NYC

Baltimore’s Lovers and Reflections Release Single/New LP Out March

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"Bums and Beggars" is the lead single from Baltimore duo Lovers and Reflections’ new album Swords (out March 5th), and hints at a slightly different but comfortable angle on old new-romanticism. These days, prog-pop vocals have followed the shoe-gaze/dream-pop sounds in a direction away from crisp synth tones and rhythmic beats. The joining of the once close but since separated styles is a 21 st century high- school romance flick in the making.

The shoe-gazing wallflower protagonist walks through the halls listening to the Cocteau Twins’ "Lorelei", and Roxy Music’s "More Than This." She sings Kate Bush’s "Babushka" to herself and thinks Strawberry Switchbalde’s cover of "Jolene" is the best one. Her crush always wears headphones (and shades), thinks dubstep was tired before Skrillex (resulting in chiding from his peers), and wonders boisterously and obnoxiously why the other kids in school can’t admire the perfect majesty of Prince, Madonna and Depeche Mode, although he’s willing to concede that Robyn is hot as the sun. During one encounter in the lunch line, they almost bond over Limahl’s theme for The Neverending Story, but she’s too shy (shy, hush hush, eye to eye). Finally, at senior prom, they dance and kiss, their lovers’ embrace reflected in "Bums and Beggars." No, I’m not crying. You’ll like it too. –Natan Press

Philadelphia

Light Heat Releasing Self-titled Debut LP on June 25 via Ribbon Music

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Quentin Stoltzfus hasn’t released an album since Mazarin’s We’re Already There (2005). However, we are pleased to learn this morning that “over the last seven years somewhere between producing albums for friends, pulling hours as a professional mover, and building a world class recording studio Quentin wrote, re-wrote, recorded and re-recorded an album” for his latest project Light Heat, which also consists of Paul Maroon, Matt Barrick, Peter Bauer and Walter Martin from The Walkmen. He’ll be dropping his full-length self-titled debut on June 25 via Ribbon Music. Below is a new track called “The Mirror” that appeared earlier today on Spin’s website. You can catch Light Heat performing next in Philly this Saturday, February 23 at Johnny Brenda’s. 

Philadelphia

Tuesday Tune-Out w/Cheap Dinosaurs at PhilaMOCA Feb. 19

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One of our favorite chiptune luminaries Cheap Dinosaurs will be performing tonight at PhilaMOCA for this week’s Tuesday Tune-Out, which is curated by 8static. Led by Dino Lionetti, he has banded together some of the finest forward-thinking musicians in the 8-bit community to lay down the arcade soundscapes for his psychedelic prog rock project. Cheap Dinosaurs will be performing what is sure to be a mind-altering Liquid Sky-themed set at the Eraserhood multi-purpose art space this evening. PhilaMOCA, 531 12th St., 8pm, $5, All Ages – H.M. Kauffman

NYC

Dead Leaf Echo releases “Thought & Language” at Mercury on 02.27

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Shoegazing NYC art collective Dead Leaf Echo has just finished recording their debut LP "Thought & Language," which is obviously inspired to the sound and visuals of legendary British label 4AD – since it was mixed by John Fryer (Cocteau Twins, Lush) and the artwork is by Vaughan Oliver (Pixies, Bauhaus). The album is scheduled for release on March 5th of 2013 via Neon Sigh. A 7" single will precede in February. Don’t miss the stunning new video of the song "Kingmak" (below), and the CD release party at Mercury Lounge on February 27.

NYC

In NYC, keeping at it: Zachary Cale

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Zachary Cale is many things. Born in the small town of Enon, Louisiana, he’s come to New York with a rock band (Illuminations), a revolving cast of local musicians (The Rain Band), and his own solo bleeding heart full of acoustic roots music. Four solo records later, he’s still riding the rails and screaming into the night. Latest LP ‘Noise of Welcome’ brings his vision of Johnny Cash meets Hank Williams to a contemporary crossroads. Listen to  the beautiful "Hello Oblivion" below and check out faithful Robert Johnson cover ‘Love in Vain’ here. – Mike Levine (@Goldnuggets)

This song was added to our curated playlist of NYC Soft Music here.

Philadelphia

The Deli Philly’s Best of 2012 Poll Top Performer: Chill Moody

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2012 found Chill Moody seriously gettin’ his hustle on, and though he didn’t manage to “take over” XXL’s coveted Freshman cover, the West Philly emcee did grab the attention of Billboard Magazine among the sea of notable acts at the two-day Roots Picnic. He also closed the year strong with a sold-out show at the TLA for the release of his new album RFM, which stands for “Running From Myself.” The year placed Chill Moody’s name on the lips of multiple Philly tastemakers while his music began to frequent the airwaves more often, helping to launch him into good company with the rest of our Best of 2012 Poll Top Performers. Looking like “nice things” to come for the West Chilly rapper! (BTW: You can view The Deli Philly’s complete list of emerging artists to keep your eye on HERE.) – H.M. Kauffman 

NYC

Album of the Month: Maybe Aviator “I Used to Like Summer”

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Northern VA’s heavy indie rockers Maybe Aviator released their much anticipated debut EP I Used To Like Summer last month (Jan ’13) that pleasantly warms up our ears with a blend of Brand New & Death Cab influences.

Destined for residency on Warped Tour in the not-so distant future, these four dudes supply post punk infused rhythms, punchy lyrics ("You call out in defense that your friends are fucking dead"), hints of pop inlaid with slight syncopation, and overall a tight mix of somber and upbeat tones. 

L.A.

Kisses Announce New Album Out May 14

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The electro pop duo, Kisses, have announced the release of their sophomore album, ‘Kids In LA’, set to be released on May 14 on Cascine. The first single, “The Hardest Part,” takes you on an epic journey of heartbreak and loneliness in a cold, empty version of the once sun-drenched streets of SoCal. The larger than life, thumping drum machines and 80s inspired synth leads take center stage as Jesse Kivel (formerly of the band Princeton), waxes poetic about starting over after losing love in the catchiest way possible. These are master storytellers adept at imagery that takes the music to the big screen in your mind. My movie of this song has the protagonist on a lonely search cruising through an empty city on a stealthy, sleek motorcycle in a dystopian future. Where does he search lead? The bottom of a bottle, a seedy disco, the arms of another woman? I’m itching to hear the rest of the album to find out, but mostly I’ll be humming that hook in my sleep. Catch Kisses on tour this spring. – Jacqueline Caruso

New England

Boston grunge band Pile launching spring cross country tour

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Boston indie rock stalwarts Pile new full-length is full of grunge-y goodness. Dripping will have you from beginning to end, and neglect to call you for at least a few weeks. But you won’t be able to stop listening. “Am I a freak?” You’ll ask your friends, “I just love dripping so much… but it doesn’t love me…” Well you see, dear listener, it’s just that dripping is too busy rocking out and playing a billion shows this month. So curl into your post-hardcore fetal position, and let the music wash over you. Or just go out and see Pile at one of their many shows in the upcoming months. They’re hitting 26 states on their spring tour so odds are they’re coming to a venue near you. It’s not like you’re stalking dripping, or anything… you’re just really into the music. Right. – Hillary Anderson

2/21 NEW BRUNSWICK NJ – THE ALAMO
2/22 WASHINGTON DC – DESPERADO’S
2/23 BROOKLYN NY – THE LAB
2/24 NEW HAVEN CT – FORT FLESH
3/22 CAMBRIDGE MA- MIDDLE EAST UPSTAIRS
4/25 PITTSBURGH PA
4/26 PHILADELPHIA PA
4/27 NEW BRUNSWICK NJ
4/28 BROOKLYN NY – DEATH BY AUDIO
4/29 ALLSTON MA

NYC

Weekly Feature: Ghost Beach goes on #1 on Hypem with Noosa

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"Tropical grit pop" sounds like a tough concept to get your head around, but it actually fits Ghost Beach‘s sound quite neatly. The "tropical" comes in their bright, sun-kissed melodies that recall pop titans The Police, while the band throws a layer of grit on top with sludgy guitar lines and jarring electronics. It’s an interesting mash-up that Brooklyn duo Josh Ocean and Eric "Doc" Mendelsohn are pioneering, and one that, according to Ocean when I spoke to him about the group’s sound, wasn’t necessarily intentional. Still, the band has mined their unique style over two EPs and several singles that have been warmly embraced by an ever-growing fanbase. The latest of which (featuring Noosa and streaming below) went straight to the top of The Hype Machine. – Read Dean Van Nguyen’s interview with the band here.

NYC

Weekly Feature: Ludwig Persik’s Pianos Residency

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Ludwig Persik – whose debut "2012" EP was our NYC Record of the Month last July – possesses a "transversal" charm, with the potential to capture fans of Syd Barrett’s crooked and surreal compositions ("Forward Motion"), beat-addicted avant-pop a-la Beck lovers ("Willow" and "Son"), and even those who – like us – miss John Lennon’s playful flirtations with circus and parade music ("On The Town," streaming below). Ludwig recently landed a residency at Pianos, if you belong to the aforementioned categories you shouldn’t miss his next shows on February 20 and 27. – Read Mike Levine’s Interview with Ludwig Persik here.