"Punk" and "Dream" are words frequently used to describe the musical output of many current NYC artists. But they are rarely – if ever – used together. Staten Island ‘s self described dream-punk trio Yeti weaves a dreamlike essence into their songs, while still maintaining the edginess of punk through math rock and emo influences. Their songs often contain thick bass rhythms which are accompanied by quiet drum beats and topped with bassist Snyder and singer Simoniello’s harmonizing vocals. Mostly harmonious and mellow, their songs don’t lack tension and are interspersed with energetic instrumental bouts, such as in “Cicada,” which pick up the pace in a rather aurally peaceful album. Keep tabs on Yeti’s Facebook page for any upcoming shows. – Adriana S. Ballester
San Francisco
Posted on:
Hungry Skinny The Lower 48 and Mars and the Massacre Play BOTH – 3/19
The San Francisco based garage rock band, Hungry Skinny will be playing Bottom of the Hill with The Lower 48 and Mars and the Massacre. You’re not going to want to miss this show! Hungry Skinny was formed in San Francisco’s tenderloin district in 2011. They have recorded and released 3 EP’s with Light Rail Studios; "Ain’t Walkin’ You Home", "Nobody Cares", and "Birth & A Murder".
“If the Beatles and Jack White gave birth to a musical baby, it would sound something like The Lower 48 – and yes, the band is just as ferocious as one would imagine, as we discovered in our interview. The trio’s multi-instrumental thick wall of sound is marvelous because the lead singer isn’t just a lead singer, the bassist doesn’t only play bass, and the drummer doesn’t only drum; they all carry the weight of at least two players effortlessly…”
Mars and The Massacre is an LA-based Psychedelic/Garage Rock band originally hailing from Indianapolis, IN. Formed in early 2013, the group of martians has already gained a strong following in Los Angeles, being known particularly for their entrancing and unpredictable live shows.
Philadelphia
Posted on:
In the Cut: Jo Kusy
For over a decade, Jo Kusy has been crafting dreamy, lo-fi recordings. Since 2009 his output has only increased, but his focus on refining his bedroom sound is fully apparent. While earlier material sounds, at times, like sketches and demos of ideas, on You Break Me, Kusy’s newest effort, he has polished his songs just enough, while still maintaining his homespun charm. And while continually writing for his own project, he has also been part of a pack. Most recently, Kusy has been performing with garage-rock outfit The Whips. Previous to that, he played guitar in the much darker psych-goth group Far-Out Fangtooth; however, when Nicky Kulp left the group to join Creepoid, this gave Kusy more time to focus on his own music, and You Break Me shows off his dexterity – both as a musician and vocalist. It is a fun album evoking Ariel Pink and hazy 80’s new wave, while exploring all the corners of Kusy’s mind. We had a chance to chat with the multi-talented artist about the recording of You Break Me (The Deli Philly’s February Record of the Month), his past and current bands, and a whole bunch more HERE.
Philadelphia
Posted on:
Hop Along & Dr. Dog Return Home at The Fillmore March 17
Touring compatriots, Hop Along and Dr. Dog, return home tonight for the evening to perform at The Fillmore. The Psychedelic Swamp continues with Dr. Dog’s psych-pop rock trek, lacing infectious harmonies with reinforced surf-textured tunes to ease you into an undeniable groove. This crew peppers its songs with elements of oddity, in an accessible rejoicing art-pop manner. Further fueling the home cooking for the evening, the quartet of Hop Along balance memorable storytelling with raw yet refined instrumentation that sinks into the cut, breaking loose when the moment is just right ,as the gut-shorn ferocity of Frances Quinlan’s vocals catapult forward. They’re constantly on the move, so let’ss welcome them home. The Fillmore Philadelphia, 1000 Frankford Ave., $32, All Ages (Hop Along Photo by Ryan Muir) – Michael Colavita
Nashville
Posted on:
Sky Temple Blues makes a tasty medley with self-titled EP
The self-titled EP from Sky Temple Blues is pastiche of eras and genres that seem to take more influence from time periods than specific bands. The result is that you get a series of brief moments of familiarity, like "I think they might be going for Pink Floyd right there," but the sound is gone as soon as you’ve finished articulating the thought. It’s a big ol’ steamy pot of stew full of mystery meats where one bite is completely different than the last, so we’d advise you grab a spoon and dig in. -Austin Phy
Chicago
Posted on:
All The Wine
All The Wine is launching their first tour on April 8th with a show at Elbo Room. The band released their second EP, Heavy Lights, back in September.
Philadelphia
Posted on:
New Slingshot Dakota Record Available for Streaming & Purchase
The pairing of Carly Comando and Tom Patterson, otherwise known as Slingshot Dakota, got married during the process of recording their new record Break, which was recently released via Topshelf Records. The album digs into a high-spirited, free-flowing personal narratives that are anchored in the here and now, embracing reality over idealism. Slingshot Dakota iare currently on tour, and will be hosting a record release show on Saturday, April 2 at Everybody Hits with Petal, Hurry, and Mercury Girls.
Austin
Posted on:
Carter Beckworth Austin Shows March 24 at Saxon Pub, March 25 at The Scoot Inn
A local with lofty aspirations, Carter Beckworth is picking up momentum as he expands on his Texas country roots by incorporating electric and R&B elements, something you can check out at two upcoming Austin shows. Carter is a proven songwriter that has just completed touring with Cory Morrow, with whom Beckworth co-wrote six new songs off Morrow’s new album The Good Fight. Gearing up for his fourth full album release, Beckworth applies his deft songwriting to genre-bending arrangements, which are on full-display with songs like “Between Now And Then,” which you can check out below. While Beckworth’s songwriting has earned him the ability to share the stage with some of country’s biggest names, his solo album has allowed him to set his very own, very interesting musical course, and it’s also made him one of the city’s to-watch country artists. Take a listen yourself at his March 24 show at Saxon Pub, or a day later on March 25 at The Scoot Inn with Reckless Kelly.
—
Lee Ackerley
(catch more of Lee’s work atSlackerlee.com)
Toronto
Posted on:
THE ZILIS – BACK AT THE CAMERON HOUSE!
A trio of seasoned vets based in Hamilton; The Zilis have been playing together in some form for almost a decade if not more. These fellas know their rock n’ roll and they can also shred their instruments. Drummer Zander Lamothe and bassist Justin Bozzo have scooped up individual instrument awards in recent years at the Hamilton Music Awards and guitarist Sean Royle with still shred you to pieces. They’ll play all night if you let em and they can improvive with the best of ’em. I highly recommend both of their albums "Sketches" and "Sketches II". They are part of a very deadly lineup at the Cameron House on Saturday also featuring Womb, Olivia & The Creepy Crawlies and The Kerouacs. Tunes at 9:30. – Kris Gies
Toronto
Posted on:
BANDS FOR BOOBS – CHARITY EVENT IN HAMILTON!
Live music for a good cause and an absolute SUNDAY FUNDAY! That’s Band for Boobs…the 3rd Annual Event going down at the Casbah in Hamilton this Sunday. The live tunes start at 2PM with Big Rude Jake and goes on all the way until midnight featuring many local artists such as Buckshot Bebee, Melissa Marchese, Ian Andrews, Duane Rutter, Mary Simon, Johnny Debt, King Beez and main gal behind this event Ginger St. James. 25 bucks gets you dinner and a show or you can scratch the dinner and pay 15 bucks for a single ticket. All the proceeds go towards breast cancer research and women’s shelters. So go give them your money and have a really good time at Bands For Boobs #3. Sunday March 20 at the Casbah in Hamilton.
Portland
Posted on:
Divers do Dead Moon on new 7″
Indie punks Divers have been riding high since the release of their debut LP, Hello Hello, last year. The LP saw great praise from numberous outlets and come April 19th, we’ll officially have another reason to praise them even more. Dirt Cult is releasing Divers’ new two song 7". Side A is the rockin’ track "Achin’ On," but it’s Side B we’re focusing on right now. The B side features a well executed cover of Dead Moon‘s "Can’t Do That." Vocalist Harrison Rapp perfectly emulates Fred Cole’s croon, while still maintaining originality. Creepily enough, the tracks were internet-launched on the same day former Dead Moon-er Andrew Loomis passed away.
Check out Divers’ take on "Can’t Do That" below. For comparison, the original Dead Moon track can also be found below. Rest in Peace, Andrew.
-Cervante Pope
Here is Dead Moon’s original:
L.A.
Posted on:
Swerve play tonight at Harvard & Stone
"I’m gonna take you far from here", vocalist Gregory Mahdesian sings with confidence on "Remedy", a track that perfectly exemplifies Swerve’s impartial affection for thick, grungy riffs and jangly Brit rock. In their world, it’s as if there’s no seperation between the two, where even if both sounds were stylistically different they both shared a passion for gut-level immediacy.
Swerve will be playing songs from their debut EP tonight at Harvard & Stone, where they also promise to preview an upcoming single. Is there a full-length announcement coming soon? You’ll have to make it there to find out.