Ten years ago Shaun Hettinger’s musical output was LA synth-rock outfit The Squares, with co-songwriter/guitarist Jeff “Jiffy” Wild from E! Channel’s Chelsea Lately & After Lately. One Wham! obsession, a move to Brooklyn, a keytar tattoo, and five years later, Hettinger set his sights on crafting chillwave synth-pop in his new project Kitten Berry Crunch. With the release of a few hilarious cat-music videos & their 2012 Dreams EP, mixed by DFA producer Eric Broucek, Kitten Berry Crunch won the internet’s attention. Memoryy is Hettinger’s newest musical evolution. Retaining the core of Kitten Berry Crunch’s line-up, Memoryy ditches the tongue-in-cheek synth-pop for the sharp indie futurism found on their brand new "Electric City" EP, to be released on 04.05 with a show at Glasslands. This is an album based in 1983 but written for 2013 – Equal parts Afro-pop, disco funk, electronic & ambient, the five tracks create a sprawling musical journey for fans of Empire of the Sun, Twin Shadow, Passion Pit, Cut Copy & Phoenix. Electric City was produced by Attiss Ngo & David Vasallo, and featuring the mix work of James Benjamin (Purity Ring). Streaming below, the EP’s titletrack and single.
Portland, ME: Singer/Songwriter Max García Conover to unloose folky tunes throughout NE in Spring
There are so many guys with guitars nowadays. They’re a dime a dozen. But Max García Conover is one that you wouldn’t stop if he brought his guitar to the campfire. His latest album, Burrow, was recorded in his attic studio during a long, cold Maine winter, and it shows. The music is stripped down to the bare minimum, just Conover, his raw vocals, poetic lyrics and a tricky folk-guitar melody. This is the kind of music you’ll want to turn up during those long, scenic car rides this spring. Check him out soon, as he’s playing shows throughout New England all season. – Sam Hill
Cheers Elephant Opening for Darwin Deez at FUC March 4
Cheers Elephant are back in their old stomping grounds after an extensive national tour and stop at SXSW. Their most recent release Like Wind Blows Fire is rock through rose-colored glasses – the same rosy pink that dominates the LP’s cover art. The pop-rock outfit keeps their sound relatively simple and put together. It’s the effects-laden guitar, played by Jordan Del Rosario, which gives them their psychedelic feel. Combine this with a tight drum kick by Travelin’ Matt, deep bass lines from Robert Kingsley, and dreamy, low-key vocals by Derek Krzywicki, making for great lazy day summer jams. They’ll be opening for Darwin Deez, a North Carolina native who got his start in The Big Apple and has his own eclectic sound. Sometimes glitchy, often electronic and upbeat, Deez is sure to bring the party to the Church tonight. First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut Street, $12, 8:30pm, All Ages – Shaylin O’Connell
From the NYC Open Blog: The Suite Unraveling’s sublime heaviness
If there’s one thing The Suite Unraveling has developed a reputation for over the years, then surely it’s a profound and undying love of robots. And of watermelons. Guitarist Lily Maase, saxophonist/organist Michael Kammers and drummer Curt Garey announce the release of ‘Gallagher Walks In,’ the premiere music video from the avant-rock group’s first effort as a power trio. ‘Gallagher Walks In’ is the title track off the Suite Unraveling’s forthcoming full-length album; the video is veteran filmmaker Julia Pasternak’s directorial debut and features all three bandmates re-imagined as post-apocalyptic cyborgs, intent on finding (and ultimately blasting fruit at) the last three virgin women on Earth. ‘Gallagher Walks In’ debuted at Piano’s in lower Manhattan on Sunday, March 31st. – (as posted in The Deli’s Open Blog – post your band’s entries, videos, and Mp3s here). The Deli’s NYC Open Blog is powered by The Music Building.
Show Review: Acid Baby Jesus & Hellshovel – 3/26
Slovenly Recordings label mates Acid Baby Jesus and Hellshovel teamed up on Tuesday at Hemlock Tavern in San Francisco for a frenzied night of hard-hitting psychedelic rock. To dust of a dated expression, both bands have a sound that’s completely far out. But that’s not to say that they should be lumped together sonically. On the contrary, each group approaches psychedelia with their own set of influences and bag of tricks.
Hellshovel take their cue from the likes of The 13th Floor Elevators and other early American garage rock bands. Lots of dueling guitar leads pumped through cranked up tube amps, along with impressive three-part vocal harmonies. Their set was characterized by emotionally potent, short and straightforward songs. Acid Baby Jesus, on the other hand, lean more towards the experimental. I liken them to The Monks, and at times even Frank Zappa. Their rowdy, driving sound is held steady by an undercurrent of Farfisa organ and solid drumming, allowing the other members to enter and exit the cacophony at will. Both bands put on an engaging, entertaining performance, and combined they make excellent show.
Take a “Sound Walk” Through Rittenhouse Square w/The Mural and The Mint’s New iPhone App
The Rittenhouse Square Sound Walk from The Mural and The Mint
Morgan Manifacier Performs Tonight at 50 Mason Social House in SF – 4/4
Oakland, CA based singer/songwriter, Morgan Manifacier will be performing live tonight at 50 Mason Social House. This superfluously emotive French songwriter is promoting his upcoming album, Hues and Calm, and has released a darkly beautiful single track entitled, Cold Countries. Do yourself a favor and make your way to 50 Mason Social House to experience a truly passionate performer and band. You won’t regret it.
New Music Video: “Sunrise” – Grandchildren
West Philly’s Grandchildren premiered a cryptic new music video yesterday via Consequence of Sound (that you can view below) for their lead single "Sunrise" off the band’s forthcoming full-length album Golden Age (Ernest Jenning). The video was directed by Michael James Murray (Out of Town Films). Their LP is due out May 7, and they’ll be celebrating its release on Friday, May 3 at Johnny Brenda’s. Enjoy!
New Kinski LP Available for Streaming
Grungey psych rockers Kinski recently dropped their new full-length album Cosy Moments via Kill Rock Stars. You can listen to the LP in its entirety below.
Slava “Werk”
Slava has released an entrancing video for his track "Werk". This is the lead track from his new album, Raw Solutions, coming April 23rd via Software.
Está Vivo “Sweet Tooth”
Está Vivo is back and is making his debut on Mush Records. The new ep, Carry You To My Mouth, drops on April 9th, but you can hear the lead track "Sweet Tooth" below.
New Track: “Wild Life” – Free Energy
Below is a previously unreleased track from Free Energy called "Wild Life." It appears on the B-side of the band’s upcoming Record Store Day 7" single for "Girls Want Rock," which will only have 500 copies available. Free Energy will also be heading on tour with Deap Vally, and they’ll be making a stop in Philly on Saturday, May 4 at the North Star Bar.