“Blue Haze” is the latest “end-of-summer glassy groove” from New York synth outsider Tatum Gale, and while billed as a seasonally-apt slow jam when it came out in September, it’s spooky, dark drops resonate just as closely during these sub-30 November nights. Between its hazy chords and spacey percussive backbone, the track endows the listeners with a sense of distance, making it perfect listening for a small kickback among close friends or a dissociative episode in the club. Gale’s additional ability to inject indietronica into a future-funk bop gives “Blue Haze” a sound that’s accessible as it is groovy; stream it below to get your weekend started right. —Connor Beckett McInerney
New England
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JATK debuts with a thrilling power-pop self-titled album
Boston’s answer to your power-pop cravings is Matt Jatkola, now known to some as JATK. The New England singer-songwriter has released his debut self-titled record today, and we can tell you it is some gloves-off, punchy power-pop for your ears. “How I Feel Inside” lets the distorted guitar power chords rip, and they are dirty-good against the reverb-heavy vocals that are delivered with enough glamour and enthusiasm to animate even the most resistant audience. The anthems continue between the eruptive drum fills of the track “Angry Anchor,” which culminates with an exquisite, heart-accelerating build up. For bass fanatics, there is “Come Inside Your Room,” where the low-end is silky smooth and robust against the revved up electric guitars a la White Reaper X New York’s Big Huge. The final track, “Nüebella Satan,” is fast and furious, deliciously lo-fi, and a fitting finale for an album that never drops below the speed limit. Stream our favorite track from the record below to jolt your day up just a lot. – Rene Cobar
Chicago
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The Sheaks
The Sheaks recently released their debut single, “Revenge Is A Song Best Played Loud” b/w “Manchester”.
This is the Alt Rock of Matt Sheaks (Rhythm guitar/Vocals), Will Sheaks (Lead guitar/Vocals), Chris Cortez (Bass/Backup vocals), and Justin Moore (Drums).
L.A.
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Loser Company’s “Blueberry Skies” is a psych-tinged, indie rock gem
"Blueberry Skies," Loser Company’s latest single, opens on a blissful tone, floating like a nostalgic reverie. A psychedelic whimsy immediately invites with a wondrous glow, but the songwriting duo of Will Saunders and Mas (Masato) Kihira present a setting that is far more grounded than it appears at first glance. "Smiling wide under blueberry skies / Pretendin’ everything’s fine," Saunders sings in a coarse, gruff manner, letting us assume that there’s a troubling back story behind his otherwise colorful imagery. And it’s a joy to behold—accented by a mid-tempo piano vamp and Saunders’ histrionic guitar work, the duo’s sprawling pop opus brings us back to the days of indie-rock giants like Built to Spill and the Elephant 6 collective, all while propelling the genre forward.
"Blueberry Skies" is the first single off Loser Company’s forthcoming EP of the same name, releasing December 7 on all streaming platforms. Catch the band perform at Harvard & Stone on November 17. Juan Rodríguez
NYC
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The Early November deliver emotionally driving earworms on “Lilac,” play Anchor Rock Club 12.31
United as a band for nearly two decades, New Jersey’s The Early November has released seven albums over their prolific career, with their most recent effort Lilac dropping in September. The album begins with “Perfect Sphere (Bubble),” a driving earworm of a tune with clear vocals that recount the experience of always being there for someone who is perpetually unavailable, described as remaining “up in the air.” This bittersweet piece creates a sense of comfort as the vocals endow the listener with feelings of being kept close and safe—at an emotional distance. Generally, The Early November’s gentle vocals and easygoing instrumentation, combined with a harmonized vox creates a sense of forlorn melancholy, the outfit seemingly able to recall elements equal parts sad and sweet. Each of their records creates a different emotional environment, but every one is able to incorporate immaculate songwriting and fierce, driving instrumentals. Stream it below, and them at Anchor Rock Club (in Atlantic City) for their New Year’s Eve bash. —Karigan Wright
Chicago
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Health&Beauty “Rat Shack”
Health&Beauty has released a second single, “Rat Shack”, from their forthcoming album, Shame Engine / Blood Pleasure, which will be released via Witchita Recordings on November 22nd. The first single, “Recourse”, was released back in September, but visual appeared last month and can be viewed below. This is the band’s second album on the label and 7th over all.
This is the group founded and permeated by the mind and voice of Brian J Sulpizio.
You can catch Health&Beauty on November 18th at Empty Bottle with Jessica Risker and J.R. Bohannon.
Chicago
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Engine Summer “Under The Sea”
Engine Summer has released another new single, “Under The Sea”, which comes closely on the heels of last month’s single “Night School”.
You can catch Engine Summer tonight, November 13th, at Sleeping Village with Strange Foliage and Stuyedeyed.
Chicago
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Deep Fake
Post-Punk trio Deep Fake are preparing to release their self-titled debut EP on November 16th.
This is the work of Kate Walsh (guitar/vox), Kaaren Fehsenfeld (dums), and Crispin Torres (Bass).
You can catch Deep Fake on November 16th at Cafe Mustache with Les Vikq and Unmanned Ship.
Chicago
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Daisychain @ The Hideout (11/16)
Garage Rock Quartet Daisychain are touring through out the month of Decemeber on what they have dubbed the Bob & Silent Jay Tour. The tour kicks off on December 4th at Indianapolis and will wrap up back at home on December 22nd Virgin Hotels.
Daisychain is the work of Sophia Williams (Guitar/vocals), Nickole Regala (Bass/vocals), Frankie Sripada (Lead guitar), and Victor Martinez (Drums).
You can catch them on November 16th at the Hideout with Joslyn & The Sweet Compression and The Claudettes.
Toronto
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Plain Jade – Psychedelic Debut “Anagram”, Horseshoe 11.17
Plain Jade are a throwback psychedelic band from Toronto lead by Cameron Brown along with Tom Valkanas, Rachel Gerry, Chris Rikkerink and Charlie Wear. They released their debut single earlier this year titled “Anagram”. This tune really feels like it was from the 60’s with the reverb filled jangly guitar. It has a grittiness to it while not losing any sonic quality. The lead guitar has some surfy vibes and the extra percussion adds a great element to the track. Plain Jade will be opening up for Mikal Cronin as well as Shannon Lay on November 17th at the Horseshoe Tavern. – Kris Gies
New England
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Maddi Ryan debuts tender single “Wrong,” plays Loretta’s Last Call 11.30
The tenderness that radiates from Boston’s Maddi Ryan’s music comes from the singer’s clear ability to engage her most honest emotions, and deliver them cordially through her vocals, full of grace. Ryan’s latest alt-pop single “Wrong” is very right with its Southern tinge ever-present in the ambient electric guitar notes that linger splendidly, the drums that beat away cool as can be, and a bassline that embellishes in all the right places. The brand new track inspires images of the vast New England outdoors, the long road-trips one dreams of taking, and the afternoons where reflection beckons. The song has our vote for the kind of warm tracks you need to have on your playlist this winter. Maddi will be playing at Loretta’s Last Call in Boston on November 30th. Listen to the cozy melodies of “Wrong” below. – Rene Cobar
Chicago
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Fort Frances “The Front Page of The Modern Age”
Fort Frances released their latest album, The Front Page of The Modern Age, last week. This is the band’s first album since 2016’s Alio, and contains the four single the band has released this year and six additional songs.
Fronted by Singer/Songwriter David McMillin, Fort Frances has created an album that is warm, rich, and immensely enjoyable.
You can catch Fort Frances at Schubas on December 5th.