Integrating musical genres that have little in common is always a fun experiment, and NYC’s male/femal duo Exmazed, with their blend of industrial rock and dream pop, seem to be up to something. Their only single currently available for streaming combines clangy, mechanical and anguishing arrangements with sampled shrieks of distorted guitar feedback and ethereal female vocals. The latter add an enjoyable melodic element to the bleak musical background, but very little solace, conjuring up an atmosphere that’s as sci-fi as it is nightmarish – something that would work perfectly as a soundtrack for a movie like Blade Runner, or – say – NYC post-November 8, 2016. Exmazed will be performing at Alphaville on December 1st, opening for Au Revoir Simone’s Annie Hart. The nightmarish future has arrived, we may as well embrace it and celebrate it! On the bill also another female fronted, local electronic band called Noia, they are worth checking out.
Brenda bring their lo-fi psych garage to Silver Dollar on Dec 3rd
Garage rockers Brenda put a lo-fi psych spin on their jarring tunes. They find a lot of joy in noise and dissonance, but their songs are still catchy in their own burnt out way. Back in April, the band released a couple of songs that introduced us to their frenetic sound. "ICU" is a plucky tune that screeches into a hypno-heavy finale, while “Sally’s Spit” brims with raw, chaotic energy. The band begs to be heard live. Lucky for us, they’re playing a show on December 3rd at the Silver Dollar with Magic Shoppe, B-17, and Dong Vegan.
Krust Toons: “Grab Her by the Krusty” by Tedd Hazard
Krust Toons: "Grab Her by the Krusty" by Tedd Hazard – please feel free to drop him a line at teddandthehazards@gmail.com if you dig or have any funny ideas. You can also check out more of his illustrations and animation shorts HERE.
Owen “Settled Down”
Owen (aka Mike Kinsella) has released a video for the single “Settled Down” which appears on his 2016 release The King of Whys. The video documents the array of activities someone who has “settled down” experiences over the course of the average day.
New Track: “Dripping Eyelids” – Creepoid
If your ass is dragging this Monday, then Creepoid‘s latest single, "Dripping Eyelids" (available for streaming at Brooklyn Vegan), probably isn’t going to snap you out of these Monday/post-election blues. But fuck it! Who feels like working these days anyways? The band is getting set to release its new four-song EP Burner (WavePOP Records), and you can party down with the gang this Friday, November 25 at the group’s favorite "clubhouse" Kung Fu Necktie. Bring weed!
New Track: “Fading In” – Post War Dream
Indie-rock quartet Post War Dream posted the lead single to its upcoming full-length album, We’ll Be Just Fine, which was recorded at Woodbrook Recording and produced by Paul Hocynec. "Fading In" tackles the often difficult topic of addiction, with Rob Tomlinson’s weathered-sounding vocals poetically sharing the cautionary tale. Joined by Tiffany Adams, Justin Foley, and Jason Gooch, the group successfully balances warm, heartfelt melodies with instrumental bursts of welcomed release. You can check out Post War Dream in a live setting this evening at Bourbon & Branch. (Photo by Juli Foley)
Peter Joly
Peter Joly has released his self-titled debut album which features contributions from members of Iron & Wine, The Hoyle Brothers, and a Ryley Walker collaborator. The album is pure Americana with heartfelt lyrics.
You can help Peter Joly celebrate the release on Nov. 26th at The Hideout with Rachel Drew and the Bitter Roots.
Belle-Skinner brings her sophisticated folk pop to Sidewalk Cafe` on 11.29
Belle-Skinner hails from Upstate New York, which is where she cut her newest record, We Shut Our Eyes. But she now calls New York City home, and it’s here where she plays her original music several times a month at venues all around Manhattan and Brooklyn. The rising artist’s sound blends mid-century acoustic pop with breathy vocals smacking of St. Vincent. Hear the influence of Sufjan Stevens, Kate Bush, and Joanna Newsom in songs like “And Then You Leave (Go On)” and “Siren Song”. Upcoming live shows include November 29th at the East Village’s Sidewalk Café, where Belle-Skinner will perform with Kelly Quigley, Pandafan, Georgia June, and Emily & Friends. The show begins at 7:00 pm. If you can’t make it, check Belle-Skinner’s website for future tour dates. Do make it a point to attend at least one of them. – Will Sisskind
Rosebug Release Debut LP and Feature Track “I Am The One”
With the recent release of their debut LP “Worst Way,” Brooklyn’s Rosebug showcase lead single “I Am The One” after a series of local shows. Opening with the melody line figure presented in singular guitar notes, an ethereal vocal chorus emerges from reverberated halls. “I am the one with all the answers,” sings frontwoman Becca Chodorkoff amid the slow burning groove and background vocal waves. While accompanying guitar, bass and drums establish understated yet essential propulsion, chiming overtones emerge alongside the morphing voices. Lyrics express one’s need to push forward with self-confidence, while keeping internal doubts that we may not be all that special at bay. The overall mood feels similar to early 90’s pioneers Cocteau Twins, Sarah McLachlan as well as contemporary artists like Shana Falana. The album can now be heard and acquired on Spotify, iTunes or Portland based cassette revival label Dazzleships Records. – Dave Cromwell
New Strange Parts Album Available for Streaming & Download
Strange Parts, the duo of Attia Taylor and Corey Duncan (Oh! Pears), recently shared their new album, Rainier Bedstuy Home Recordings. The collection of songs were recorded between Duncan’s hometown neighborhood, Rainier Valley, in Seattle, WA and Bedstuy Brooklyn, where Taylor currently resides. Though these demos didn’t quite make the cut for the group’s forthcoming LP, they are "adored," and stand as a "document of Attia and Corey’s writing process". Take the lo-fi ditties for a spin below. (Photo by Adam Haney)
