Heartfelt and elegant is the new single by Boston’s Lindsay Foote: "New York City" is an ode to a fragile dream broken by reality, its shards buried deep in the bright guitar riffs and passionate vocals. It was not so long ago that Lindsay grappled with the tough decision that inspired the track that she recalls "’New York City’ was inspired by a decision I faced in my own life. A few years ago, I was deciding whether or not to move from Toronto to New York City with my boyfriend at the time. We were going through tough times in our relationship, and part of me hoped that a fresh start in a new city would fix it. Deep down, though, I knew that it wouldn’t. This song is about facing that decision and finally being honest with myself about what I wanted." The confession is a liberating one as "New York City" boasts Lindsay’s Americana style of music with a graceful abandonment of reservations; each instrument builds on the next with class: a clean and refined bassline accompanies a snappy snare beat that races alongside a reverberating electric guitar and Lindsay’s intrepid vocals toward an honest end. Americana/indie artists like Brandi Carlile and Katie Toupin exude sincerity in each lyric and captivate wholly, Foote shows she has that and then some. Lindsay will be playing at the Aeronaut Brewery in Somerville on November 13th; we are proud to premiere "New York City" below for New England and beyond. – Rene Cobar
Hallelujah the Hills previews new album with dual singles
The cool winds of the fall are settled in, but New England bands are still bringing in the heat. Such is the case with Boston’s Hallelujah the Hills, whose dual singles are hot alt-rock music to gather around. “Folk Music Is Insane” is melodic in the verses and destructive in the choruses: from grand piano embellishments to swelling orchestral instrumentation drowned in guitar distortion, you never quite know where the song is headed, and that is alright. “Running Hot With Fate” has more of an indie feel to it, with harmonies glazed atop a steady rhythm section that drives the song forward with sweet style (you can’t help but be infected by the groove). Hallelujah the Hills is not afraid to go big; the band stands out by blending indie rock with a distinct Americana touch—now that is different. The singles are part of the band’s upcoming album, I’m You, which is slated for release November 15, 2019. Stream “Running Hot With Fate” below to start your week right. – Rene Cobar
Damone ends ten-year + hiatus with new single “Moon and Stars”
New England scene indie-pop legends Damone are back at last, and the day is just that much better. The group’s sky-high successes dazzled audiences all across the world during the mid-‘00s with Out Here All Night, the group’s second studio album, peaking at #168 in the Billboard 200 charts. The group’s latest single “Moon and Stars” carries within its delicate electric guitar riffs and soft harmonies the weight of the group’s absence: the trials and tribulations the group has endured over the last decade brings it together powerfully and charges its music with full emotion. We tip our hats to these local heroes whose music continues to inspire and captivate; the Boston-based band’s latest single is reflective, soothing, and just the right track for the hopeful. We are hoping to see some live shows upcoming throughout New England. Stream the new single below and lose yourself for a while. – Rene Cobar
Cheap City debuts flamboyant single “Welcome to Lizardville,” plays 13th Floor Music Lounge 10.26
Cheap City wants to welcome you to its sonic carnival of funky basslines and grandiose trashings. The group’s latest single “Welcome to Lizardville” is a festive track that leads listeners up and down the band’s tendencies for funk-punk stylings: one minute you are grooving and moving to an infectious bassline, and the next you are drowning in a gritty pool of cathartic noise-rock. The new track is tailored for crowd-interaction, and one could imagine the song being a flamboyant hit live. Cheap City keeps the big sound going and preserves that maniac jam-band feel that has always characterized the group; the good times keep on rolling. The group will be playing at the 13th Floor Music Lounge in Florence, MA, on October 26th. Stream the new single below. – Rene Cobar
Sneeze’s turbulent genre-fusing record “Fin” delights
We cannot think of a better way to ignite your weekend than by presenting you to a group that blends the best of the ’90s and ’00s at the highest speed possible. Sneeze is pop-punk meets grunge vehemently and in ever-pleasing fashion: the group’s brand new record Fin is filled with fuzzed-out riffs and heavy-handed drum fills that progress quickly toward mosh-inducing power-pop breakdowns. Take tracks like "Not in Service" as prime examples of the group’s ability to switch from rapid punk rhythms into intricate-swelling atmospheric segments that set up more instrumental madness. Just as you think you are catching your breath, the band has another progression too good not to bang your head to a la 2003. Tracks like "A Winter in Barcelona" flirt with nu-metal and showcase the group’s instrumental proficiency and lust for noise. The Boston-based band is revving its engine for November dates throughout the West Coast, which are sure to be a good time. We are streaming the delightfully sinister track "Dark Earth" from the new record below. – Rene Cobar
Amanda McCarthy enchants in new single “I Love Who You Are,” plays Radio Bean tonight!
Amanda McCarthy had already dazzled New England with her full-length record, Road Trip, this past summer. However, all good artists build on their successes, and Amanda is one of them: her brand new single “I Love Who You Are” is out now. The single is splendid folk-pop that is suitable for all moods; its message is of love and perseverance. The snappy snare rhythm, brilliant acoustic melodies, and larger-than-life harmonious choruses are led by McCarthy’s enchanting vocals, driving the message home. The song grows with joy and uplifts spirits in typical McCarthy fashion. If it is the end of 2019 for McCarthy, the single is a rich cadence indeed. The New Hampshire resident will be performing at Radio Bean in Burlington, Vermont, this evening. We are streaming the brand new single for your enjoyment below. – Rene Cobar
Won Ton Death merges past and future in new record “Bean”
Williamstown, Massachusetts’ Won Ton Death is not your typical find: his music is an irresistible and rare merger between past and future. Jake Gagne (Won Ton Death) puts together exotic tracks that are glazed with melancholy and draw from ‘80s dream-pop elements. The songs flash electronic patterns only made possible by today’s sophisticated music-making programs. The production is crisp, but the mood is that of lo-fi intimacy and secluded artistry escaping the bedroom. Bordering on neo-psychedelia, Won Ton’s latest album Bean features exquisite tracks like "Jailbreak at Doubting Castle," a song that is a true carnival of varying drum patterns, swelling atmospheric sounds, and robot-like noises. The fast and furious punk-like ending of the track is just the type of surprises you can expect in Bean. Gagne flirts with dance music in “A Letter from Bean” and reveals his commitment to having a good time in the recording process. Won Ton Death is drawing appeal from all the places he can find it, and that is excellent. Listen to the entrancing track “Dung” streaming below. – Rene Cobar
A Deli Premiere: “In My Mind (We Were Already There)” by Devlin et. al
Sweetly-lathered in alt-soul honey is the indie music of Boston’s Devlin et. al: the group’s latest single “In My Mind (We Were Already There)” is sweetened by the soulful lead vocals of Amanda Lillie, which dance and sway within a brilliant indie rock vortex. The easy-listening experience brews beautifully, releasing slowly hints of the fantastic instrumental breakdown that culminates the track. Amanda, Jasper Park (bass), Andrew Vashchenko (guitar), and Pearse Devlin (drums) are all Tufts University graduates coming together from all corners of the world to create the kind of music you rarely see musicians attempt these days—classy rock. Shimmying from indie rock to indie pop to alt-soul within one track displays the group’s versatility; with the glamour of groups like Alvvays and the edge of bands like The Growlers, Devlin et. al embodies indie in its way and warrants a listen or many. The group’s debut record is set for October 11th, and shows throughout New England will follow. We are thrilled to premiere “In My Mind (We Were Already There)” below. – Rene Cobar
Bay Windows gifts an intimate experience in new record “Dance A Little Closer”
Bedroom pop generally gestates in the mind of the artist in such a way that when upon listening to its soundscapes, the listener becomes engrossed in the same intimacy of its creation. The easy-listening music found in Dylan Jockel’s (Bay Windows) new record Dance A Little Closer is a perfect example of this occurrence: relaxed electric guitar riffs, warm basslines, and reverb-robust vocals all stir within the mind of the listener and elicit memories. In tracks like "Older," those breezy sounds raise the dainty particles of cognizance to produce elation or sadness, whatever you prefer. The Avon, Connecticut artist slows down the minutes with buttery tracks like "On My Way," and thus allows for full immersion into his lo-fi production of tranquil music. In the intimacy of his songs, naturally curious listeners can find whatever they wish, and that is the mark of great bedroom music. The smooth sounds of Bay Windows should be keeping New Englanders warm this fall/winter; we are excited about shows upcoming. You may stream the endorphin-triggering title-track from the new record below. – Rene Cobar
Aaron Noj defies his surroundings in latest single “M.O.T.M.”
We are always digging deep into New England’s talent garden to find rising artists from all corners of the region: we have unearthed a March gem we want to share with you. Derry, New Hampshire’s Aaron Noj released his single "M.O.T.M." with little fanfare and in relative obscurity but its bite should not be ignored as it leaves a lasting mark. Aaron rebels against the tranquility of Derry’s quaint Main Street and the town’s overall serenity with sharp grunge guitar chords that reverberate violently. Aaron’s distant voice is melancholic, angst-fueled, entrancing—grunge music’s preference. The culminating instrumental breakdown is destructive and has a lo-fi sound to it that delivers a cathartic finish. Whatever emotion you are feeling, Aaron’s track will be sure to discover it and animate it. We are looking forward to some show listings from this alternative artist; stream “M.O.T.M.” below. – Rene Cobar
Phantasmosis supplies sweet escapism in new record “Sentimental”
Earlier this month Providence’s Phantasmosis (Sam D’Orazio) released Sentimental, his latest fantastical record. The album supplies the right dose of sweet escapism with psych-surfy ballads like “Heaven/Hell” and power pop tracks like “Green Eyes” offering variety throughout the journey. Phantasmosis lathers each track with intent: if indie-rock is the theme, the guitars will rip; if jazzy elements are in order, the saxophone will produce a buttery smooth solo—there is no subtlety, and that is great. Phantasmosis’ music has the appeal of Beach Boys and the eccentricity of Flaming Lips, he serves that shake in his unique manner, and it is rich. The new release should keep him occupied for the fall, and we are looking forward to new show announcements soon. We are streaming the entrancing track “Do You Feel It???” from the new record below. – Rene Cobar
Amory Sivertson returns to tell her story in new single “Walk in the Woods”
Amory Sivertson’s music draws you in with its soothing elements: bright and supple piano arpeggios at its foundation, uplifting harmonies that dance about, and Amory’s acrobatic lead vocals glowing throughout. The Boston-based singer-songwriter’s latest single “Walk in the Woods” confidently displays all of Sivertson’s strengths as it builds to a grandiose finale that is as cathartic as it is mesmerizing. Amory blends elements of folk and pop music with a distinct class that elevates her sound and gifts listeners luxurious compositions. The artist had been away for some time, with “Walk in the Woods” her first release in eight years, and is now back to tell her journey—the new song a precious fragment of that. We are looking forward to new songs by Amory; in the meantime, we are streaming her new track below. – Rene Cobar