Philadelphia

Debut Eat EP Available for Streaming & Purchase

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Shit is the debut EP from punk outfit Eat. There’s a lax yet feverish energy emanating from these lo-fi recordings. The tracks loosely fit together as the lyrical fragments spill into the brooding, frenetic instrumentation. These disjointed but mesmerizing snippets shine the light on a promising, new Philly act, if only for a fleeting moment or two. (Photo by Keith DeBottis)

L.A.

Joni holds on to a withering love on “Botanical Baby”

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Joni Fatora reflects on a distant love through quiet contemplation on "Botanical Baby." Fatora—who performs under the name Joni—is reminded of how human relationships can be as fleeting as the changing of the seasons. She’s surrounded by nature, alluding to how flowers can be as beautiful as they are toxic. Joni’s cooing vocals waft over a breezy, Tropicália-inspired melody with a tender embrace. There’s a tinge of melancholy to her words, all the more bittersweet when sung with such languid ease. 

Joni is currently working on an EP, due out later this summer. Watch the lyric video for "Botanical Baby" below. Juan Rodríguez

Nashville

The Prescriptions to release debut album “Hollywood Gold” on 04.05

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Straddling the lines between early grunge and indie rock, The Prescriptions package their unique sound in the form of Hollywood Gold, their debut album set to launch on April 5th via Single Lock Records. The group have just come from performing at SXSW following a wave of fresh buzz since their formation several years ago. Their first album showcases the diversity in their songwriting; the title track has the sound of Wilco with the slight harmonica touch of John Popper, while "Broken Wing" has a hint of Neil Young. The Prescriptions have shows in Atlanta and Birmingham in May; stay tuned for their next performance at home in Nashville. Until then, take a listen to "Broken Wing" below. – Will Sisskind

Philadelphia

New The Madalean Gauze Band LP Available for Streaming & Purchase

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Nothing Feels Beautiful Anymore, the bewitching new LP from The Madalean Gauze Band, has freshly arrived. An enchanting, psych-rock excursion grabs your attention, and pulls you into the group’s orbit. A strange, mysterious, magical aura is counterbalanced by incisive, personal narratives. Boot & Saddle will be hosting the band’s album release on Saturday, April 20 (4/20), supported by Garden Gate and Pouring Silver.

Chicago

Owltree

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Owltree has released a new Lezter produced album called “Lost City Cult”. The prolific emcee has released a slew of albums over the last six months, but kicked it all off last November with an introspective self-titled album.

The mysterious Owltree suffers from Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder, and this leaves him feeling disconnected from reality. We hope through this music that he is finding a way to not just connect for brief moments to reality, but connect to understanding and open listeners.

NYC

Reptilian Elite bring their classic indie rock to The Well on 04.06

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Take the simultaneously gritty and polished instrumental style of groups like Television and Talking Heads, sprinkle some indie undertones, and then add a Morrisseyesque vocal delivery for a cherry on top and watch it shape-shift into a twenty-first-century group from NYC called Reptilian Elite. The band is back after a small break and has added Sam Grossman (not pictured) on bass to the line-up, assigning guitar duties to Dylan Kelly and Pablo Narea and freeing Eamon Rush to unleash his full vocal prowess. Their style is classic NYC: open dress shirts, sharpei boots, worn out chucks, and some good old indie rock. The group will be keeping their new run going by playing The Well Public House in Brooklyn April 6. – Rene Cobar

Philadelphia

New Track: “Words in a Web” – At Best

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The trio of At Best recently shared its debut single, “Words in a Web”. Building off a pleasant, ear-catching guitar riff, the song blossoms utilizing hushed, apologetic vocals that roar as the instrumentation amplifies. With an eye on continuous improvement, a composed/emotive duality springs forward before its searing guitar solo spikes the track. We can’t take back our shortcomings, but we can use them as learning experiences.

Chicago

Pink Avalanche Announces “III”

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Pink Avalanche has announced that the follow-up to their 2014 sophomore LP, The Luminous Heart of Nowhere, will be released on April 18th via Past/Futures Records & File 13 Records. The album will be called III, and will feature 12 blistering new tracks. This will be the band’s first release as a trio, former bassist Pete Coke left for Puerto Rico last year.

Pink Avalanche is the work of Che Arthur (formerly of Atombombpocketknife), drummer Adam Reach (The Poison Arrows), and guitarist Kortland Chase.

We are hoping to share some sounds from this impressive album over the coming weeks, but until them enjoy the 2014 video for “In Empty Spaces” from the sophomore album.

You can help Pick Avalanche celebrate the release of the new album at Empty Bottle on April 18th with Anatomy of Habit and Djunah.

Toronto

J-Best – Hip Hop Artist to Perform at “Write-On” Songwriter Session 03.27

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Comin’ up this month is the inaugural “Write-On” event where four emerging local songwriters will be on stage together telling their stories and playing their songs for everyone. One of the artists that will be performing at this particular event will be J Best. This multi talented artist not only writes and performs but also works in production and artist development. Learn more about J Best’s many projects along with Kyra Mastro, Trevor Larose and Emily Shultz at Supermarket in Kensington on Wednesday March 27th for “Write-On”. – Kris Gies