New Music, Emerging from your Local Scene
John Lau are back with the follow-up to their 2018 self-titled debut EP, a three song EP called "II". These are the experimental sounds of Tony Piazza and Kevin McMahon who are both bass players, but on this project branch out beyond traditional Jazz or Rock bass structures.
Just as in their debut album, the duo manages to blur the line between organic and synthetic sounds to create something new and ever evolving.
Metal Trio Fer de Lance is preparing to release their latest EP, "Colossus", via Cruz del Sur Music on March 13th.
With members from band like Moros Nyx, Professor Emeritus, Satan’s Hallow, Midnight Dice, and Smoulder, this is a supergroup of sorts coming together to create an a truly furious sound. This is the work of MP Papai (Vocals, Guitar, Acoustic Guitar), C. Wolf (Guitar, Bass), and Rüsty (Drums, Bass, Percussion)
Toward the end of February Burlington, Vermont group Couchsleepers released a silky indie-rock record—titled Only When It’s Dark—that ticks all the boxes for a laid-back evening or end-of-road-trip soundtrack. From sensationally atmospheric tracks like the title one, which hypnotizes with its heart-beat-deep basslines and hazy delays to the warm vocals that lure and groove in "All I Want," the record jumps from one syrupy track to the next. Songs like "On Your Mind" bask in their melancholy as they flaunt sweet indie-rock guitar riffs, slightly fuzzed and exquisite. The record evokes a feeling of completion, it begs you to recall the end of something, perhaps beautiful, maybe tragic. Stream "On Your Mind" below and trust us that it will be worth your time. – Rene Cobar
Super group Deep Space Duo are preparing to release their debut collaboration, Spacetones, via the local label Love All Day on March 20th. This is the work of Whitney Johnson (Matchess) and Matt Jencik, two of the most invented and experimental musicians in the city today. They met with both performing in the live band as part of Circuit des Yeux.
For this project the duo are both playing Acetone Top 5 Organs recorded into a 4-track. The sound is lush, beautiful, hypnotic drone music. The project will be released on 100 chrome cassettes with foil stamped packaging with art and design by Sonnenzimmer.
Below is video for a track called "Ibex Ribbon". The song titles for the project are being credited to Ken Camden, Jencik’s bandmate in Implodes.
Those seeking a soft, late-late night jam will find danceable solace in “Tornado,” the latest offering by Brooklyn-based synth pop project Rio Tigre. The brainchild of multi-instrumentalist Raphaël Pazoumian, Rio Tigre prides themselves of seeking to emulate the experience of “driving across the Williamsburg Bridge at 4am, the twinkle of Manhattan fading away in the rearview mirror.” Such aesthetic influences metabolize in “Tornado,” its tactile 808 accents and minimalistic, often single note keys providing an upbeat yet ultimately hushed effort, the type of soundscape you’d expect from a DJ at a Bushwick loft hang that’s run its course (or, better yet, is quickly turning into an afterparty). Atop such dreamy synthetic flourishes, Pazoumian’s lazy vox drifts through the scene, equally muted and lounge-like, further endowing this offering with the energy of a night you’d prefer not end, despite full knowledge of the sun’s coming approach. Recommended for fans of The xx seeking something that leans more on the side of hyphy, check out our premiere of the track below. Photo by Sarah Moussa
Piece of Cake is the upbeat, catchy pop band fronted by the dynamic Brynn Bixby. They released their self-titled debut album back in 2016 and have been perfecting their live show ever since.
This is the work of Brynn Bixby (Vocals / Keyboards), Joel Ream (Guitar), Jason Perez (Drums / Percussion), and Kevin McMahon (Bass).
Piece of Cake is performing a sold out Sofar Chicago show on March 5th, but you can catch them on March 20th at Cole’s Bar with Monica Rose.
The Devonns are releasing a new single called "Tell Me" this week. This is the first single from their forthcoming self-titled debut album which is due out April 3rd via Record Kicks.
This is the soulful funk throwback group founded and fronted by Mathew Ajjarapu.
j a b o b o is jazzy dream pop of Manuel Miller and Jack McKee. Over the last three months they have released three single with the most recent being called "A Piece of You".
We are not sure what this is building to or if we can expect another single this month, but we are really enjoying the journey thus far.
FACS recently released the latest single, "Casual Indifference", from their forthcoming album, Void Moments, which is set to be released on March 27th via Trouble In Mind Records. This is follows the album’s lead single, "Teenage Hive" which was released back in January.
This is the work of Noah Leger (Drums), Alianna Kalaba (Bass), and Brian Case (Guitar, Vocals).
You can catch FACS at Sleeping Village on April 4th with Melkbelly and CB Radio Gorgeous.
“Forever means nothing, it’s empty most of the time,” may seem like a fatalistic outlook in the matters of the heart, but when crooned by 16 year old songwriter Emmrose, it resonates as prescient statement by a young artist wise beyond her years. One of the passing observations from her new single “Take Me With You,” it’s an encapsulation of the evenhanded philosophy this alternative pop performer brings to the table, an acceptance of the various dramatic decisions we make to preserve love, especially as we fall under the “intoxicating draw of a new relationship,” while recognizing that preserving such partnerships are often an uphill battle. Such an outlook distinguishes Emmrose from her peers as an individual who wears her heart on her sleeve, but does so as a hopeful romantic — such lyricism when paired with the track’s mellow keys and slow, oftentimes dramatic build make for a captivating listen, one that splits the difference between such contemporaries as Lana Del Ray and Clairo. Stream our premiere of the track below, and see Emmrose at The Bitter End on March 15th. Photo by Shervin Lainez
Bobby Conn has released the first single, "Disaster", from his forthcoming album, Recovery, which is set to be released on March 20th via the German label Tapete Records. This is the first new music from Conn since his 2012 album, Macaroni.
You can catch Bobby Conn on May 15th at Co-Prosperity Sphere.
Mint Mile is preparing to release their debut full-length album, Ambertron, via Comedy Minus One on March 24th. The album’s lead single single is called "Likelihood", and was released last month.
This is the project lead by Tim Midyett of Silkworm, Bottomless Pit, SUNN O))), and more. He has enlist the talents of Jeff Panall (drums), Justin Brown (guitar), Matthew Barnhart (bass), Howard Draper, and Greg Norman.
You can catch Mint Mile at The Hideout on April 24th with Advance Base and OUT!
