Portland

Usnea take their new tunes to Psycho Las Vegas

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Psycho Las Vegas is basically like the Coachella of metal, except it doesn’t totally and completely suck ass. If a band makes it to a Psycho stage, being held at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino this year, then they’re really doing something to speak of with their sound. And that’s exactly what Usnea is talented enough to be doing.

Usnea is one of Portland’s beloved sludgy doom acts and on top of playing Psycho, they have a whole new album of new material to share with their adoring doomers. They’re releasing Portals of Futility on Relapse Records September 8, and they’ve already shared a bit of what the album will sound like. First, fans got a taste with the almost 10 minute long official audio to "Lathe of Heaven" and now, the band have released a video for "Pyrrhic Victory." It’s everything you’d picture it to be and wonderfully so much more.

The band is having a release show for Portals of Futility 9.16 with Thrones, Hands of Thieves and Ninth Moon Black at the Tonic Lounge. They’ll be taking off for an extensive at the end of September and well through October so be sure to catch them before they hit the road. And if you happen to be at Psycho this weekend, well, you’re a lucky son of a bitch.

Philadelphia

Weekend Warrior, August 18 – 20

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The Deli’s reigning Best Emerging Philly Indie Rock Artist, The Retinas, set up shop this Saturday at The Barbary. As we await the arrival of new material currently in the works and potentially on display, the band lay down a faded, fuzz-out set of well-crafted, rambunctious tunes. Filtered through a casual disenchanting haze, The Retinas cultivate unassuming, episodic adventures that tackily grab hold and gradually accelerate into anthem status without pretense. The psych-surf trio of Secret Nudist Friends twists and turns between a temperate sway to a ripping torrent. New York natives The Lounge Act channel secluded emotions into dominoing jams.

Meanwhile, many will their annual trek to Old Pool Farm, flocking for the 56th Philadelphia Folk Festival. Among the cavalcade of acts throughout the weekend, the absorbing Vita and the Woolf, the multi-dimensional, baroque folk of Hezekiah Jones, and the harmony-stacking, campfire Americana of The End of America represent a small but potent sampling of what will be a long-ass weekend of good vibes and tunes. – Michael Colavita

Other places to soak in the summer this weekend…

Johnny Brenda’s (1201 N. Frankford Ave.) FRI Spank, SAT Philly Loves Michael Jackson

Boot & Saddle (1131 S. Broad St.) FRI Overcoming Gravity, Camp Candle, SAT Bel Heir, Blame Candy

Kung Fu Necktie (1250 N. Front St.) FRI Drowse, Manbeast/Big Nothing/WhiteRice, Gummibear, BeeTee Beats/The Dull Blue Lights, SAT Midwestern Exposure, Brom Bones, Canyon Ride/DJ PHSH, Low Budget, SUN Androgynous Jesus/Crazy Bull

PhilaMOCA (531 N. 12th St.) FRI McRad, Thantophobe, Barnes

Bourbon & Branch (705 N. 2nd St.) FRI In the Presence of Wolves

The Trocadero (1003 Arch St.) SAT Lucid By Midnight, Public Noise/DJ Sylo, Astro 8000, Wes Walker, Charley Coin

The Foundry (1000 Frankford Ave.) FRI Dayne Jordan, DJ Ferno, Beano, The Bul Bey

World Café Live (3025 Walnut St.) SAT (Upstairs) Lily Mae

The Barbary (951 Frankford Ave.) FRI Thunderbird Divine, SAT RFA, Soraia, Ellen Siberian-Tiger/The Retinas, Secret Nudist Friends

The Fire (412 W. Girard Ave.) SAT DJ Baby Berlin, DJ Nightwitch, Korine

MilkBoy Philly (1100 Chestnut St.) FRI The Barren Marys, SUN Thrills, St. James & The Apostles

Ortlieb’s Lounge (847 N. 3rd St.) FRI Birthday Boy, Caracara, SAT Vincent John

Silk City (435 Spring Garden St.) FRI Bo Bliz, Low Budget, SAT DJ Deejay

Fergie’s (1214 Sansom St.) SUN Rusty Cadillac

Connie’s Ric Rac (1132 S. 9th St.) FRI No Mere Machine, SAT Roxy Rollz, SUN Port Arthur, Cavity Kids

Voltage Lounge (421 N. 7th St.) SAT Lloyd Maz, Hashland, Blaq N’ Nappy, Ryze High, Zac Oracle

Morgan’s Pier (221 N. Columbus Boulevard) FRI DJ PiERSON, SAT DJ Beatstreet, SUN Burnt Sienna

The Grape Room (105 Grape St) Liberty Music Fest  FRI Chad Jenkins Band, Riverside Odds, Shadow Merchants, Lonesome Crow/Monie & Meeks, John Fahres, Mack & the Hooligans, Vinnie Paolizzi , SAT Xpresidents, The Sly Foxes, Aviance, Redux Envy, In Different Sounds, CHVNCE/Vanderlyle, E.Joseph and The Sparrows, A Better Class Of Criminal, Tyler John, Firm Taqtics, Steve Oakley Band/DJ 21HNDRD, Mike Nappi, Camp Candle, The Duke Brothers , Eloise Sharkey, Prin$e Alexander, Rotation Records Showcase, SUN Primatives, Fauxtron, Popular Creeps, Adventure Lost, Illusions Of Grandeur, Granz, A Ship Named Beagle/The Local Smokes, Bazmati Vice, Josh Nussbaum, Bluestime, Novyy Stil’

Ardmore Music Hall (23 E. Lancaster Ave.) SAT Splintered Sunlight, SUN Steal Your Peach, Brown Sugar

Frankie Bradley’s (1320 Chancellor St.) FRI DJ Ben Aire, SAT Ed Christof

Everybody Hits (529 W. Girard Ave.) FRI Whipworm

The Pharmacy (1300 S. 18th St.) FRI Crossed Keys, Peter The Pianoeater, Wax Wav / The Mellowells, Snakeboy, Twin Beds

Creep Records (1050 N. Hancock St., Suite 76) SAT The Dull Blue Lights, SteveO & The Crippling Addictions

Hole Foods (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) FRI Garden Club, Sinceres, Whine Moms

Philly Folk Festival (Old Pool Farm) FRI Andrea Nardello, Apache Trails, Ben Arnold and the 48 Hour Orchestra, A Fistful of Sugar, Anna Cecilia, Black Horse Motel, Butter Queen Sister, Chickabiddy, Dani Mari, David Amram, David C Perry, Deer Scout, Edge Hill Rounders, Gene Smith Band, Hezekiah Jones, Jessica Graae, Kicking Down Doors, Ladybird, Man About a Horse, Michael Braunfeld, No Good Sister, Rare Spirits, Ray Naylor, RUNA, Spirit Wing, Stevie and the Bluescasters, Sweetbriar Rose, The Theologicals, The End of America, SAT A Fistful of Sugar, Greg Sover Band, Hannah Taylor, Jay Smar, Jesse Hale Moore, Kalob Griffin, Lisa Chosed, Matt Wheeler & Vintage Heart, Michael Braunfeld, Rare Spirits, RUNA, Sarah Chodak, Silverton, Saul Broudy, The Theologicals, Two of a Kind, Vita & the Woolf, SUN Almshouse, Andrea Nardello, Boulevard Express, Courtney Malley, Dani Mari, David Amram, Dawn Hiatt, Instant Bingo Jam, Jessica Graae, John Flynn, Kicking Down Doors, Ladybird, Man About a Horse, Michael Braunfeld, Michelle Miller, No Good Sister, RUNA, Saul Broudy, Sylvia Platypus

NYC

Claire Hawkins doses Americana with a healthy amount of New York on ‘Even These Words’

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When you think of country and Americana, the clichés might take you to pastures and whiskey and Tennessee. But native New Yorker Claire Hawkins proves that there is room for this genre, even amongst the concrete and taxis of in her hometown. Hawkins debut EP, Even These Words, is a simple, 4 song introduction to the young songwriter’s playful, simple lyrics and sing-along melodies. The most memorable line? "My baby got a job at the TSA," she sings on the delightful, sincere "Loaded Gun" (streaming). Hawkins gives Americana a sweet light-heartedness, and I’m interested to see where the next batch of songs will take her. -Geena Kloeppel

Philadelphia

The Deli Philly’s Featured Artist(s) Poll Winner: Noise and Silence

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It makes perfect sense that childhood friends Bob Hunter & Matt Fleming would start a band together, after all they were banging on a piano together, before Hunter could even walk. That’s a lifetime of experiences and ideas that has brought us their sonic experiment, known as Noise and Sound, a name inspired by Richard Linklater’s Waking Life. The duo released its debut EP Cycle Theory, earlier this summer via Exotic Fever, and is already set to drop a new single in the not-too-distant future so keep a lookout for that. Noise and Silence recently won The Deli Philly’s Featured Artist(s) Poll, and we’d like to help you to get to know them a little better, which you can do so HERE. 

NYC

Metal trio Mutoid Man tours with Danzig

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Sludgy, frenetic, and surprisingly melodic, Mutoid Man serves up nasty, heavy jams with a side of skilled riffage.  Their latest release, War Moans, is 12-tracks worth of head spinning metal aptitude, and – paired with a ground shattering live show – opened the door to a summer US tour with Danzig – dates can be found here. Our friends at Delicious Audio were very curious to know what kind of gear went into making their signature gut-busting sound – check out the link below for a Q&A about it. – by Olivia Sisinni

Delicious Audio’s interview with Mutoid Man about pedals and gear.

Philadelphia

New Music Video: “Dance Number” – Radiator Hospital

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We’re very excited to share with you a new track and video from one of our favorite local acts Radiator Hospital. Led by the heartfelt, beautiful words of songwriter Sam Cook-Parrott, “Dance Number” is a “meta-commentary about the way we use music to help us cope, even when everything seems to be falling completely apart.” Cook-Parrott also says, “On the surface it’s a portrait of a sad lonely moment. Ultimately though it’s about trying to go through life with an open heart and mind in a world that seems bleaker every day." The song is the first single off the band’s forthcoming full-length Play The Songs You Like, which was recorded by Jeff Zeigler (of Uniform Recording) and is due out on October 20 via Salinas Records. You can catch Radiator Hospital live on Monday, August 28 at PhilaMOCA with Lost Balloons. (Photo by Catherine Elicson)

L.A.

EXSage unveils fearless new EP, plays Bootleg Theater on 8/27

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Kate Clover, front-runner and official ‘bad-ass’ of Ex Sage, will be releasing her newest EP, Total Devotion, on September 22. The EP’s first single, “Under Your Spell”, is a balanced blend of the sweet soulful melodies of Stevie Nicks and the dirty garage rock of The Strokes. Clover’s talent is unparalleled to other rockers in her genre, as she fearlessly taught herself to play every instrument you hear (minus the drums). Her eccentric lifestyle and abnormal influences has landed her on a spark that is just waiting to ignite.

ExSage will be playing at The Bootleg Theater on August 27, followed by an EP release at Moroccan Lounge on September 24. – Kayla Hay

NYC

Hayes Peebles debuts his unique alt folk in ‘Ghosts EP’ + plays Mercury Lounge 8.24

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Listening to Hayes Peebles’ debut EP Ghosts elicits the warm feelings that come from a country croon, while a closer look at the lyrics reveals the wisdom of a masterful songwriter. His honest ballads are embellished by his tasteful arrangements (in which he plays guitar and keys), which are too dynamic to fall neatly into the Americana category. He will be playing a show at the Mercury Lounge on August 24th. Listen to our favorite track, “Home” streaming below. – Lilly Milman

NYC

Spooky Mansion bring new “Surf-Hop” sound to Golden Bull 08.23

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San Fransisco outfit Spooky Mansion will be playing a hometown show this summer at Golden Bull on August 23rd. The band’s most recent material came out this year with a surprisng stylistic change; The previousl;y self-described surf rock band brought a whole different flavor of chill, hip-hop oriented beats and instrumentation on their new EP, I’m the Moon, You’re the Wave (so plz change w/ me). With listed influences like Modest Mouse and Pixies, this project contrarily resembles (at least to our ears) the fellow Californian band The Neighbourhood, especially on “You’re the Wave”, a subtle and gentle track with dreamy piano chords over a quick, lofi hip-hop beat and harmonizing soft vocals. Check out the band’s latest work below. – Pearse Devlin

NYC

On the rise: Anne Dereaux crafts emotional alt-soul in debut EP

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With her debut EP, Book of Lolita, released last month, Nashville born, LA based alt-soul singer Anne Dereaux delivers a soothing record filled with wisdom and vitality. Inspired by an alter ego conceived by the artist when she was a child, the EP marks an emotive and personal journey, featuring vocals that range between confidence, pain, and delicate textures, layered over atmospheric instrumentals. The artist released a video (streaming below) for the song "MO(U)RNING", which complements the emotional track through an ambitious story that transitions from a somber, darkened setting to a luminous ending, painting a journey through pain and heartbreak. She’s playing NYC’s hot hub Baby’s All Right on August 22nd – it’s a good sign. – Tafari Lemma

NYC

On ‘Comatose Hope,’ Julia Weldon clears a path for hopeful moments in the fog

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What do you do when you wake up from a coma? Make an album called Comatose Hope. Or, at least, that’s what Julia Weldon did, awakening from a coma, post-gender reassignment surgery. Perhaps the most beautiful songs on this record are the simplest ones. "Take Me To The Water" builds into a gorgeous atmospheric synth and piano ballad and the lyrically poised "Cursed and Blessed" shows the polarity of the world in an uncomplicated manner. With simple guitar hooks and otherwise feel-good arrangements, the record flows really nicely. "When You Die" serves as an angsty reprieve from the established warmth, but orchestral strings and a delicate piano accompaniment take us home at the end in "You Want It." Comatose Hope is an album of many shades- the optimism of the morning, the sluggish nature of midday, and the quiet reflectiveness of midnight. –Geena Kloeppel

Portland

Much darkness in The Domestics’ promotion of ‘Little Darkness’

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 Some weeks ago, the alternative indie rock band The Domestics began promotional efforts for their upcoming September release, a full length titled Little Darkness. At first, the band’s endeavors were just as normal and innocent as the next, but it was revealed yesterday and blown up today how wrong of a turn their promotion took.

A few key players in the music scene began posting to social media on Wednesday, 8.17 about how they received a tape in the mail, marked as confidential "Trump/Comey Recordings" with Russian script in the background. The actual audio on the tape wasn’t much but audio from Little Darkness betwixt ramblings from Trump and clips of someone speaking in Russian. What was on the tape wasn’t really the issue, it was the return postage that’s caused much of the stir.

The 60-63 sent out tapes were marked with return addresses to some of the most troublesome organizations currently active – the KKK, Westboro Baptist Church and InfoWars, the somehow popular media site ran by Alex Jones. Some of the posts circulating claimed that all of the tapes were sent to Jewish members of the music community.

The Domestics took to their Facebook page to address the issue, with their record label, local Tender Loving Empire (TLE) and Silver Morning Management sending a statement to music outlets. Having many larger scale media sites covering the story, including Pitchfork, Vulture and the first to report it, Paste Magazine, meant the band had to respond quickly and effectively. A collective run-through of the statements concludes that the tapes were predominately sent to "right wing media" as a means of trolling them. "The mysterious packages were marked with the return addresses of Info Wars, The KKK’s headquarters, and The Westboro Baptist church in hopes that any tape that bounced back in the mail would end up flooding the mailboxes of these bigots," part of The Domestics’ statement reads.

Frontman Michael Finn also told Paste that he and the rest of the band were unaware of the exact return addresses used, placing blame on TLE and its Sync-Licensing And Operations Coordinator Jed Overly, also of the band Astro Tan. 

Overly, who is African American and Jewish, released his own statement on the TLE purchased domain trumpcomeytapes.com. "It was never my intention to alarm or frighten people," part of Overly’s statement read. "Our sole objective was to pique interest in The Domestics. No one at The Domestics, Silver Morning Management, or TLE knew about the chosen return addresses. I had made a last minute decision to change return addresses and thought it was obvious that this was a gag, and I could not have been more wrong." 

He goes on to say how the addresses he used were bogus and how he thought because the tapes were postmarked from Portland, the return addresses and concern surrounding them would make the whole thing "humorous or mysterious at worst." 

Overly takes the complete fall for the PR mishap, saying how he had no idea many of the tapes’ recipients were Jewish. "To reiterate. This was a marketing campaign that was trying to get press for a really great band that I believe in. It was in poor taste to use those return addresses without thinking through the possible outcomes," says Overly. "A lot of people are saying that The Domestics or TLE are dumb for carrying out this campaign, when in reality it was just me who made a dumb mistake. Again, The Domestics, Silver Morning Management and TLE had no knowledge of the return addresses. I am sorry for any anguish and pain I caused."

It’s clear that this marketing campaign worked in some sort of way, as the band has gotten much attention for the stunt. But, as what should have been learned from Yacht’s PR flub last year, not all press is necessarily good press, and this may not work out the best for the band or label in the end.

Little Darkness is out on September 1.