Means of Knowing is the latest album from ambient trio Hotel Neon. Calming reverberation penetrate the mind as the tug of tension gently fades away. Rid yourself of the weight of your daily routine, and allow things to come into clear view. This Saturday, June 9 at Kung Fu Necktie, Hotel Neon is slated on a bill that will also include fellow sound experimenters Naps and Christopher Tignor.
Nashville
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The Smoking Flowers release new song “Here 4 U Now” ahead of upcoming album “Let’s Die Together”
The Smoking Flowers (aka husband and wife duo Kim and Scott Collins) have been around the Nashville scene for a minute, and are finally back with a new album this year. Their latest single "Here 4 U Now" rocks and rolls, leaving an anthemic taste in your mouth. It feels like every part of the song is driving and rhythmically interesting- even the vocals. The band just played The Basement in Nashville and their new album "Let’s Die Together" is out June 22nd. -Geena Kloeppel
Nashville
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“Backseat” is a delightfully reflective first single by Charli Adams
Charli Adams has a voice so soothing it feels like cold rain on warm skin. And that’s a little bit what the first single off of her upcoming project sounds like- thematically, "Backseat" is sweetly adolescent, yet the sorrow in Adams’ voice is harrowingly mature. Washed in reverb and synths, "Backseat" would sound otherworldly if not for a steady rhythm section that grounds the song and gives you the feeling you really are in a car, speeding down the highway. We’re very excited to hear more from Charli Adams in the near future. -Geena Kloeppel
NYC
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Fish House release debut EP ‘Burns From the Rope’ & play Bella Luna (6.7)
The debut EP entitled Burns From the Rope from Boston-via-Mystic trio Fish House drips the cool and collected confidence of seasoned vets. It’s evident from the first track, “Young People” (streaming below), that there is a certain chemistry pushing this project forward. Perhaps this has something to do with the fact that the three members — Jake Benavidez (guitar, bass, vox), Kyle Torr-Brown (drums, vox), and Adam Jacey (guitar, bass, vox) — have known each other for a little over a decade. These tracks are summery without being overbearing; while undeniably upbeat, there’s definitely nothing forced here. The foot-tapping, head-bobbing, soul-infused indie rock of Fish House is not forcing you to feel anything, but rather giving you a gentle push towards the idea of taking a bad situation and making something beautiful out of it. Catch their next show at Bella Luna in Boston on June 7. – Lilly Milman, photo by Carter Howe
Nashville
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Zach Stone’s “Four Letter Word” will put you in your feelings
Country newcomer Zach Stone’s latest single "Four Letter Word" is a sweet bop that you could easily listen to a couple of times in a row without a second thought. Each listen reveals something new about the song- it takes a second to notice Stone’s phrasing in the verses is slightly off the beat but in a way that’s gut-wrenching. The tone of his voice is also lovely- there’s a depth that’s incredibly mature for a 25-year-old that makes the whole song feel more honest and fragile. The whole song is helped along by a solid country arrangement, so really, what’s not to love? I’m in my feelings. Be sure to catch Zach Stone live at CMA Fest 2018 next week. –Geena Kloeppel
Philadelphia
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Weekend Warrior, June 1 -3
Grandchildren cultivates an adventurous, adrenaline rush of complex compositions. A marriage of intricately spun instrumentation comes at you in waves of precision. Those bright buoyant tones innately shimmer and groove, accenting infectious melodies that feel time-tested, while simultaneously exhibiting a refreshing innovation. Tonight at the Sound Hole, they’ll also be joined by the garage-pop quintet of The Vernes, whom have a new record on the way, and the laidback yet upbeat dream pop of Americanadian.
Oh – by the way, speaking of marriage, Grandchildren will be participating in West Philly Porchfest tomorrow as well. Their performance will also be doubling as an engagement party of sorts. Grandchildren mastermind and all-around good guy Aleks Martray and the band’s newest member, songbird Shari Amanda, would like to celebrate their recent good news with everyone, so come out and feel free to share in the love HERE! – Michael Colavita
A lot more things to do this weekend…
The Sound Hole (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) FRI Grandchildren, The Vernes, Americanadian, SAT Taiwan Housing Project
Boot & Saddle (1131 S. Broad St.) FRI RunHideFight, Control Top
Kung Fu Necktie (1250 N. Front St.) FRI Vermilion/River Bones Band (EP Release), Wanamaker Lewis/DJ Deejay, SAT Violent Society, Atomic Cretins/Statesmen/DJ LittleSpaceyy & Andrew Hagiwara/DJ Baby Berlin and Jem
PhilaMOCA (531 N. 12th St.) SAT The Superweaks, SUN Boon, Breathing
Union Transfer (1026 Spring Garden St.) FRI Pissed Jeans, SUN Japanese Breakfast, Radiator Hospital
The Trocadero (1003 Arch St.) SUN Richards Rock Fest IV
World Café Live (3025 Walnut St.) FRI Conjunto/DJ Shaun Klassic, SAT Valerie West, Earth7, Somerville Band, The Mojo Machine
The Fire (412 W. Girard Ave.) FRI Badnew, The PLIBmen, SAT Zombieshark
MilkBoy Philly (1100 Chestnut St.) FRI Tioga, SAT Lightning Jones, Peace & The City Grease, SUN Nik Greeley
Ortlieb’s Lounge (847 N. 3rd St.) FRI Faking, Tiny Vices, Helen Back, SAT Don Babylon, Wild Dust, SUN Lisa Chosed
The Barbary (951 Frankford Ave.) FRI DJ Emynd, Bo Bliz, Wassup Gina, SAT The Bachelorettes/The Dull Blue Lights
Bourbon & Branch(705 N. 2ndSt.) FRI Tiger Castle, Ntive Flora, SAT BetterDucks
Silk City (435 Spring Garden St.) FRI DJ Dav, Reed Streets
Fergie’s (1214 Sansom St.) SUN Rusty Cadillac
Connie’s Ric Rac (1132 S. 9th St.) SAT Ben & Dima, Scott Ratinoff, Ami Elinich, Nicklas Hughes, Katie Barbato, Alec Stewart
Frankie Bradley’s (1320 Chancellor St.) SUN Murder’s a Drag! A True Crime Drag Show
Voltage Lounge (421 N. 7th St.) FRI Activate, SUN Summer BreakOut
The Grape Room (105 Grape St.) FRI Anthony Michael, SAT Von Roz, Adventure Lost
Ardmore Music Hall (23 E. Lancaster Ave.) FRI Solomonic Sound System, SAT The Sermon
Everybody Hits (529 W. Girard Ave.) SAT Open City, Luxe , Greg Electric
The Pharmacy (1300 S. 18th St.) FRI Sushi From The Future, SAT Lamplighters, Brandish/Douse, Canine 10, SUN Paul Harrold, Andrew Victor
Tralfamadore (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SUN Brother Nino, Gracie Martin, Dani In Public
JJ’s Diner (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SAT Major Pursuit (Record Release), Sinceres, Highnoon
Planet Phitness (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) FRI Friendship, Habitat 67, Sadurn
All Nite Diner (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) FRI Caracara, Grayling, Who Loves You
Tundra Dome (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) FRI The Cavemen, Dolly
The Bath House (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) FRI So Totally, Coping Skills
West Philly Porchfest (Various Locations) SAT Various Artists
Festival Pier (601 N. Christopher Columbus Blvd.) SAT Roots Picnic: The Roots, Black Thought, Lil Uzi Vert
Chicago
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Valleys
Valleys is the new project from Britain Durment, and he recently released the first single, “X”, from his forthcoming debut LP, Wet Dream. The track is an indie rock gem complete with swirling guitars, keyboards, and an surprising Alto Sax provided by Dave Polk. The album also features Keith Dunn and Joe Marino and the trio plans to play their first shows this summer.
Valleys “Wet Dream” will be released on June 22nd and can be preorder here today.
Chicago
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Soul Attrition
Soul Attrition is the solo project of Josh Parlette of Sludge Metal trio Escape is not Freedom. He recently released the first single, “Fatal Flaw”, from his forthcoming debut album, Vashon Rain. The album, which will be released on July 13th, is truly a solo effort and combines post-metal, grunge, doom metal, sludge, and more.
NYC
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Kodacrome release airy electronica album “Think of the Children”
What’s most impressive about Kodacrome’s latest album, Think of the Children, is its ability to feel weightless. Despite the dominance of synthesizers and drum machines, which often lend a heavy hand to electronic music, Kodacrome often seems to be floating by, almost effortlessly. Its in no small part due to the vocals of Elissa LeCoque which brush gently across the music beneath. LeCoque and musical partner Ryan Casey set the ambience with minimal arrangements and preferences for analog synthesizers. It’s not until the three songs in, on the titular track, that the backing beat even builds to a strong pulse. The duo’s airy production softens the edges and makes Kodacrome’s third album a worthwhile listen as a whole. Think of the Children is out now, stream it below. – Cameron Carr
Philadelphia
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The Deli Philly’s June Record of the Month: Movie Was Bad/Mascula – Sixteen Jackies
Glam quartet Sixteen Jackies’ new double-EP release, featuring the reissue of 2017’s Movie Was Bad and their latest Mascula, is out now via Philly’s own Born Losers Records. Both collections of recordings are cinematic from the start, with the latter finding focus on “American masculinity and the layers of violence that lie underneath its surface – the causes and the effects of that violence.”
However, Movie Was Bad opens with an atmospheric and melodic nonchalance, allowing its first track, “You Came,” to slowly ease into a smooth yet urgent narrative that’s unafraid of grappling with the dissonance of human desire and intimacy. With patient riffs and a tempo reminiscent of bossa nova and a sun-soaked shoreline, frontman Joey DeMarco croons, “I could be a beauty, I could be a diamond in your ear” with such earnest diction that it becomes a swoon-ready reflection of romance and its simultaneous potential to heal and cause harm. Visceral, yet tender, “You Came” is as dreamy as it is honest.
The EP’s second offering, “VHS #1 (A Body),” is part of a series of recordings, inspired by classic horror films, and is equally arresting. Unrushed and evocative of its namesake, its bassline and looped guitar licks cast a spell on its listener. As the track progresses, its melody volleys between being openly and covertly brooding. Whether dramatic or understated, its lyricism feels visual. Ending with eerie, buzzing static and laughter, Sixteen Jackies’ homage to film and analog becomes a metaphor for postmodern identity and how we document what denies or defines who we are. It morphs into the album’s title track, an infectiously dance-y anthem, infused with audacious vibrance and playful bravado. Stitching together an electrifying backbeat with the tongue-in-cheek chorus of “I was so high,” “Movie Was Bad” is undeniably memorable and charismatic.
In contrast, the beginning of “Blood Feast” is subtle and soft, which creates a satisfying juxtaposition between the track’s title and its emotional interior. The recording presents itself as a disillusioned love song, with light at its center. Sleigh bells and the tempered swell of guitar lead to determined confessions like "I won’t ever, ever have to be lonely, no not again." Soulful rather than showy, “Blood Feast” is a pragmatic ode to affection. The EP’s end, “In Here,” blooms at an instant, enveloping its audience through oscillating assonance and strategic wisps of snare. As DeMarco sings, “I believe in innocence and I believe in losing it, but I believe in keeping it too,” it becomes clear that the album’s closer is the crystallized thesis of the EP’s narrative. Optimistic without being naïve, Movie Was Bad’s final moments offer an antidote to apathy in a world where it’s so easy to be numb. Revisiting the Sixteen Jackies’ earlier gems will implore you to feel without apprehension.
Similarly so, the Philly four-piece’s latest EP Mascula is a timely reprieve from the reality of 2018. The steady beat and echoed vocals of “Little Duke” are visceral, gritty, and full of just enough swagger that each chord and lyric presents itself as a two-fold plea and proclamation. Its conceit is concise yet effective. “Power” sprouts from the rhythmic shake of maracas, steady bass, and lush reverb. "I’ve got a lot of problems with the state I’m in" – the vulnerability of the track becomes transparent, making it a satisfyingly frank hymn of unabashed authenticity. Its diction and instrumentive delivery is raw and filled with yearning. Its self-awareness is unblinking in a way that will make you question how honest you are with yourself. While “Open the Door” remains equally sincere, here, DeMarco’s voice rises and falls seamlessly with the soothing cool of the song’s harmony, embedding each note deeper into the heart of its audience.
"Out There" is a surf-drenched and ingeniously candid monument to the self. Whether political or personal, it examines the dangers of conformity. When DeMarco urges, "I’ll never be like you," the track becomes a call to arms that feels deeply personal but universal. However, you interpret it; this ballad is a reminder of the value of boundaries. Delectably volatile “Virgin Burning" sinks its teeth into its listener without warning. Like a lover’s spat or an imagined dialogue with a spiteful ex, the song is the perfect storm of frustration, anger, and longing. Like its predecessor, “Virgin Burning” is easily relatable.
Closing out this snapshot of the band’s recorded history, the earliest seconds of “VHS #2 (Masks)” are haunting and quickly become an unbridled portrait of the American soul. Pulling images from cult classic Texas Chainsaw Massacre, it honors the beauty and the horror of what it is to be human. The song scratches away the veneer of a singular narrative; instead, it suggests that who and what we are is two-fold and that we are made of contradictions.
Paired with 2017’s Movie Was Bad, Sixteen Jackies’ Mascula is gratifying in an unpredictable way. Best when enjoyed together, both EPs should definitely be listened to more than once, especially during sunset, with a cool drink and your cell phone turned off. – Dianca London
Chicago
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Carly and Martina “Block His Number”
Carly and Martina are 16 year old twins and they many have just dropped the song of the summer. The fun beat driven pop song, “Block His Number”, is their latest single and is accompanied by a brightly colored video. These sister have a big summer planned with more music coming and a partnership with Girl Scouts of America and United Way of Metro Chicago where they’re doing a songwriting workshop with kids at a local youth center.
You can catch Carly & Martina at House of Blues on June 21st as part of Sound of Summer 2018 with Trapo, Hiber, and Todd Kessler.
Chicago
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Appleby “Lady Sunshine”
Appleby has released the first single, “Lady Sunshine”, from his forthcoming EP, "+ Happiness”, which will be released on July 20th via Haight Brand. The song is a beautiful pop mediation on the happiness that a sunny day can bring. According to Appleby, "Lady Sunshine" "is perfect for moments when the sun is shining and you’re outside enjoying the open air with your loved ones. It’s also fitting for that feeling of first time butterflies”.
Appleby has also released a curated playlist to help you feel the sunshine.