Unknown Mortal Orchestra isn’t so unknown anymore. Ruban Nielson came to Portland from New Zealand and anonymously formed tracks that sauntered upon our ears with an avant-garde 60’s psychedelia and quiet, heartening vocals. He made it a trio with "dance-fuckin-dance" fast bass from Jake Portrait and have now settled with new drummer Riley Geare (The Tomorrow People, Radiation City) to tour new album aptly named II. Called UMO by those familiar, (or because it’s easier to say when you have had a few) they have been galavanting between cities, including SXSW and a spot on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. The new album is an extension from the first self titled release. Songs like "Monki" are still heavy on the low-fi, and Ruban still manipulates billowing wah’s and waves from his guitar a-la "Nerve Damage". There is swagger and shuffling up-tempo, but also entrancing, dimly lit paths to explore. See them at their home show before they hit the road again – with Wampire. – Brandy Crowe
The Colourist “Yes Yes”
Orange County natives The Colourist had always tinkered with the idea of writing their newest track "Yes Yes", very early into their formation as a band, and it looks like all the pieces have finally fallen into place. The slick, finely crafted pop-rock track tackles the baggage brought upon by a destructive third wheel, one that seemingly works in orchestratrating a couple’s demise with lies and deceit. It’s an upbeat cautionary tale that’ll work wonders once they play it for an arena audience, who will jubilantly raise their hands up during the song’s propulsive chorus.
Weekend Warrior, April 5 – 7
A springtime Philly institution, replete with grilling and chilling, is upon us: the Human BBQ, with its monster haul of bands collected from across the city under one roof/sky, is on Saturday at Pi Lam House. Anyone who’s been there before knows the deal; anyone who hasn’t is in for an experience. This year, the lineup features such staples as Norwegian Arms, DRGN KING, Ghost Lights, Cold Fronts and Delicate Steve, as well as ascendants ranging from Celebrations and Plates of Cake, to Brooklyn offerings Oh, Adeona. It’s safe to say that there is something for everyone at this shindig. The music begins shortly after the grilling, specifically shortly after noon, and continues until 12 AM, at which point, if you are still standing, you should get some kind of prize – perhaps the prize of not being barbecued. (Check out the schedule HERE so you don’t miss your favorite acts!) Pi Lam, 3914 Spruce St., 12pm – 12am, $15 – Alyssa Greenberg
Where Is My Mind?: Purling Hiss’ Mike Polizze
Tonight at Johnny Brenda’s is the album release show for Purling Hiss’ rad new LP Water on Mars (Drag City). Also providing some sweet, sweet tunes will be Spacin’ and Axis: Sova. We were happy to catch up with the Hiss’ mastermind and local guitar hero Mike Polizze this week before the power trio hits the road to melt some faces across America and Europe. You can check out what he had to say about the band, their latest release and much more HERE.
Restorations Record Release Show at FUC April 5
New Track: “Dial Up” – Bahamadia
Check out the new eleven-plus-minute track from local Queen B, Bahamadia, called "Dial Up," which is her first release in nearly seven years (definitely has been way too long)! Mind-blowingly, it was produced, written and recorded on her handheld mobile device. Good morning, and enjoy!
Speck Mountain Spring Tour
Speck Mountain announced their Spring tour, in support of their latest album Badwater, this week and it kicks off on April 20th, Record Store Day (Wicker Park), at Reckless Records at 2pm.
The band will also be a part of the Downtown Sounds Series at Millennium Park on June 3rd as they open for Sharon Van Etten.
NYC Artists on the rise: Scott and Charlene’s Wedding
Stephen Malkmus is apparently a huge fan of New Zealand’s Flying Nun Records scene, and Craig Dermody – the Australian native now New York based man behind Scott and Charlene’s Wedding must have found similar influences in these groups’ approach to life and song. The way his band expresses mundane details in tracks like "Two Weeks" (streaming below) and new track "Epping Line" are part and parcel what makes for timeless slacker anthems.
Check out latest LP ‘Para Vista Social Club’ to learn all about Craig’s rejections, battles with train stations, and some of the best jangly guitar pop in years. The band placed at #74 in our Best of 2012 Poll for emerging NYC artists. – Mike Levine (@Goldnuggets)
This track was added to our SoundCloud playlist of emerging NYC artists here.
Free Download: Daytrotter Session – The Menzingers
Daytrotter just posted their session with The Menzingers earlier today, and you can download it for free HERE (w/a membership). The band will be hitting the road on a headlining tour in support of their latest album On The Impossible Past (Epitaph) that kicks off on Friday, May 24 at the First Unitarian Church. (Illustration by Johnnie Cluney)
Interview with Harmonic Blue: DC Deli’s Band of the Month (April)
Baltimore based Harmonic Blue is a quartet that draws from a range of genres like blues, rock, and folk, blended into a sound that can be heard on their growing discography including their 2011 S/T EP, and late 2012 release Villa Borghese (check it out below.) Their sound has garnered them a fanbase that just pushed them to be our Band of the Month, so we got a hold of Zach Field, Gabe Bustos, Anthony Ajluni, and Sam Balcom to find out more. Here they tell us about their upcoming fest with Wiz Khalifa, inspiration in REM bubbles, and their upcoming summer tour. Onto the full interview…
You’ve got several opportunities to catch them live this month! April 17 at Waterfront Hotel in Baltimore, April 19 at Tigerfest in Towson MD, and April 27 at Diamondbacks in Ellicott City MD.
Bleeding Rainbow Opening for The Cave Singers at JB’s March 4
Tonight at Johnny Brenda’s, Bleeding Rainbow will be making a quick pit stop home. After completing their stint at SXSW, the band has been touring the country in support of their Kanine Records LP, Yeah Right. Veering away from the poppier side of their previous releases, the band’s maturing, psychedelic shoegaze sound is something that has been flourishing with its addition of members Al Creedon and Greg Frantz (who recently left the group). Their music has transformed producing something with more of a punch that simultaneously touts intricacy and thoughtfulness. The somewhat recent My Bloody Valentine makeover hasn’t gone unnoticed either. Come check them out in support of Seattle’s The Cave Singers (Jagjaguwar). This evening’s performance will also feature more local flavor from garage-punk purveyors Wrong World. Get into it. Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9pm, $14, 21+ – Ed Newton
Stream: Broadheds, “Nothing That I Care About”
Fueled by adolescent memories and the need to start a new chapter, Broadheds is the new super-group helmed by Eulogies’ Peter Walker. A collection of short pop-punk inspired tunes filled to the brim with energy, dynamics and spirit that range from frenetic angst to reggae-tinged longing, are simply the backdrop for showcasing Walker’s expert songwriting skills. Walker brought his guitar/vocal demos to a star-studded cast that includes drummer Danny Weston, Jr. (The Kooks), bass player Justin Meldal-Johnsen (NIN, Beck, M83), and Fitz and the Tantrums’ sax player James King. An unexpected choice, King’s addition to the group is what really makes the album soar as he brings a diverse range of styles to the mix from traditional ska leanings, to Zappa-like chaos. The deeper narrative and the intention to make this as a stand-alone art piece aside, this album has the makings of a breakout hit. Almost every song has single potential, while still carrying the weight of a cohesive work filled with little sonic treats that keep you coming back to find new treasures. Masterfully produced and arranged by both Walker himself and Meldal-Johnson after only a mind-boggling three days of recording, this is what the magical combination of pros at the top of their game having actual fun sounds like. Their album release is expected to be a multi-media extravaganza, with projections, videos and the artwork by Mark Todd being presented alongside the live performance. Stream the single, "Nothing That I Care About" below, and catch the star-studded cast at the Bootleg on April 9. – Jacqueline Caruso