Oakland, California based alt folk rockers, Known to Collapse‘ The Collectives LP was released last week on Secret Library Recordings. In addition to Lehner’s vocals, guitars, and piano, it features bassist/vocalist David Somerall, drummer Matt Bryant and, as hinted by its title, several other talented contributing artists. As such, the eight tracks combine a range of genres that underline a penchant for experimentation. The dreamy “Stop Back” kicks off on a gentle, hopeful note as the acoustic, narrative-like “The Grey Area” diffuses a slight country-western vibe. The mood picks up with the multi-layered “Felicity City”—arguably the most experimental track—with its intense bridge that opposes its epiphanic chorus. The upbeat and catchy “Kelly’s Eyes (Kelly’s Island)” engenders optimism that contrasts the blunt, edgy rebuke that is “Hate Hater.” Yet, ironically, a lack of lyrics just might have the strongest impact through the beautifully moody, piano-backed instrumental tune, “Cander.” The concluding piece “No One Can Teach You To See” features Kevin Lehner and Alora King in a duet, where gritty guitar riffs parallel the bittersweet undertone of relationships and life lessons.

With tracks alternating between laid-back and intense, dreamy and harshly sobering, Collectives feels relatable through its honesty. If there’s the occasional cryptic lyrical content, it’s a nod to another level of experimentation and uniqueness that opens the door to personal interpretation. – Natacha Pavlov

Wax Idols, an Oakland based post-punk rock band has dropped a new single entitled, When It Happens. When It Happens is the first single from Wax Idols’ new album, Discipline and Desire which is due out on March 26th on Slumberland Records. This is the band’s sophomore album and is described as a stronger manifestation of their debut album, Fortune, with Discipline and Desire exuding stronger melodies and fuller expressions of intensity. You can catch Wax Idols live as they are performing a plethera of shows this Spring:

03/06 Oakland, CA – New Parish
03/07 San Diego, CA – The Void
03/08 Tempe, AZ – Sail Inn
03/09 El Paso, TX – Lowbrow Palace
03/13 Austin, TX – Red 7 – Force Field PR / Stones Throw Showcase (SXSW)
03/13 Austin, TX – The Iron Bear – Slumberland Records Showcase (SXSW)
03/13 Austin, TX – CMRTYZ/DOLCE VITA SECRET SHOW (SXSW)
03/14 Austin, TX – Waterloo Records – SXSWATERLOO (SXSW)
03/14 Austin, TX – Tillery Park – GET BENT (SXSW)
03/15 Austin, TX – Gypsy Lounge – Castleface/CMYR (SXSW)
03/16 Austin, TX – Greenhouse 701 – Castleface/ HOZAC (SXSW)
03/21 Salt Lake City, UT – Richard Street Art Collective
03/22 Boise, ID – Treefort Music Fest
03/30 San Francisco, CA – Brick & Mortar Music Hall (Record Release Show)
03/31 Los Angeles, CA – The Echo (Record Release Show / Part Time Punks)
04/20 Chicago, IL – Empty Bottle
04/21 Detroit, MI – PJ’s Lager House
04/22 Columbus, OH – Ace of Cups
04/24 St. Louis, MO – The Heavy Anchor
04/25 Nashville, TN – The Stone Fox
04/26 Atlanta, GA – The Earl
04/27 Durham, NC – The Pinhook
04/30 Baltimore, MD – Metro Gallery
05/04 Brooklyn, NY – Shea Stadium