Mixing a health dose of early 00s alternative and riot grrrl energy (with a raucous electronic bent), Brooklyn’s New Myths return with new track “Bad Connection,” a scorching, take-no-prisoners ride. Lyrically marked by free associative imagery that evokes the general restlessness at the track’s core (descriptions of television static and disease abound), Bad Myths instrumentally charge forward, offsetting their often grunge-y subject matter with sunburnt power chords, dynamic vocal gymnastics, and pervasive synth arpeggios. Such contrast allows the band to truly hone their strengths, primarily their ability to create rock that’s both crusty and glitzy, channeling a punk subject matter in a way that’s more polished than most (while maintaining that indefatigable spirit). Recommended for fans of groups like Sleater Kinney and the B-52s, stream the single below, and keep an eye out for the group’s forthcoming EP “All the Shiny Things” out later this year. Original photo by Andrew Segreti
Ana Everling “Ecoul (The Echo)”
Moldova born, Chicago-based Jazz Vocalist Ana Everling has been using the quarantine as an opportunity to go back to her childhood and record aseries of Moldovan children songs. These are home recordings that Ana has done perhaps for her own comfort, but also to bring comfort to those who listen. The latest song, the fifth she has released, is called "Ecoul (The Echo)", and was written by Ion Macovei and Grigore Vieru. The song is forty seconds of beautiful call and response, and hopefully bring a smile to any listener this morning.
You can hopefully catch Ana Everling at Jazz Showcase (806 S. Plymouth Ct.) on May 26th.
Ashley Stevenson “Freedom”
Ashley Stevenson (aka Slim Freedom) has been a staple of the subways tunnels of our city for the last seven years given a term troubadour a whole new meaning. She caught the eye of many a few years ago when her cover of "Landslide" went viral. She has a strength and a passion in her voice that is truly undeniable. Her debut album was released last week and is called "Freedom".
Allegra Krieger wistfully shuffles onwards on new single “The Push and the Pull”
“No matter where you go you will still feel the same,” croons Brooklyn-based songwriter Allegra Krieger on new single “The Push and the Pull,” a prescient line for a young artist, but one that evokes the century long folk tradition of charting the human condition through emotive, guitar-forward music. Paired with a downtempo shuffle and a winding vocal performance, Krieger unravels a tale of romantic discord, her narrative accented by the odd acoustic arpeggio or electric noodling — such sparse-yet-noticeable instrumentation maintains the track’s forward momentum, without detracting from its central voice. Moreover, this balanced interplay between instrument and voice imparts an atmosphere of Americana, which paired with Krieger’s wistful, bittersweet lyricism evokes comparisons to the crafts of indie folk performers such as Adrianne Lenker and Jason Molina — give it a listen below, via Northern Spy Records. Photo by Liz Maney
Bottomed “We Sit in Silence as Our World Decays”
Bottomed has released a new experimental ambient piece called "We Sit in Silence as Our World Decays". This is clearly a creation of isolation we all find ourselves in, and Bottomed has found a touch of beauty in that maddness.
This is a solo project of Nicholas Dellacroce of the instrumental doom metal group Bongriper. He did have some help on the creation of the underlying loop of this track from his quarantine partner Caroline Krol.
Blood Surge Forward with Debut EP
As the world moves closer and closer to chaos and disarray, Blood’s new EP entitled Why Wait Till ‘55, We Might Not Even Be Alive has the energy to match it. The group meanders through genres as a bundle of nomads looking for the brighter future that they know exist. From dense permeating tension to bare-bone melodic release to swift electric motion, the band seems to drive forward as one entity. Blood strikes the equilibrium between the harsh distortion of a rock band and the glistening horns and dynamics of a big jazz band, tranquil 7th chords and exploding drums, and the poetically vulnerable lyrics of a seasoned folk songwriter and the manic screaming delivery of a post-punk ruffian.
Recorded by Erik Wofford at Cacophony Recorders, the four track EP opens with “Intro”, which is not only the perfect preface to the EP, but to the band as a whole. It’s a slow-building descent into madness with layered, unravelling instrumentation paired with cryptic, culturally relevant lyrics reflecting criticisms of masculinity and class struggle. Tracks two and three each display one half of the group’s aptly self-described genre of “jazz-punk”, “Primitive Priest” being the high energy punk and “Genesis” being the more laid back jazz. The closer “Progeny of the Agency” is the longest track and only leaves the listener wanting more.
The band originated from frontman Tim O’Brien, who fairly quickly was able to amass his team of cohorts. The current lineup consists of bassist Nino Soberon, drummer Tyler Wolff, trumpeter Zach Malett, keyboardist Caleb Parker, guitarist brothers Ben and Julian McCamman-McGinnis, and O’Brien on lead vocals. After a couple of years of local shows, an east coast tour, and opening for some of punk’s biggest names, Blood’s debut surges forward, maintaining their position as one of Austin’s coolest bands.
-Hayden Steckel
The Hashassins deliver dreamy hip-hop in new EP “moments”
Westfield, Massachusetts’ The Hashassins are hot, well-season, and served up to you in abundance: the hip-hop duo’s new EP moments is a satisfying track-for-track delight. The songs are focused on the essentials, fleshed out lyrically, and allowing for their laid-back beats to infect with intent. Take “yayha,” the EP’s opening track, as an example of the back and forth dribble that William Wallace and Sincere create, delivering eventually a flow that is relaxed but serious, and a sense of vibrant production throughout. The synths that swell and gravitate in “fade away” create an ambiance, soft and delicate, that once again allows the verses to pierce right through it. The Hashassins spill reflections in “something to feel” and let their layered hooks, sung in a thick reverb haze, capture your imagination. The new album is a short but delightful trance, a treat for the avid listener; stream the upbeat, 2003-flavored “thru this all” below. – Rene Cobar
Rosie Tucker releases video for fan-favorite cover of Jeffrey Lewis’s “Arrow”
You who have followed the LA indie scene over the past couple of years have certainly followed the rise of Rosie Tucker. Earlier this year, she released her single "Brand New Beast", the follow-up to the "Ambrosia" single and her breakout LP Never Not Never Not Never Not. At her most recent shows, Tucker’s also rocked out with a cover of Jeffrey Lewis’s "Arrow", which has become a fan favorite. With so many people asking for an official release of the song, Tucker has put out a video for it, hoping that those whose dreams of hearing it live this year will have something to tide them over until shows begin sometime in the hopefully not-too-distant future. Watch the video for Rosie Tucker’s rendition of "Arrow" below. – Will Sisskind
Tasha “But There’s Still The Moon”
Tasha has released a new single called "But There’s Still The Moon". This is the folk-tinged, R&B singer’s first single since the release of her acclaimed 2018 debut album Alone at Last.
You can catch Tasha opening for Dirty Projectors on June 3rd at Thalia Hall.
The Hÿss “Extraterrestrial”
The Hÿss have release a new album called "Extraterrestrial". The album’s lead single is the title track and opening track and it is a scorcher!
The is the Doom Metal of Dave Fitzgerald (guitar/vocals), Pat Kennedy (guitar/mandolin/vocals), Matt McDonald (vocals), Mike Scales (drums), and Bill Sullivan (bass).
Mock Nine “Adding Up To Nothing”
Mock Nine has released a new single called "Adding Up To Nothing". This is the band’s first new music of 2020 and a follow-up to their 2019 album, Stories From That Night You Can’t Remember.
Mock Nine will be performing this Friday, April 24th, at 6pm as part of Taco Chicago’s Virtual Music Festival. The festival will also be featuring Mom Dog, Bailey Minzenberger, Free Range and many more. It all kicks off tonight, April 20th with Onceiwasyoung at 5pm.