New Music, Emerging from your Local Scene
Local Emcee and Producer Leland Philpot released his latest mixtape, “Countertrap”, late last month. His production is spot on and infectious while his lyrics range from fun to very introspective. He is clearly a man of strong faith and shares that joy and pain that accompanies that faith.
Philpot will be performing at an End of Summer Party at 47th and Vincennes on August 30th.
It may seem as if Wyatt Blair unlocked his hook-filled guitar pop from a time vault. But upon first listen, the tireless singer-songwriter’s latest single, "Cherry Rose," sounds very much akin to this city’s late-seventies power-pop roots—its crunchy guitars and compressed drum sound could be easily mistaken as a Bomp/Elektra Records long-lost gem. On his forthcoming EP, For the First Time, Blair promises to dig into some personal themes, but "Cherry Rose" serves as a distraction before things get bleak. From beginning to its gradual fade-out, the escapist anthem is pure, gleeful fun.
For the First Time follows Blair’s pair of two full-lengths, Inspirational Strawberries and Smoke & Mirrors. It is out on December 8 via Lolipop Records. Juan Rodríguez
Ann Marie has released a video for the latest single, “Karma”, from her recently released Interscope debut “Pretty Psycho”.
This is just the latest in the line of outstanding singles from the EP that debuted at #5 on Apple Music R&B Charts.
How wonderful it is to listen to music that takes the mind on a pleasant ride down memory lane: if you are having upbeat memories about better times you may be listening to the vibrant indie-pop of Boston’s Lilith. The Allston-based duo that is Hannah Liuzzo and Kelsey Rose Francis flies high in its latest album Safer Off, a posh blend of garage rock and pop that ticks all the boxes of appealing modern music. Do you want dynamic guitar riffs? You got them! Need some sweet pop choruses? Coming right up, friend! From the popping drums of Adam Demirjian to the female harmonies that accentuate each song, if a rich sound is what you crave, the music will satisfy you. The group recently celebrated the release of Safer Off with a performance at Great Scott and is sure to keep the momentum going this fall. We are streaming the cheery track “In Real Life” below. – Rene Cobar
Topshelf Records recently released Queen of Jeans‘s new LP If you’re not afraid, I’m not afraid. Serene, personal narratives reveal intimate, inner workings with a resounding clarity. One becomes swept up by the breezy, beautiful atmospherics. On Friday, September 6, Boot & Saddle will host the trio’s album release celebration, with support from Gladie. (Photo by Bob Sweeney)
Ruins (aka Adam Schubert of Cafe Racer) recently released a new bedroom recording called “Dead Friends”. This is the first new music from Ruins since his 2018 EP, “2”.
Boogie Board is the fuzzy surf rock of guitarist Stephen Denning. Last month he released an EP called “A Beach At Night” with the directive to listen only in the dark.
This month he has release two additional single, “Sonic Lightning” and “Those Sharks”, that would also fit nicely with dark, beach, surf, theme.
As we reach the end of summer, we are proud to premiere the fittingly titled “Summer’s Edge,” by San Francisco-based Leon Rosen. Rosen feels like a Rufus Wainwright and a Jeff Buckley with the smallest touch of twang and the piano work to match. Rosen’s intimate piano pop is stunning and soothing. “Summer’s Edge” is a beautifully mixed and mastered tune with the right kind of warmth to make us feel like we’re in the room with him. And we’re pleased to know that we can be, soon. He’s playing this Friday, August 30 at Neck of the Woods to debut this and other tracks off his forthcoming album (on F Pop Records). Of “Summer’s Edge,” Rosen says it is “…a gentle sendoff of sorts, saying goodby to summer camp, summer romance, summer nostalgia or perhaps returning to a summer lost–a place where an era ended, at a new time of change.” What a refreshing find. –Michelle Kicherer, Associate Editor
Oh man, we’re pleased to have found The Pendeltons’ funky sweetness. What is going on with these keys, these snapping fingers, the harmonies? Solid goodness. Pendeltons (on Bastard Jazz) are perfect to jam with after a long day or at a start of a fresh one: they bring that shoulder moving, positive feeling that we appreciate. They’ve got that soul, boogie vibe while keeping that modern feel. Highly recommend. –Michelle Kicherer, Associate Editor
you and the sky is the latest release from Timothy MacIsaac, a.k.a. Treasure Box. The EP merges a calm/chaotic dichotomy, mirroring the desire for tranquility in a complex cluttered world. Whispy vocals hover in the lo-fi, fuzzed-out, noise-laden sonics. Sift through the array of textures, and embrace the dreamy, experimental ambiance.
Earlier this month, Pop Punk super group Zombie Schoolboy released a new single called “Hey California!”. The group was built from the remains of group like The Fall Four, Danger Is My Middle Name, and The Fastest Kid Alive hence the word “Zombie”. This this their first release since 2018’s, Flashlights in a Dark Place.
Zombie Schoolboy is the work of Billy Cox (guitar), Craig Miller (vocals, guitar), Zane Spiegel (drums), and Rob Hlavka (bass).
The Last Afternoons have released a new single called “The Night Begins Today”. This is the first new music we have from the group since the release of their most recent album, 2018’s Little Habitz.
The is the Power Pop of Rich Sparks, Paul Foster, Russ Horvath, Preston Pisellini and Brett Neveu.
You can catch The Last Afternoons at The Hideout on September 15th with Toy Robots and The Ads Nova.
