Please Relax, the latest release from Spring Onion, a.k.a. Catherine Dwyer, is an introspective/self-observational bedroom-folk EP. Its concise lyricism combines with simplistic instrumentation to creat easily-absorbed, candidly thoughtful moments. Dwyer enlists the help of fellow BFGS member Santi Slade as well as Carmen Perry (Addie Pray, Sports) for the recordings, which are the right blend of sweet nostalgia and sincerity.
NYC
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CMB set to speckle Great Scott with neon on 4.25
There is something beautifully sinister and dangerous lurking underneath the surface of Casey Desmond’s latest release, Three Licks, under the moniker CMB. The Boston based electronica artist brightens up the reverb drenched scene of her city with oscillating synths and throbbing bass, oozing globs of neon with every beat. However, there is the scintillating threat of something more biting at our heels because the EP is more than just another glossy electronic composition. Bouncing between the glitchy dark ambiance of tracks like "Fade Into Nothing" and the bubbling magnetism of "I Don’t Know," Three Licks is an experimental project replete with raw emotions texturized by Desmond’s electronic production and vocal talents. Delve deeper into Desmond’s rabbit hole and catch her performing at Great Scott on April 25. – Adriana S Ballester
Philadelphia
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New Video: Tripping in the Dark (Modern Baseball Documentary)
Tripping in the Dark is a short documentary that explores Modern Baseball’s formation, and then provides personal insight into the events that shaped their recent past and the making of their forthcoming record Holy Ghost, which will be released on may 13 via Run For Cover Records. After recapping the band’s beginnings, director Kyle Thrash zooms into the heart-hitting, personal struggles of MoBo members Jake Ewald and Brendan Lukens. The death of his grandfather (a person who united his family) proved to be especially difficult, while Lukens experienced deep depression that caused suicidal thoughts and resulted in a diagnosis of bi-polar disorder. Thankfully, both individuals have emerged from those trying times; however, the documentary is a sincere gripping reminder that there is no shame in seeking help during troubled times. (Photo by Allison Newbold)
NYC
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Kate Vargas premieres ‘Second Skin’ + plays Bowery Electric on 04/16
Back in 2014, we shared the enjoyably gritty music from New York-based Americana songwriter Kate Vargas. Today, the New Mexico-hailing, Berklee College of Music graduate premieres on this very blog her latest single, “Second Skin” (streaming below). Featuring The Reckless Daughters and ambling to a guitar-lined looseness reminiscent of Tom Waits’ swampy gem “Clap Hands,” the bluesy track is as ruggedly resilient as its title suggests, climbing back up from down-home hardache. Don’t miss Kate at The Bowery Electric on 4/16. – Zach Weg Photograph by: Wick Beavers
San Francisco
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Premiere: Talkie – Songs From the Hablas (Acoustic) + Play Great America Music Hall – 4/8
It is always a pleasure to premiere new music. Today we are happy to share an acoustic version of the San Francisco based band, Talkie´s EP, Songs From the Hablas. Enjoy this well produced, acoustic album and make sure you check them out live at Great American Music Hall on April 8th with Sunrunners, Meet Me in Orbit and St. Ranger!
"Shortly after releasing Hablas, we were invited to play at Super Bowl City. We showed up, and there wasn’t much room, nor enough juice to power all the amps. We ended up playing the set acoustically and realized it sounded rather good. A few days later, we tracked our favorites in the studio. Bang." – Talkie
Philadelphia
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New Video: Kids Interview Bands – Kurt Vile
Check out Kurt Vile getting totally awkward during his tough interview session with Piper from Kids Interview Bands! The Q&A took place on Kurt’s tour bus before his show on April 2, 2016 at the Newport Music Hall in Columbus, OH. Is it more awkward than Matablog’s April Fools’ Day Kurt Vile GQ cover (above)? You tell us.
NYC
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New Brooklyn indie-pop act Yoke Lore shares music video for ‘Heavy Love’
A little over a month ago, new Brooklyn indie-pop act Yoke Lore made a humbly audacious introduction with the soaring song “Heavy Love” off its forthcoming debut EP ‘Far Shore.’ Now, project creator Adrian Galvin conveys the song’s helplessly twitching heart with a disturbingly compelling, accompanying music video (streaming below). Showing a still-faced young man alternately standing in and dancing through a bare white room, images of him and his past lover cutting through his mind, the clip is as hauntingly vital a portrait of post-romance ennui as can be expected from the warmly cerebral Galvin. While Yoke Lore doesn’t seem to have forthcoming shows listed, keep posted on the project’s Facebook page. – Zach Weg
Austin
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Watch Rikroshi’s Melancholic and Symbolism-Heavy Video for “Drug Lords”
Rikroshi is a band that seems like they get more polished in an exponential way with every new thing they put out. Recently that has included their full self-titled album that we previewed at The Deli last October, and which was fully released in early February, as well as a gripping new video for track "Drug Lords" from that release.
We’ve got the latter here for you today, and it is damn well-made. "Drug Lords" is heavily impressionistic and full of almost-grim symbolism that’s yet somehow darkly comforting. Concentric collapsing circles, shots of weathered statues and religious symbols, and a triptych of the same image of the sun’s strangely muted body sitting over the ocean (that coincides with the dramatic climbing piano climax of "Drug Lords") couple with a semi-transparent image of Bjork-influenced singer Tessa Bennetch that has her face mostly out of frame and looking away from camera as she sings, all of which is masterfully cut together for a video that combines with its song in a ideal and fitting way.
"Drug Lords" is the rare music video that takes an already-good song and amplifies its aesthetic, making it feel like this is the true version of the piece, it adds that much to it. Give it a watch below, and let it envelop you in its mood and symbols, and head over to Rikroshi’s Bandcamp for more from this strong album.
Chicago
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Kevin and Hell
Grandpa Bay Records have released two remastered albums from Kevin and Hell including his self-titled 2015 release and Kevin and Hell Plays Jazz.
Philadelphia
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Have a Really Good Time w/Sad Sacks Wild Jim Banfill & His Rolling Rocks at Bourbon & Branch April 4
Wild Jim Banfill & His Rolling Rocks simply sound like they are having a really good time being sad sacks. Whether its the spirit of Ween‘s classic 12 Golden Country Greats found in their latest single "If This Ol’ Dick Stretched To Nashville" or the pining away for Rashida Jones (which I totally get) in "Rashida Jones-Banfill," the new project from The Tough Shits‘ Mark Banfill tickles the funny bone through well-crafted garage-pop/counrty-soul ditties. Grabbin’ a few beers, and kickin’ it with Banfill and the gang is definitely your best local music alternative to watching the NCAA Championship tonight. (Yasss – it’s almost over!) They’ll also be joined by Philly’s own Miami Sludge and Maria & The Moans, as well as San Francisco producer Al Lover. Bourbon & Branch, 705 N. 2nd St., 8:30pm, $10, 21+ – Alexis V.
Philadelphia
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Krust Toons: “Important Grown Up Stuff” by Teddy Hazard
Krust Toons: "Important Grown Up Stuff" 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.
Philadelphia
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New Track: “Burning Too” – Pinkwash
“Burning Too” is the latest track released from Collective Sigh, Pinkwash’s debut album. The song broods under the heavy control of the revving anticipation, created by Ashley Arnwine’s steady smashing percussion as Joey Doubek’s riffs slice in on the action while his vocals thrust forward with the anguish of immediacy. The keys add an eerie note as Pinkwash’s all-in sound surrounds you. Collective Sigh will be released on May 13 via Don Giovanni Records.