“Eden Vision,” the new single from Pleasure Systems, invites from an ascending, ethereal point of entry. The rhythm gradually awakens, ushering the narrator out of bed. Coming to grips with one’s reality in a forthright manner, there’s a nostalgia for the past as one experiences the aftermath of grief. The weight of those moments often is self-contained as the exterior world breezes by.
Chicago
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Vision in the Rhythm @ HVAC Pub (4/20)
Reggae and Funk influenced band of brothers Vision In The Rhythm released their latest single, “Breathe”, last month. This is the band started by brothers Pat Williams (Vocal/Guitar), John Williams (Bass), and Mike Williams (Drums) a few years ago. They are now joined by Tim Williams (Saxophone) and Connor Marks (Guitar).
You can catch Vision in the Rhythm on April 19th at House of Music in Orland Park with The Syndicate, Bongo, and House of Music Rock-Band. They will also be performing on April 20th at HVAC Pub (3530 N. Clark) with The Concrete Roots, Dead Lucid, The Fundamental KiNk, and Chicago Loud 9.
NYC
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Nikki’s Wives release music video for latest single “Lemonade”
Nikki’s Wives released their uplifting alt-rock song “Lemonade” this past February, and now it has a music video to accompany it. The hilariously yellow-themed video stars the band and – as you one might expect – lots of lemons. The comedic interactions between the band members add an exciting layer to the already anthemic choruses and hard pounding drums driving the song forward. The band recently spent time recording at the Hollywood Hills home featured in the video and promise to release more music soon from these sessions. The band’s 2018 debut EP Motor Court can be streamed now on all major platforms and, if their upcoming music is anything like it, the odds are good that they will continue their rise. – Rene Cobar
Portland
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Vern Fonk is weird as hell and we love it
You can find some pretty wacky shit in Portland, but that doesn’t make it any less special when you find something that truly revels in its weirdness. Meet Vern Fonk, the band who did in fact name themselves after the late Seattle insurance agent. Right now they have a music video out for their song “Cobain,” which is not, quote “abt kurt cobain ya fuckers.” It features the band decked out in full costume dancing around Clackamas Town Center. Not only do they make a spectacle of themselves, they do so while having a lot of fun. I never thought I would want to run around a mall in a cow costume, but after watching Vern Fonk I’m kind of tempted.
The song itself is a solid punk bop. It has the heart of the early punk 3-chord rule, but it’s repackaged in a more lo-fi body. The guitar riffs and drums keep a strong and consistent rhythm. The bass really stands out, which always makes a song more intense and enjoyable. The energy gets ramped up several notches every time the members yell, “I’m here don’t treat me like shit.” Vern Fonk is most definitely here, and you don’t want to miss out. Check out the music video below.
-By Avril Carrillo
Chicago
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The Unlikely Friends
The Unlikely Friends dropped their debut EP, "The Library”, yesterday. This is the Hip Hop duo of emcee Honest and producer Dylan Assmann. The EP’s lead single is the downtempo gem “Clarity”.
You can catch The Unlikely Friends at Record Breakers (2935 N. Milwaukee) on April 19th.
Chicago
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Free Range “Want to Know”
Young Americana band Free Range has released their debut single, “Want to Know”. This is the work of Sofia Jensen (guitar & vocals), Ian Hammond (guitar), Thomas Douglas (bass), and Jack McDermott (drums). The group is fronted by Sofia who is credited as the songwriter on this first track, and is clearly someone to watch in the coming years.
Philadelphia
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Debut BLUEPRINT EP Available for Streaming & Download
Hardcore quartet BLUEPRINT recently dropped its debut EP The Asterisk Era. Bristling with intensity, snarly vocals are compounded by a relentless, instrumental aggression. Unflinching conviction stares you in the face, as pummeling, noise-fueled sonics tumultuously march forward. You can catch the band at Super Wimpy HQ on Saturday, May 18, with Controller, Instinct?, and Enforced.
Chicago
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Bandy “The Challengers”
Bandy recently released their sophomore album, The Challengers, via the Texas label Under The Counter Tapes.
This is the experimental rock of Adam Cohen-Leadholm (guitar, vocals), Ross Howard (drums, vocals) and Paul Parts (bass, vocals). Paul and Ross are former members of the MAMA, with Ross being the primary songwriter on this album.
This album is ’70’s glam mixed traditional garage rock and is a tremendous amount fun.
NYC
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Moon by Moon’s self-titled: “I want to lay and die on the floor”
Sorry, but I had to put that in the title. Singer Gabby Franks sings it on “Baltimore” from Moon by Moon‘s self-titled and I thought it was really charming and funny. The track has another hilarious moment when in the middle of it after Franks has been complaining about life in Baltimore for a solid two minutes she all of sudden says, “and i’ve only really been here for like 3 weeks.” In all, this isn’t the most technically impressive release I’ve ever listened to, but it has moments like those that make it appealing.
Anyway, looks like the group is gigging around pretty regularly, you can check out their Facebook to learn more.
-Mike Dranove
NYC
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Eli Lev has a voice like carefully whipped butter
At least that was my first thought when I was listening to “Making Space,” the opening track on Eli Lev’s debut release All Roads East. With my interest piqued, I checked out his website; turns out this guy is a seriously busy gigger. He has a whole slew of shows lined up and some impressive performances on his resume including at The Fillmore in Silver Spring, the 9:30 club, Burning Man, and a private show for Eleanor Holmes Norton.
And after listening to the rest of the album, gotta say dude has some chops. If you are into country, rockabilly, or folk, definitely give him a listen. He is playing tomorrow night in DC at Sauf Haus Beer Hall on 18th st.
-Mike Dranove
Philadelphia
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New Track: “Cinderella” – Instupendo
Aidan Peterson, a.k.a. Instupendo, recently shared a new single “Cinderella,” featured on the forthcoming EP Boys by Girls (due out on June 5). Establishing an elegant atmosphere of contemplation, the first person narrative swims in a placid, confessional composition. However, while the song appears to come from the point of view of a hesitant admirer, protective instincts are also voiced/revealed. Hovering between a daydreaming ideal and the hope that it translates into a reality, one waits to see how the story plays out.
NYC
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Grim Streaker celebrate debut LP release on 05.16 at Alphaville
The furious guitars and nimble drum beats of Grim Streaker—led by the matching vocal inflection of Amelia Bushell—will pierce through your preferred listening device this May 17 as the band releases their debut LP No Vision. Their preview track “Today New York” is a promise of world domination through classic garage punk – and it all starts with their album release party at Alphaville on May 16. The Brooklyn group is offering the album with a cassette and zine package that is limited to 100 copies. The event is shaping up nicely, and NYC should be buzzing that evening. Listen to the strong pace of "Today New York" below. – Rene Cobar