Chicago

Lala Lala “Sleepyhead” Reissue

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Hardly Art has announced that they will be reissuing Lala Lala’s 2016 self-released debut Sleepyhead. Previously only available on limited-release cassette and digital download, Sleepyhead, complete with new album art, will be available on vinyl, CD, and cassette on August 23rd.

Below you can stream “F*ck With Your Friends” from Sleepyhead and you can pre-order the reissue here.

You can catch Lala Lala at Pitchfork Music Festival on July 20th and at Metro for an official afterparty on July 19th with Grapetooth.

NYC

Singer/Songwriter Kira Metcalf plays Elsehwere on July 24

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In her blend of folk and pop Brooklyn-based artist Kira Metcalf mixes poetry with a variety of genres. Listening to her new LP Indelicate, this young talent writes songs about women’s experiences with the self-assuredness of a seasoned performer and an enviable introspective quality. Opening track "I Had a Head," is an acappella number that is as satisfying for its harmonizations as it is for Metcalf’s voice. "Thornbird" is an unexpected change in style, in part reminiscent of rock songwriters of 90’s like The Cranberries’ Dolores O’Riordan or – more recently – Paramore’s Hayley Williams. 

Her new music video for "Lily" is equally poignant, showcasing Kira’s keenness to investigate moments that escape most of us. The line, "to have what I crave feels like a trick" is the song’s takeaway and the perfect summary of a personality that enjoys intellectual and lyrical reflection over… simple enjoyment. Kira Metcalf will perform live at Elsewhere’s Zone One on July 24th. – Susan Moon

 

 

Philadelphia

New Track: “of Iron” (Feat. Gozu) – Acid Orphan

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Acid Orphan, a.k.a. Andrea O. Bullard (of Etheric Felines), recently released a new single. DJ Diabolic handles production on “Of Iron,” which also features Gozu. Envisioning a time-traveling, alternative reality of living during the time of Genghis Khan, the track exhibits authoritative aggression. This storming delivery is compounded by the rock/hip-hop hybrid beat, injected with noise, as the percussive push remains omnipresent. An attacking intensity permeates within an energetic exuberance.

Chicago

Alan Goldsher The Pocket and The Other Pocket

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Bassist/Producer/Writer Alan Goldsher is preparing to drop two album’s, The Pocket and The Other Pocket, on July 22nd. This is bass driven, sample-filled electronic funk that spans decades. Through out the 30 tracks there are elements for ’70’s funk, ’80’s Hip Hop, and ’90’s Trip Hop and Electronica.

Below is the single, “Red Sauce”, from The Other Pocket.

New England

Anyone Anyway’s “If I Could Unlearn You” is a rare emo treat for gloomy minds

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We miss emo, plain and simple, take it to the bank and rage (or cry) with us. Groups like Anyone Anyway are keeping the genre that burgeoned in the Midwest during the second half of the ‘90s alive. The band from Providence is adept at infusing angst and sensitivity into its cyclone of dazzling drum fills, fuzzy basslines and electrifying guitar riffs that jolt the body into chaotic movement. The vocal acrobatics from lead singer Nick McCarty complete the cathartic experience the band promotes by delivering the intensity the genre demands. The group’s latest single “If I Could Unlearn You” showcases the band’s passion and makes good on a commitment to surrender to the sound. The accompanying music video is as tragic as the song itself, and that is just perfect. Bask in the gloom of “If I Could Unlearn You” below. – Rene Cobar

Philadelphia

New Music Video: “Anna” – The Menzingers

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The Menzingers recently shared a new video for “Anna,” the lead single from their forthcoming Will Yip-produced album Hello Exile. The imagery candidly chronicles one’s movements throughout the days and nights in the city. It’s a video-diary of longing, which demonstrates the void created by missing an integral part of your life. The band is slated to perform at Franklin Music Hall on Friday, November 29, as part of a lineup that also includes Tigers Jaw and Culture Abuse. The band also announced that Hello Exile is due to drop on October 4 via Epitaph.

NYC

Sho releases soaring debut single “Planet Hurt”

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Sho Ishikura makes their recorded debut with the single "Planet Hurt", an R&B ballad in the vein of artists like Prince, with Ishikura’s soulful voice harmonizing over a seductive beat delivering lyrics such as "She gets me wet like a newborn." When Ishikura shared the song with fellow songwriters at an ASCAP workshop a couple of years ago, industry folks and other artists showed hesitation at the subject matter. However, a substantial amount of people were intrigued by Ishikura’s tune, creating a sense of controversy that helped create some buzz for it. The uproar of "Planet Hurt" — a track which blends pleasure with pain, light with dark —  makes it a piece of work worth your ears’ attention, so that you can form your own opinion about it. Take a listen to "Planet Hurt" below. – Will Sisskind

Chicago

Ajani Jones “Dragonfly” Listening Party Tonight @ Chop Shop (7/15)

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Ajani Jones is hosting a listening party for his debut full-length album Dragonfly tonight, July 15th, at Chop Shop.

The album, which is being released by Closed Sessions, is officially out tomorrow, July 16th, and first two singles, “Lucid” and “Pluto”, can be streamed below.

The album will feature contributions from Jack Red, Shao Doja, and Iris Temple.

Chicago

Gerund on Pallet Sessions

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Pallet Sessions released a video this morning of their session with Gerund. This is noisy rock trio of Lee Ketch (bass, vocals), Connor Boyle (drums, vocals), and Calvin Fredrickson (guitar, vocals). The song they perform is called “Gently Down The Stream” and is a great sign of what is come from Gerund and this recording session.

You can catch Gerund at D.C. Torium opening for Lardo and The Rutabega on August 24th.

Chicago

Peach Fuzz

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Peach Fuzz have released their latest album Cats, Cars, and Guitars via the local label Bernice Records.

The album is raw, gritty, and addictive, blending DIY garage with classic and Glam rock sounds. The group even covers the classic Foreigner track “Hot Blooded”.

Photo by Amanda Olbrys