For listeners familiar with Fire in the Field’s funky and upbeat style, a sonic treat awaits, surprisingly tame but deeply wild. “Jimmy Rover” showcases the band’s appreciation for the slow-cooking nature of the blues as it lets its normally dance-inducing guitar riffs build slowly, ripping on occasion to smooth vocals from lead singer Mike Moore who is committed to storytelling. As the guitar solos shred, at high-voltage, one is reminded of the band’s old-school passion and youthful energy: Fire in the Field has a strong essence of classic rock. During the song’s final breakdown, the bass and drums lock-in even in their euphoric state to complement the song, which echoes the beauty and grit of Chicago blues. Recorded, engineered, mixed, and mastered by Jay Frigoletto at Oak Hill Music in Brookline, NH, this latest single by the band offers something wholly different from its usual style, but remains a track that fits perfectly into the band’s archives. We are thrilled to premiere “Jimmy Rover” for you below; catch Fire in the Field at Bishop’s Lounge in Northampton, MA, on Dec 14th. – Rene Cobar
Glass Noose “Wasting My Breath”
Glass Noose has released the first single, “Wasting My Breath”, from their forthcoming album, No More Dignity. The album is set to drop on the last day of the decade, and is the work of Tristian Zemtseff, Aaryanna Renee and Stoop Kiid.
You can catch Glass Noose on December 18th at Uncommon Ground Lake view and on January 24th at Silvie’s Lounge with HeetDeth, Bussy Kween Power Trip, and Future Trash.
Childish Japes, Maitri, Michael Wingate play The Revolution Vol. 45 on 12.19
Another month means another iteration of National Sawdust’s The Revolution. Closing out the year (as well as the decade), this Thursday’s Vol. 45 continues the series’ longstanding effort to spotlight local musicians across the genre spectrum and will feature performances by the artists Childish Japes, Maitri, and Michael Wingate.
While The Revolution’s strengths have always laid in the diversity of sound brought out to Brooklyn each month, there’s a consistent groove that permeates the sounds of this week’s three performers. For example, Brooklyn nu-funk duo Maitri’s electro-heavy, polyrhythmic jams, are matched in vibe by the soulful indie rock of Childish Japes, both inhabiting similar spaces albeit producing their tunes via synthetic keys or an electric guitar (respectively).
Likewise, Michael Wingate will contribute to the evening’s atmosphere with his own brand of rhythm and blues. Cop your tickets here and get your dancing shoes ready for Thursday.
Pale Lights’ “Golden Times” is a pleasantly vintage romp, play Union Pool 12.14
Brooklyn five piece Pale Lights have been a quiet force in the New York music scene over the last decade; following the reissue of their sophomore LP The Stars Seemed Bright earlier in 2019, the band also contributed the joyful twee romp “Golden Times” to Fadeawayradiate Record’s sunshine/psychpop comp F.A.R. OUT last month. A sunny, 60s-influenced tune, “Golden Times” immediately evokes nostalgia in both its lyrics and sound, carrying an energy somewhere between a television variety show and contemporary jangle pop outfits. Underscored by melodic guitar melodies, relaxed baritone vocals, and a swirling organ backbone, the track shows that Pale Lights’ golden times are not foregone, but perhaps still to come. Stream it below, and catch Pale Lights at Union Pool on December 14th, playing in Slumberland Records 30th Anniversary party. —Connor Beckett McInerney
12.16: Shannon Lay performs final show of residency at Zebulon with Ty Segall
On December 16th, Shannon Lay will perform her final show of her residency at Zebulon, with Ty Segall joining her on the bill. Lay released her first Sub Pop album August this past summer, but to add to her discography with the label, she’s just released the singles "Blue" and "We Mend" for the Sub Pop Singles club. "Blue" spins the often-sad connotation of the word into something more hopeful and romantic, with Lay’s lyric "I will love you ’til my hair turns blue" setting the theme for the song. "Blue" and "We Mend" share a mellow, folksy vibe, with something more intense brewing underneath. Lay already has big plans for 2020, with a European tour set for February. Take a listen to "Blue" and "We Mend" below. – Will Sisskind
Bethany Thomas “DE-ESCALATOR”
Bethany Thomas has released a new single called “DE-ESCALATOR”. This is the actress and songwriters’ second single of 2019 following up, "I’m Not Sorry and I’m Not Scared” which was released back in September.
Farseer
Instrumental Metal group Farseer has released their self-titled debut album. This is the work Brendan McCarthy (Guitar), Ted Ballantine (Guitar), George Burrows (Bass), and Kyle Curtis (Drums).
Kelly English debuts serene single “Errors of My Ways,” plays Urban Lodge Brewing 12.15
For singer-songwriter talent, such as Connecticut’s Kelly English, words seem to come easy, and they use them to express with sincerity their ups and their downs. In English’s latest piece, “Errors of My Ways,” she lets the gentle strings of her acoustic guitar and her graceful vocals tell a story of acceptance and forgiveness. The track never needs to stray from its serene mood, because it soothes and empowers with its honest emotion. English, who normally swims in alt-pop waters, takes a stroll around the shorelines of folk music to deliver an enchanting composition that is short but lasting in memory. Kelly will be performing at the Urban Lodge Brewing Co. in Manchester, CT on Dec 15th. Stream “Errors of My Ways” below to welcome the evening softly. – Rene Cobar
Talker drops video for new track “Learning The Feeling”
Celeste Tauchar of talker has received plenty of press in the past year, what with her releasing her debut EP Horror Films back in February and wowing audiences show after show. Not looking to slack off before the end of the year, Tauchar has released her new single "Learning The Feeling", as well as the intense music video for the track. It is the follow-up to her previous music video for "Keep Me Safe", a slow burner in which Tauchar sang about waiting for truth. "Learning The Feeling" symbolizes that moment, as Tauchar’s voice explodes with energy in the chorus, letting everything that had bubbled within her over the past year boil over. Take a look at the video for yourself below. – Will Sisskind
Cliffhanger “After Sunrise”
Pop Punk group Cliffhanger has released a new single called “After Sunrise”. This is the first new music from the band since their 2017 EP, “Old Wounds”.
Black Fret Ball Shines in its 6th Year
In its sixth year, Black Fret continues to hit high watermarks as an organization; the deluge of financial grants to Austin artists continues while an expansion into Seattle is also underway. Black Fret founders, Matt Ott and Colin Kendrick, are now seeing their nonprofit surpass over $1.5 million in payments to artists. The Black Fret Ball, the nonprofit gala where grants are awarded, took place this Saturday at ACL Live and, as usual, it was a vibrant display of Austin’s diverse social scene.
The gallimaufry of musician mentors, donors and grant recipients at the Black Fret Ball is almost as entertaining as the show itself. Austin musicians are interwoven between local philanthropists and industry titans, creating a unique and rare scene in Austin. The show itself featured brief but ebullient performances from Go Fever, Cilantro Boombox, Ley Line, The Watters and a knee-buckling performance from Tje Austin.
In an act of good faith, The Black Pumas, who were slated to receive a $20k grant, deferred their grant money in order to boost all $5k recipients to receive $7k instead. The local funk/soul band has been on a tear playing sold-out shows and just recently was nominated for a Grammmy for ‘Best New Artist’. The beauty of Black Fret is that any of the newcomer recipients can easily be on the same trajectory to national recognition as the Pumas; examples like Shakey Graves, Sweet Spirit and Bright Light Social Hour have paved the way for upstarts to dream big.
Some of the grants elicited heart-warming reactions when given, most notably Sydney Wright and The Watters, who were emotive and appreciative upon receiving the grant. With over 15 performing artists, the Black Fret Ball is an exciting and eclectic sampling of all genres of Austin music. With Black Fret’s growth, there seems to be much more on the horizon for giving back to the Austin music scene and beyond.
-Lee Ackerley