Catchy and unique indie rock from Toronto is what I’m pickin’ up from boy wonder. His latest single is an acoustic ditty called “Care” that I think Jack White would like when he’s in his acoustic mood. It has an old school feel to it. The vocals are unusual in a good way and the video appears to be shot in a previous generation. A comical and self-depracating ending is the cherry on top of this video. Boy Wonder has his EP release show at 187 Augusta on Friday June 14th. – Kris Gies
Chicago
Posted on:
Ajani Jones “Pluto”
Ajani Jones released the first single, “Pluto”, from his forthcoming LP, Dragonfly. The new album will be released via Closed Sessions on July 16th.
“Pluto” features production from BanksTheGenius who handles tracks on the album along with previous Jones collaborator Boathouse. The album will also feature contributions from Jack Red, Shao Doja, Iris Temple, and Anna Agosta.
Tracklist:
Jani’s intro- ft. Jack Red (produced)
Save Yourself- ft. Shao Doja (Blookah)
Dragons- (produced by Boathouse)
Sea- ft. Iris Temple (produced by BanksTheGenius, Solosam, Quinn Cochran)
Black Power Ranger- (produced by Boathouse)
3D- (produced by Boathouse, Sebastian Kemae)
Dutchmaster- (produced by Boathouse)
Lucid- (produced by Drake Connor)
Pluto- (produced by BanksTheGenius, additional vocals by Anna Agosta)
Europa/Ready- (produced by BanksTheGenius & Blookah)
Come Alive- (produced by BanksTheGenius)
Quicksilver- (produced by Boathouse)
New England
Posted on:
Vaughan Supple pours it out in debut record “A Lovely Grave”
Few things are as powerful as music that has a confessional vibe to it, an outpouring of emotions that maybe was not meant for anyone to hear, Vaughan Supple’s debut album sounds like that outpouring and feels a bit forbidden. A Lovely Grave—quietly released a couple of months ago—is filled with heartfelt tunes that are fashioned using distorted riffs, orchestral swells, light but engaging rhythms, and much more. Songs like “Trace Of You” and “September” with their gentle acoustic guitar strings and soft harmonies have that feeling of familiarity to them; they are quiet afternoon sonic treats that you enjoy alone. “And We Drown,” and “Anemic” have all the rage of throbbing drums and serrated vocals, they bleed grunge. Vaughan Supple, the Boston-based singer/songwriter, has left his heart on the table with this release, and we are damn sure glad we found it. “Anemic” is streaming for you below. – Rene Cobar
Chicago
Posted on:
Jean Deaux “Anytime”
Jean Deaux has released a new single, “Anytime”, from her forthcoming EP, “Empathy”, which drops this Friday, June 14th. The track features Kehlani and production from ROMderful.
This is the first two EP’s that Deaux has planned for 2019.
PHOTO CREDIT: Joshua Corlew
Philadelphia
Posted on:
New Number One Lovers EP Available for Streaming & Download
Lonesome Light, the debut EP from Number One Lovers, is now available for streaming and download as well as on cassette. The delicate interplay of guitar & keys is lifted by tasteful accents of horns. There’s a laidback, smooth, R&B/soul element that you can easily refamiliarize yourself with. Cole Berggren & company, which also includes Matty Terrones (Neutral Shirt) and Alyssa Milman (Blushed, Puppy Angst, Secret Nudist Friends), cultivate an intimate yet at ease environment that you’ll never want to leave.
NYC
Posted on:
Sea Dramas’ Upcoming Until the Dark Goes Out
Sea Dramas‘ new album, Until the Dark Goes Out, is sixties-inspired hazy folk and feels like the Magnetic Fields, sixties British rock and a tiny wisp of the beach. Killer warm guitar, happy melodies and pleasing vocals. We want to say this is the “perfect album for summer” but we’ll be digging on this long after the heat is gone. Enjoy their new video for single “22 Renewal,” which features lots of sixties hipsters checking each other out and looking generally aware of themselves in a very mesmerizing-to-watch way. Stay tuned for upcoming shows. – Michelle Kicherer, Associate Editor
Chicago
Posted on:
Paul Bedal “In Reverse”
Jazz Pianist Paul Bedal released his third studio album, In Reverse, via Bace Records last week.
For this album he is joined by Nick Mazzarella (alto saxophone), Matt Ulery (bass) and Charles Rumback (drums). This quartet has been together since 2015 and that experience and trust truly shines on this project.
NYC
Posted on:
Little Wings releases People LP
Little Wings has been busting out one solid album after another and their newest LP People is no exception. It’s lovely folk, simple plucking and marvelous lyrics that make you feel sad and amused and happy and intrigued and cozy at the same time. Since we’re talking cozy, enjoy this video from 2015 and accept the mystery of Little Wings. Their next show is July 10th at Zebulon in LA. Bless this album, bless this band. – Michelle Kicherer, Associate Editor
Philadelphia
Posted on:
New Line Leader LP Available for Streaming & Purchase
Philly’s Line Leader recently shared its new, full-length album, Houses of Water. One enters a multifaceted, mysterious, head-trippy, musical mission. An array of sonic textures creates a fluid, ever-evolving atmosphere – one that floats in a dreamy manner at one moment and then transitions into a more volatile, urgent heaviness in the next. That unpredictable, shape-shifting nature compels the listener to remain alert around each and every bend. (Photo by Kayla McCaney)
NYC
Posted on:
The Afro Nick celebrates single release tonight at Mercury Lounge
A heavy-handed drumbeat powers through the thick sonic atmosphere of The Afro Nick’s latest single "Dream Big" leading the listener toward a mighty chorus that is just so damn sticky. The single pays tribute to the larger-than-life sounds of arena rock while still keeping an indie-rock aura, seemingly a fitting song for both a massive stadium or your local bar. The song layers wonderfully to create its enormous atmosphere as distorted guitars, synthesizers, and grand piano chords swell and erupt. The Afro Nick’s childhood experiences in his hometown of Chaniá, Greece have inspired his sonic journey: the singer/songwriter channels his admiration for the rich musical history of his native country through his focus on storytelling amplified by big melodic choruses. To celebrate the release of this anthemic new single, The Afro Nick will be playing Mercury Lounge this evening at 6:30 pm. We premiering "Dream Big" for you below. – Rene Cobar
Chicago
Posted on:
The Mizzerables “Gravity”
Pop Punk group The Mizzerables have released a new single called “Gravity”. This is the work of Joe Mizzi, Pete Mittler, Korey Brisendine, and Dave Vazzano, and the first new music from the band since their 2017 EP, “No Sleeves”.
NYC
Posted on:
Sharkswimmer explode out on “Shut-In,” play Brooklyn Bazaar 7.7
“Summer’s never long,” Justin Buschardt croons on the first track of Brooklyn indie outfit Sharkswimmer’s debut, Shut-In. It’s a fitting introductory note to the band’s first release, which over the course of five tracks straddles the worlds of easygoing guitar rock and fuzzed-out, palpably frustrated punk inclinations. A seasonally well-timed release, Shut-In aligns well with the current New York weather, energized by lyrics that focus in part on the imperceivable fast movement of time and lofi, occasionally discordant instrumentation. Recommended listening “PhD in Anxiety” and title track “Shut-In” are perfect for when the brisk city pace and June humidity inclines even the most extroverted among us to shut ourselves in and take a necessary, warm weather mental health day. Stream it below, and catch them at Brooklyn Bazaar on July 7th, playing alongside Taciturn, Cup and Trash TV.–Connor Beckett McInerney, Photo by Daniel Topete