Daise, a dark and dreamy pop group from the Inland Empire, is tearing their way through the local music scene. Their newest and innovative single, “Sights Of Blue,” out today, is a haunting reflection of leaving a relationship where you are not being treated well and trying to finding happiness within you. A path we have all found ourselves walking down at one point in our life, and one that some of us still struggle, too. DeLeon’s vocals, paired with the smooth beats of Edwin Robles, Justin Barner, and Luke Johnson together bloom a tranquil and hypnotic sound to be envied by all musicians. Daise has created a powerful combination of balancing the raw emotions of heartbreak and renewal into a deep yet masterful ensemble that should be required to hear during a time of healing. Catch Daise at the Fox Tower on August 31, and at the Teragram Ballroom on September 27, as they will be opening for The Boxer Rebellion. – Kayla Hay
Claire Bufalino plays Two Old Hippies 8/29 with Rachel Seiler and Kären McCormick
If you’re in the market for a fierce country singer-songwriter, Claire Bufalino is one to watch (and listen to!). Her EP Boys in Khakis was released last year, but according to YouTube there’s new music in the works! In the mean time, I’m still listening to "Khakis," a song with a killer chorus- "in those khakis and a button down / lookin’ like you came from your grandma’s house"). Bufalino’s witty lyricism and fearless approach to songwriting makes for some pretty great, down-to-earth, brutally honest music. The singer-songwriter is hosting a round at Two Old Hippies tomorrow night, 8/29. Catch her live there with Rachel Seiler and Kären McCormick. -Geena Kloeppel
Bev Rage & The Drinks @ Cole’s (9/1)
Bev Rage & The Drinks are preparing to release their new LP, Cockeyed, via Midwest Action this weekend. This is the follow-up to the band’s 2017 EP, “Honk If Yer Hungry”. Below is the wonderful video for the LP’s first single “Limp Wrist”.
You can help Bev Rage & the Drinks celebrate the new album on Sept 1st at Cole’s with The Cell Phones, SuperKnova, and Holly and The Nice Lions (WI).
Taylor Dukes releases “Gravity”, plays the Basement 8/30
Taylor Dukes‘ voice is smooth like your favorite silk shirt- assuming you own a silk shirt. Other things one could compare her voice to include polished wood, or cinnamon ice cream. Not only does the singer bless us with her warm (and at times sultry) vocals on her new song "Gravity," but also with an incredibly tasteful arrangement including a mellotron flute, a gorgeous acoustic guitar, a soulful rhythm section, and layers on layers of harmonies. I even hear a little bit of Elton John in the piano-infused bridge. Simply delightful. Catch Taylor Dukes live at the Basement on 8/30. –Geena Kloeppel
Chris Crack “Came, Saw, Left Early” Video
Chris Crack has released a video for his single “Came, Saw, Left Early” from his forthcoming album "Being Woke Ain’t Fun” which is dropping on Sept. 1st via the German label Fxck Rxp.
The new album features contributions from Cutta, Ugly Boy Modeling, 20 Gramz, August Fanon, and more.
New American Trappist LP Available for Streaming & Purchase
American Trappist‘s new LP, Tentanda Via, comes across as both an exploration of existential inventory and a multifaceted musical endeavor. Balancing the stressors of uncertainty while coming to grips with beliefs or lack thereof is something that can shake one’s foundation. The weight of importance in those decisions/realizations are heavy barriers to break through. Former River City Extension frontman Joe Michelini continues to impress as a skilled songwriter on his sophomore full-length album.
Houses “Fast Talk”
Houses (aka Dexter Tortoriello) has relocated to LA, but we will not let him forget his Chicago roots. Last week he released the lead single, “Fast Talk”, from his forthcoming EP “Drugstore Heaven". The EP is due out September 28th via Downtown Records.
This will be Tortoriello’s first release as Houses since 2013’s A Quit Darkness and his first since leaving the city. The sound of “Fast Talk” is a big departure from anything he has released before with a brighter and tighter sound. In this new single, Tortoriello’s vocal are cleaner and more present as it blends with live instrumentation to create a sound closer to “70’s AM Pop then the ethereal electronics he deployed five years ago.
With that said, the new direction and new found positivity is a welcome change and we look forward to hearing the full four song EP next month.
New Track: “Modern Western World” – Wax Wav
Featured on EP2, due out in October, Wax Wav recently shared a new single, “Modern Western World”. Longing for home, while immersed in the culture shock of central Pennsylvania, the song expresses a desire for progress while caught in the bleakness of the current state of society. That momentum of emotion, stemmed from the images presented by the outside world, seems to never stop. There’s both a sense of despair and a call to action.
Avant-Pop artist Arthur Moon Releases New Single ‘Standing Wave’
Queer pop artist Arthur Moon possesses a rare ability to take contrasting voices and pull them forcibly into close conversation. Her last single ‘Wait a Minute‘ exposed hidden relationships found in otherwise opposed historical events. The video juxtaposed footage from old Dyke and Pride Marches with mid-century advertising tropes, producing a jolting experience where the viewer is left wondering what, if anything, do these two dominant cultural forces have in common. In less capable hands, this level of ambition might come up short on results, but Moon works as an alchemist with her sources.
In her latest single ‘Standing Wave,’ she continues this sorcery with even more directness. The track is supported by an off kilter groove undergirding a strong and alternately soothing melodic contour, working as a defibrillator that delivers sudden jolts to keep your heart beating in rhythm. Listen to both singles below. – Mike Levine (@goldnuggets)
Jollys “Sweet Freak”
Jollys will be releasing their new album, Sweet Freak, on September 1st via Dumpster Tapes. This is the four-piece garage rock band’s first release since 2016’s EP “Raw Flower”. Jollys is the work of Tommy Noir, Joe Maestro, Tom Tom Tom, and Josh Rodin. You can currently hear three of the track from the new album below.
Jollys will be touring the midwest next month, but do not have a local scheduled at this time.
Fantastic Plastic: Cities on Fire
Fantastic Plastic just released their first full-length album, Cities on Fire. Full of insatiable anger and bitter irony, Cities on Fire is a great catharsis for the shit show that is 2018 America. Songs “Parasites” and “Guilt Plea” have an incredibly tense, claustrophobic tone. You can feel your muscles instinctively clenching as you listen. Luckily, Cities on Fire also provides a great outlet for all that built up stress. Stylistically, the album is reminiscent of The Cramps and early Siouxsie Sioux. The vocals and lyrics run wild with their anxieties. Each song throws both the band and the audience into frenetic, chaotic movements. The guitar playing provides a nice balance to this chaos. The wavy, loose chords guide the audience through each song. They never lose their purpose and provide a nice sense of stability.
You can catch Fantastic Plastic at the Firkin Tavern September 21st, along with Retirement and Hollow Sidewalks.
-By Avril Carrillo
Favours – Fresh Indie Synth Tune “In The Night”
Favours are a fresh synth pop band out of Hamilton. They recently released their debut single and music video for “In The Night”. I really enjoy the synth hook that kicks off the tune. The simplicity of the rhythm section is perfect to allow yourself to be consumed by the song. I also dig the dual vocals throughout. It carries a beautiful eeriness with it. Very tight track from Favours. See them in Toronto on September 22nd at the Monarch Tavern along with Sean Nicholas Savage and Nyssa. – Kris Gies