Abi Reimold recently revisited the good folks at Swell Tone for another live performance session. This time around, Reimold chose to cover Canadian singer-songwriter Andy Shauf’s drowsy single, "I’m Not Falling Asleep," off 2012’s The Bearer of Bad News. The takes were captured during the hours of sunrise and sunset on the longest day of the year by videographer Bob Sweeney and audio technician Jake Detwiler at The Nativist, a beautifully decorated bed & breakfast here in Philly. Abi Reimold will be opening The Districts‘s record release show on Friday, August 11 at Union Transfer, where they will also be joined by another great Philly act The Spirit and the Beehive. (Photo by Rachel Del Sordo)
NYC
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IYEZ release new single “Ov Rays” + play Bowery Electric 07.13
Brooklyn band IYEZ returns to awe listeners with new single Ov Rays. In addition to the band’s signature, unearthly psychedelic sound, the single features a garage rock energy, propelled by sharp and punchy drumming and a sea of distorted guitars. Cloudy but tense vocals contribute to a psychedelic crescendo that’s as nebular as it is relentless. The single also features a demo of "You Cried Out," a super stripped down psych-folk ballad that’s at the opposite sonic extreme of the main single. Catch the sonic tunes of IYEZ this Thursday 07.13 at the Map Room at Bowery Electric. –Tafari Lemma
NYC
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Sean McVerry takes his blend of soul and indie-pop to Bowery Electric on 07.27
New York’s Sean McVerry, who made our Best of NYC Emerging Artist Poll 2017, is a proverbial musical sponge. A skilled pianist and guitar player, McVerry incorporates elements of electronica, neo-soul and indie-pop to create a sound that’s shifting but always recognizable, thanks to his signature, soulful voice. On his 2016 EP, Hourglass Switchboard II, McVerry’s detexerous falsetto undulates effortly over drum machines and reverb-drenched, chordal piano work. Check out a live version of "Strangers" below, and don’t miss his upcoming live show at Bowery Electric on July 27th.- Ethan Ames
Philadelphia
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New God Root EP Available for Streaming & Purchase
The quintet of God Root released its second EP Salt And Rot, which is available via local imprint Horror Pain Gore Death. Shrouded in the shadows of sludge, a steady quaking heaviness permeates. Those dire sonic consequences are pushed to the brink, building towards a doom-driven conclusion. The band is slated to appear at The Irish Pol on Saturday, August 19 with Mob Terror. (Photo by Raechel Anne)
Portland
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PREMIERE: Sheers – “Quantized”
The brooding sounds of Sheers are undeniable. Led by the deep, mercurial vocal capacity of Lily Breshears, the particular sounds the trio produces are rife with opportunities for introspective thinking, and their first track of 2017 definitely follows in that same vein.
"Quantized" artistically and classically blends trip-hop, jazz and minimalistic pop into layers of textured and honest instrumentation and lyricism. Breshears’ vocals steadily build along with backbeats from Daniel Rossi and atmospheric bass from Aaron Stern in efforts to fight against instant sonic gratification, encouraging focused reflection. The idea for "Quantized" came from the unwanted recalling of old memories brought on by the summer’s blooming scents, prompting the line “early summer never smelled so putrid/when the last was best and worst and unlived." It’s meant to showcase the effect memories of past experiences can have on the present, and that it does very well.
A release show for "Quantized" will be at Bunk Bar on 7.12, along with another single release from Arlo Indigo and another performance from Tino’s Dream.
Toronto
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FAMILIARS – HEAVY STONERGAZE
Small town loud and heavy Canadiana rock…that’s how they describe it. I don’t know if that sounds familiar but they are Familiars. That’s the name and they make some rock n roll that’s nice n’ dirty. They released a new 7” in March and these songs are available to download on their bandcamp page. The first of which is extra bad ass. “As Our Distance Has Grown Further” rips a heavy ass groove at the perfect pace. I compare it to Gordie Johnson’s Texas side project Grady. The vocals come in very hazy which adds a unique flair mixed with the extreme heaviness. See Familiars LIVE at Bovine Sex Club on Friday July 14 with Cross Dog, Ayahuasca and Olde. – Kris Gies
New England
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STIG Hits the Road With Summer Tour Dates
Somewhere between the minimalism of Vulfpeck and the virtuosity of Snarky Puppy lies Boston-based funk ensemble STIG. Adding their own flavor to the funk revival scene, STIG keeps it smooth and sexy, interesting without ever overstaying their welcome. The band is currently on the back end of their Summer tour (hitting Sea Dog Brewing Co in Bangor, ME on 7/20), promoting their upcoming EP, Downtown Tom. Check out the video for the title track below. -Brian Varneke
NYC
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Shoegaze up and comers Venn at Black Cat July 21st
Channeling the sound of UK 1980s/90s shoegaze and post-punk, Venn has seen success after the release of their debut EP earlier this year. The band has managed to capture the sensitive adrenaline rush, found in the music of My Bloody Valentine and New Order, in their own unique while still paying obvious homage to their forebearers, even producing a cover of the classic New Order song “Ceremony”. This high energy group is sure to put on a great show, so don’t give this one a miss!
-Michael Dranove
NYC
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Dancing Tongues play the Echo 08.02
In their debut EP, Positions, post-punk band Dancing Tongues lays out a dynamic and energetic mix that constantly changes. Formed in 2015, the three-piece band emits a pleasurably enigmatic approach that may be hard to decipher at times. Though the band features vocals that seem distinctly new-wave, Dancing Tongues’ instrumentals smoothly shift from alternative, to garage, to pop. Catch the band at The Echo 08.02. – Tafari Lemma
NYC
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Todd Stoops + Friends host funk throw down at The Boom Boom Room 07.27
Todd Stoops made a name for himself as the keyboard wizard of several electro-funk acts in the Northeastern United States. Recently he has relocated to the Bay Area and has found a home with Reed Mathis and the underground funk swing of his band, Electric Beethoven. On Friday, July 27, Stoops will be hosting an all-night funk free-for-all at The Boom Boom Room featuring friends from all of his current projects. Guests include Mathis, Jay Lane from RAQ, and several special guests that have yet to be announced. Tickets are $5 and available here.
– Joshua Huver
Philadelphia
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New Track: “All Or Nothing” – The Dull Blue Lights
The basement soul brigade, formerly known as The Snails and now known as The Dull Blue Lights, is scheduled to release on July 13 its self-titled debut LP. The album was produced by Andrija Tokic (Alabama Shakes, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Benjamin Booker, Clear Plastic Masks), and its latest single, “All Or Nothing”, is steeped in a slow-cooking, soulful, reggae groove. The post breakup narrative is aided by the laid-back, instrumental stroll, as the comfort is afforded by reassuring backing harmony, reinforced by the warmth of keys and tempered by the lead vocal’s heartache. You can catch The Dull Blue Lights at their record release show this Thursday at The Barbary. (Photo by Caity MacLeod)
NYC
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Beeef to Play Great Scott August 17th
We doubt if there is a town with more gripes than Boston. That seems to be the reason for the abundance of pissed-off garage rock bands like Allston’s newest stars: Beeef. Since the release of their sarcastic 2017 release A Beeef CD, they received high praise from their own music scene, and celebrated local publications like Allston Pudding and Boston Hassle. That being said, we believe they are deserving of the attention, with charismatic, surfy guitars and jaunty rhythms. A Beeef CD is angsty, wronged, and heartbroken, but in all the right ways. This release shows a band that has found its place among its surrounding punks, and we hope they stay there. See them at Great Scott with Ian Sweet and Baby! on August 17th. -Allie Miller