"We are back! Just FYI We are still a fucking band!!!! Here is proof!" Heavy Medical’s new three-song demo EP Constant Disappointment comes at you in full-on attack mode. The penetrating percussion smashing away, vocals tearing through in that authoritative pissed off perspective. It’s an unrelenting release of aggression forcefully tumbling down a steep hill headed right for you. Heavy Medical will be performing next in Philly on Wednesday, June 25 at Kung Fu Necktie. They also have plans to release new material and do a couple of small tours this summer.
The Bounds
The Bounds are releasing their debut album, Art Ain’t Rock, via Secret Art Society on July 4th. The names of the band and their history is being withheld by the society. We do know they were signed back in April and the music really does speak for itself. Check out the video for their track "You Son’t Stand A Chance" here.
Ok Go “The Writing’s On The Wall”
Ok Go has done it again. In advance of their upcoming album, Hungry Ghost (due out in October), the band has released another amazing video this time for their new single, "The Writing’s On the Wall".
Ok Go will be returning their hometown on August 15th at Lincoln Hall.
Sharpless
Sharpless (aka Jack Greenleaf) released their latest album, The One I Wanted To Be, digitally just over a month ago. The album featured previous singles "The Hardest Questions" and "Summer 2012" and several amazing vocal contributions from Montana Levy. Since the release Sharpless has been singed to Father/Daughter Records who will be reissuing the new album later this year.
Sharpless plays anthemic and aggressive pop with undertones of Japanese culture. Now that Greenleaf is done with school he will be based in Brooklyn, but his impact on the local scene was substantial and began way back in 2011 when he released his debut (+<).
From the NYC submissions: Tuff Sunshine plays Glasslands on 07.27
"All hail the one that got away" is the first memorable line that greets us from the first track off Tuff Sunshine’s album, ‘Kids Know.’ That declaration sets the stage for the Brooklyn based band, because they really do seem to be the band that got away. Hopefully not for long though: their sound exists in a place where the slacker rock of the 90’s meets the blues rock of the 60s, with the added benefit of sophisticated harmonies, catchy jams galore, and a wise use of everybody’s favorite percussion: the cowbell. You can catch these guys at the Glasslands Gallery on July 27th. – Jake Saunders
This band submitted their music for coverage here.
Alex G Kicks Off Record Release Tour at Golden Tea House June 19
Alex G, a.k.a. Alex Giannascoli, dropped his new full-length album DSU earlier this week via Orchid Tapes. The record is garnering him some very nice praise from major music media outlets, and the vinyl is already into its third pressing. He’ll be celebrating the album’s release tonight at Golden Tea House, which is presented by Guild Shows, before hitting the road for an extensive tour with labelmates Elvis Depressedly. Check out our interview with Alex G from earlier this year HERE when he won our Philly Year End Readers’/Fans’ Poll! He’ll also be joined this evening by locals Roof Doctor, Snoozer, and Orlando’s Sales. Golden Tea House, (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.), 7:30pm, $5 – $7 Donation, All Ages – H.M. Kauffman
From the NYC submissions: ‘Sno Moon plays Radio Bushwick on 06.26
Long Island based electro prog-pop duo Sno Moon is Paul Jordan Talbot, on vocals and guitar, and up-and-coming beat-maker Brooke Vetesse. Although the two describe themselves as “curly-haired uglies that watch too much Star Wars,” we can assure you that PJ Talbot is a quite pleasant young fellow (he was a Deli intern), and Brooke looks also alright to us (this being said, curly hair and Star War obsession are inexcusable). Despite their low self-esteem, the duo offers a sound that’s pleasing to the ear thanks to Paul’s soulful vocals and the overall mellow and soft tones. We enjoyed “Heart Shaped Lights,” the most upbeat and bizarre track on the debut self-titled album, but the real gem here is “Shine On” (streaming,) which features a catchy melody immersed in a super chilled vibe with Beach Boys-style vocal harmonies and an ending The Beatles would be proud of. You can see them live when they open for Skyes and Wishes & Thieves next Thursday, June 26th, at Radio Bushwick. – Sammie Spector
This band submitted their music for coverage here.
Wings of Apollo Release “By Force” EP
Do you have plans to absolutely dominate this Thursday? Well, Wings of Apollo has your back. The track "Maker" off their June 10th release "By Force" will help you sail through the day barechested and astride an armored unicorn, the force of rock manifesting itself as lightning bolts shooting from the tips of your fingers. If this track doesn’t quite get you to that level of awesome, check out the rest of the EP here (wah-heavy track 4, "The Wind" is a personal favorite.) Produced by 4-time grammy award winner Malcolm Springer, its an immaculate dose of modern-day hair metal. At the very least, knowing that these three guys are out there thrashing with unapologetic conviction ought to make those TPS reports go down a little easier. Or just make you really jealous. -Terra James-Jura
New Music Video: “Supreme” – Taylor Dunn
Here’s a new music video from emcee/producer Taylor Dunn for the track "Supreme," which premiered yesterday via Okayplayer. The single is off the La Salle University graduate’s latest mixtape Collective Theory. The video was directed by Rob Haffey and Mike Koziel (Director of Photography). "Modern hiphop artists draw inspiration from all over the country. The ‘Supreme’ video aims to explore this idea by creating two distinct aesthetics: an east coast and a west coast vibe."
Keith Alan Mitchell Celebrates Album Release at Hotel Utah – 6/20
San Francisco based indie folk musician, Keith Alan Mitchell will performing live at Hotel Utah on June 20th. This upcoming show will be in celebration of the release of Mitchell’s upcoming full length album, This Clumsy World. The album is a classic sounding American folk record that gives nods to ’60 and 70s era folk music, but Michell’s rich voice gives depth to his self produced musical release. You can’t go wrong with this album if you’re looking for a laid back reminiscent album to enjoy. He will be sharing the bill with Grand Avenue Sound with special guest, Tia Carroll and Katja Davis. Make sure you don’t miss this local line up of sensuous folk musicians.
Free Download: “Mt. Wister” – Local Onlys
Below is a new track from garage rock trio Local Onlys called "Mt. Wister," which you can stream and download for free below. It’s the title track off the band’s new seven-song EP. The record was self-released via guitarist/lead vocalist Jacob Smolinski’s own imprint LIPS Records.