NYC

Bug Fight explore dirt and noise alike on “F!GHT N!GHT!,” play Planet X 2.28

Posted on:

At every junction of F!GHT N!GHT!, the 2018 offering by insect-enthusiast no-wave trio Bug Fight, the band embeds a deep sense of uncomfortable, mild dread; their wandering tempos, electric banjos, occasional gang vocals and abstruse lyricism make for a sordid listening, a mix of experimental bluegrass with dark noise rock that would make well the score for a stage adaption of any H.P. Lovecraft story. It’s these increasingly off-kilter elements that also make this EP the engaging effort that it is, one that’s a cerebral mix of narrative forays into the shared nature of men and cockroaches (“WORM”) and dynamic, drawling explosions (“The Lawnman”). Coupled with an engrossing mythos (the band’s members are identified as Old Bug, Papa Roach, and Star Bug) and esoteric liner notes and you’ve got an entrancing, beautifully strange final product. Imbibe it below, and catch Bug Fight at Planet X on Friday, February 28th. —Connor Beckett McInerney

L.A.

Sara Melson takes it easy in new video for “State Of Ease”

Posted on:

Fans of Kate Bush’s more mellow work will find something to love in Sara Melson‘s new track "State of Ease". Melson, a songwriter and actress, shines on her new single, marked by her airy vocals and the meditative backing track simple piano chords and echoing drums. The video comes rife with drone shots of Melson standing atop a cliff above the ocean, letting the wind whip at her dress and hair and watching the waves of the water roll up to the shore in the sunset. It’s a mellow track that will help you find a relaxing start to your day or week; check out the video for "State of Ease" below. – Will Sisskind

New England

PowerSlut prepares for leap day record-release show at ONCE Ballroom

Posted on:

Leap day is right around the corner, and we got a great way to amplify your excitement for it: PowerSlut’s upcoming record Fun With Junk. The Boston-based group is releasing the record on the additional day this month, and what is previewed already is quite the garage-rock treat. Songs like “Limits” with their fuzzy guitar leads, burrowed power basslines, and the tastefully bright lead vocals of Linnea Herzog are a welcomed blend of punk’s aggressive attitude with indie rock’s instrumental finesse. “Summer Condo (feat. Erica Mantone)” is a groovier tune that feels as funky as it does dangerously rock ‘n’ roll. “Double B-Day” is tougher, grittier, with instrumental breakdowns that are elegantly destructive. With this much variety, how can one not be pumped for the record release show at ONCE on leap day? Stream “Double B-Day” below for a taste of the celebration to come. – Rene Cobar

Chicago

V.V. Lightbody “If It’s Not Me”

Posted on:

V.V. Lightbody has released a new single, "If It’s Not Me", from her newly announced album, Make A Shrine Or Burn It. The album is set to be released on May 1st via Acrophase Records and will be accompanied by a Spring Tour kicking off on March 15th in St. Louis.

You can catch V.V. Lightbody on May 23rd at Sleeping Village with Andrew Sa. She will also be performing at the Hideout on March 14th as part pf their annual SXSW Send-Off with Ohmme, Wyatt Waddell, Fran, Waco Brothers, Faux Furrs, James Swansberg, and Roy Kinsey.

Austin

Silversun Pickups Shine at Stubbs

Posted on:

 A quiet Wednesday night became bustling with hundreds of people at Stubbs. People were willing to bear the cold on this once-in- a-lifetime chance to see a show that could never be forgotten. With about a 20 year build up and opening for many bands such as MetallicaSilversun Pickups left the audience in a buzz with their latest leg of their tour thru Austin. Anticipation was filling the air and everyone knew that what was about to be experienced would be worth the bitter chill of the windy February night. 

Silversun Pickups have seemed to remain under the alternative rock main stream radar since their hits in the mid 2000’s, most notably Lazy Eye from the debut LP in 2006 Carnavas, and their second being Panic Room from the second full length LP Swoon in 2009. But don’t let that take away from the endless talent possessed by Brian Aubert and Nikki Monninger, with Brian on guitar and vocals and Nikki on bass as well as vocals. They compose such entrancing landscapes of harmonies and progressions that just take you away from the world you exist in and let you wander off into a world they created with much time and work. All of their albums up to their latest release Widow’s Weeds in 2019, have had 3-4 years of separation  in between. As writers and musicians they’ve discovered a perfect formula of touring, recording, and releasing to keep fans coming back for more, but also being strong and staying loyal to always progressing as a band. Still as tight as ever, they’re unique structure of sound is still as fresh as the day they started playing small clubs. 
 
Stubb’s was radiating energy all over. Each song was so individually strong and hit your heart so hard. It felt as if everyone was just melding together in this shared experience. Silversun Pickups had created a place where everyone seemed to just loose themselves into what was in front of them. Simple lights and giant LED strips was all they needed to help novelize what was satisfyingly piercing into our brains. It doesn’t seem like in 20 years they have even missed a beat. Blending all the greatness of Shoe-gaze, Alt Rock, and Post Punk they’re able to create a large fan base that stays true to them because of the unique and effect behind their music and lyrics. If there’s ever the opportunity to catch them, which surely there will be with their track record, make sure you do yourself a favor and treat yourself to a night that will change your life. 
 
– Dylan Welch
Chicago

TOMMASO “Brother”

Posted on:

TOMASSO released their debut single "Brother" over the weekend. This is primarily the Bedroom Pop of Tommy Veronesi who has been performing and producing in and for several artists over the years and is finally taking the leap to record and release his music. The result is single that catchy, beat driven, and a fantastic debut.

Chicago

Faces of the Bog “Weight”

Posted on:

Doom Metal band Faces of the Bog recently emerged from their lengthy hiatus to release a single called "Weight". The track was recorded back in May of 2019 for the soundtrack of a yet to be released independent film called "Green Summer".

This is the work of Paul Bradfield (Bass), Danny Garcia (Drums/Percussion), Trey Wedgeworth (Guitars/Vocals), and Mark Cichra (Guitars/vocals). The last we had heard from the group was their 2016 debut album, Ego Death.

NYC

Flasyd’s self-titled is fuzzed-out and kickass, plays Venus in Furs 2.26

Posted on:

If you relish listening to bands who are “always fast [but] hardly accurate,” in their own words, then the freewheeling punk outfit Flasyd may be your cup of tea. Their self-titled EP loses no speed over the course of three short-and-sweet tracks, all characterized by a healthy amount of bright fuzz, occasionally indiscernible lyrics, and daring percussive theatrics. Highlight minute and change “Johnny” is nothing short of a sonic defibrillation, marked by punchy drums and a scathing hardcore lyrical performance — stream it below ahead of Flasyd’s February 26th performance at Venus in Furs.

NYC

Boyish float through the party on “anxious butterball,” play C’mon Everybody 2.27

Posted on:

There are some days when it’s difficult to leave the house — a sentiment New York synth pop duo Boyish well understands. Their most recent bop “anxious butterball” details antisocial feelings in lurid detail, the desire to “[stand] in the corner at the back of the room,” the occasionally overwhelming nature of simple conversation, all communicated through muted vox over textured echoing electronic leads and a meandering beat. Leaving room to incorporate hazy guitar chords during the track’s more explosive chorus (while keeping things forever chill), the group captures the dissociative nature of attending a function when you’d rather be at home, of knowing a single person at the party who can help you feel grounded when just existing is difficult, rendered in an appropriately dream-like fashion. Listen below, and catch Boyish at C’mon Everybody on February 27th, presented by Indie Witches.

Toronto

Shade – Debut LP “Combat Rave” Official Release Date 05.01

Posted on:

Sleepless Record’s rock n’ roll stars Shade have released a brand new single. "Brain Suck" is not a new tune for them however as it was one of their oldest tunes that has evolved from a basement demo into the rocker you hear now. The chorus is a heavy mid 90’s banger with an extra dose of fuzz. Always nice to hear a track from these guys. Even better to hear the official release date for their debut LP “Combat Rave” will be May 1st. The release party will be that night in Hamilton at This Ain’t Hollywood. – Kris Gies