For certain genres of music, the quality of the live show resides largely on the performance of the lead vocalist. Big Ups play some kind of post-hardcore that cannot be easily described – it must be experienced. We live vicariously through the bands we see; they go mad so that we can satisfy our need to go mad. In this respect, Big Ups deliver, and their songs, with their short, Minutemen-like lengths, venture far beyond the typical hardcore shtick. We saw them again at the OhMyRockness CMJ show last week, after booking them at Spike Hill at our 2012 NYC B.E.A.F. fest. The band has perfected their own loud/quiet dynamic, and they take all sorts of wild divergences, even dabbling a bit in funk and psych, with absurd lyrics to add further to the chaos. Check out the preview single ‘Wool’ from their upcoming album "Eighteen Hours of Static" streaming below, or the more aggressive title track here.
Krill Forever
Hailing from Boston, Krill is a trio made up of drummer Luke Pyenson, guitarist Aaron Ratoff and bassist/vocalist Jonah Furman.
Their sound is hard to pin down. It’s genius in its madness.
Leading the procession is Furman’s rangy, nasally voice – reminiscent of early Modest Mouse, Violent Femmes, and Clap Your Hands Say Yeah.
Their most recent offering, an 11 song LP titled Lucky Leaves, was smashed out live at The Silent Barn in Brooklyn in an insanely brief 10 hours of studio time.
Each song lurches randomly and beautifully, like a mad man walking a wire. From rambling riffs and languid bass lines in one instant to sharp succinct collisions of guitar/bass/drum/vocal in the next.
Krill are a band to be watched. See them live on Halloween 10/31 Allston, MA @ Regina Pizzeria.
New Music Video: “To Walk With You” – Market East
Below is an elegantly beautiful new music video from Market East for the track "To Walk With You," off their latest EP Children of Summer. It was shot and edited by Ann Lupo. The harmonizing acoustic trio will be opening for John Vanderslice next Monday, November 4 at Johnny Brenda’s.
Rosu Lup Providing Warm Harmonies for This Fall Chill at North Star Bar Oct. 28
From The Deli NYC’s submissions: Les Racquet play Bowery Electric on 11.02
Just in from this side of prog rock and jam band fun, comes Les Racquet, the power rock trio devoted to bringing jams to epic proportion.
Latest record ‘Whale Hail’ celebrates these touchstones, with verbal shoutouts to all the themes that make long-form rock so much fun. ‘Queen’ screams Blue Oyster Cult, and ‘Zumi’ is a singalong reminiscent of Phish’s jams, if Phish had record scratching in their music. It’s an ultra-ambitious genre buster, and I hear the band rocks headbands pretty well too. See them at Bowery Electric on November 2nd, when they return from their east coast tour. Mike Levine (@Goldnuggets)
New Swearin’ Album Available for Streaming
Swearin’ have a new album entitled Surfing Strange coming out on November 5 via Salinas Records. However, you can now stream the record in its entirety over at NPR Music’s First Listen. They’ll be celebrating its release and kicking off their tour in support of the album on Friday, November 8 at West Philly DIY space Golden Tea House.
New punk from NJ: Night Birds
As of late, New Jersey’s punk scene has been known for its pop-punk and emo revival, but their newest addition Night Birds have roughed up the locals and by kicking it old school. We’re not too sure what their fascination with Seinfeld has to do with their music, but their claim of the punk rock genre is undeniable, aside from their slight surf influences and complex song structures. Their association with Fat Wreck Chords is well earned. Their most recent July release, Born to Die in Suburbia, has caught the Deli’s eye (and ear). You can listen to the power title track below via Bandcamp, or take a trip to The Brighton Bar in Long Branch on November 1st to see them live. – Michael Haskoor (@Tweetskoor)
Photo Recap: Pattern is Movement 12″ Release Show w/The Spinto Band, Norwegian Arms, Worshyper & WYLDSTYLE DJs at Union Transfer
This past Thursday, Pattern is Movement celebrated the release of their 12" "Suckling" b/w "Untitled (How Does It Feel)" at Union Transfer, while continuing to pique our interest in regards to their long-awaited LP that is scheduled to drop in January 2014 via Hometapes. Stacking the bill with talented pals The Spinto Band, Norwegian Arms, Worshyper and the WYLDSTYLE DJs (who brought the 90’s dance-pop jams), all were encouraged to shake what their mamas gave them. (BTW: Keep your eyes and ears on Worshyper – sexy, cerebral R&B grooves from the Great Northeast. We sure will.) Check out our photos from the evening HERE! (Photo by Brandi Lukas)
Congratulations to Levi Weaver, Our New Artist of the Month!
Levi Weaver has claimed his rightful place (gazing at you from the top of this page with a plainitive, but oh so confident look in his eye) as our new Artist of the Month. Listen to the music man by way of his website here, and donate to Porter’s Call, a nonprofit for musician’s and their families that Weaver champions, here. –Terra James-Jura
New Video: Audiotree Live Session – Restorations
It’s a lazy Sunday. The sun is out, and Chris Brown is in custody for assault. All is well in the universe so please enjoy rockin’ out to Restoration‘s rad Audiotree Live session HERE. Cheers!
Kal Marks Release New LP, Life Is Murder
Kal Marks’ latest effort, Life is Murder, is full of my favorite things: huge drums, heavy guitar riffs and ear-catching vocals. As I was listening to this record, I couldn’t help but be caught-up in their immense stoner/90s-rock grooves. The whole thing kinda sounds like if Isaac Brock and Frank Black got together, smoked and drank ridiculous amounts, and then made some kick-ass songs. The rhythm section on this record is spot on–I love the pounding bass tone they dialed-in for these tracks.
I would definitely recommend checking these guys out; and luckily for all of you readers, they’ve got several shows coming up. October 27 they will be at Obrien’s in Allston. They will also be making an apearance at Boston Hassle Fest 5, taking place November 8 & 9 at the Cambridge Elks Lodge. Check their Facebook page for more details and show updates.
-Dan McMahon (@dmcmhn)