Julia Holter’s third album and her first proper studio recording, titled ‘Loud City Song,’ is set for release on August 20 on Domino Records. Though a big leap from her bedroom sound, this latest collection of songs is said to be a continuation and furthering of her experimental approach to storytelling. The second single,“In the Green Wild,” off the forthcoming album, has been released with a video. It’s a strange and playful display of the world inside Holter’s mind, proving once again that she can successfully live outside of any musical rules, and still reach an audience desperate for something authentically inspired. She is setting out on a North America Tour supporting folk songstress Jessica Pratt, followed by a string of European dates. She will land back in LA for a show at the First Unitarian Church on Sept. 11. – Jacqueline Caruso
New Video: Culture Club – DIY in PHL (Pulp Lab/MSN)
With the reality of fewer established music venues not being able to keep their doors open and the lifespan of underground music spaces at the mercy of local authorities, DIY concerts are evolving out of necessity and beginning to rise from the basements of homes to more legitimate spaces. Pulp Lab & MSN asked me to do a video segment for their Culture Club series about subcultures and trends. Please take a moment and check out a little wonderful slice of Philly that I had the opportunity to share with the rest of the world. I really hope that this piece might inspire others to get involved in fostering something so positive in our communities. Special thanks to all who contributed to this project – much love! – Q.D. Tran
Bad Liquor Pond Performs at Golden West with Highspire and Ceremony TONIGHT – 7/10
Baltimore’s premiere shoegaze revivalist band, Bad Liquor Pond will be playing live at Golden West Cafe tonight night with Highspire, who is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the existence of their thrilling psych band by embarking on a national tour. The aggressive psych nugaze band, Ceremony will round out the bill making this a Baltimore based live event you don’t want to miss. If you’re a shoegaze and neo psych enthusiast or just a fan of searing, talented bands, make it out to this event! You can find out more info and RSVP to this event here. –jordannah elizabeth
R5’s Free Concert Series w/Work Drugs & Norwegian Arms at Morgan’s Pier July 10
If you don’t have plans or the cash to hit the big Belle and Sebastian/Yo La Tengo show tonight at the Mann Center, then I better see you at Morgan’s Pier for R5’s free concert series with local indie darlings Work Drugs and Norwegian Arms. Let’s be honest. Summertime and drinks by the water surrounded by yachts is what Work Drugs’ music was made for, well, that and sweet, sweet love-makin’, which might happen too if you come out. ;o) The guys and gal recently dropped their rad new full-length album Mavericks so this evening is a good opportunity for you to hear your favorite tunes from it live and grab your own copy directly from the band. Opening the hang will be weirdo folksters Norwegian Arms, who play with such passion that you can’t help being pulled into their world. You’ll also get a chance to check out what they’ve been working on lately since the release of their debut LP Wolf Like a Stray Dog. It’s a locals only night at Morgan’s Pier – just the way that we like it! Morgan’s Pier, 221 N. Columbus Blvd., 9pm, Free, 21+ (Photo by Brandi Lukas) – Q.D. Tran
Sama Dams Release Live Video of “Pretty Ghosts”
Sama Dams have released a new live video of their driving track, “Pretty Ghosts,” recorded at The Piano Fort. The video shows off the pop sensibility the group is able to retain within their experimentation, which the crowd responds to with dancing and enthusiastic shouts. Sama Dams are currently on a nationwide tour with Catherine Feeny, but will be returning home on Wednesday, August 14th for a show at Holocene. Mark your calendar for that one, and check out the fantastic video below. – Benjamin Toledo
A Deli NYC Premiere: Avidya and the Kleshas’ “Mother and God” video
You know what they say: the longer the hair, the better equipped you are to be a spiritual leader. So for Avidya and the Kleshas‘ latest single ”Mother and God," singer Stephanie Carlin’s long locks certainly come in handy.
The video showcases a valiant effort at burning through destructive inner forces like ego and ignorance, all set to the Brooklyn quintent’s inventive interplay between folk truth and Jazz meanderings. This is one of our fave tracks from latest LP ‘Tree of Series.’ Catch Stephanie beating out all the demons from her acoustic steel string in the new video below. – Mike Levine (@Goldnuggets)
Garage pop at the Bowery Electric on July 10th with The Split
As the summer continues to heat up, so does The Split. With their smooth yet raw, summery and bluesy sound, the jamming quartet recently released a new garage-rock style track titled “No Sleep Blues” reminiscent of the good old pre-punk party tunes from the early 70s – hear it below via their Bandcamp page. This sort-of ode to insomnia is part of a series of 5 free digital singles that they’ll be releasing, one per month. It rocks pretty hard. The band is set to play Bowery Electric this Wednesday, July 10th with Macellus Hall. –Michael Haskoor (@Tweetskoor)
Cmn ineed yr hlp
The tagline for the trio Cmn ineed yr hlp is "epic instrumental music inspired by giant monsters", but it still doesn’t capture the magnitude of their sound. The band’s new album It Came Without Warning… As Most Disasters Do combines monstrous guitar rock and interesting and well-placed samples, and through both elements the band tells a tale of a sea monster trapped and on display. The samples the trio use come from King Kong, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and Free Willy.
You can stream and purchase the ep below or pledge to purchase a vinyl edition here.
You can catch Cmn ineed yr hlp @ The Burlington Bar on July 11th with Sunny Shadows and Spooky Moon.
Videobug @ Empty Bottle
Videobug is an amazing electronic side project of Linda Malonis of Speck Mountain and Patrick Driscoll, drummer of Get Up with the Get Downs. The duo released their self-titled debut ep earlier this year.
You can catch Videobug tongith, July 10th, at Empty Bottle with Implodes, Andy Ortmann, and Scott Cortez for the 5th installment of Notes & Bolts Divergent Interests.
Secret Colours “Blackbird (Only One)”
Secret Colours have released a wonderfully done, but somewhat disturbing, crime-filled video for their track "Blackbird (Only One". The song appears on their recently released album Peach.
You can catch Secret Colours at Wicker Park Fest on July 28th.
Free Download: “Cappuccino” – Dewey Decibel
Good morning! We wanted to give you a bit of a caffeine jolt today. Here’s a new track from Dewey Decibel called "Cappuccino" to help get you through the rest of the day/week. It was produced by Zilla Rocca, and is available to be downloaded for free.
Clementine & the Galaxy headlines Knit on July 10th
Clementine & the Galaxy were amongst the critical darlings of last year’s underground music polls in NYC. Lately, however, the group’s tight electropop sound has evolved in a vibrant techno direction, which obscured singer Julie Hardy’s soaring vocals on the band’s newest material debuted last month at their Spike Hill show for The Deli’s electro showcase. Clementine continue the transformation in a Knitting Factory show on Wednesday July 10th with Vandana Jain, Kodachrome and Virginia Plain opening. The mere fact that they are taking chances with their sound bodes well for the act and the larger venue should give them an exciting opportunity to earn their stripes. No pressure! – Brian Chidester