Chicago

Box House

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Box House recently released the first single, “Lovesick #2”, from their forthcoming debut EP, “Sick Days”. This this work of Jon O’Brien (Guitarist), Beckland Sargeant (Lead Vocalist/Guitarist), Luciano Passaretti (Bassist), and Drew Zaremba (Drummer/Percussionist).

You can catch Box House kicking off the Giant City EP release on April 23rd at Downstairs (Subt), and you can help them celebrate the release of their EP on May 18th at Smith’s Central Garage in McHenry with Rotten Mouth and Monarch Band.

L.A.

Alex Bloom releases frenzied new single “Cigarette,” plays Hotel Figueroa on 5/3 & 5/24

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The cigarette equally intrigues and annoys Alex Bloom.  On his latest single, the aptly named "Cigarette," the singer-songwriter does an informal case study on how the vicious habit colors the environment in the city where he lives. He accurately describes it with palpable anxiety, diverting from one tangential observation to the next in a state of frenzy. He caves in—"No regrets," Bloom exclaims with a droll delivery over a bludgeoning, grunge-informed riff. 
 
"Cigarette" follows his hypnotic 2018 self-released track "Elevator." Catch Bloom perform at Hotel Figueroa on May 3 and May 24. 

Toronto

Run Coyote – Adventurous New Single “The Chase”

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The brand new single from Toronto’s Run Coyote features the anti-hero from their upcoming album “In Shadowlands”. Run Coyote blends 2000’s indie rock with old time spaghetti western licks which are very prominent in this single “The Chase”. This tune follows the character as she tries to take justice into her own hands and is pursued by a private eye across the city and desert. “In Shadowlands” is out on April 26th via So Sorry Records. Run Coyote will be on the road throughout Eastern Canada in April/May and will be performing at their release party in Toronto at the Burdock on June 27th with Lenny Bull. – Kris Gies

NYC

Surf Punks Mala Vista release EP, play Gutter Bar on 04.20

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The fuzzy bassline that kicks off NYC group Mala Vista’s song “Mouth Breeder” is only the beginning of a sonic roller coaster ride that will take you right back to the vintage years of garage rock (early ’70s). Furiously powerful drumming lays a foundation for expeditious guitar riffs and driving vocal deliveries that are covered in the anxiety and excitement of NYC’s punk glory days. However, the band has a finesse to it that betrays an above the average musicianship (at least in the garage rock field, not prone to virtuosism); they showcase it not only in the solos of lead guitarist Erik Lamf but also in the effective backing vocals of drummer Ben McIsaac. The group is celebrating the release of their first EP and is charging toward a gig at Gutter Bar in Brooklyn April 20th. Here below is what you can expect from these NYC gents. – Rene Cobar

Chicago

Slow Mass “Music For Ears 1”

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Slow Mass released a new single last week called “Music For Ears 1” via Landland Colportage. The 7” single features a new track called “Siren” backed with a cover of “Reservations” by Wilco.

Slow Mass is currently on a Spring Tour and can be seen at Thalia Hall on April 23rd with Gouge Away and La Dispute.

Photo by Madi Ellis Photography

Chicago

Easy Habits say “SAYONARA”

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Easy Habits have released a new album called SAYONARA, and have also disbanded. The trio played what they are calling their final show last week at Reed’s Local.

SAYONARA is is the band’s second album and first release since 2018’s standout single “Perfect Lady". Easy Habits as a project will be missed and we wish each of it’s member the best as they hopefully move on to new projects.

NYC

Bill Waters celebrates EP release at Trans-Pecos on 04.30

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Bill Waters may not spend much time on social media promoting his music, but that may be because his songs speak for themselves. Waters’ 2017 dreamy retro-pop EP Humid is laced with a heavy dose of laid-back guitar tunes, splendid drum fills, and mellow verses that seamlessly transition into reverb-drenched choruses. His second entry, Honey Hi appears to follow the same formula, and yet expands the palette of baroque pop that characterized the early Last Shadow Puppets super-group, adding a touch of the chillwave of bands like Washed Out. While you won’t find much info on the new album, Bill Waters does have an album release show at Trans-Pecos in Brooklyn on April 30th. Check out his song “It’s True” from Honey Hi below. – Rene Cobar

Philadelphia

New Mike Space Album Available for Streaming & Download

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Mike Whalen, a.k.a. Mike Space, recently shared a new album Mike Gets Dark, which also features contributions from Justin Roth (Soft Idiot). There’s a delicate, finding-comfort-in-loneliness aspect to the recordings. Balancing bleakness with hopeful bright glimpses, these songs blend catchiness with an ear toward experimentation. "It’s an album about the means by which we seclude ourselves, and how those same means can bring us back together with the people we love."

NYC

Billie Gale’s Inner Circle

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Billie Gale’s “Inner Circle” is relaxing dream pop with warm jam guitars and echoing, atmospheric synth. Front woman Beth Garber has hidden twang behind those haunting vocals. Recorded at Tiny Telephone, Inner Circle is a taste of what’s coming up. Stay tuned for more from the group and give them a listen here. – Lucille Faulkner