New Music, Emerging from your Local Scene
The Weekend Run Club have released the first two singles, “Rhode Island” and “Beck”, from their forthcoming debut full-length album, Zoo.
The album is set to be released on January 31st, and below is the wonderful, Alex Zarek directed, video for “Beck”.
You can catch The Weekend Run Club at Beat Kitchen on February 7th with Violet Crime, August Hotel, and Splits.
Ambient Drone guitarist Niles Frantz (aka Reader Advisor) has released his latest album, "The Ice Fields”. These chilling atmospheric sounds are the perfect backdrop for the bone chilling weather we are experiencing this week.
CAPYAC bring the party wherever they perform, so catch them livening up your Thursday night at Moroccan Lounge on January 23rd. The show precedes the release of the electro-funk duo’s upcoming single "Dirty", which drops on January 31st. With festival performances and upcoming shows planned for Paris, Berlin, London, Copenhagen, Tijuana, Costa Mesa, and more, 2020 looks to keep CAPYAC busy electrifying crowds with their surreal dance and music act, during which anything can happen (including surprise pancakes, puppets, or impromptu improvisations which disappear into memory as soon as they’re done). If you want to see what tricks CAPYAC have up their sleeve this year, catch them on January 23rd at Moroccan Lounge. First, check out their latest video, done for a collaboration with songwriter Annabelle Maginnis called "Little Toes". – Will Sisskind
Accessory has released a new single called “Eyes For Berlin” via the Brooklyn label Fire Talk.
This is the Synth laden sound of Jason Balla of Ne-Hi, Dehd, and Earring. This is the first new music from Balla’s solo project since his 2018 debut album, Blue Tape.
The song is about finding “new eyes” in moments and surroundings both new and familiar. Here is the graceful way Balla phases it; "It’s about finding new eyes. Seeing the old and everyday that has become the background of my life with a fresh sense of wonder. Years ago, I went to Berlin, crashed on a friend’s floor and walked and walked. Even through the cold faced grey of Berlin winter, the city felt so full of life and it all felt so new to me. There are moments where I have these eyes again in the most surprising of places: an old neighborhood I used to live in, a friend’s face, the sunset through the McDonald’s golden arches out my bedroom window. And they all remind me that the world can be beautiful and good."
Dehd recently announced a Spring tour with a hint of new music and more dates to come.
Sloth Hands have released a re-recorded version of the title track, “Sorry, Tom”, from their 2014 debut album.
This is the work of AJ Boucek, Briana Certa, and John Stenger.
You can catch Sloth Hands at Burlington Bar on January 24th with The Grool Brothers, Distants, and Permanent Residue.
With her most recent album, Divers (2015), almost five years old at this point, it was unclear what exactly Joanna Newsom would be performing the first night of her 2020 Austin concerts. Her last Austin performance in 2016 was at the Moody Theater in full promotion of that record. With a full backing band and almost half the set coming from Divers, this show was much different: a solo tour, hilariously titled The Strings/Keys Incident. Tucked into UT’s Bates Recital Hall, the audience took their seats in the intimate space. A three story organ loomed over the stage with nothing but a harp, a piano, and a multi-colored tapestry to set the scene. This venue is usually meant for student performers, but a few seconds into her first song it was clear a true master of her craft had taken the stage.
Opening with “Bridges and Balloons” off of her 2004 debut The Milk-Eyed Mender, her labyrinthine string plucking seemed to transport the audience away to a safer, simpler place. We were teary-eyed before the song was even finished. She continued to parade through her albums flowing to “Emily” off Ys, then moving to the piano for “The Things I Say” from Divers and Have One On Me’s “In California.” Just as the first four songs had seamlessly drifted through her entire discography, the whole set was consistently balanced between all of her releases. Even without any percussion, her syncopated playing felt oftentimes quite groovy allowing some listeners to bob their heads to the beat, while others a-rhythmically swayed in a trance. Although each song in the almost two hour performance was truly moving, a personal highlight was “Monkey & Bear.”
One would think someone with such ethereal music would be intangibly eccentric, like Björk or Prince, but she seemed so pleasant and normal. Walking onto stage drinking tea, waving to a friend in the crowd, and genuinely funny and polite crowd banter grounded her performance in a way that transcended labels such as “freak folk” or “baroque pop.” Even though it’s so early in the year, I can not imagine a more touching or memorable musical experience topping this one.
– Hayden Steckel
Punk quartet BLOOM bask in noise and the experimental on their demo release, creating a release that’s granular and rough around the edges, even for the genre in which they operate. It’s what makes BLOOM DEMO 2019 such a compelling listen, a collection of tracks that operates within a hardcore discourse while simultaneously pushing the envelope — from their Merzbowesque invocation on “Intro” to the gain-heavy “Horizontal,” there’s an equal attention paid to intense punk performance and sonic manipulation alike. The end result is a visceral, experimental LP, which even if “just a demo,” showcases a band that’s never risk adverse, one that’s willing and ready to dive headfirst into black sludge and white noise alike. Give it a listen below, and catch BLOOM at Saint Vitus on January 22nd. —Connor Beckett McInerney
When watching “Any Other Way,” the latest video by NY songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Mike Baretz, it’s difficult not to be tickled by the charm of its production (and underlying soundtrack). Digital grain add a vintage aesthetic to visuals of Baretz and friends dicking around New York, underscored by a bass-friendly, primarily minimal alternative R&B song. Shots of the artist lip synching in a bodega, jumping out from behind a tree in the park, or playing some indoor basketball lend well to the easygoing nature of the tune, a more localized lofi beat to study or relax to that highlights Baretz’s prowess as a singer and producer, while emphasizing his personal desire to "not take [himself] too seriously." Peep the video for its vibe and levity below.
For those lacking Vitamin D during the balmy season, nine out of ten doctors* recommend a quick injection of sunny, jangling rock n roll. To that end, do yourself a favor and stream Lois, the latest offering by NJ-based garage band Shred Flinstone. Never too discordant and propelled forward by a healthy dose of power chords (and the occasional classic film sample), the record’s a bright listen, bolstered by sweet twee vocals and clean guitar production; standout “Nemo” winds and kicks with driving drumming, laying down an energetic track able to kick any seasonal affective disorder. Listen below, and see Shred shred at the Meatlocker on February 22nd (trust us, it’s worth crossing the Hudson River for).
*not real doctors obviously
Twin Peaks have release two lyric video for the tracks, “Cawfee” and “St. Vulgar St.” from their forthcoming 7” which is being released via Grand Jury on February 14th.
Both videos feature the talented James Swanberg attempting to karaoke to the song without having previously heard them.
The band will touring the Midwest this March with likeminded local band Rookie.
Towards the end of 2019 a quite-the-noisy record was released: Blase’ Faire, the prog-rock album by Salem, New Hampshire group Strange Conversations touched down with its killer beats and swirling synth embellishments. The grandiose guitar solos that throwback to ‘80s hair glory found in tracks like “Stranglehold (Like Yesterday)” are thrilling and perfectly placed. From thunderous instrumental breakdowns to more serene-pensive tracks like “Better Late Than Never,” the band showcases its versatility and instrumental prowess. The new record has an old-school feel to it but a very modern edge sharpened by a solid production. Listen to the sick guitar riff that slithers between the atmospheric instrumentals of “Spirals” from the new album below. – Rene Cobar
Power Pop Vet’s The Lilacs have released a new video for the song “Shadow of Doubt” from their recent EP “The Lilacs Endure”.
The video was shot at various location around the city that have been impactful to the band over the years like hyllis’ Musical Inn on Division St, the University of Chicago, a couple different El stops, and Wicker Park.
