Hushed, seductive vocals coast along the sonic streets lined with percussion and keys in Work Drugs‘s new single, “Roll”. The sensual beacon of saxophone guides with its weaving, smooth sound as the song’s mysterious-night aesthetic fits neatly into the recently warmer climate. Work Drugs will be performing next in Philly on Saturday, June 11 at Boot & Saddle with Church Girls.

It’s been nearly six years since we’ve heard any new music from local metal keytar maestro Matt Garfield, a.k.a. Mose Giganticus. Well, Garfield is back (on drums), and has teamed up with Red Planet producer Joe Smiley (on guitar). Check out the duo’s beautifully lit music video for "We Are One"! Directed by Christopher Kayfield and Garfield, the heavy post-rock track is the follow-up to 2010’s Gift Horse (which was released via Relapse Records), and is the first from the band’s new ongoing digital Singles Series.

Hot Tears, the combination of Molly Fischer (vocals, drums, guitar, bells) and Erica Freas (cello), has a new 7" coming out on vinyl via Olympia, WA indie label Rumbletown Records. It will also be accompanied by a booklet of art and writing collaborations created over the years with family and friends. Hot Tears is currently on tour in Europe, but you can listen to and download the duo’s epic-sounding new tracks, "Like Sand" (featuring Takiaya Reed on soprano sax) and "Stronger Lady," below. 

Clique just premiered their sophomore album Burden Piece at Stereogum. The LP officially comes out on May 27 via Boston indie label Topshelf Records. It was recorded at Headroom Philly and features backing vocals from Philly singer-songwriter Shannen Moser. (Photo by Sabrina Jacot)

Vanillalord have something to celebrate this evening at Everybody Hits with the release of their new record Macro Plaque PAC. It’s their first via Boiled Records, and the band crosses over into an alternative universe, as keys, bass, and percussion dictates a playfully intense, search-party sound. Commanding baritone vocals reign from the front as tightly spun post-punk wheels drive ahead, cruising with purpose. That focus captures glances of newly exposed alien lifeforms that inhabit the area, while danger potentially lies around any corner; discovery is at the controls. Tonight, the firing-on-all-cylinders sound of Sheer Mag, whose infectious, garage-hardened grit merges slick guitar licks, a relentless backend thrust, and vocals that tear right through the center, will be joining them. Meanwhile, Mike Polizze (of Purling Hiss) will lock you into a fuzzed-out, psych-pop spectrum, punctuated by flexing guitar muscle. With a smacking immediacy, Memphis punks Ex-Cult complete this lineup. Everybody Hits, 529 W. Girard Ave., 8pm, $10, All Ages – Michael Colavita

Experimental, lo-fi outfit Old Maybe premiered a new single, titled "The Shuffle," over at The Le Sigh yesterday. It is off the trio’s forthcoming album, Oblio, which will be available via Apollonia Sound on May 27, and the band is celebrating its arrival the following evening at Space 1026 with Cloud Becomes Your Hand, Hermit Thrushes, and Jepeto Solutions. Below is a bit of insight shared by the group regarding its latest track. 

"’The Shuffle’ is a reflection on my experience in the Philadelphia DIY music scene. I wrote it as a response to unfair perceptions and judgements, battling with depression and an eating disorder after falling in love with a narcissist, and struggling for acceptance in spaces led by white, small-bodied, wealthy and privileged ‘musicians’ and ‘artists.’ It’s about heartbreak and remembering the beautiful parts of abusive relationships. It’s about being routinely ignored, tokenized, and used by men. ‘The Shuffle’ is a dance."

A texturally diverse, folksy, psych-pop sound characterizes Success Party, the latest release from RUGS. A melding of loose, enthusiastic, harmony-flavored tones juxtaposed by moments of minor, somewhat chaotic-disjointed noise creates a perplexing marriage. You’ll want to spin this through a few times.

Drawing Down The Moon, the debut EP from Cynthia Ann Schemmer’s (Radiator Hospital) musical vehicle known as Swanning, won’t be officially released via Salinas Records until this Friday, May 27; however, it’s streaming over at Stereogum. So, the wait is over. On first listen, the album has an ever-evolving, jagged, melodic intimacy. Catch Swanning’s record release show on Tuesday, May 31 at PhilaMOCA with Allison Crutchfield, Littler, and Empath.

Below is a lovely new single from Little Strike, a.k.a. Tamar Dart, called "Come Out Alright." "Back in the states after a year of work and travel in China, I received an email from a close friend revealing that he had been doing heroin, and that I was the only person that he chose to tell… The chorus is directly taken from the email I received. He’s better now, not fighting alone." Dart will be performing next in Philly on Saturday, June 4 as part of the Sundrop Music Fest.

Krust Toons: "Plug What In?" by Teddy Hazard – please feel free to drop him a line at teddandthehazards@gmail.com if you dig or have any funny ideas. You can also check out more of his illustrations and animation shorts HERE.

Mumblr recently shared a new single, "Three Leg Dog," off their forthcoming record The Never Ending Get Down. The tune is also accompanied by a music video that was directed by the band’s bassist Sean Reilly. The album is due out on June 10 via Fleeting Youth Records, and the group will be hosting a release party the following evening, Saturday, June 11 at PhilaMOCA with Mannequin Pussy and Amanda X.