Once upon a time, Morrissey sang “life is very long when you’re lonely,” and since then musicians from all walks of life in the world have scrambled to find similar catharsis in solitude and sadness. Brooklyn garage-punk band White Rope, echo that very lyric in their 2015 track "The Pain Olympics", but to a different end. The title of the track itself seems to parody the fervor with which a lot of artists mine their personal trials and traumas for lyrical content, but with a sense of humor (I mean, they do replace “lonely” with “horny”…). White Rope channels vulnerability in their own way, not shying away from real pain but also recognizing how goofy it can feel to put all that out there. White Rope celebrated the release of their new album NO FUNERAL (streaming) at Alphaville on January 31st, their next show is at Ceremony224 on April 2nd. – Sunny Betz 

New York’s Sweet Baby Jesus makes the type of raucous, freaky garage rock you’d expect from their namesake – sloppy guitars shred against screaming revelations at a breakbeat pace, infected with a distinctly Americana vocal quality that feels equal parts Bob Dylan and Ian Mackaye. Their latest effort, Lyre of Ur, has a clear spiritual inspiration, described as “a lilting melody, draped in the burden of a deep gut feeling and weighted by a soul of stone.” I’m unsure as to the source material Sweet Baby Jesus frontman Pooty (no surname given) drew from in writing Lyre, but I admire its soulful quality and joyous mysticism – it promises a divine stage presence when SBJ takes to The Glove on March 29th, supporting Palberta and SSS. Until then, stream Lyre of Ur below. -Connor Beckett McInerney (@b_ck_tt)

It’s hard not to fall in love with the relaxing, alt pop productions of Claud Mintz, whose recent single “easy in the morning” blends textures both electronic and acoustic, setting guitar arpeggios against swelling, muted synth and shuffling electronic breaks. The whole track is accented by field recordings of morning birds in the background, creating an additional layer of easygoing atmosphere to Claud’s already mellow vocal performance. Lyrically, “Easy” is an unapologetic vision of self-intimacy, of the still moments spent alone before the day breaks and the complications of modern life set in – Claud’s willingness to invite us into their world is a centering experience, one that imparts an unparalleled sense of ease upon the listener, and serves as a testament to the inner peace we can all find if we take some time, alone. 

Claud will bring their introverted, tactile pop to Baby’s All Right on February 15th, playing alongside Del Water Gap and Spud Cannon. Until then, cozy up and stream “easy in the morning” below. -Connor Beckett McInerney (@b_ck_tt)

New York’s Strange Majik had no intention of reinventing the wheel on last year’s Channel T, an acidic tour de force of vintage rock and roll. The record has its fair share of winks and nods to the titans of yesteryear, primarily Jagger and Hendrix, never straying into territory we’d define as “experimental” by contemporary standards. That being said, Strange Majik’s intentional decision to hone their guitar chops and produce something very AM radio appropriate is part of the reason Channel T is the kickass album it is. There are no bells and whistles, no indie gimmicks that have become increasingly common as a means of cutting through the noise; it’s just impeccable, classic musicianship from start to finish.

Strange Majik will bring their classic sound to Coney Island Baby on February 20th, supporting Kelley Swindall and Revel In Dimes. Stream Channel T below. -Connor Beckett McInerney (@b_ck_tt), Photo by Sam Watson

In the past few years, the DIY scene (re)discovered roots music, and we are not mad about it (anymore). For Queens-based band Seldomo, Americana is a fun place to get a little weird. Their 2017 album Probably Cool pays homage to all the best country/Americana tropes, but with the off-kilter sensibilities of lo-fi and slacker rock. It’s a bit reminiscent of Alex G’s Rocket, although Seldomo has a flavor all their own, bringing in the unexpected mandolins and accordions alongside the standby guitars. At Alphaville on February 3rd, the band will sing to you about strangers walking dogs at midnight and meeting past lovers by rivers, all with their own flair. If you are rediscovering roots music, like we are, you don’t want to miss out. – Sunny Betz