Chicago

Ethan T Parcell & Focus Group LLC

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Focus Group LLC is they experimental opera ensemble formed and headed by Ethan T. Parcell (of Iverson) back in 2016. The group has been primarily focused on a performing and now recording the three act opera, “World Record”, that Parcell wrote. This is Hannah Bureau (violin), Eric Hollander (viola), Rebekah Dotzel (cello), Kenan Serenbetz (harmonium), Alec Watson (piano), and Ethan T. Parcell (voice).

Earlier this month Focus Group LLC released a new ambitious full-length recording of “World Record” which consists of 27 songs and 3 phone calls. It is an epic work of storytelling and world-building, and Parcell tells tales of a singer concerned with world records. The narrator shifts between topics first aid, raise awareness, and soft knowing through out the piece. 

 

Austin

Patch Release Single “Empty Then” In Anticipation of New EP

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 Three years of tinkering, experimenting, and waiting have finally come to a close with the upcoming release of Patch’s new EP, Sweet Blood. Patch, an indie folk quartet with a dark undercurrent, have been releasing music since 2011 and split their time between Austin and Chapel Hill, NC. Their first new single, "Empty Then", is a brooding and building track that dips and crests with ease. Frontmen, Benton Allen and Taylor Tazewell, have a unique chemistry that is on display with an infectious chorus and beautifully orchestrated instrumentals. Patch is back, and their lachrymose melodies are peppered with enough turmoil and drama to keep you engaged and wanting more. Check them out Tuesday, August 28th at Hotel Vegas in Austin!

Chicago

Yomí “Tuutu”

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Yomí is the work of harpist Michele Annise. She blend elements of jazz, funk, electronic, and classical music to create some of the most compelling and unique music in the city right now. Her latest single is called “Tuutu”, and it is the latest in series of singles she’s released in 2018.

You can catch Yomí at Schubas on September 2nd with Jordanna, Glitter Moneyyy, and Sports Boyfriend.

Photo by Jac.raw

Philadelphia

New THICKBOY EP Available for Streaming & Download

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Lost Tapes: 91-93, a new EP from THICKBOY, has supposedly been discovered. A degree of suspenseful menace creates an intriguing tension, making you feel the need to look over your shoulder. That haunting, grungy element veils a heaviness; however, there seems to be a playful joke on display, as if things aren’t meant to be taken so seriously. It’s definitely a nice find at F.Y.E. 😉

Chicago

Cutta “Vacation Envy”

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Cutta is the Late-Night funk and hip hop of Paul Gulyas of The Shams Band, and last week he dropped his latest album, Vacation Envy. Cutta has made a name for himself lately as a member of Chris Crack’s New Deal Crew, and Crack even makes an appearance of this release along with Vic Spencer on “Show Lit”.

This album fits perfectly with direction that Hip Hop seems to be heading borrowing element of funk, soul, and R&B to create beats that fit in the club, on the beach, or any where you want to have a little fun.

Chicago

Probably “It’s All in My Head”

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Probably is the atmospheric rock of Trent Henry. Earlier this month he released his latest EP, “It’s All in My Head”. It seems like this is something of a reoccurring theme lately, but this new three song collection focuses on Henry’s struggles with anxiety and how it presents itself in his life.

Philadelphia

New Track: “Lamont Coleman” (Feat. Henry Canyons) – Zilla Rocca

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Before releasing his forthcoming solo LP Future Former Rapper via POW Recordings this fall, Zilla Rocca has dropped new EP. “Lamont Coleman” leads off Hard Boiled, featuring LA’s Henry Canyons. The tribute/nod to Big L is steeped in smoothness, within a grimy context. A means of exposition, highlighting resilience and a change in attitude, the climb is described, while Canyons dishes a spicy state of affairs. In the end, the beat takes a turn, finding its way to a sexy, nocturnal, funk groove.

NYC

Vlad Holiday releases new track “Like In The Movies”

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Romanian-born Vlad Holiday has released his fourth single of 2018, called "Like In The Movies". The dream pop slow jam follows "Children", "Tunnel Vision", and "Obscurity", all of which give an arena rock vibe a’ la lost U2 track from the "How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb" era. Following such a productive year of releases and shows at major NYC venues, there is still no news of a possible album release. However, recent pictures on Vlad’s Twitter have shown him writing lyrics on his phone, so more music seems to be on the way. Listen to "Like In The Movies" below. – Will Sisskind

Nashville

Demo Love is here to spread throwback poptimism

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 Demo Love’s tagline really spoke to me: "Remember your favorite high-school bands? Remember major chords and rockin’ jangle-pop?" Yes. Yes I do. The band’s debut, self-titled album is a real winner- it’s lush, full of hooky melodies and choruses, and is superbly arranged with guitar riffs and a well-executed rhythm section. Two highlights are "You & Me" and "Evelyn" that almost feel more like rock than pop- but then again, back in the day, that’s what our favorite bands sounded like. Final track "Stay" is more wistful than the rest of the batch, but equally lovely. The whole record is carried by the warm and caring vocals of Chris Banke and Benjamin Lusk. If the new "it" genre is throwback, I’m down. –Geena Kloeppel

 

Nashville

Rainsticks’ new album ‘Elkmont’ brings back the pop sound of ’60s and ’70s

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The other day I was listening to Crosby, Stills and Nash, and wondered what they’d sound like if the trio were on the scene today. Lo and behold, today I stumbled upon the indie/psych/pop group Rainsticks on Bandcamp. Fronted by Asher Horton, not only does the band bring back the best of old-school pop, using the same layers of vocal harmonies and basic instruments as the Beatles and the Beach Boys, but there’s also a hint of psychedelia. This album is one to listen to from front to back, preferably through a stereo, on a Sunday. The music will wash over you like the afternoon sun. –Geena Kloeppel

 

Nashville

Digyphus is an ethereal, experimental gem of a project

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 Whoever (or whatever) Digyphus is- I’m here for them. Digyphus is described as the digital version of Sisyphus on Bandcamp, and is apparently fronted by one D. Andersen, who wrote and played all of the instruments on the project’s new record, Escapism. To give you an idea of just how diverse that body of instruments is, I’ll list a few: synthesizers, glockenspiel, electric guitar, and ocarina are all present in this album. "Digital Sisyphus" starts with an plucked acoustic guitar and piano arrangement, reminiscent of the "Call Me By Your Name" soundtrack. It builds into something a bit noisier, but not intrusively so. The whole record is awash in various reverbs and almost unnameable sounds. I could hardly pull myself away. –Geena Kloeppel