We’ve been posting our favorites from the slew of eclectic tracks released by prolific Philly singer-songwriter and former Deli Philly Artist of the Year, Alex Giannascoli [formerly Alex G and now (Sandy) Alex G]. Well, his new, highly anticipated LP Rocket is out now via Domino, and we are absolutely psyched to share it with you. It’s a captivating showcase of his songwriting talents, and we have no doubt that the album will be introducing him to a much wider audience in the near future. So kickstart your weekend off right by pressing "play" below, and don’t miss his summer tour closer at Union Transfer on Saturday, July 8 with Japanese Breakfast and Cende!
Exclusive Premiere: Hiber
We are proud to be able to premiere an exclusive stream of the debut EP from Hiber, What You Wanted. This is the new project from former frontman from The Future Laureates, Danny Surico. The EP will be official released on May 20th.
You can help Hiber celebrate the release on May 20th at Martyrs’
Plastic Picnic unveils new single, plays Berlin on 05.25
Hailing from the Pacific Northwest, the four dudes in Plastic Picnic seem to carry some of that sea’s peacefulness embedded in their musical DNA. The quartet has just released a new single entitled "Miss it Still," which confirms their inclination for spacious synthpop atmospheres and warm melodies. The track will be included in the band’s upcoming debut EP, whose release date is still unknown. What is known, thought, are the details of their next live show: Berlin on May 25th.
New Music Video: “You’re Silver” – Nightlands
Nightlands, a.k.a. Dave Hartley (The War on Drugs), recently released a new album, I Can Feel the Night Around Me, via Western Vinyl. Cruising through the streets with a behind-the-wheel and then an overhead, coastal viewpoint, the video for “You’re Silver," which was co-directed by Daniel Fox and Matthew Marchlewski, captures the smooth intensity of the surrounding environment. Soothing, soulful vocals layer as the gentle, gliding groove coasts those harmonies into gear. Nightlands will headline a bill on Saturday, May 27 at Johnny Brenda’s, and will be supported by The Dove & The Wolf and The Building.
New Track: “Get Over It” – Tinmouth
Surprise Time, the forthcoming sophomore album from Tinmouth, is scheduled to arrive on June 2. Set into percussive motion, “Get Over It” is the melodically-sustained tale of maintaining the will to fight, despite consistent losses. While the message is delivered with a self-assured, positive confidence, the harshness of reality still smacks down. Ortlieb’s will host Tinmouth’s record release show on Friday, June 2 with Secret Nudist Friends, Little Kicks, and Journalism.
Pilot Violet celebrates release of ‘Nite Farm’ EP at Nublu on 5/31
The music found on Pilot Violet’s new EP, "Nite Farm" is a well produced homage and revisit to the more soulful synthpop of the 80’s. Each track on the seven-song project blends that era’s simple synth patterns and beats with the cinematic vocals found in recent pop acts like CHRVCHES and The XX. On tracks like "Ordinary Day" the instrumentals are skimmed to their essentials, which serves as a nice contrast to the impassioned and emphatic vocals. Pilot Violet has a fresh sound, not because of its individual, recognizable components, but because of the inventive ways they are sewn together. You can listen to "Ordinary Day" below, and catch their new project live at Nublu on 5/31. – Henry Solotaroff-Webber
New Music Video: “Make It Her, Forever” – The Orange Drop
The music video for “Make It Her, Forever” by The Orange Drop may have slipped under our radar initially. However, now that it’s in full-view, we can’t look away. Featured on Stoned In Love (available via Mega Dodo), the video drills deep into a heady kaleidoscope. You can get lost in the vibes this Sunday, May 22 at Bourbon & Branch, where they’ll be joined by Doug Tuttle and Lina Tullgren.
Demure For Sure to release new LP | Shares “Party Hardy” video
NYC-based, art-rocker Zach De Sorbo shares his latest video for “Party Hardy” (streaming below) under the moniker Demure For Sure. This lead single from his forthcoming LP Tie-Dye Shadows is a two and a half minute guitar fueled psych out trip. While the song title may sound more like an Andrew WK anthem, the track soon crosses over into an increasingly psychedelic realm. Mad synth twiddles emerge then quickly recede for a less noisy surf-rock feel, while the video’s imagery depicts… an exploding mind: golden wigs, masks and too-close-for-comfort, slightly-oddball plush toys vie for attention alongside lollipops, jellybean “drugs” and “Be-Bop-A-Lula.” With the protagonist now transformed into a clown costume and party hat (not unlike David Bowie’s character in his “Ashes To Ashes” video), the imaginary nature of this “party” is fully realized. Having a soft-character collection as your only party guests seems appropriate for the frenzied vocal and riff-driven hook punctuating each line of the chorus. The full album is set for release in June. – Dave Cromwell
Lo-fi innocence makes Kaimbr’s “Share the Shelter” stand out
“I’m coping” Kaimbr assures the listener on “Cora”, the first track of his latest full length release, Share the Shelter. Starting the album with a song dedicated to his mother, Kaimbr switches between conventional raps and a sense of lo-fi innocence on the album. Giving the album a real sense of concept are the retro, often melancholy samples, which add a nice touch of melodic material to the album, giving it a unique, tight sound.
Here is “Defiant” from Kaimbr’s latest album Share the Shelter, which dropped May 16th.
-Written by Michael Dranove
Evacuate the Earth
We are proud to be able to premiere the first single from the forthcoming self-titled sophomore album from Evacuate the Earth. The album is due out on June 6th and the band will be celebrating with a free show at Emporium Arcade Bar in Wicker Park on June 8th.
New Video: “You’re Still The One” (Shania Twain Cover) (Live – Swell Tone) – Free Cake For Every Creature & Hello Shark
Katie Bennett (Free Cake For Every Creature) and Lincoln Halloran (Hello Shark) welcomed the folks at Swell Tone into their apartment for a session. Covering Shania Twain’s “You’re Still The One,” the pair performs a bare, acoustic rendition on the couch. Honing in on harmony, the duo unlocks the song’s emotive qualities. You can catch Free Cake For Every Creature when they kick off their tour with Adult Mom on Wednesday, May 31 at Everybody Hits, as part of lineup that also includes Boosegumps and Emily Yacina.
New Thomas Crystal LP Available for Streaming & Download
Swells is the full-length debut from Work Drugs‘s Thomas Crystal, and will be officially released on May 19. Soaking in the sunshine and sea breeze, one is whimsically transported onto an island or beach setting. However, while situated in those favorable conditions, the collection lyrically describes emotive tales of love and loss. Step into the cool evening sand, and reflect in the smooth wave.