Lil Nas X’s chart-topping success with "Old Town Road" reinvigorated the debate over how one approaches musical genres. Is it about sonic structure, lyrical setting, the overall lifestyle/culture it depicts, etc.? That being said, Joy Again have new single that they’ve titled “Country Song”. The recording melds the warmth of slide and acoustic guitar, with keys and backend, helping yopur mind meander down some backwoods road. The track morphs over the course of time, bring to mind Ween-esque musical terrain, shifting expectations. Is it a "country song"?
New England
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Modern Painters prepare to unveil their latest record “City Folk” at ONCE 07.05
The music of Boston’s Modern Painters drips a syrupy sonic collage of influences that when looked at from afar create a harmonious portrait worth admiring. The various textures that range from honeyed pianoforte phrases to vibrantly colored electric guitar flourishes betray the group’s indie-folk label, transcending it, sketching slowly something far more complex. The group’s latest single “Hive” lingers beautifully, paced by an initially feather-light jazz drum beat that revs up to meet the arpeggiating guitar and thumping bass inspired by your favorite indie-rock record. The lead vocals of Gabe Goodman are entrancing enough to match today’s dream-pop stars and mist away in the single to make way for an irresistible sax solo that melts like butter under the summer sun. Modern Painters are gearing up for the release of City Folk, their first album in nearly two years. The release show will be at ONCE in Somerville on July 5th, and we are thrilled to preview the record for you by streaming “Hive” below. – Rene Cobar
Philadelphia
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New Track: “Who Shat On The Carpet? (My New Shag Carpet!)” – Meat Sweats
Meat Sweats is a new project, featuring members of The Districts and Tate, and the band just dropped its debut single, “Who Shat On The Carpet? (My New Shag Carpet!)”. A buzz of feedback leads into a bristling combination of bass, drums, and guitar. Harkening back to Riot Grrrl days, a loose yet aggressive tone disperses in short order. The vocals capture an assertive self-confidence, reevaluating in the aftermath the dissolving of a relationship.
NYC
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Bells Atlas releases mystical video for The Mystic
Bells Atlas just released their latest music video for song "The Mystic" and it’s full of mystical tones and trippy dance moves. It’s difficult to look away from what feels like a live painting jolting into action and feeling. The song starts out with a kick-kick drum snap like a call and a march, then eventually moves into that psyched out R&B vibe they’re known for. Enjoy this fascinating scene and wait for the shimmering dance plastic. – Michelle Kicherer, Associate Editor
NYC
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Oh, Rose at The Fillmore
Oh, Rose is playing with Yeasayer at The Fillmore this June 28 a few weeks ahead of their official album release date. While My Father Sleeps (Park the Van Records) is dizzying, at times enigmatic, grungy rock with distorted guitars. Songs are fiery and emotional. Song "25 Alive" opens with "Am I strong enough to tell my truth/25 I am alive and I am angry." Sweet vocals pair with with perfect amount of chugging guitar. Come see them at The Fillmore June 28. – Lucille Faulkner
Philadelphia
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New Track: “Jeepers Creepers” – Slomo Sapiens
Slomo Sapiens recently shared the lead single off their forthcoming debut LP Cabin Fever Dreams. “Jeepers Creepers” brings in some grimy, night-sweats instrumentation, to make your skin crawl. Fuzzed-out guitar and a foreboding rhythm section create a bewitching, garage-psych groove. "Nothin’ sweeter than this."
New England
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Welsh Avenue releases electro-pop single “Two-Door Coupe,” plays record release show at Butterfly Bar 07.05
Seemingly fitting for a morning drive around Round Rock, TX or a slow Saturday-night cruise down Red River Street in Austin, Welsh Avenue‘s latest single "Two-Door Coupe" has a universal feel-good vibe. The electro-pop single’s synthesized strains create a lush sonic atmosphere which nestles the groovy beat and enthusiastic vocals that give the song its vivid feel. "I wrote this song back when I drove a Mustang. I have since moved onto the SUV life, but I still enjoy open road adventures and the occasional putting the pedal to the metal; that’s what this song is about," is what Welsh Avenue project-founder Mark DiLillo had to say about the track. With the single’s rich amalgam of synth-pop and new wave, Welsh Avenue provides a sneak peek of the sonic kaleidoscope in store in its upcoming sophomore album New Ways. The record release show will be on July 5th at Butterfly Bar inside the VORTEX in Austin. Welsh Avenue is proving that electro-pop is as lively as ever, one sticky track at a time. We are premiering the Round Rock native’s single below. – Rene Cobar
Chicago
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Steve Slagg @ Hungry Brain (6/27)
Steve Slagg (FKA Youngest Son) is preparing to release his first album, Strange Flesh, in five years on June 27th. Slagg draws upon his personal experiences to create traditional piano-driven pop in the style of Randy Newman or Elton John.
You can help Slagg celebrate the release of the new album on June 27th at Hungry Brain with Allison Van Liere.
Photo by Jonathan Randall Grant
NYC
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Evangelia unveils video for “Always on Mine”
NYC’s songwriter Evangelia‘s single "Always On Mine" is a subdued electropop ballad addressed to a past lover. Following the singer through the lonely streets of a city at night, the visuals that accompany the song grow more and more surreal, almost to the point of feeling like virtual reality. It’s a fitting portrayal for a song that wonders about how things might have been, and how they could be, and whether you’ve imagined it all. Check out "Always On Mine" below, and stream the rest of Evangelia’s music here. -Sunny Betz
Chicago
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Sir Mango @ Subt (Tonight, 6/19)
Sir Mango released their debut EP, "Whits”, today (6/19). This is the stripped down acoustic rock of Eric Doar (Tubs, Vox), Tion Burke (Guitfiddle, Bass, Vox), and Miles Eddy (Guitfiddle, Bass, Vox).
You can help the trio celebrate the release of their EP tonight, June 19th, at Subterranean with Strange Foliage, Origami Button, and Rainbow James.
NYC
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From the submissions: moon kissed
Fusing together indie pop and guerrilla riot grrrrl influences, the NYC band moon kissed is making music that touches on to the fun, impulsive sides of self. The bite-sized 3-song debut EP showcases an ability to craft pop music that is both self-aware and danceable. The three leading band members, known only as Emily, Khaya, and Leah are exploring a side of young womanhood that thrives on shared emotional expression and collaboration. Their music is sweet and conversational, swelling dramatically as if to invite listeners to a show.
Notwithstanding the early 2000s nostalgia (we prefer references to earlier musical eras!), moon kissed manages to combine influences and personal experience in a way that is original and fresh sounding. You can see them live at the Bowery Electric on July 2nd. – Susan Moon
This artist submitted music for coverage here.
This artist submitted music for coverage here.