Nu-Disco continues its resurgence with artists like LEFTI whose new EP Discoteca is a full-blown ode to the intoxicating rhythms of ’70s NYC Disco and ’80s European dance music. Inspired by the colorful disco show posters he saw scattered across the streets of Spain during his childhood family vacations, LEFTI (real name Alex Suarez) injects a heavy dose of house and funk into each song. The lead single “Every Time” (ft. Spencer Ludwig) is a powerhouse of high bass harmonics, snappy snare hits, and of course Ludwig’s fantastic trumpet. New cuts of “Make You Mine” and “All Night” also bring LEFTI’s classic disco influences to light with percussive beats and guitar riffs that would make Nile Rodgers proud. LEFTI will celebrate the release of Discoteca on April 4th at the Toucan Sounds label launch party at Freehold in Brooklyn, NY. – Rene Cobar
New AllegrA EP Available for Streaming & Purchase
Yet, Not Enough is the new EP from the quartet of AllegrA, which is out now via Citrus City Records. An airy, sunny sensitivity permeates in these recordings. Through infectious twists and turns, the album captures a sense of intimacy, within these sonic adventures. AllegrA will be hosting its record release show at World Cafe Live on Saturday, March 23, joined by Beach Bod and Boosegumps.
Mutts Turn 10!
Mutts are turning 10 and have launched a kickstarter campaign to help fund their 10th album and anniversary tour.
The band is offering an array of amazing pledge rewards including private shows. The campaign ends in 22 days, so act now.
Mike Maimone has an array of solo date coming up prior to the anniversary tour and the first of those will be on March 22nd Cobra Lounge.
Dying in Designer “Lately” Video
Dying In Designer has released visuals for his latest single “Lately”. The single was released last month via Hopeless Records and has already racked up over a million streams. This is the extreme sad emo rapper track as it deals directly with suicide.
When asked Dying In Designer has this to say about the track; "I want to help people who feel the way I have felt. I want to be a role model to these broken kids around the world. I want these kids to know that it’s okay to feel down sometimes – emotions are real and will always be universal. I want my music to save lives”.
New Music Video: “New Smell” – Body Spray
Music To Fall Down To, the new album from Body Spray, is scheduled for release on March 17. The quartet channels the Italian Stallion Rocky Balboa in its video for “New Smell”. Training in the gym and jogging through the streets of Philly, all while drinking beer and adorned in sweatsuits and middle-finger masks, the band hits on a variety of local, iconic landmarks. The imagery reinforces the lyrical desire to be left to one’s own devices in raging, hardcore fashion, yet in a hilarious manner. The band will be welcoming the record’s arrival this Sunday at Ortlieb’s, with Plot and Table.
Books “Logan Weekend”
Rejection Records recently released the sophomore EP, “Logan Weekend”, from the indie rock group Books. This is the follow-up to band’s 2018 debut EP “Novella”, and if you purchase the cassette from Rejection it actually contains both releases.
New Chronic Anxiety/Dialer Split LP Available for Streaming & Purchase
Chronic Anxiety and Dialer share space on their split release via Bunny Cat Records & SRA Records. Chronic Anxiety’s side is stacked with jarring, anxious, observational vocals, a continuous, primal, rhythmic push, and specs of chaotic noise, with a tenacious/groovy dichotomy. Dialer combines a synth-fueled musical attack, with raw, roaring vocals, revealing a harsh electro-punk reality. You can catch their record release celebration on Saturday, March 16 at Time Cube, where they’ll be supported by Cult Objects and Pit Hair.
Alt-rockers The Ivins release new single, play The Basement on 04.09
There’s a certain type of pop-punk or alt-rock that came out around 2008 or 2009, a sort of prototypical Imagine Dragons sound that still had a bit of the MCR/Fall Out Boy/Panic! drive that fell away once bands started getting militaristic and neo-Teutonic with their sound. The Ivins capture that transitional rock that set the tone for the turn of one decade of insecurity to another. And now, on the eve of yet another strange and unknowable ten years, the band will release their new single "Certain", an alt-rock anthem that will introduce new fans to The Ivins’ sound and bring long-time listeners want more. Although The Ivins have a few years behind them in their careers — as well as having their music used on Fox Sports — they’ll play New Faces Nite at The Basement on April 9th. While "Certain" is still a month away, get pumped for the release by watching the video for The Ivins’ previous single "Roam The World" below. – Will Sisskind
Subtle Smiles go on a celestial journey on self-titled debut single
It’s a rare occurrence when a musical project decides to name a track after their namesake. But instead of self-promotion, consider Subtle Smiles’ self-titled debut single as a definitive introduction into their hypnotic synth-pop. True to their name, the Long Beach duo—producer Brian Frederick and singer-songwriter Marley Rae—wield a low-key, yet richly textured sound that beams with scintillating intensity. "Starlight/ star bright," Rae playfully sings as frizzy synths and a lithe guitar riff proffer an unearthly atmosphere. "Subtle SMiles" should appeal to those who enjoy the dance-oriented balladry of New Order and the lavish, introspective pop of A Sunny Day in Glasgow.
"Subtle Smiles" is featured on the duo’s debut LP, Significant Other. Look out for a physical release later this summer via Donut Sounds. Juan Rodríguez
Ghost Funk Orchestra brings their dark soul to Brooklyn Bazaar on 04.04
NYC group Ghost Funk Orchestra will be taking the stage at Brooklyn Bazaar on April 4th, and they will be bringing the sounds of their 2017 record Something Evil with them. In songs like “Fluorescent,” the group uses Djembe rhythms to lure the listener into a vortex of funky basslines and soulful vocals, their odd time signatures keeping you at the epicenter of the jam. The nine-piece ensemble of Julian Applebaum (bass), Seth Applebaum (guitar), Kyle Beach (drums), Stephen Chen (bari sax), Laura Gwynn (vocals/keyboard), Romi Hanoch (vocals/percussion), James Kelly (trombone), Joshua Park (guitar), and Rich Seibert (trumpet) utilizes every instrument at their disposal to craft a type of “heavy soul” or “dark funk” sound that fits their namesake. If you are up for something new, we recommend checking them out. – Rene Cobar
Distant Mountains release new album Stationed Lockstep
Distant Mountains released their latest album Stationed Lockstep on March 1, the first full-length album the band self-engineered and self-produced (Light Rail Studios, San Francisco). Well they’ve done a fine job. The album as a whole is a breathing piece; songs fade and blend into each other with seamless mixing and a refreshing blend of experimental, alternative rock that might please fans of Wilco and My Morning Jacket. Track “Look Back” is an opening song with the epic quality of early Arcade Fire and has some clever-funny lyrical and vocal moments. Enjoy that deep warble for a second there. Our recommendation is to hold out for Side 2: tracks “Expensive Taste,” “Solstice,” and “Junipero” blend together with a seamless spacey quality. Distant Mountains is Paul McCorkle, Scott Lord, and Ben Manning. Stay tuned into their sites for upcoming shows. – Michelle Kicherer, Associate Editor
Interview with Black Brunswicker
Black Brunswicker is the last project from Ethan Helfrich (aka Rest You Sleeping Giant), and on March 10th he released his debut album, In the Age of Aristocracy, via Cleveland’s Stereoscenic Records.
We thought this would be the perfect time to reach out to Ethan and ask him a few questions about the album, the new moniker, and Ambient music in general. You can read the full interview here.