Though they identify their genre of indie music as "anxiety pop", Wet Leather return with confidence as they drop their newest single, "I Was Wrong". Drawing from ’80s influences (Prince’s ghost often dwells in their recordings) and indie elements of the ’00s such as CHVRCHES’ synths and poppy hooks, the group once again makes their mark in the NYC scene. Last week, they released another new song called "IWMU"; both that and "I Was Wrong" (streaming below) will appear on Wet Leather’s upcoming EP, Present Lives. The group will release the EP and perform on February 2nd at Elsewhere’s Zone 1. – Will Sisskind
Philadelphia
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New Neutral Shirt EP Available for Streaming & Download
New Sunglasses is the latest EP from Matt Terrones, a.k.a. Neutral Shirt. Trekking through turbulent times and emerging on the other side with an optimistic outlook, the collection of tracks offers a fresh optimism. Exuding hopeful, buoyant narratives, these songs let the sunlight in. Embrace the positive possibilities.
Toronto
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Sedge – Brand New LP “Psychochondriac” – Release Party 02.03
Grungy 5 piece rock band Sedge has just released a brand new LP. “Pyschochondriac” is hot off the press and it’ll make your speakers hot too. The record starts off with a creepy intro that slides along at a slow pace before they hammer in to “Thanks For Nothing.” That tune is in-your-face with heavy fuzzed out guitars and thumpin’ drums. It displays a great loud/quiet dynamic giving it that grunge quality but with a more intense Marilyn Manson-esque sound. Their release party goes down at The Baby G on Saturday February 3rd along with Output and Honesty. – Kris Gies
New England
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Java Jukebox call for justice on “Rise Up”
One defining piece of reggae music is social criticism, a major theme embedded within “Rise Up”, the newest single from Boston-based rocksteady’s Java Jukebox. “Rise Up” is an exercise in classic dub form: a bass and drum driven arrangement, arpeggiated horn lines, tape delayed phrases (Rise Up! up…up…up…up), a dancehall breakdown, and of course, social criticism. Singer Samuel Walukouw, rallying in the cool rasp of a Marley, uses “Rise Up” as a call to action, specifically against police brutality; “Put your fist up high in the air, say you’re going to fight this brutality!” The heartfelt commentary and chops behind it all make the music of Java Jukebox truly authentic and unique in the dub-sparse city of Boston. Stream “Rise Up” below, and check out Java Jukebox at Brighton Music Hall on February 2nd. -Charley Ruddell
Philadelphia
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Krust Toons: “I Went to a Fall Out Boy Concert and…” by Tedd Hazard
Krust Toons: "I Went to a Fall Out Boy Concert and…" 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.
Philadelphia
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Debut Littless Album Available for Streaming & Purchase
Kyle Graham recently shared his debut album, Less Precious, under the moniker of Littless. Enlisting the help of fellow Hemming bandmates Justin Gorman and Candice Martello on bass and vocal duties respectively, among others, the recordings craft a bubbly, electro-pop atmosphere, with an experimental edge. One becomes absorbed in the lucidity of instrumental combinations. If that isn’t enough, a cover of At The Drive-In’s “Hourglass” adds to the intrigue.
Philadelphia
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Debut Ali Awan Single Release Available for Streaming & Purchase
Philly singer-songwriter Ali Awan recently caught our ear with his “Citadel Blues” single release. Its title track rolls out onto the street, riding a compact, loose, percussive groove. Infected with that casual vibe, the song’s protagonist searches for a deeper connection, while “Last Resort” tells a tale of yearning with a folk-country foundation. Intensified by sunny accents of violin, which make way for bouncing piano keys, the song echoes a timeless sentiment, but is steeped in tradition.
New England
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Listen: The soulful stylings of Katie Matzell’s debut EP
Portland’s soulful pop songstress Katie Matzell grew up listening to a trove of oldies records kept in her basement, a stashed library of her father’s from his days as a DJ. She cites Bonnie Raitt and Aretha Franklin as two major influences, which comes at no surprise after listening to her smoothly rich self-titled debut EP. Matzell’s voice, both effortless and simple, floats above a sea of washy keys and pocket grooves, calling comparisons to not only her influences of the past, but to her contemporaries- Norah Jones and Emily King immediately come to mind. The six track EP covers plenty of musical ground, ranging from the heady neo-soul of “Brick Sidewalks”, to the dubious funk of “On the Line”, to the gospel-blues of “Don’t They Say”. Stream Katie’s EP below. –Charley Ruddell
New England
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The Prefab Messiahs return (again) with “Psychsploitation Today”
Since the initial creation of the garage/psych weirdo collective The Prefab Messiahs in 1981, the band has disbanded and banded again several times, scattering new releases as they came and went. The band’s newest release, the cynical Psychsploitation Today, continues their sonic narrative of the past while highlighting the hysteria of today. The Messiahs are as weird as ever on Psychsploitation, locking into a psych sound of the mid/late 60s when it was hip to be as weird as possible; the whole record is a swirling conglomerate of surf and garage music, chanky tamborine, chorus-drenched harmonies, and a not so subtle nod to the current administration in power (“The Man Who Killed Reality”). Get weird with Psychsploitation Today below. -Charley Ruddell
NYC
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Sun Voyager Debuts “Seismic Vibes” LP on 04.20
Sun Voyager is a heavy-psych trio that gets it right. These fuzz freaks drag the psych genre back to its gritty roots, all the while using each song in their upcoming LP to subtly experiment with sister genres. The tracks are fresh (fresher than Sun Voyager’s bongwater, at least) and at the perfect lengths. For these guys there’s no need for pretentious half-hour anthems though – which, considering the band’s groovy setup, wouldn’t necessarily be a bad thing. Get your preorder in for “Seismic Vibes,” their forthcoming album from King Pizza Records out on 04.20. —Amanda Ogea
NYC
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Eric Benoit celebrates release show of “Heartrender” LP tonight at Pianos
Eric Benoit‘s sophomore album Heartrender consists in seven tracks of emotional journeying through a tortured relationship. Beginning in 2014 with his bold album College, Benoit has melted his soul into roaring lyrical anthems with the arrangements of haunting electronic soundscapes. His second release builds upon the work of his debut, exploring themes of trauma and unresolved pain with explosive lyrics such as "Fucking is a disease/Procreation is incest". Benoit will mark the album’s release with a show at Pianos on Saturday, January 27th. You can stream two tracks out of Heartrender below. – Will Sisskind
Dragonflies by Eric Benoit on VEVO.
Philadelphia
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Weekend Warrior, January 26 – 28
Katie Ellen maneuvers through the obstacles of personal narratives, developing momentous, melodic, glistening power pop. Juggling a range of emotion with a sense of balance, there’s a catchy, relatable release of energy. Whether sitting back in countrified twang of heart-rending openness or pushing the pace, the authenticity of the songs shines through. Coupling endearing transparency and energetic exuberance is quite a combination. This Saturday evening at LAVA Space, Katie Ellen will be joined by the folky power pop of Lily Mastrodimos-led Long Neck, who released their new album Will This Do? today via Tiny Engines. You’ll also find Deli Philly favorite Michael Cantor, a.k.a. The Goodbye Party, and the emotive-punk duo of Who Love You will be getting the night started. – Michael Colavita
Other shows to check out this weekend…
LAVA Space (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SAT Katie Ellen, The Goodbye Party, Who Loves You
Johnny Brenda’s (1201 N. Frankford Ave.) FRI Octave Cat, Grimace Federation, SAT DJ Emynd, Bo Bliz: It’s the Year 2005
The Boot & Saddle (1131 S. Broad St.) SAT The Naked Sun (Record Release), Madalean Gauze, Dave Bakey, SUN Dreamswell (EP Release), Aster More, Katie Jo Knaub, Haunted Homes
Kung Fu Necktie (1250 N. Front St.) FRI Rev. Jeremy Blessing/Something Like a Monument, Violet Phase/DJSC/4 Machines, Yōsuke DJ, Diamond Girl, SAT Done Deal, Please Die, E.D.S./Resilient, Blushed/Fame Lust, SUN The Dull Blue Lights, Behind Deadlines/Sun Organ, Decent Husky Bundles, Line Leader
Union Transfer (1026 Spring Garden St.) SUN The Stray Birds
The Trocadero (1003 Arch St.) SUN Winter Wonder Rock
The Foundry (1000 Frankford Ave.) FRI Fame Lust (Mr. Brightside – 2000’s Indie Night), SAT Shawn Mocey
World Café Live (3025 Walnut St.) FRI (Upstairs) Dukes of Destiny, Nothing Wrong, SAT (Upstairs) Ladies First: A Benefit For Hurricane Relief For Puerto Rico: Danielle & Jennifer, Mixed People, Prima Donna, Roxy Rollz, Sylvia Platypus, SUN (Upstairs) Chestnut Grove
The Fire (412 W. Girard Ave.) FRI Mega Ran’s Rumble Royal/Smash Bros. Tournament, SAT Døllface, Voltheque, Bizarre Ritual
MilkBoy Philly (1100 Chestnut St.) FRI Bosom Band, Super Bonanza (Album Release), 2Tones Clash, SAT The Donuts, The Donut Holes, MidnightSingers
Ortlieb’s Lounge (847 N. 3rd St.) FRI Cheeky, SAT Former Belle, Hemming/Suburban Living (DJ Set)
The Barbary (951 Frankford Ave.) FRI Wax Wav, The Bigness, Hold Down The Ocean
Bourbon & Branch (705 N. 2nd St.) FRI Voss “Lost & Crowned” Listening Party: Terrence Stone, Mason, Major Van Winkle, SAT Dirty Soap Blues Band, River Bones Band, The T.C. Cole Riot, SUN Shon Goner, Internal Rhyme
Silk City (435 Spring Garden St.) FRI DJ Aktive, SAT DJ Deejay
Fergie’s (1214 Sansom St.) SAT The Joe Kenney Band, SUN Rusty Cadillac
Connie’s Ric Rac (1132 S. 9th St.) FRI Molly Rhythm, Bern The Bastard, SAT TC Benjamin, George Engel Brooks, Carolyn Thorn, The Discount Heroes
Voltage Lounge (421 N. 7th St.) FRI M.T.B.
Frankie Bradley’s (1320 Chancellor St.) FRI West Philadelphia Orchestra/DJ Chris Urban, SAT Brian Toll
The Grape Room (105 Grape St.) FRI Whalewolf, Rover Rover, Somarai, SAT Saint Wilde, Jac with No K
Ardmore Music Hall (23 E. Lancaster Ave.) FRI Broken Arrow, AM Radio, SAT Splintered Sunlight, Miz, SUN Amy Faden
Everybody Hits (529 W. Girard Ave.) FRI Suburban Living
The Pharmacy (1300 S. 18th St.) FRI Miss Cantaloupe, Erica Corbo/I Am Not The Universe, Children’s Books, Baloo, SAT Le Yikes Surf Club, SUN Probably Gonna Suck
Broke Down Palace (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) FRI Caffeine, Chalmers, Cocaine Breath, Get Well
The Sound Hole (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SAT Embarker
The Surf Shack (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SAT Rachel Andie, A Day Without Love
Glitter Galaxy (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SUN Soft Idiot
All Night Diner (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) FRI Very Bad Vibes (Record Release), Lidelise, Snake Boy Gang