Uncertainty permeates “Certain Thoughts,” the latest single by NYC indie pop trio Deep Sea Peach Tree, interspersed among jangling, treble-friendly guitars and an unperturbed vocal performance by frontman Kristof Denis. Amidst lyrics detailing how “some things never change,” Deap Sea Peach Tree play on, their bright, upbeat sound counteracting the song’s meandering narrative. In the same sense that Denis’s lyricism seems to accept the cards as they fall, that despite how he may “look for answers, [they] never appear,” the band seems happy to play on, embedding “Certain Thoughts” with a certain sunny optimism and a compartmentalized worldview; listen below, and catch Deep Sea Peach Tree at Our Wicked Lady on December 7th, alongside QWAM, the Down & Outs, and Lackadazies, presented by Bloodless Management. —Connor Beckett McInerney
Jam FLEXÏ’s varied noisy debut “EP I,” plays Our Wicked Lady 12.4
Post-punk outfit FLEXÏ’s debut effort EP I is a scorching affair, marked by aggressive deadpan vocal performances, acid-washed guitars, and a seemingly unstoppable momentum. Starting on a stuttering, syncopated invocation of the trio’s proclivity for asynchronous instrumental lines and a screaming vox (“Post Synapse”) and concluding with tactile, nearly spoken word trudge on closer “No Sense in Reason,” FLEXÏ explore a range of noise throughout the extended play’s six tracks, never letting their sound get stale. Listen below, and catch them on December 4th at Our Wicked Lady, supporting BRNDA, Fat Heaven, and Dougie Poole. Photo by Joe Saturday (via Instagram)
JackLNDN Brings Infectious House Set to Empire Control
Young and ambitious, JackLNDN has a wizard-like ability to transform a room. The native Londoner has been playing sets and creating music at a breakneck pace that even his more experienced peers cannot keep up with. While Indiana-based rapper, Freddie Gibbs, performed through a cloud of smoke at Empire’s outdoor stage, JackLNDN invited an understated yet dedicated crowd to his set on the indoor stage.
Local opening DJ, Ben///Jester, deftly set the mood for the crowd with samples and remixes of tracks by Bob Moses, Parcels and Bonobo. The youthful DJ orchestrated a dance party with assiduous attention to detail and endeared the crowd to his upbeat vibe by curating a gentle ebb and flow of danceable tracks.
While the DJ openers made sure to limber up the Austin crowd, it was JackLNDN who would prove to be the tipping point in making Saturday a memorable night. While JackLNDN’s bedrock is firmly rooted in house music, he switches the lenses of which his music flows from pop to jazz to progressive. Sliding through hits like “All I See”, “The Feels” and “Never Get Enough” – he kept his audience on his hook with an incessant barrage of grooved-out chord progressions.
Playing late into Saturday night, JackLNDN showcased an incredible voice and a sharp skillset of playing keys while simultaneously mixing his own music. An entertaining light show with intricate visuals only added to the lounge atmosphere that continued a slow burn of sexuality throughout the night. While many in the audience were in constant movement for over 3 hours straight, the mollifying effect of the music unburdened the crowd for a cathartic release.
-Lee Ackerley
Bernie & The Wolf “Willingly”
Bernie & The Wolf have released a new single called “Willingly”. This is the second single from the duo since the release of their debut album, Catch Some, back in 2017. This is the first single from their forthcoming LP, Haughty Banter.
This is the indie rock of Bernadette Conant (Guitar & Vocals) and Erik Lobo (Drums & Bass). They are currently on Part one of a four part, four month tour to celebrate the release of their album.
Of The Trees explores a feral-chill complex in new single “Honeydust” ft. Kala
Where can you find an artist producing refined, potent, and intoxicating dubstep? One may say Las Vegas, NV, before Portland, ME, but one should reconsider. Portland’s Of The Trees recently released an exotic-rhythmic electronic track honeyed with ambient-distorted noises that evolve the beat into an experience. “Honeydust” ft. Kala is both chill and feral at once with its bossa nova tinge and reggae whispers: a sonic jaguar just waking up. It is refreshing to see this genre blossoming among the vast greens of Portland, Maine, and we can thank Of The Trees for that. Of The Trees, known to some as Tyler Coombs, is touring the United States at the moment, and hyping up his fans for the release of his EP, Tanglewood, December 12th. Stream “Honeydust” ft. Kala below and enjoy that Cowboy Bebop sample at the end of the track because we sure did. – Rene Cobar, photo by Maya Tihtiyas
Wildcat “Western”
Wildcat has released their debut album, Western. The first single, “Avalon”, appeared over a year ago which placed is album on our eagerly awaited list for quite some time.
The is the horn-filled rock of Tom Reeder (Guitar, Vox), Alex Kisiel (Bass), Steve Watson (Drums), Mike Musto (Trombone), and Stevan Vasich (Trumpet).
You can catch Wildcat on December 14th at Uncommon Ground on Clark with Trevor Lach and AJ Dirker.
Jake Germain “Heart In 2”
Jake Germain recently released his latest single, “Heart In 2” via the local label Palettes. The Indie Pop artist has has taken big strides in 2019 and this single, his 7th of the year, is the perfect way to close it out.
Patio’s “Essentials” is essential post-punk listening, play Le Poisson Rouge 12.13
Brooklyn post-punk trio Patio’s debut LP Essentials is an engaging, introspective, and darkly humorous listen. From the sinister bass and spoken-word vocals of opener “Split,” to the self-effacing lyrics of “Boy Scout,” and concluding with an evenhanded examination of the present (and future) on “Legacy Continued,” Patio demonstrate a penchant for idiosyncratic songwriting and energetic, guitar-driven instrumentality. The band’s ability to reconcile the often-discordant nature of their playing with the intensely honest (but hopefully optimistic) lyricism makes Essentials a good album for those craving a down-to-earth, no bullshit rock record. Listen below, and see Patio live on December 13th at Le Poisson Rouge alongside Pile and Gabby’s World.
Stream Blush FM’s minimalistic pop on “Project A,” plays Mercury Lounge 12.5
“Pop-adjacent” artist Blush FM’s newest EP Project A is a sparse, at times haunting affair, replete with moody, minimalistic synths and a powerful central vocal performance. It’s the type of release that exudes confidence, one that highlights Blush’s dramatic vox against quietly brooding synthetic swells; the most high-key element of the Project A’s five songs would be a tactile-but-understated 808 that propels the tracks forward, and the occasional hair-raising resonance-heavy synth, which lend additional drama and intrigue the project’s overall sound. Fans of artists like FKA Twigs and SHAED will feel right at home with this extended play; stream single "Move" below, and catch Blush FM at Mercury Lounge on December 5th.
With “Change,” Thom Sawyr asks for empathy over gritty, fiery Americana
On his new single, "Change," singer-songwriter Tasso Smith is mad as hell about the current state of affairs. More specifically: medical industry D.C. lobbyists and the dehumanization that humans are imposed upon due to greed and corporate interest. It’s a complex issue that Smith, who goes by the moniker Thom Sawyr, addresses with poignant simplicity over an alternative meets Americana-styled production. "We’ve been lost for so long/How much before we break and hurt someone," Smith questions, offering an anthemic plea that urges for just a little bit more compassion.
"Change" follows Smith’s debut single "Wishing on the Wind," both of which he’ll feature on a still-unannounced EP. For more information on touring dates, including a December date he’s yet to reveal, visit his official website. – Juan Rodríguez
Dog Petter’s “Sucktitude” video is a Tolkien-esque odyssey
New York indie rock duo Dog Petter bill their new video “Sucktitutde” as “what Lord of the Rings would look like if it cost $20 to make,” although one could argue it looks a bit like a poor man’s Skyrim. Soundtracked by noodling guitar lines and predominantly soft vocals, band members Emmitt and Brian embark on an epic voyage through Middle Earth (or the woods of New Jersey), leveling up their stats and befriending a God-like dog along the way. Humorous visuals aside, Dog Petter’s sound is somewhere between the muted repose of bands like Duster and The Antlers and the emotionally explosive elements of northeast emo outfits like Snowing, finding a happy medium between the quiet and cacophonous; watch the video below, and stream their most recent effort Asleep in the Heat here. —Connor Beckett McInerney
Cherry Hooker – Glam Punks Rockin’ The Powder Box Release Party at Bovine 11.30
Fuzzed and Buzzed is releasing a new box set of 7” singles including Toronto glam-punks Cherry Hooker. They have a high energy sound with crunchy guitars and wild vocals. You can see their jaw dropping, dazzling performance at the Bovine Sex Club on Saturday November 30th when they release a brand new track “City Sidewalkin” at The Powder Box Release Party along with Head and Witchrot. Get a feel for their sound with a previously released single “Puddle Deep”. – Kris Gies