NYC

Atmospheric goth folk Black Mare performs at The Echo 9.13

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Vocalist/bassist Sera Timms is ready to show the fruits of her labor with Black Mare, who last played at The Complex mid-May, and featured new songs "Fighting Birds" and "Babalon’s Fold" for fans who had little chance to see the songwriter since her previous show with Glaare, Lightsystem, and He Whose Ox is Gored almost one year ago. The former member of critically acclaimed Black Math Horseman, Timms’ project expands on the atmospheric post-metal qualities of her previous output: drifting, evolving folk dissonance in blank verse. It’s characteristically minimalist, yet retains craftsmanship and aesthetic reminiscent of ISIS, Chelsea Wolfe, and Emma Ruth Rundle.

Black Mare performs at The Echo on September 13th with visiting SF bands Them Are Us Too and Chasms. Listen to "Low Crimes" from Black Mare’s split with Arizona’s Lycia. – Ryan Mo, image credit: David Lee Dailey

Austin

The Wicked Electric Machinations of Dark Wave Act Mirror Mask

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Dark wave electro-industrial duo Mirror Mask released a wickedly glum love song called, ‘Get Back,’ earlier in the year. The track is dripping in new wave romanticism and electric machinations like some illegitimate lovechild of Cabaret Voltaire and Tears For Fears. Fans of Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross collaborations or Pilotpriest will dig the edgy foreboding musical textures on this gothic electro-pop song from Mirror Mask. ‘Get Back’ sounds as if it would be spun in any dimly lit after-hours EDM club in the 80’s or any decade thereafter, and hopefully we’ll get an EP or album sometime in the near future from the talented duo. For now you can check out the song below, and make sure to come back here for updates on the group.

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Tavon Perkins

@tavonperkins

 

Austin

Deli Artist of the Month Continental Drift’s Layered New EP

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Here’s one from August Artist of the Month Continental Drift, who were helped to their win by this excellent new record. The self-titled, two-track EP from Continental Drift here feels like it has more heart and soul than most albums being released these days. Performed by a ten-piece band, the music here centers on Afro beats while flawlessly weaving in funk, soul, and psychedelic grooves to the mix as well. Whether you enjoy all of those genres or none of them, this EP is bound to reel you in and keep you hooked for its short fifteen-minute duration.

The first track, "Afropsychic," starts out with only a couple instruments pitching in, and as the song progresses the rest of the band joins in one by one, almost like a relay race for music. As each band member joins in, the song grows in its drama and intensity, making it feel as though a narrative is being carried, and not just some cool beats. What’s great about it is that it all feels spontaneous, and not just with "Afropsychic" – the quality spontaneity runs through "Conductive" (the second track) as well. Both songs sound like ten people with amazing chemistry walked into the studio and just jammed for twenty minutes. It’s also worth mentioning that even though the EP has only two songs on it, each of those songs carry so much variety that one could mistake this for a four or five track EP.

Give the EP a listen or download for free below, or mark your schedules for the second Sunday of every month and head over to Stay Gold in Austin for their live residency.

Continental Drift EP: Listen/download here!

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Nicholas Gomez

@feedbackjunkies

Philadelphia

Radiator Hospital & Pinkwash Opening for Screaming Females at Union Transfer Aug. 29

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Tonight’s lineup at Union Transfer is strong from top to bottom, left to right. There’s the rollicking sound of Radiator Hospital, whose songs pierce in a personal unguarded manner, exposing an endearing core that you can saddle up next to while still bringing a bundle of energy. As we await their debut LP, the duo of Pinkwash gets things started with their unavoidable raw blasts of sound. Their potent brand of music is a powerful release of emotional aggression. Pounding percussion, primal screaming vocals and jarring distorted guitar that shakes listeners at their foundation in the right way. A pair of Don Giovanni label mates round out the proceedings. Having released their third LP Non-Person earlier this summer, Cincinnati quartet Vacation delivers a diverse style of melodic punk that can coast with a surf inflection or accelerate into a rip and roar space. Speaking of ripping and roaring, New Brunswick trio Screaming Females will surely be shelling out a heavy-rock guitar shredding display. Their well-oiled machine that balances cool melodic grooves with the penchant to melt faces. Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden St., $14, 8pm, All Ages (Radiator Hospital Photo by Dylan Johnson; Pinkwash Photo by Amanda Hatfield) – Michael Colavita

Philadelphia

The Dude Hates Cancer After Party Benefit Concert at Underground Arts Aug. 29

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The Dude Hates Cancer, and so do we! The 10th annual bowling tournament is on at South Bowl with chances to win sweet prizes from local businesses. There will also be an after party at Underground Arts with a musical showcase featuring local do-gooders Suburban Living, Sleek Machine, and Residuels. All proceeds will benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. "This cancer will not stand, man!" Underground Arts, 1200 Callowhill St., 9pm, $10, 21+ – H.M. Kauffman

Philadelphia

Dogs on Acid Album Release Show at Graffiti Pier Aug. 29

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The kickass quartet, known as Dogs on Acid, celebrates the release of their self-titled debut on Jade Tree with a free show this afternoon at Graffiti Pier. The album stings with its crisp, dashing instrumentation and self-reflecting lyricism. The songs have that home-hitting, hook-snagging quality that allows you to peek inside while also hitching a joy ride. The balance of catchy contemplation given the additional force of rockin’ cohesion make their tunes natural to latch on to. Buzzing lo-fi noise rockers Sun Organ (who released an LP Wooden Brain via Ranch Records earlier this summer) get this musical fire started. Graffiti Pier, (Cumberland St. – at N. Beach St.), 5pm, Free, All Ages (Photo by Tim Owen) – Michael Colavita

Nashville

Aaron Lee Tasjan to Release “In The Blazes”

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Aaron Lee Tasjan is the new voice of East Nashville, and if you know what’s good for you, you’ll listen up.
 
After seeing ALT play an acoustic set in the back room of fooBar in early 2014, I knew one thing for sure: This guy is something else. With a six-string slung over his shoulder and half-an-hour’s worth of clever, earnest and slightly smartass lyrics, Tasjan proved he is here for the long-haul. The overwhelming connection that brought me from approving nods to welling tears to mid-song applause and back again is something I’ve not felt before or since. 
 
Fortunately, ALT’s provoking live show translates well into more polished studio recordings. After quite a few well-received releases, including an EP Telling Stories to the Wall earlier this year, Aaron Lee Tasjan is dropping his latest full-length album In the Blazes 10.6. And the music world is already buzzing. (Example: This NPR feature.)
 
 Give three of the new songs a listen below and pre-order In the Blazes to get it before all your friends. -Caroline Bowman

 

 

NYC

Bluegrass at Brooklyn Bowl: Virginia’s Love Canon, Dancegrass with singer/songwriter Seth Kessel tonight, Ryan Cavanaugh Band on 9.6

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Country will meet city tonight when Virginia-based sextet Love Canon descends on Brooklyn Bowl for bluegrass renditions of ‘80s songs. The group has recently released its third album ‘Love Canon Greatest Hits III,’ which features covers of Grateful Dead’s “Touch of Grey” and the Giorgio Moroder-composed “Danger Zone.” Also playing tonight is the Alex Borsody-fronted band Dancegrass with the Brooklyn-born singer/songwriter Seth Kessel, whose 2013 album with the Two Cent Band features such poignantly animated tracks as “Goodbye July” (streaming below). Next week will see more bluegrass as the Brooklyn-based Ryan Cavanaugh Band will play at Brooklyn Bowl on 9.6 as part of the venue’s Bluegrass Brunch series. – Zach Weg 

Philadelphia

Weekend Warrior, Aug. 28 – 30

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Tonight, PhilaMOCA will be hosting another rad sold-out show, presented by R5 Productions, with a rare appearance by lauded Sydney garage-rock quartet Royal Headache, who just released an excellent new album entitled High (What’s Your Rapture?). They are currently tearing it up on tour with local faves and The Deli Philly’s most recent Artist of the Year, Sheer Mag, who are certainly starting to clock a few miles on the road. Opening the festivities will be Jason Henn’s minimalist psych-garage project, Honey Radar. PhilaMOCA, 531 N. 12th St., 8pm, $12 (Sold Out), All Ages – Alexis V.
 
 
Other places to enjoy the late summer breeze this weekend…
 
PhilaMOCA (531 N. 12th St.) SAT Taupe
 
Johnny Brenda’s (1201 N. Frankford Ave.) FRI Grandchildren (Album Release), Spaceship Aloha, SAT JJL, Hound, The Improbables, Louie Louie
 
Kung Fu Necktie (1250 N. Front St.) FRI Wasted Theory, Kingsnake/The Snails/Tommy Hogunz, SAT Void Vision, Abandos, SUN E Grizzly, ADotWake, iAlive, Kahlil Ali
 
Underground Arts (1200 Callowhill St.) SAT The Dude Hates Cancer Afterparty Benefit Concert: Suburban Living, Sleek Machine, Residuels
 
Union Transfer (1026 Spring Garden St.) SAT Radiator Hospital, Pinkwash
 
The Trocadero (1003 Arch St.) FRI Whitewater Pass, Iris Freeheart, Rob Octane & the Old School Hustlers
 
TLA (334 South St.) SAT The Lawsuits
 
World Café Live (3025 Walnut St.) FRI (Downstairs) Rob Tait, Angi3, Emily Drinker Suzanne Sheer, Alec Stewart/(Upstairs) Karmic Repair Company, Pure Jerry, SUN The Jenkins Project
 
The Fire (412 W. Girard Ave.) FRI J.O. The Last Man, Nico the Beast, Voss, SAT New Pony, Herm D, SUN Reverend TJ McGlinchey
 
MilkBoy Philly (1100 Chestnut St.) FRI Blair Ollendorf (Wild Rompit), SAT Michael Stasis, Suburban Missile
 
Ortlieb’s Lounge (847 N. 3rd St) SAT Rosali
 
North Star Bar (2639 Poplar St.) SAT Cold Roses
 
Silk City (435 Spring Garden St.) FRI Francisco Collazo, SAT DJ Deejay
 
Fergie’s (1214 Sansom St.) FRI Midnight Flyer Bluegrass, SAT The New Connection, Crills Wilson, SUN Rusty Cadillac
 
Tin Angel (20 S. 2nd St.) SAT Stephen DiJoseph
 
The Legendary Dobbs (304 South St) FRI Midwestern Exposure, Concrete Canyon, Beards & Whiskey, SAT (1st Floor) Shutter, Welter, Kamakaze, Victory Boy/(2nd Floor) Mortanius
 
Connie’s Ric Rac (1132 S. 9th St) FRI Emily Mineo, Annalise Curtin, Ben Tinsley, Oh Great Mississippi, SAT Erik Petersen (Mischief Brew), Teenage Chainsaw, Lip Service Los Gueys, SUN Emily Drinker, Lizanne Knott, Gina Sicilia, Hope Springs Eternal
 
Bourbon and Branch (705 N. 2nd St.) FRI John Faye, Family Vacation, Lou, The Captain The Pilot The Driver, SAT Madalean Gauze, The Sparklers, Workhorse III, The Spirit World, SUN Courtney Halpin
 
Morgan’s Pier (221 N. Columbus Boulevard) FRI DJ Beatstreet, SAT Mr. Sonny James, SUN  (11am) school of Rock/(2pm) DJ Jugo w/percussionist Josh Robinson/(9:30pm) DJ Royale
 
Frankie Bradley’s (1320 Chancellor St.) FRI DJ Venus7, SAT Amorous Congress
 
Voltage Lounge (421 N. 7th St.) FRI Whitney Peyton
 
The Grape Room (105 Grape St) FRI Ridge Summit, Wetbrain, SAT Dave Joyce
 
W/N W/N (931 Spring Garden St.) Sun Flesh Prince, Negative Infinity
 
Everybody Hits  (529 W. Girard Ave.) FRI Ape!, Molly Rhythm, Outside Eyes, Wonder and Fury
 
Girard Hall (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more information.) FRI Hospital (Record Release), Hanging Hills
 
Kat Frat (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more information.) FRI Past Tense, Constraint
 
Graffiti Pier (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more information.) SAT Dogs on Acid (Record Release), Sun Organ
 
40th Street Field (40th St. between Walnut & Locust Sts.) SAT Sun Ra Arkestra

  

NYC

Depressed but funny, Finchler will play at Cake Shop Monday (8.31)

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What band is “Like the Beatles on Nyquil,” inspired by Natalie Merchant, and sounds like a mix between Smog and Sun Kil Moon with a country twang? You probably didn’t guess Finchler, but that’s who we are thinking of. Since 2005, the band, which has produced a plethora of music in its time, hasn’t released anything since their 2012 album, Hair Gimmicks of Apathy. We can only hope that new music will soon be arriving. Finchler are pros at the anti-folk, self-deprecating, talkative lyric game. We find it endearing. Check out their song “Freaky Painting” below, and go see them live at Cake Shop on August 31. – Lauren Schechter

Philadelphia

Grandchildren Album Release Show at JB’s Aug. 28

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Energy seems ready to burst at the seams when electro-acoustic orchestral pop ensemble Grandchildren get to work on stage. Tonight, the group celebrates the release of its third LP Zuni (Ernest Jenning) with a performance at Johnny Brenda’s. Grandchildren maintain a keen ear with an attention to detail and a catalyst of movement. Overall, the compositions pull from a large spectrum of musical influences. The results are thoughtfully layered, while capturing an organic vibrancy. It’s a loose-feeling, tightly-threaded sound that’s both calm and the storm. With a new release, Tropical Information Systems, due this fall via Data Garden, Christopher Sean Powell, a.k.a. Spaceship Aloha, transports you to a futuristic island with his escapist, radiating, electronic percussive grooves. Captained by Daniel Schlett, the interstellar journey of Brooklyn’s White Bike sets the table for an intricate and refreshing evening. Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9pm, $12, 21+ – Michael Colavita

NYC

Indie hard rockers The Milestones played DC9, 8/26, with more shows and an EP to come

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Looking for new, versatile jam that makes you jump, dance, and lose your mind? Try on indie hard rock band The Milestones for size; it’s a good fit. They’re a brash and fun quartet from Baltimore with a distinct and diverse sound all their own and their live performances are unmissable.

Their performance at DC9 on 8/26 did not give this writer’s eardrums a break and infected the audience with an energy that didn’t quit, even after the band started tearing down their kit. Their set featured excellent guitar fades and mind-blowing drum solos. These guys know how to interact with the audience given their fun banter and focused showmanship, so make sure to catch them live or miss an experience worth remembering. They have an EP, Honey, coming out later this summer and some shows in NYC this weekend. Leftfield, 8/29 at 8pm and D’Herde East, 8/30 at 2pm. -Jonathan Goodwin