Eclectic Sessions Volume 2 captures a moment of certitude for left-field label Ramp Local, which is based in Philadelphia and run by Jake Saunders, whose unwavering commitment to thoughtful curation has landed them with a provocative lineup of talented acts. In a short amount of time, Ramp Local has evolved into a cultural hub for experimental artists pioneering new trails through our musical lexicon, sporting releases by bands such as Old Maybe, Macula Dog and Big Neck Police. Volume 2 offers up twenty-one tracks of unreleased material and raw demos from artists who make up the constellations that have mapped out Ramp Local’s progress, while at the same time offering a nod toward a promising future of serious artistic output. To mark the release of the cassette, Ramp Local is hosting a show tonight at South Philly’s The Pharmacy, with a stacked lineup featuring Old Maybe, Giant Claw, Zula, and What Nerve. You can also take a listen to the new compilation tape below.
NYC
Posted on:
From issue #48: Surf in NYC – Gotham’s Latest Wave of West Coast-Style Pop
On the final night of Northside 2016, Brian Wilson—erstwhile songwriter/arranger/production genius behind L.A.’s Beach Boys—performed his entire 1966 masterpiece, Pet Sounds, at McCarren Park in Brooklyn. The crowd, ranging from very young to elderly, and including patrons from the broadest spectrum of culture and subculture, confirmed what some have known for quite a while now: that surf music—a vernacular style forged in early 1960s Southern California—has far outgrown its local wellspring. – Read the full article on The Deli NYC Issue #47.
NYC
Posted on:
NJ Pop-Punk icon Mikey Erg releases solo LP + tours the US
Local pop-punk icon Mikey Erg (of NJ’s The Ergs! fame) is back with a solo album entitled ‘Tentative Decisions.’ The man stands out in that loud and melodic scene for a lyrical talent way above the average, and for gladly joining other like-minded bands on tour and on record (his credits include Dirt Bike Annie, The Unlovables, The Dopamines, Star Fucking Hipsters, House Boat, Worriers and Weston). Mikey will spend the winter touring in support of the record, with a NYC date set for February 17 at Brooklyn Bazaar.
Philadelphia
Posted on:
Joy Riding Opening for Matt Pond PA at Underground Arts Dec. 9
While we await its full-length debut, which will be coming out early next year via Black Rd Records, the quartet of Joy Riding sets up shop in an opening slot this evening at Underground Arts. The band stacks up casually relatable, episodic powerpop, the type that steadily gathers melodic steam and concentration. Then, those loose sensitive strings unite in an infectious, surprising, instrumental feat of strength, cruising as the trees race by. In support of their newly released album, Winter Lives, Matt Pond PA headlines, striking a hearth-crackling note as singer-songwriter sensibility deepens through the exploratory interlacing of vocal harmony and guiding orchestral instrumentation. The multifaceted musical settings of Austin’s Moving Panoramas are sandwiched in between, tying the familiarity of intimate melody, while shifting into the atmosphere. Underground Arts, 1200 Callowhill St., 9pm, $17, 21+ (Photo by Tom Ryan) – Michael Colavita
Philadelphia
Posted on:
New Valley Exit LP Available for Streaming & Purchase
What started out as a solo avant-garde, electro-noise project from the mind of Jeff Zeigler has now grown to a full-fledged band with the backing of Josh Meakim (A Sunny Day in Glasgow, The Fantastic Imagination) on guitar, April Harkanson (Myrrias, Downtown Club) on guitar/keys/backing vocals, and Steven Urgo (The War on Drugs, Chris Forsyth & The Solar Motel Band) on drums. Valley Exit is creating noise-pop at its finest, tiptoeing the line between inventiveness and accessibility. That is what you’ll find on Valley Exit’s debut self-titled LP, which is now available via Soft Dystopia, Zeigler’s fledgling record label. You can stream and purchase the album below, and check out our recent interview with Jeff HERE!
L.A.
Posted on:
Saro releases debut EP “In Loving Memory”
Saro’s debut EP, In Loving Memory, has an array of songs committed to the love and loss of relationships. One song in particular, Test, has a mix of electronic vibes and an ambient, airy pop feel with a distinct emotional connection linking artist and audience. If the beats don’t hit hard enough, Saro’s lyrics will. “Drowning from the inside,” he reveals, in what sounds like a toxic relationship, destroying each other to reach a high. Immerse yourself in Saro’s newest EP and revel in the polished heartache of it all. – Kayla Hay
San Francisco
Posted on:
Sarah Bethe Nelson Drops New Single – Hazy
Oh, Evolution is the sophomore album from San Francisco singer-songwriter, Sarah Bethe Nelson which will see a release on February 24, 2017. The first taste of the music comes in the form of album opener, Hazy. The music sounds like you’re on a road trip with Sarah Bethe Nelson, who’s at the wheel, meditating on her adventures with Mission District drag queens, DIY garage rockers, beer-logged poets, and romantics. Take a listen!
San Francisco
Posted on:
Owl Paws Release New Single – Animal Brain
The San Francisco based ensemble, Owl Paws has released a new single from their upcoming EP, smoke rings & diamonds. Their new track is entitled, Animal Brain and we love the sultry sound and intimate lyrics.
Take a listen and we’ll keep you posted on the news of their upcoming album!
Philadelphia
Posted on:
New Aunt Dracula EP Available for Streaming
Aunt Dracula‘s forthcoming album, YULE, is a completely solo effort from Scott Daly. Gone are the languid, heady psych-pop soundscapes found on previous recordings; instead, you’ll discover Daly traversing brutally abrasive sonic terrains, while his avant-garde sensibilities still remain in the form of a "one man wrecking ball". The EP was recorded this past fall at Castle Drac Studios in Fishtown, and will be officially released on December 21 via Bromius Records.
Portland
Posted on:
Mood Music: Sinless – ‘Melodie’
And here we find ourselves again. There’s clearly something about Sinless that either really gets us in the mood, or is somehow just always what we need to hear. We were in the mood for their track "Cool" back in September and now, we’re entirely too much in the mood for the EP that houses "Cool," titled Melodie.
Out just a few days ago, Melodie continues on in that same supernal, dream pop vein Ethereality teased us with last summer. At just four tracks, it’s another tease at frontman Cor Allen’s mastery of 4AD’s discography, as this EP is entirely a bedroom-recorded solo effort.
Rumor has it Sinless will be releasing their first 11 track full length in 2017, but until then enjoy Melodie on this somewhat snowy morning.
Chicago
Posted on:
Nice Motor
Nice Motor has released two new singles, “Even It Up” and “War on the Move”. We are honored to premiere both below.
You can catch Nice Motor opening up for Lucky Boys Confusion and Mark Rose (of Spitafield) at Double Door on New Year’s Eve.
Philadelphia
Posted on:
New Track: “Savior” – Dominic
Inspired by "a long dormant obsession with ‘alternative religion’" and "a couple of super mean Leonard Cohen songs," Dominic Angelella wrote the song "Savior" while working on the next Lithuania album. It’s the second single from his debut album, Goodnight, Doggies. (under the moniker Dominic), which will be released on February 3 via Lame-O Records. He’ll also be helping to kickoff Lame-O’s second annual Rock Residency at Boot & Saddle in the month of January. Each show in the residency will benefit a variety of great causes. Dominic will be coming together with Hurry and Cherry on Thursday, January 5 at the South Philly music venue to raise donations for Planned Parenthood.