NYC

Gorgeous’s “Shed Boys” stumbles and rips, play Alphaville 11.13

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Math rock duo Gorgeous lay down a tremendous groove on new single “Shed Boys,” one that grungily stumbles forwards while never getting lost in the reeds of shifting time signatures. Propelled by an ear-worm melodic bassline (one that embeds the entire track with a sense of aggressive-yet-triumphant forward momentum), guitarist and singer Dana Lipperman bright vocals provide a cheery high end to Gorgeous’s predominantly dark guitar lines; this interplay makes the band’s ultimate output a fun, thrash-friendly mix of experimental rock and noise pop. Listen below, and catch Gorgeous at Threes Brewing on October 15th, as well as their Alphaville record release show on November 13th. -Connor Beckett McInerney, Photo by Michelle LoBianco

Chicago

Bossa IV “Forget Your Name”

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Bossa IV (aka Matthew McGarry) is preparing to release his latest album, Forget Your Name, on October 18th. This is the first new music we have had from McGarry since 2016’s Votive, and it was motivated by an unusual and sudden bout of deafness. The album was written after he lost all of the hearing in his left ear due to something called sudden sensorineural hearing loss. It only lasted for ten days, but he was told at the time that it may be permanent.

Below is the video for the album’s lead single “Forever Numb”.

You can catch Bossa IV on October 16th at Downstairs (at SubT) with Kid Hawk and King Tut’s Tomb.

Chicago

Joe Goodkin “Paper Arrows”

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Joe Goodkin released his latest album, Paper Arrows, today. This is the first new music from this singer/songwriter since 2017, and is a tribute to the band of the same name he founded over a decade ago.

Compared to his previous EP’s this album is more stripped down, raw, intimate approach from Goodkin and it really pays off.

L.A.

On “Cobwebs,” Esbie Fonte’s doom-laden folk reveals a darker side of her musical personality

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On "Cobwebs," Esbie Fonte finds comfort in the darkness of her psyche. Backed by a trip-hop inspired beat, the singer-songwriter (alongside collaborator Peter Tilley) enchants with her cryptic storytelling over an acoustic chord progression—slathered in a grey-hued atmosphere. But there’s also a gothic elegance to her seductive delivery, as she conjures doomy folk with an intensity that never fails to captivate—and continues to keep us guessing with her chameleonic musical personality. 

"Cobwebs" is her second single this year following the release of her debut EP, Cemetery Drive. – Juan Rodríguez

NYC

Lake Ruth’s psychedelic pop transcends the decades, live at Elsewhere 10.18

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Bore from a hodgepodge of influences—most notably ’60s psychedelia, new wave, and vintage pop—New York’s Lake Ruth lay down a timeless bop on new single “Extended Leave.” The core backbone of the track, its analog, resonant saw lead, creates an industrial sound, one that runs counter to vocalist Allison Brice’s (The Eighteenth Day of May, The Silver Abduction) esoteric, tripped-happy lyricism. The cognitive dissonance of these two moving parts contributes to what makes “Extended Leave” such an engrossing listen, something akin to reading the work of Ram Dass in an abandoned East German factory, made all the better by the instrumental contributions of Hewson Chen (The New Lines) and percussionist Matt Schultz (Holy Fuck, Enon, SAVAK). Stream it below, and catch Lake Ruth at Elsewhere on October 18th, supporting Luna. –Connor Beckett McInerney, Photo by Sasha Maese

Chicago

DPCD “False Virtue”

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DPCD has released his sophomore album, False Virtue, and the video for the album’s lead single, “No Will”, below. This is primarily the work of singer and songwriter Alec Watson.

For this album Watson was joined by Samantha Connour, Jesse Bielenberg, Kenan Serenbetz, and Ethan Parcell.

Watson’s music is perfect for a cool Fall Midwestern evening, and that could not be felt more than in the album’s closing track “Moon Gazing”.

Austin

Kishi Bashi Enchants All and Excites Compassion at Mohawk

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It was the perfect Saturday at Mohawk for any seeking heart; the first breeze of Fall blessed Austin as Kishi Bashi and his band enchanted the audience with their orchestra ensemble, playing a mix of hits and songs off his new album Omoiyari – Japanese for Compassion. 

 

Kishi Bashi stood center on violin, playing with fervor, fun, and grace. Pip the Pansy stood to his left, with a black hat like a 70s lampshade and a flute in a quiver on her back. Creativity and sensitivity oozed from the stage and was met with the same from the audience. 

 

The sounds and lyrics of Omoiyari are whimsical and steeped in love, but the album’s narrative grounds itself in the historical and cultural context of the Japanese American internment camps during World War II. Kishi Bashi delves into a sociopolitical study of history in his songfilm, Omoiyari, and the lessons of empathy we can learn from a not distant past. Given the detention camps at our border and the festering schism in our country, Kishi Bashi’s album and artistry provides us with hope and a compass. The film is scheduled for release in early 2020. Let’s all go see it and then hang out with Kishi Bashi! 

 

Kishibashi introduced “Penny Rabbit and Summer Bear” as, “a song about love…that thing all we humans are looking for,” but many songs on the album are reminiscent of love. See “Marigolds;” he sings “I was the only one this century/ to remind you all is fine” and, “I wish I met you when your heart was safe to hold.” Or even, “Song for You,” that sings just like it sounds, “a song for you…it’s all for you.” 

 

The encore featured an audience favorite The Ballad for Mr.Steak with Mr. Steak himself, a walking steak! Once the steak exited the stage, an elegant white crane appeared behind Kishi Bashi. He closed the night with Summer of ‘42, penetrating my soul and bringing literal tears to my eyes, and there’s no way I was the only one. Every song, every note, everything about the performance felt genuine and carried out with the express interest to promote COMPASSION. Thank you, Kishi. Your art and compassion change the world! 

 

 

Melissa Green

New England

Amanda McCarthy enchants in new single “I Love Who You Are,” plays Radio Bean tonight!

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Amanda McCarthy had already dazzled New England with her full-length record, Road Trip, this past summer. However, all good artists build on their successes, and Amanda is one of them: her brand new single “I Love Who You Are” is out now. The single is splendid folk-pop that is suitable for all moods; its message is of love and perseverance. The snappy snare rhythm, brilliant acoustic melodies, and larger-than-life harmonious choruses are led by McCarthy’s enchanting vocals, driving the message home. The song grows with joy and uplifts spirits in typical McCarthy fashion. If it is the end of 2019 for McCarthy, the single is a rich cadence indeed. The New Hampshire resident will be performing at Radio Bean in Burlington, Vermont, this evening. We are streaming the brand new single for your enjoyment below. – Rene Cobar

Chicago

Tiny Kingdoms @ Beat Kitchen (10/13)

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Tiny Kingdoms are preparing to release a new single called “Tides”. This will be the band’s second single of 2019 and follow-up to “Space Camp” b/w “Cadets”.

This is Alt Rock of Jake Newling (Drums), Nico Miura (Guitar/Vocals), Nick Collis (Bass), and Ryan Mitchell (Guitar).

You can catch Tiny Kingdoms at Beat Kitchen on October 13th with Capstan, Rarity, and Neverkept.

Chicago

Boardinghouse Reach @ Burlington Bar (10/13)

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Punk group Boardinghouse Reach is preparing to release a new EP called “All For Nothing”. This is the group’s second EP of 2019 following-up their self-titled debut which was released back in April.

You can help Boardinghouse Reach celebrate the release of their EP on October 13th at Burlington Bar with Conciencia Total and Sweetie.