Toronto

The Rickaneers – Stoner Track “The Dancer” from latest EP!

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Toronto rockers The Rickaneers have released a brand new EP “Leave it All on the Floor” which is an aptly named title seeing as how this record was recorded live off the floor onto reel-to-reel tape. One standout track on the album is “The Dancer”.  This tune has a rippin’ stoner rock riff and hollering vocals. The sustaining lead guitar licks give the track a great desert feel. The lyrical content also touched on the relatable topic of whether or not to pursue a greater goal in our lives or stick with what is in front of us. Next gig for The Rickaneers is at Junction City Music Hall on February 22nd with The Manvils, Babyshades and The Sarandons. – Kris Gies

L.A.

New EP from draag drops in February; watch video for new single “Ghost Leak”

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Indie shoegaze quartet draag announced today that their second EP, Clara Luz, will drop on February 21. The first single from that EP, "Ghost Leak", is already out, along with its music video. As on draag’s debut EP, 2018’s Nontoxic Process, "Ghost Leak" provides a patois of shoegaze trippiness that takes inspiration from Boards of Canada and My Bloody Valentine. Producing "Ghost Leak" and the rest of Clara Luz came with a glut of trauma for the band; the EP explores processing such trauma, dealing with the scary parts of it, and discovering how it can become empowering. Take a look at the video for "Ghost Leak" below, and discover the rest of Clara Luz for yourself when it comes out in February. – Will Sisskind

New England

Sargasso debuts retro-escapist self-titled record

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Connecticut, and New England, for that matter, never stops surprising with its rich crop of talented artists. New Haven’s Sargasso is a collective that dips its indie rock in sugary electro-R&B for a sound so dreamy-seductive sweet. The group’s self-titled EP opens with brilliantly soft electric guitar strings and a stout bassline that transport one to a world desired, one of serene indie rock. “One Enemy” with its sustained synth notes and relaxed vocals, is more than an opener, it is a solid statement by a group defining its signature sound. The record’s second track, “Secret Compartment,” expands on the band’s strengths as it delivers rich vocal harmonies that melt to a hot groove, irresistible and soothing. Songs like “Lifetime” surrender to both Strokes-y guitar riffs and blossoming synth melodies with a retro glaze. The record flirts with escapist themes, and it is that tease with complete dreaminess that makes the album such a treat. Listen to the ‘70s space flick intro of “Secret Compartment” from the new record streaming below. – Rene Cobar, photo by Xinyuan Chen  

Toronto

Little Misty – Prog-Folk Band Latest Single “Keeper”

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Little Misty are a progressive folk band based in Montreal. Their latest single “Keeper” is a slow rollin’ folk tune equipped with a dark feel and some jazz influences. The inspiration for the track comes from the events of a sleepless night for singer Kathryn while caring for an ill, new born child. The self-titled album was recorded this past spring in Montreal at Mixart Studios with Joe Grass in the producer chair and will be available on Valentine’s Day 2020. – Kris Gies

L.A.

Wyatt Blair releases new power-pop EP “For The First Time”

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Though Wyatt Blair‘s new EP For The First Time has come out just weeks before the start of a new decade, it has a power pop sound which smacks heavily of sound from decades long since passed. A track like "Boys Night Out" has a touch of Springsteen with a guitar riff that sounds like "Rosalita" and pounding toms from "Candy’s Room". "Cherry Rose" has hints of Pat Benatar and Ratt in its cross between glam metal and early Eighties new wave. And "Fear To Fight" picks up the speed with a bit of proto-punk from bands like The Cars. Even though Blair takes a lot from the music of the previous generation, there’s plenty on For The First Time to please listeners in the generations of today. Take a listen to "Boys Night Out" below. – Will Sisskind

NYC

Submit your band to Our Wicked Lady’s Winter Madness 2020

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Yes, yes, we’re all very well aware that "industry plants," clout chasing, successful exploitation of Spotify’s recommended artists algorithm and just being good and online will likely be greater determinants of a band’s success in 2020 (as they were in 2019 and 2018 and so on), but there’s something classic about a good, old fashioned battle of the bands, the closest thing resembling a bloodsport in the New York music scene. This dynamic is why you should attend, support, or (if you’re a musician) submit to Our Wicked Lady’s forthcoming b.o.t.b., Winter Madness 2020. Over the course of each Friday and Saturday in February, 16 bands will duke it out, competing for a top prize of $5,000, a ten hour recording session at Hive Mind, and a performance spot at Our Wicked Lady’s unofficial SXSW showcase. High stakes and local music make this a must-attend event — check the details here if you’re planning on going, badger your friends in bands to submit their music before the December 25th deadline, and keep an eye out for the lineup’s announcement on January 2nd. 

L.A.

Bay Ledges drops warm new single “Dive”

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On the cusp of the new year, the temperature’s starting to drop, but indie pop music maker Bay Ledges (a.k.a Zach Hurd) is here to warm things up with his new single "Dive". The theme of the track seems straightforward, evoking images of the ocean at sunset with waves of stripped-down but lush sound. Even though the year’s almost done, "Dive" marks Hurd’s first release in 2019, following a whopping four singles last year. Hurd has more songs in the works for next year, but for right now, take a listen to "Dive" below. – Will Sisskind

New England

A Deli Premiere: “Jimmy Rover” by Fire in the Field

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For listeners familiar with Fire in the Field’s funky and upbeat style, a sonic treat awaits, surprisingly tame but deeply wild. “Jimmy Rover” showcases the band’s appreciation for the slow-cooking nature of the blues as it lets its normally dance-inducing guitar riffs build slowly, ripping on occasion to smooth vocals from lead singer Mike Moore who is committed to storytelling. As the guitar solos shred, at high-voltage, one is reminded of the band’s old-school passion and youthful energy: Fire in the Field has a strong essence of classic rock. During the song’s final breakdown, the bass and drums lock-in even in their euphoric state to complement the song, which echoes the beauty and grit of Chicago blues. Recorded, engineered, mixed, and mastered by Jay Frigoletto at Oak Hill Music in Brookline, NH, this latest single by the band offers something wholly different from its usual style, but remains a track that fits perfectly into the band’s archives. We are thrilled to premiere “Jimmy Rover” for you below; catch Fire in the Field at Bishop’s Lounge in Northampton, MA, on Dec 14th. – Rene Cobar

Chicago

Glass Noose “Wasting My Breath”

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Glass Noose has released the first single, “Wasting My Breath”, from their forthcoming album, No More Dignity. The album is set to drop on the last day of the decade, and is the work of Tristian Zemtseff, Aaryanna Renee and Stoop Kiid.

You can catch Glass Noose on December 18th at Uncommon Ground Lake view and on January 24th at Silvie’s Lounge with HeetDeth, Bussy Kween Power Trip, and Future Trash.

NYC

Childish Japes, Maitri, Michael Wingate play The Revolution Vol. 45 on 12.19

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Another month means another iteration of National Sawdust’s The Revolution. Closing out the year (as well as the decade), this Thursday’s Vol. 45 continues the series’ longstanding effort to spotlight local musicians across the genre spectrum and will feature performances by the artists Childish Japes, Maitri, and Michael Wingate.

While The Revolution’s strengths have always laid in the diversity of sound brought out to Brooklyn each month, there’s a consistent groove that permeates the sounds of this week’s three performers. For example, Brooklyn nu-funk duo Maitri’s electro-heavy, polyrhythmic jams, are matched in vibe by the soulful indie rock of Childish Japes, both inhabiting similar spaces albeit producing their tunes via synthetic keys or an electric guitar (respectively).

Likewise, Michael Wingate will contribute to the evening’s atmosphere with his own brand of rhythm and blues. Cop your tickets here and get your dancing shoes ready for Thursday.

NYC

Pale Lights’ “Golden Times” is a pleasantly vintage romp, play Union Pool 12.14

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Brooklyn five piece Pale Lights have been a quiet force in the New York music scene over the last decade; following the reissue of their sophomore LP The Stars Seemed Bright earlier in 2019, the band also contributed the joyful twee romp “Golden Times” to Fadeawayradiate Record’s sunshine/psychpop comp F.A.R. OUT last month. A sunny, 60s-influenced tune, “Golden Times” immediately evokes nostalgia in both its lyrics and sound, carrying an energy somewhere between a television variety show and contemporary jangle pop outfits. Underscored by melodic guitar melodies, relaxed baritone vocals, and a swirling organ backbone, the track shows that Pale Lights’ golden times are not foregone, but perhaps still to come. Stream it below, and catch Pale Lights at Union Pool on December 14th, playing in Slumberland Records 30th Anniversary party. —Connor Beckett McInerney