like the Bay City Rollers (or, if that’s too old school for you, the Backstreet Boys (Editor’s Note: Scott, I am not going to link the Backstreet Boys)).

But the juicier truth is that these yard apes, these Residual Kid guys, will melt your face clean off. 

You’ve been warned.  Don’t believe it, do ya?  Check out their brand new EP, "Faces" – Recorded and produced by Grammy-nominated producer Chris "Frenchie" Smith, it’s 6 tracks accost with crystal-clear crunch, perfectly-polished punch, alt-rock vox, and the panache of a more experienced mien.

Go ahead, jump right in and give the first (title) track, "Faces", a minute, see what we’re seeing.  A mean guitar thrash launches a grungy bass/drum groove, bookended with solid guitar work and easy-to-sing-along lyrics.  Follow that up with "Friend", a nastily-rumbling bass-ish tune, and you’ll have to admit that No, this doesn’t sound like a bunch of kids. The next track will, however, after the vocals kick in – at that point, after some excellent head-bobbing crunch, you’re expecting something a bit more burly. 

The remaining tracks do nothing but seal the deal – "Pulling Through" with it’s relentless lead, "Lab Rat" with it’s dirtied vox over confident melodic pauses, and "Lost Cause" with it’s stabbing guitar/bass pairings and everyman chorus – "I’ve been fighting for a lost cause".  Me too – Welcome to the real world, kid. 

OK, so seeing is believing?  Check it, you can catch them live – They’re playing Fun Fun Fun Fest this weekend.  Come back and tell us if that face-melting comment is for real (Editor’s Note: Or not, seeing as your face will be gone). Until then, or maybe afterwards, you can keep tabs on these fine young men at www.residualkid.com and on Facebook.

Portland

Nucular Aminals Celebrate the Release of Start from an End at The Know 11.3

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I’m really enjoying this new Nucular Aminals album. It’s called "Start from an End" and the title is very fitting. The album sounds like a sequel to their 2011 7" "Nobody’s Man." The first few notes of album opener "Family Barber" don’t really touch on any particular feeling, other than a mild tone of creepiness set by their last release. Then, at around the 30 second mark, you are violently pulled into whatever dark, musty basement these people have obviously been practicing in for way too long. After that it’s over. You’re lost in this music and there’s no way out. Their songs feel like tightly wound psych-rock mazes that lead you into rooms with blacked out windows only to rip off the walls and expose you to the hot, slime green light outside. Nucular Aminals play very loud too. This is handy in the live setting because then you’re truly living in the strange sci-fi garage galaxy they have created for themselves. Check them out at their record release show at The Know on November 3rd with Tiny Knives and W.Hines for the more than fair price of $5. You’ll be glad you did. – Edgar Paleo

NYC

Das Racist releases video for “Girl”

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There are many ways by which a bright young man might garner the affections of a fine young lady. In the video for “Girl” by Brooklyn darlings (and ex Deli artist of the month) DAS RACIST, the dubious method of 80s dancing and hip gyration is explored and revealed to be less effective than simply adding said lady to one’s friends list on a social networking site. If you had already crossed this flirtation from your list, you can at least brush up on your 80s dance moves, including a fine moonwalk by the lead actor. The track, produced by Blood Diamonds, would make an excellent addition to your next late night dorm room youtube dance sesh, but first you must find your elusive British Knights. -=brokeMC

Philadelphia

Dopestroke Ganging Up at Cloud City Nov. 2

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Badmaster Records’ Dopestroke make bludgeoning music that revolves around gang vocals and slashing guitar riffs. Combining melodic hardcore with thrash metal, the nihilistic punks are making plenty of noise in the basements and underground music scene of West Philly, where you’ll find the four-piece tonight at Cloud City. They’ll be joined by locals Alement, Nothing Is Over and Albany’s Neutron Rats. Cloud City, (Please contact one of the acts or the venue for more info.), 7pm, $5, All Ages (Photo by Bill Dunleavy) – Alexis V.

NYC

From our NYC submissions: Claire’s Diary

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The secret it out, Claire’s Diary is ripe with juicy stories and naughty fun. With just two tracks to their name, the lovely trio from Claire’s Diary has given us the most fun I’ve had with political feminism in a long time. While the band will be pounding you over the head with their riff-baked stew of crushing riot grrrl grooves, the result is more fun than a pizza party. Smashing guitar riffs not unlike Sleater Kinney or Care Bears on Fire all grown up, coupled with keyboard action lifted straight from the B-52’s, this is how you want to spike your punch. Check out the band’s two releases on their bandcamp.. – Mike Levine (@Goldnuggets)

Philadelphia

Meek Mill Detained by Philly Police Before Album Release Party

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Last night Meek Mill was detained by Philly police around 8 p.m. after his vehicle was stopped at 1100 W. Girard Ave. It was also the evening of the release party for his debut studio album Dreams & Nightmares.
 
According to Philadelphia Police spokeswoman Julian Russell:
 
“He was stopped in a vehicle but was not arrested. He was only detained in a substation. In normal cases, we do not give out this kind of information, so I can’t release anything further.”
 
Meek tweeted late last night to explain his side of things:
 
“cops cost me a lot of money tonight …..taking pics of me like I’ma fuckin joke….no charges just holding”
 
“Nigga I ain’t get knocked they was just tryna hold me back! Just scooped my nigga #brick Feds gave him 10yea”
 
“I ain’t get locked up…definitely not in NYC with no gun! Cops just harassed and violated me last night in Philly just for being famous!”
 
The crazy part about is I really had a handcuff and Rolex on my wrist yesterday…. Really #DreamsAndNightmares
 
 
NYC

Arbouretum Announce New Album

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Baltimore’s Arbouretum have announced that their 5th full length album Coming Out of the Fog will be coming out January 22, 2013. This follows their latest release, a split LP with psych rock band Hush Arbors, and their 2011 release The Gathering. Check out the video for "World Split Open" below, filmed live at Thrill Jockey’s 20th Anniversary. Arbouretum start their UK tour this month.

Arbouretum – World Split Open (Live at Thrill Jockey 20th Anniversary) from Thrill Jockey Records on Vimeo.

Chicago

Wedding Dress

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Erin Elders of Maps & Atlases has a new side project called Wedding Dress. The band release a two track digital single earlier this month and played a show at Township. The sound of Wedding Dress is more anthemic than that on Maps & Atlases, and a sound debut effort.

You can catch Wedding Dress at Empty Bottle on December 14th.