If you need a breather from the tension of 2020 that seems to not let up, we got New Haven’s John Spignesi Band to help you relax for a while with a new EP titled three.. John Spignesi, the talented guitarist and vocalist of the band, has assembled a group of gents that know how to jam, sticky-good: Chris Mitchell provides the ambient keys in each track, Matt Alling some lightning-fast drum fills in “For you” and new bassist Joe Jeffery a growling bass intro in “The Bottom Line.” John Spignesi leads the way, in the way a jam band leader should, with a sense of fun above seriousness in performance, pressing importance in instrumental execution. In soulful rock tracks like “Make It Count,” it is easy to imagine a world connected, in the enjoyment of kind spirits and good stories. For the open road or the afternoon at home, there is three. streaming below. – Rene Cobar, photo by Isa Rose
Waltzer “Eugene”
Waltzer has released their latest single, "Eugene", via Side Hustle Records. The single accompanied by the Wayne and Lulu White directed video below.
This is the band fronted by the incredibly talented Sophie Sputnik with Max Loebman (Lead guitar), Joe Bordenaro (Drums), and Cody Carpenter (Bass). "Eugene" is the band’s third single and second of 2020.
You can catch Waltzer on August 12th at Empty Bottle opening for The Minks.
Jungle Green “Josie’s In The Back of a Pickup Truck”
Jungle Green has managed to record a new single, "Josie’s In The Back of a Pickup Truck”, remotely during quarantine.
The six piece "weido" rock group fronted by Andrew Smith was prepare to begin work on their next album, the follow-up to 2019’s debut album, Runaway With Jungle Green. However, those plans are hold while temporarily like many other things in the world at this time.
Drug Couple bunker down (indoors) on new tracks “No Outside / Alone 2gether”
Droves of New York musicians have sought to create art that makes sense of what’s happening in the city right now, but Brooklyn-based duo Drug Couple have been creating prescient-yet-comforting music since late 2016. Their previous EP Little Hits and the forthcoming Choose Your Own Apocalypse detail the necessity of human intimacy during strange times, with new double B-side No Outside / Alone 2gether continuing in a similar vein. Notably more driven by a percussive groove (“No Outside”) and more prone to darker tones (“Alone 2gether”) than previous efforts, the two songs represent a expansion of Drug Couple’s sound beyond the softer, more downtempo qualities of Little Hits. That said, both tracks hone in on recurring themes of companionship and cautious optimism (or sunny pessimism), embodying the zeitgeist of our increasingly uncertain epoch. Regardless of how you’re quarantining, give it a stream below, and keep an eye out for Drug Couple’s next extended play, out this August.
Spiral Galaxy
Spiral Galaxy recently released their self-titled debut album. This is spaced out Psych music of flautist/painter Sara Gossett and treated guitar/machines manipulator Plastic Crimewave. For this recording they were joined by Makoto Kawabata, Jean-Hervé Péron, Ryley Walker, Alisha Sufit, Hands of Hydra, Taralie Peterson, Will Maclean, Matthew Shaw, Christian Luke Brady, and Jean-Marie Varain.
This project has a unique approach to ’60’s and ’70’s Krautrock with modern elements and explorations hidden through out.
Moontype “The Great Ohio / Not That Easy”
Moontype has released a new single called "The Great Ohio". This is the work of Ben Cruz (guitar, vocals), Margaret McCarthy (bass, vocals), and Emerson Hunton (drums).
The trio also participated in the Attic Salt Records Charity Compilation along Sonny Falls, Geronimo!, and more.
A Deli Premiere: “Back in The Woods” (feat. Tyre$$e X, Genuine & Jdot) by Big Finny
Diversity above all else, production and delivery excellent—that is the motto of Salem, Massachusetts’ Big Finny, and it shows in his new collaborative single “Back in The Woods.” The new 3LTHEGOD x Ran-produced song has Finny’s addictive brand of melody stamped on it, accompanied by a flow for flow performance with Boston area rappers Tyre$$e X, Genuine and Jdot. Arpeggiating piano notes chart the path for each of the artists to tactically deploy their pressing thoughts, stinging and reminding the listener, in rhythm, that New England can be a hot spot for the genre too. Genuine’s Spanish verse adds to the trap beat a hint of reggaeton’s hot commodities; each rapper takes its time on the mic, heating up and transferring that energy to the next performer with fierce intent. “Back in The Woods” is a power move and paid tribute to the New England rap community, performed by a group of young artists on the rise; we are thrilled to premiere “Back in The Woods” below for you. – Rene Cobar
NightFire Offers an Escape on New Single “Cave of Dreams”
As the pandemic persists and continues to pervade our lives with fear and anxiety, the next renaissance of artistry is slowly fomenting. Artists and creatives are leveraging their quarantine as a solitudinous period to make art – to make something.
The pulsating rhythm of NightFire’s new single, “Cave of Dreams,” recalibrates and validates ones senses. NightFire released her new single as the first track of her latest EP, which is scheduled to be released sometime this fall. A self-produced singer, songwriter out of Houston, TX, Nightfire has been gaining momentum with recent music releases that have become to garner attention. The EP itself was produced before life crystalized under quarantine, but her lyrics provide a beacon in this dark, restless time. For some of us during lockdown, it may feel like we are in, “dreams, a cave of dreams.” Energy feels more potent lately, dreams are more vivid, interactions have become more sacred. If anything can happen overnight, NightFire asks ‘Which of your wildest dreams are you bringing into a reality?’
It’s not difficult to lose yourself in the bombinating rhythm of "Cave of Dreams". Sweet like a siren, NightFire sings, “Cast your loving spell now….they can’t find us down here because they don’t know how." It’s in this private cave, which includes the dreams that light you up, that makes you feel most authentic, and allows you to leave behind what no longer serves you. NightFire’s hypnotic voice will protect you as you descend deeper and deeper into your subconscious.
-Mel Green
Without Light “All The Kings Must Burn”
Doom Metal group Without Light recently released a new EP called "All The Kings Must Burn" via Weed Cabinet Records.
This is the quartets follow-up to their 2019 debut album, The Dead Gospels.
Kerrin Connolly soars in new record “Almost”
Kerrin Connolly gives us something sweet to chew on, something excitable to muse over with the release of her fun indie-rock record Almost. The new compilation of tracks by this talented Weymouth, Massachusetts resident is a blast from start to finish: tracks like “It’s a Conspiracy,” and “Planesong” blend ukulele strings with slightly overdriven electric guitar riffs and bop-pop drums for a chill type of entertainment. “Contagious” is true to its namesake: funny, catchy, and almost theatrical in its presentation. The title track features a groovy bassline, slow dance-inducing, and Connolly’s impressive vocal elevations reaching falsettos that soothe ears with their lovely warmth. “Thanks for Playing” is intimate and honest, like the whole record, and that is the charm that Connolly can’t separate from—thank goodness for that. Stream “Contagious” below for a style you won’t soon forget, for an artist destined to be a part of your playlist. – Rene Cobar
Iverson “Purity of Youth”
Iverson has released a new single called "Purity of Youth". This is the first new music from the five-piece Alt-Pop group since their 2017 debut EP "Pink".
This is the work of Alec Watson, Gene Knific, Luc Parcell, Ethan Parcell, and Charles Iverson.
Henry Grant maintains composure on new track “Stay Well (feat. Ryan Wyner)”
You’re likely already acquainted with the psych-laden, occasionally crunchy sound of Henry Grant by way of his previous project Zula, and new single “Stay Well (feat. Ryan Wyner)” shifts Grant’s hazy instrumental approach from driving indie rock towards hazy dream pop. Still present is an off-kilter, DIY approach to instrumentation that gives “Stay Well” a discordant-yet-melodic energy, albeit such sounds are now presented at a chilled pace. Moreover, this steady, dreamlike quality lends itself well to Grant’s lyrics, which detail the quarantine distance, the process of “celebrating lonely sounds” and “laying low till they figure it out.” While certain elements of Grant’s songwriting feel anxious and claustrophobic at times (“formless feelings, melancholy”) the track’s mellow, progressive structure endows a sense of resolve, an ability to maintain cool composure in the center of the storm. Stream it below, and watch Henry Grant’s page for more intrepid synth later this year.