Collapsing Scenery‘s musical comfort zone can be found somewhere between the barriers that separate sound and image. And they’ve been sharing that creative vision with their home cities of New York and LA through a series of eventful art installations. The faces behind this electronic act and multimedia project are Don De Vore of Sick Feeling and Reggie Debris, and their collaboration has transformed into something more than just music. They debuted the video installation in NYC this past May, in time with the public release of the video (check it out below), and this Friday they’ll be taking it to Los Angeles. The music video is just a sample of the aesthetics behind the installation, pairing their raucous electro track "Metaphysical Cops," with dark and ethereal images of nature, kaleidoscopic cityscapes and historic war footage in neon. Expect an artistically experimental night of immersive environments, video projections, and live music at the event this Friday (8pm at the Dilettante), and look out for Collapsing Scenery’s full length debut album coming later this year. – Sam O’Hara
Like Herding Cats work on debut LP + play Cake Shop on 08.05
If you’re looking to spruce up your playlist for the second half of summer that’s creeped on us, look no further than the laid-back dream-pop of Like Herding Cats. The Brooklyn-based group began as the solo project of producer and songwriter Dom P., but has since blossomed into a full, four-piece band. Their first, self-titled EP, released back in 2013, contains five songs and runs for just about 17 minutes. Written, recorded, and produced by Dom before the rest of the band was added, the EP floats gently along over warm melodies and expressive lyrics, resulting in a delightfully fresh debut. The group’s sound has been compared to the likes of MGMT and Phantogram, and the EP is not without its hints of influence from the likes of 80s masters. Now with a full band in order and a host of attention, Like Herding Cats have begun working on new material and are in the middle of an east coast tour. According to their website, the group is also preparing to work on their first full-length album. In the meantime, you can see them at the Cake Shop on August 5th. – Pat Wolff
Video Review: “Wrong”, by Nemes
It’s not easy to capture a band’s live energy in a recording or a music video, but that’s exactly what Nemes have managed in their new video for “Wrong”, the latest single off their debut full-length album I Carry Your Heart. This recording delivers the same infectious spirit that’s made Nemes one of the busiest touring bands in Boston. Tightly-layered instrumentation provides support for attractive dual vocals, while Josh Knowles’ spirited violin adds unique texture and depth. Upbeat and deliciously catchy, don’t be surprised to find yourself singing it under your breath hours after your first listen. Catch them live at The Red Room @ Cafe 939 on Thursday, August 6.
-Glori Blatt
Photo credit: Chrissy Bulakites
Creature from Dell Pond
Creature from Dell Pond is a trio consisting of Nolan Sullivan, Gordon Pond, and Noah Lapierre. The band release their latest EP, Dirty Deli, earlier this month via Off The Line & Gleauxing Records. This is the band’s first release since 2013’s Go Exist.
You can catch Creature for Dell Pond at ECO on August 14th and at The Dollhouse on August 15th.
MXMS reveal new single “Anna”, play House of Blues on 7.30
Dark wave-leaning MXMS are skillfully blurring the line between brooding atmosphere and chart accesibility. Singer Ariel Levitan croons with a lazy drawl reminiscent of Lana del Rey as Jeremy Dawson steadily plays the keys on their recent single "Rx", which adopts a new age sensibility without ceasing to explore the heart’s dark corners. Even the name of the track alludes to industrial veterans Skinny Puppy, though even if the similarities aren’t as obvious there’s still a good chance the duo does has a deep appreciation for gothic poetry. Now they’ve released another curveball in the form of "Anna", a breathy pop track that rumbles with an ominous and eerie feel that truly gets under your skin. The duo find meaning in just the littlest details – how Dawson will raise the tension by slightly changing the course of the track with a soft, intoxicating key stroke to temper Levitan’s threatening, yet seductive voice.
The single compliments their recently released OMG / RX split 7", which is now available via Grand Jury. And make sure to catch them play at House of Blues Anaheim on July 30 before they embark on a small-scale tour that covers most U.S. major cities. – Juan Rodríguez
New Steady Hands EP Available for Streaming & Purchase
Tropical Depression, the new EP from folk-punk outfit Steady Hands, has been released via Philly indie label Lame-O Records. The septet includes frontman Sean Huber & Jake Ewald of Modern Baseball and the entire W. C. Lindsay crew as well as Evan Moorehead & Andrew Kirnan. Huber is celebrating it arival this Saturday, August 1 in Las Vegas as part of Punks in Vegas 4-year Anniversary Acoustic Bash. The album is available below for streaming and purchase. (Photo by Jessica Flynn)
The Seeers open for Loud Boyz record party at DC9 Nightclub, 8/1
This Saturday, they’re driving all the way from Norfolk, VA, to open for the Loud Boyz release party for their new LP. They’re called The Seeers and they have something for everyone who likes rocking out. Grinding out tasty guitar progressions and understated vocals never sounded so great. Inspiring headbanging, crowdsurfing, and casual swaying all at once, these guys have great crossover appeal in their repertoire, from garage grit to mellow indie vibes. Switching from emulating The Who to a punky REM, The Seeers will be a perfect opener for the party at DC9 on 8/1. Doors at 9, $10. -Jonathan Goodwin
Lipstick Junkies @ The Cavern Bar
Besides being an excellent name for a roller derby team, Toronto’s Lipstick Junkies exist solely to blend the yesteryear sound of funk with modern indie rock, all the while soaking it that neon-district downtown vibe. The rhythms are an appealing combination of bouncy, smooth and grooving. As evident in tracks such as Desire and Lighthouse, the melodies are infectious, and the sexual spirit of funk is effectively captured and expressed through the music and lyrics. In an age where traditional genres are becoming more manufactured, The Lipstick Junkies have retained the essence of funk-rock, and have achieved their own genuine sound. In a nutshell, The Lipstick Junkies are a band perfectly suited to the small-club-in-a- big-city environment. If you feel like getting your groove on, you can satisfy those urges by taking in The Lipstick Junkies @ The Cavern Bar on July 30th. – Chris PJ D
Bee’s Knees EP release party, new track “Old School” feat. Monogem
You’re invited to celebrate Electro-house producers Bee’s Knees "Variety Pack" EP release party this Thursday at Hollywood’s Sound Nightclub with Ardency and Shaun Frank, presented by apparel and promotions company EFE — $1 of each ticket sale goes directly to Education Through Music-Los Angeles to help keep music programs in LA schools.
Bee’s Knees members Aaron Spiro and Adam Novodor have a long history dating back to their teenage years. "We met in highschool and just started making music together for fun. It then just felt like we should make music together more and more…it was pretty natural." Their influences scale nu-disco and electro-funk — fans of the DFA Records roster will find Bee’s Knees irresistible.
"Variety Pack", released by record label Sexy Electric, includes the newest song "Old School" which features vocals from Los Angeles’ nu-disco wunderkind MONOGEM. Listen to it below and download it for free on Soundcloud. – Ryan Mo
Video Premiere: Travis Hayes and the Young Daze – Towns Like These
We’re excited to premiere the live music video for Travis Hayes‘ song, Towns Like These! The video features Hayes’ full band, Travis Hayes and the Young Daze and the vocals of Emily Whitehurst.
Anyone who knows about Travis Hayes‘ contributions to the local music community would find his "Ode to the Bay Area" folk ballad, Towns Like These very consistent with his actions and passion for local live music. If you don’t know anything about his work, Hayes has been a booker and live music curator for the local music venue, Neck of the Woods. He’s also been great at connecting solo singer/songwriters with opportunities through booking and staying active in songwriter social media groups.
The video was filmed by Jared Swanson at our Great American Music Hall show last month on Saturday, June 27th. The audio was recorded by Seth Lael. The song "Towns Like These" is about traveling around the U.S.A. and constantly hearing people compare San Francisco to places like Austin, TX or Brooklyn, NY. I don’t believe that to be true. There’s no place like San Francisco. There’s no place like home. – Travis Hayes
You can catch an upcoming live performance from Travis Hayes, The Painted Horses and The Wild Reeds on Thursday, August 6th at Leo’s in Oakland!
Anti-Folk mainstays Prewar Yardsale play Pianos next Sunday (08.09)
Having formed back in 2000, Prewar Yardsale surely earned the title of mainstays of NYC’s often overlooked anti-folk movement, and their latest release keeps faith to their aesthetics. Earlier this summer they released the ‘Black and Blue’ EP (streaming below), a five track sampling of eccentric lo-fi folk songs. The record channels Prewar Yardsale’s punk, folk, and psych-rock influences all over the tracks, and has its grungiest peak in the titular opener, "black and blue", and perhaps its folkiest one in "where did you go". Next week (Sunday, August 9th) you can catch them live at Pianos along with fellow grunge alt-rock acts Jackal Onassis, The Dirty Blondes, Baby Acid, and Second Still. – Sam O’Hara
New Eric Slick EP Available for Streaming & Download
You can’t say Eric Slick hasn’t been keeping himself busy the past few years with the involvement with his mainstay band Dr. Dog and other projects like Lithuania and Norwegian Arms. The prolific artist has also been recording and releasing his very own solo material. Take a listen and download Slick’s new bipolar two-song EP Reject below.