Contour is an alt-hard rock band from the GTA. Throwin’ it back to early 2000s rock bands such as Alexisonfire, Billy Talent, Radiohead and Manchester Orchestra. Their recent single “Above You” has a quiet/loud dynamic that’ll take you up and down with the track so you understand the varying moods being displayed. This is their first track to be released after a 6 year hiatus so expect more tunes and show announcements from Contour soon! – Kris Gies
Wilder Maker flout songwriting traditions on “Infinite Shift / Black Wood Shrine”
NYC alternative group Wilder Maker occupy the liminal space between singer-songwriter and experimental pop, with new EP Infinite Shift / Black Wood Shrine a nice, bow-ribboned encapsulation of their penchant for ear worm songwriting and eclectic experimentation. A-side “Infinite Shift” was built around a “teenage sense of yearning,” its source material surrounding the experience of being drunk in New York City; as such, its upbeat melodic guitar arpeggios and understated percussive backbone give the track a sense of youthful forward movement, offset by the rambling, sometimes gritty vox of singer Gabriel Birnbaum. Likewise, b-side “Black Wood Shrine” lets Birnbaum’s songwriting play centerstage, his vocals modulated by guitar pedals and effects alongside a solitary electric guitar in a contemporary spin on the solo songwriter coffeehouse performance. Both tracks demonstrate Wilder Maker’s understanding of the tropes and expectations of indie pop music, while showing their desire to flout tradition and carve out a space for themselves—making them recommended listening for fans of sounds both old and new. Stream them below. -Connor Beckett McInerney
Engine Summer “Carol’s Dead”
Engine Summer has released a new single called “Carol’s Dead”. This is the first single off of their upcoming EP, Back-Street Boys, which they will release this December.
You can catch Engine Summer at Sleeping Village on November 13th with Stuyedeyed and Strange Foliage.
Rock out at ACL 2019 w/ these 5 Bands!
The ACL 2019 acts will get your blood pumping and satiate that deep need for visceral rock.
Idles
October 6 & 13 2PM @ Honda
Post-punk from Bristol that is as brutal as it is melodic
Fidlar
October 4 1:45PM @ American Express
Anarchist perennial punk party band keeps writing hits
Bones UK
October 5 5PM @ BMI
Gritty, seductive industrial rock from female duo
Black Pistol Fire
October 4 & 11 3PM @ Miller Lite
Southern rock meets garage punk with incredible live show
Cherry Glazerr
October 4 & 11 2:45PM @ Vrbo
Distorted grunge/garage rock bliss
Distorted grunge/garage rock bliss
A Deli Premiere: “In My Mind (We Were Already There)” by Devlin et. al
Sweetly-lathered in alt-soul honey is the indie music of Boston’s Devlin et. al: the group’s latest single “In My Mind (We Were Already There)” is sweetened by the soulful lead vocals of Amanda Lillie, which dance and sway within a brilliant indie rock vortex. The easy-listening experience brews beautifully, releasing slowly hints of the fantastic instrumental breakdown that culminates the track. Amanda, Jasper Park (bass), Andrew Vashchenko (guitar), and Pearse Devlin (drums) are all Tufts University graduates coming together from all corners of the world to create the kind of music you rarely see musicians attempt these days—classy rock. Shimmying from indie rock to indie pop to alt-soul within one track displays the group’s versatility; with the glamour of groups like Alvvays and the edge of bands like The Growlers, Devlin et. al embodies indie in its way and warrants a listen or many. The group’s debut record is set for October 11th, and shows throughout New England will follow. We are thrilled to premiere “In My Mind (We Were Already There)” below. – Rene Cobar
Hitsleep
Hitsleep recently released a new single called “Skeletons”. This is the first new music we have received from the Reggae-tinged Rock band since 2015.
This is the work of A.J. Skrabis (Lead Vocals, Acoustic Guitar), Mike Daly (Bass), Hayden Zegley (Lead Guitar, Vocals), Dave Patterson (Drums), and Mark Lesser (Saxophone).
You can catch Hitsleep at Uncommon Ground – Lakeview on October 31st with Honeydew Squeeze and Elliot Krull.
Best Rising Acts of ACL 2019 Preview
Here are five ACL acts who you should definitely go early to the festival to see!
Gems Gogo Penguin
October 6th & 13th 4PM @ Titos Stage
Men I Trust
October 5th 2:15PM @ Honda Stage
Flamingosis
October 11th 2PM @ Titos Stage
Tierra Whack
October 5th & 12th 3PM @ T Mobile Stage
Cleopatrick
October 6th 11:45AM @ BMI Stage
Van Loon
Instrumental Funk trio Van Loon is preparing to release their debut EP, “Huh? Vol. 1”, on October 24th. You can currently hear the EP’s opening and closing tracks below. This is foot stomping, body shaking, dance floor ready jazz and funk.
Van Loon is the work of Mich Shirey (Guitar), Nick Fane (Bass), and Dave Brandwein (Drums).
Communicant steals the spotlight before summer ends
Dusted with a warm, psych-pop sound, “Spotlight” is born, Communicant’s newest release from their upcoming self-titled LP due October 25th. Picture a 1968 vintage mustang driving down the PCH—the windows are down, your best friend is snapping pictures on her disposable, and the waves are crashing as the song blares. That is what I see when I close my eyes and play this song, and if my summer doesn’t end the way it makes me feel, then I don’t want it to (but who does, really?). Just one sip of you and I’m faded too,” sings Dylan Gardner, doing a ravishing job at pulling in his audience with not only captivating lyrics but a music video that will make your toes curl.
Communicant will perform at Moroccan Lounge on October 22. Watch the video for "Spotlight" below. – Kayla Hay
Bay Windows gifts an intimate experience in new record “Dance A Little Closer”
Bedroom pop generally gestates in the mind of the artist in such a way that when upon listening to its soundscapes, the listener becomes engrossed in the same intimacy of its creation. The easy-listening music found in Dylan Jockel’s (Bay Windows) new record Dance A Little Closer is a perfect example of this occurrence: relaxed electric guitar riffs, warm basslines, and reverb-robust vocals all stir within the mind of the listener and elicit memories. In tracks like "Older," those breezy sounds raise the dainty particles of cognizance to produce elation or sadness, whatever you prefer. The Avon, Connecticut artist slows down the minutes with buttery tracks like "On My Way," and thus allows for full immersion into his lo-fi production of tranquil music. In the intimacy of his songs, naturally curious listeners can find whatever they wish, and that is the mark of great bedroom music. The smooth sounds of Bay Windows should be keeping New Englanders warm this fall/winter; we are excited about shows upcoming. You may stream the endorphin-triggering title-track from the new record below. – Rene Cobar
Bertling Noise Laboratories “The Frodis Tape”
Bertling Noise Laboratories has released a new album called “The Frodis Tape”. This is a tribute and cover album dedicated to the work of The Monkees. The album takes its name form the final, and perhaps strangest, episode the band’s short lived television show.
This is the work of Nick Bertling and he was inspired to to create this project after the passing of Pete Tork back in February.