We are always digging deep into New England’s talent garden to find rising artists from all corners of the region: we have unearthed a March gem we want to share with you. Derry, New Hampshire’s Aaron Noj released his single "M.O.T.M." with little fanfare and in relative obscurity but its bite should not be ignored as it leaves a lasting mark. Aaron rebels against the tranquility of Derry’s quaint Main Street and the town’s overall serenity with sharp grunge guitar chords that reverberate violently. Aaron’s distant voice is melancholic, angst-fueled, entrancing—grunge music’s preference. The culminating instrumental breakdown is destructive and has a lo-fi sound to it that delivers a cathartic finish. Whatever emotion you are feeling, Aaron’s track will be sure to discover it and animate it. We are looking forward to some show listings from this alternative artist; stream “M.O.T.M.” below. – Rene Cobar
DRAMA “Hold On”
Local R&B duo DRAMA, producer Na’el Shehade and vocalist Via Rosa, have announced an exciting new partnership with Ghostly International.
With the announcement the duo released a new single called “Hold On”.
You can catch DRAMA on October 19th at Metro for Ghostly 20 with TOBACCO, Shigeto, Steve Hauschildt, and SV4.
Mentalease “Ghost Town”
Mentalease has released a new EP called “Ghost Town”. This is the band’s second EP of 2019 and it delves deeper into the unique blend of Dream Pop and Indie Rock.
This is the work of Spencer Harris, Wesley Hunt, and Daniel Martinson.
You can catch Mentalease on October 22nd at Martyrs’ with Bryan Away and Will Bennett & The Tells.
BODEGA debuts new EP “Shiny New Model”
Ahead of their forthcoming release Shiny New Model, New York garage heroes BODEGA headlined Brooklyn’s Market Hotel September 28th. The EP’s title track is a sunny and energetic romp, characterized by an uneasy sense of self—lead singer Bodega Ben riffs on the built-in obsolesce of technology (and people) while dropping metaphysical bombs, like “every woman and man is a microcosm of lust.” Watch the video below, and catch BODEGA’s wild, philosophical ride this Saturday alongside Native Sun, and Kahiem Rivera.
Garden on a Trampoline “Cover Me Please”
Garden on a Trampoline has released a huge collections of covers called “Cover Me Please”. This is the work Jim Laczkowski, aka James Eric, and the covers range from Banks to Roxette and from Tom Waits to Bombay Bicycle Club.
Laczkowski has been heavily involved in the local music scene for well over a decade and this album is a reflection of his many varied influences.
All proceeds from this album will go to benefit NAMI and Planned Parenthood.
Rosie Tucker’s “Ambrosia” is a candid, bittersweet slice of life, Bootleg Theater residency in November
Stepping into any of Rosie Tucker’s songs is always an experience. It’s like going inside the singer-songwriter’s internal monologue and watching the events, usually anxiety-ridden, unfold right before your eyes. "Ambrosia," her latest single, is a bit messy in its message—she worries about getting older, listens to John Coltrane, and stares at her fruit salad—all while she waits for her object of affection’s text reply. It’s funny to hear her open up with such candor, but also bittersweet, an open admission that amplifies an otherwise patient guitar strum.
"Ambrosia" follows Tucker’s debut full-length Never Not Never Not Never Not. The stand-alone single comes on the heels of her West Coast tour supporting Soccer Mommy, which precedes her upcoming month-long residency at Bootleg Theater in November. – Juan Rodríguez
Black Road “Hash King”
Heavy Psych Band Black Road has released the first single, “Hash King”, from their long awaited debut full-length album, Witch of the Future, which set to be released on October 31st.
This is the work of Suzi Uzi (vox/lyrics/piano), Tim M. (guitar), Casey Papp (bass), and Robert Gonzales (drums).
You can catch Black Road on October 18th at Reggie’s Rock Club with Book of Wyrms, Liquid Signal and Plastic Crimewave.
American Wolf “Not Enough”
Chillwave duo American Wolf has released a new single called “Not Enough”.
This is the duo of Joe Sherman and Sal Plant, and “Not Enough” is their fifth single of 2019.
Brijean releases single “Crushing on You”
Oakland-based duo Brijean just released their latest single, “Crushing on You” and it’s another sexy warm jam. Bongos? Check. Sweet lady voice? Done. And it’s got those spacey warm disco vibes and all the things Brijean’s budding fan base craves. Just when we were thinkin’ summer was over, “Crushing” heats it up a little longer. Check it out and if you’ve not yet dived into Walkie Talkie, the duo’s 8-song EP, well. Dive, friend. –Michelle Kicherer, Associate Editor
Album photo by Ginger Fierstein
Phantasmosis supplies sweet escapism in new record “Sentimental”
Earlier this month Providence’s Phantasmosis (Sam D’Orazio) released Sentimental, his latest fantastical record. The album supplies the right dose of sweet escapism with psych-surfy ballads like “Heaven/Hell” and power pop tracks like “Green Eyes” offering variety throughout the journey. Phantasmosis lathers each track with intent: if indie-rock is the theme, the guitars will rip; if jazzy elements are in order, the saxophone will produce a buttery smooth solo—there is no subtlety, and that is great. Phantasmosis’ music has the appeal of Beach Boys and the eccentricity of Flaming Lips, he serves that shake in his unique manner, and it is rich. The new release should keep him occupied for the fall, and we are looking forward to new show announcements soon. We are streaming the entrancing track “Do You Feel It???” from the new record below. – Rene Cobar
Apologue Intermission @ The Whistler (10/2)
Local liqueur company Apologue hosts a Bi-Monthly night at The Whistler called Intermission. The night is dedicated to local music, art, organizations, and businesses. The night features cocktails made with Apologue with proceeds being directed Chicago Recycling Coalition.
The next night will be October 2nd and feature Fernando House, Quarter Mile Thunder, and Caroline Campbell.
Mock Nine “Paper Boat”
Mock Nine released a new single called “Paper Boat” today, September 27th. This follows the band’s debut EP, Stories From That Night You Can’t Remember, which was released last month.
This is the work of Tommy Langford (Lead Vocals), Franklin Brady (Rhythm Guitar-Harmonies), Mac Campbell (Bass), James Bruce (Lead guitar), and Sam Grosman (Drums).