New Music, Emerging from your Local Scene
V.V. Lightbody (aka Vivian McConnell of Santah and Grandkids) has released a new single called “Baby, Honestly”. This is the first new music from Vivian since her 2018 debut album Bathing Peach. This is track would fit perfectly on her last LP and further explores the genre she defines as Nap-Rock.
You can catch V.V. Lightbody (as Valebol with Daniel Villarreal) at Empty Bottle on June 21st with Bunny, Girl K, and Divino Niño.
Local production duo Tensei (aka Midas Wells and Chris Kramer) recently released a soulful new single called “Walk It Out” which features Georgia Anne Muldrow.
This single follows the duo’s recent album Constellate.
For those waiting for new music from indie rockers *repeat repeat, the wait is over soon: The band will release their newest record Glazed on May 31st, and will celebrate the release with a show at 3rd and Linsley on June 2nd. *repeat repeat have had an incredible year so far, what with the release of the music video for their single "Hi, I’m Waiting", playing SXSW, and having The Black Keys’ Patrick Carney produce tracks for their upcoming album. The Black Keys will play a big role in the lives of *repeat repeat later this year, as both bands with tour with Modest Mouse this fall. Stay tuned for more news on that; in the meantime, watch the video for "Hi, I’m Waiting" below, and mark your calendars for *repeat repeat’s record release show at 3rd and Linsley on June 2nd. – Will Sisskind
The Vernes recently shared another delightful release, titled Yr of the Rat. Produced by American Trappist‘s Joe Michelini, a graceful, daydreaming setting creates a familiar sense of relatable, isolating intimacy. Gentle, breezy melodies and revealing lyrical monologues steer and sway you into a serene mindset. On Saturday, June 29, Johnny Brenda’s will be hosting The Vernes, with support from American Trappist and Grace Vonderkuhn.
Emo Violence band Crowning has released a new single called “Visceral Ghosts”. The single is a part of four way split single released by The Ghost Is Clear Records.
You can catch Crowning at Empty Bliss (98 N La Salle St) on June 25th with For Your Health, Shin Guard, and Frail Body.
Instrumental Rock Duo The Midwestern recently released a new single called “S.P.A.R.K.”. This is the duo of Zach Klatt (guitar) and Ryan Quilty (drums), and this is the first new music from the duo since 2017.
Forget your easy-listening diet; your ears gotta get a load of TOP nachos! The Queens, NY band’s 2018 record Dank Side of the Moon is stuffed with eruptive garage-rock tracks that never let up. The entire LP shows off the duo’s ability to create a zesty sonic experience: relentless drum beats, crunchy guitar riffs, and catchy choruses leave a feel-good aftertaste track after track. Yes, the choruses of songs like “Punk Vacation” (streaming) may seem overly simple at first but boy do they stick with you. The band’s upbeat approach to the hefty fuzz-rock that groups like Truckfighters have championed is what makes them a standout. If you are hungry for a good time, TOP nachos will showcase their delicious sonic dish June 1st at the Bushwick Public House. – Rene Cobar
The Cavemen & TVO recently shared a tour split tape. For their part, The Cavemen create a rumbling, fuzz-around-the-edges aesthetic. There’s a bright yet crunchy tone that gets the head nodding in approval. You just might want to crack open a beer, and leave behind the workday sooner than you planned.
Carrie Fussell performed a solo set at the Volstead this past weekend, and as an active songwriter in the Austin music scene, she is a fantastic example of an authentic Austin artist. Carrie plays solo sets and you can also hear her performing with her other band, Calliope Musicals. A love of creativity and music radiates from her in an effusive manner. Her songs are honest and her presence is as genuine as it gets. Her album, Songs By A Bear, on Spotify, is the juiciest album I’ve listened to all year even though she put it out in 2017.
She appeared as a pixie in a black leotard with green bangs and smiling eyes, with a voice and vulnerability destined to ground listeners to the present. Her songs are playful, inspirational and are sung just as gracefully as they are unraveled sensationally. Her sound is so pleasantly arresting that passerbys are frozen in their tracks after having heard her sirenic prose.
“Kitty of the year” is dedicated to her kitty who died. Her angel voice, the syncopated chorus, and the relatable nature of the song make this an easy favorite. Carrie is a one woman show, singing all the songs, playing all the music, expertly looping her vocals creating the effect of a choir backing her.
-Melissa Green
Fauvely has released their new EP, “This is What the Living Do”, via Diversion Records. The beautiful new EP can be streamed in full below.
You can help Fauvely celebrate the new EP tonight, May 20th, at Empty Bottle with Uma Bloo and Star Tropics.
Baseball Gregg is always keeping us on our toes. Just when we’re divining into some sweet n jazzy cabana beats, they switch gears and take us to a poppier place with funky baseline magic. Check out their newest single, “The Movies,” and in case you’re ready for summer, please enjoy their weird and solid music video for “Welcome the Night.” Love us some Wes Andersonian touches like that. They’re playing Milk Bar with Video Age and Max Gardener this Friday May 24. Thanks, Throwin’ Bo’s, for another tasty lineup. – Michelle Kicherer, Associate Editor
Local favorites Roots of a Rebellion will release their new record Shapes of a Soul on May 31st. The reggae-dub rockers haven’t slowed down while recording their latest album; known for playing well over a hundred shows per year, the band has already toured around the country for months promoting their new songs, and they have performances booked well into the rest of May and June. They’ll come home for a show at EXIT/IN on July 20th; until then, they’ll head west to Monterrey to play the California Roots X festival with bands like Slightly Stoopid, Tash Sultana, and more. Take a listen to "One Thing", the first single from Shapes of a Soul, below. – Will Sisskind
