House of Sugar (Domino) is the latest LP from Alexander Giannascoli, who is better known as (Sandy) Alex G. Complex, cohesive sonic textures make for a compelling yet comforting collection of songs. One becomes intimately entangled in the web of warped warmth. It’s another must-have release from the prolific Philly songwriter. Union Transfer will be playing host to (Sandy) Alex G on Saturday, November 30, where he’ll also be joined by Corey Flood and Tomberlin. (Photo by Tonje Thileson)
Austin
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Soul Food Horns soar on high with the release of “Hot Air”
Prolific horn and production collective Soul Food Horns released the single “Hot Air” last Tuesday on Brooklynn based label Sundae Sauuce. Calculatedly relaxed, buoyant trumpet lines and synths float the groove above succinct drums and bass that have no business being as fat as they are. The perfectly titled track smoothly sweeps into your ears and nestles itself somewhere between J Dilla and Chet Baker. Allowing the listener to actively digest the textures or take a reflective backseat, the tune acts as if part of a prestige “Lo-Fi Beats to Study to” playlist
Although meeting in Austin, co-founders Louk Cox and Ari Burns have respectively reestablished themselves in Amsterdam and Chicago. Current Austin-based members include Sam Howden, Dan Fears, and Noé Mina. They don’t let space decrease productivity however as each member has a home workstation that they use to record and exchange ideas to facilitate long distance collaboration. Having all received an academic background, an eclectic body of work has emerged, including but not limited to hip-hop, house, and neo-soul. This open-minded approach has left them in a position to follow their multi-genre interests wherever they may lead.
The collective began simply as a horn section playing diverse gigs, establishing musical intimacy, and recording for artists such as Netherfriends, Magna Carda, and Mathien. Falling deeper into the world of recording, SFH became enamored by the craft of production. This interest led them to begin to produce independently for themselves and others, notably on Austin-local rapper and poet Chucky Blk’s debut “A Prequel To” and the collaborative LP “Koi Pond” with Cloudchord.
“Hot Air” came about naturally as Mina was visiting Cox in Amsterdam. Setting up shop in a makeshift studio “in the attic of an old building in the center of the city,” Cox recalls “making the beat with the idea of capturing the sound of the summer breeze coming through the window.” As that goal has been elegantly captured, make sure to check out their other Cloudchord collaboration Moon Fortune, the fresh Chucky Blk single “Get That”, and another Sundae Sauuce single in October.
– Hayden Steckel
Chicago
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Fort Frances “Fantasy of Youth”
Fort Frances recently released the lead single, “Fantasy of Youth”, from their forthcoming album The Front Page of the Modern Age. The album set for release on November 8th, and will be the band’s first album since 2016’s Alio.
You can catch Fort Frances at Schubas on December 5th.
Chicago
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Luggage “Shift”
Luggage has released visuals for the first single and title track, “Shift”, from their forthcoming album.
Luggage was formed back in 2014 by bassist Michael John Grant and drummer Luca Cimarusti, of Basic Cable at the time, along with Michael Vallera.
Shift will be released November 22nd via Corpse Flower Records and is available for pre-order here.
You can catch Luggage DJing at Empty Bottle on October 6th with Martin Bisi, Mako Sica, and Billington/Shippy/Wyche.
NYC
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Caleb Giles’ verses shine on LP “Under The Shade” + live at Elsewhere on 09.19
Caleb Giles believes in free rhythm, as he’s explored on his two previous records Tower and There Will Be Rain. His third album, Under The Shade, continues to push the boundaries of poetry in hip-hop; Giles combines soulful lyrics in both spoken word and song with basic beats, and then layers on transporting sounds and voices to expand the atmosphere of the track. The production results in an abstract and almost dreamlike hip-hop testament which feels loose but tight, comfortable but unsettling, and all-around reflective of Giles’ take on what it means to be an artist and a human. Take a listen to the track Quicksand (ft. Pink Siifu)" below and don’t miss him live tomorrow (09.17) at Elsewhere. – Will Sisskind
New England
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Gish reveals a haunting world in new record “The Stitcher”
The appeal of avant-indie music, for the listener, is and has always been in the discovery of both the artist’s emotions and one’s own throughout the experience. As songs progress, sharp memories take hold and swirl about: this is precisely the consequence of a single listen of The Stitcher by Boston’s Gish. The brand new EP is a fantastical and haunting sonic journey led by the ethereal vocals of Jacalynn Manning (Gish), who asserts herself in the ambiance that is created by gorgeous string-instrument strains and layered chants; ascending harp-like arpeggios enhance each track and bathe it in melancholic waters. Tracks like “Tadpole Teeth” have a ghostly feel to them and are milky smooth in the way they ebb and flow. The Stitcher is one of those records you are thrilled to have stumbled upon, an avant-indie gem that begs for reflection, and one we recommend. Check out Gish’s pensive track “Dreas” streaming below. – Rene Cobar
Chicago
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Crown Larks Last Show… Until Mid 2020
Crown Larks recently announced that their upcoming show at Sleeping Village on September 23rd will be their last of 2019. The band will be sharing the stage that night with Over Ow and Desert Liminal, and promise to make this an amazing night. I am sure that it being $1 beer night at Sleeping Village will help.
The last new music with have received from the band is 2017’s sophomore LP, Population. The band plans to take the next 8 months or so to hide away in the studio and work on their next album.
Philadelphia
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Krust Toons: “Billy Joel” by Tedd Hazard
Krust Toons: "Billy Joel" by Tedd Hazard – please feel free to drop him a line at teddandthehazards@gmail.com if you dig or have any funny ideas. You can also check out more of his illustrations and animation shorts HERE.
Chicago
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Los Gold Fires
Los Gold Fires recently released their sophomore album, Renegade. The album’s lead single, “Ya No Llores”, was released over a year ago and was accompanied by the fantastic video below.
This is the Psych Rock of Edgar Díaz (Lead Vocals, Keyboard), Marc Rendon (Guitar, Vocals), Siul Reynoso (Guitar, Vocals, Keyboard), Chace Wall (Bass, Vocals, Keyboard), and Cristóbal Mora (Drums).
You can catch Los Gold Fires on November 3rd at Lincoln Hall opening for The Ocean Blue.
Chicago
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Sci-Fi Sleep Cycles “You, Tomorrow”
Sci-Fi Sleep Cycles have released a new EP called “You, Tomorrow”. This is the trio’s second release of 2019, following up their full-length cassette, Waning Days of Babylon, which was released back in April via Joyless Youth.
This is the Emo Rock of Jack Curtin (Guitar/Vocals), Connor Lane (Bass), and Tim Stotz (Drums).
Philadelphia
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New Northern Liberties LP Available for Streaming & Purchase
A menacing psych/hard-rock heaviness engulfs on Parallel Hell, the latest LP from Northern Liberties. Spirited vocals and a relentless rhythm section create a consuming, contagious sound. It’s been over a decade and a half that Renaissance man Justin Duerr has been releasing material via this creative outlet. Duerr continues to demonstrate how he’s an unflinching, uncompromising musical force of nature in the Philly underground.
NYC
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Salami Rose Joe Louis’ Zdenka 2080, Uptown show
We’re pleased to announce that Oakland’s Salami Rose Joe Louis has a new album and it is an ear feast for anyone down to let go and drift off into the octave-melting abyss. Zdenka 2080 (out on Brainfeeder) has jazz and synth, whispering poetry (“Octagonal Room”); there’s warm space vibes and distorted R&B moments. Sit back and drift off and come see ‘em at The Uptown for their album release show. –Michelle Kicherer, Associate Editor