Andy Molholt (Laser Background, Coughy, Speedy Ortiz) recently shared a collection of five demos, under the moniker of Amby Moho. The set of recordings is a tranquil, melodic, lo-fi sampling of what the DIY Philly music vet has been up to of late. We are looking forward to seeing/hearing where and in what form these songs will take shape next. Laser Background is slated to perform at Ortlieb’s on Friday, October 18, with Jimmy Whispers and Sitcom. (Photo by Marie Alyse)
Chicago
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Griffen “Sacred View”
Griffen released his debut album, Sacred View, late last month. According to him this is almost a concept album meant to be consumed as whole preferably with headphones. The album focuses on hills and valleys of life, or as Griffen puts it a "life full of isolation and revelation”.
Musically, this is Electronic Pop with dark psychedelic elements with nods to Radiohead, Public Image Limited, and Dead Can Dance. We were completely caught off guard by this album and are sure you will be too.
Philadelphia
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New Will Henriksen LP Available for Streaming & Purchase
Nothing Left Behind is the new LP from Will Henriksen, which is available now via local label Sleeper Records. Backed by Andrew Keller (Snow Caps), Jack Washburn (Remember Sports), as well as Will Kennedy and Ari Ratner, the ensemble creates subtle instrumental arrangements that lay the foundation for candid, endearing songwriting. With transportive lyricism, reinforced by melodic warmth, these recordings easily relate and adhere. Just allow them to do so. (Photo by Ari Ratner)
Chicago
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The Lilacs “Monica” Video
Veteran PowerPop Quartet The Lilacs have released a video for the lead single, “Monica”, from their first EP in more than 25 years, The Lilacs Endure. The EP was released last week via Pravda Records.
You can help The Lilacs celebrate the release of their EP on October 19th at Phyllis’ Musical Inn.
NYC
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Boot’s “EP” remains (un)comfortably indoors
Indoor drama is a central theme to Brooklyn indie trio Boot’s debut EP, finding both comfort and claustrophobia in the time spent at home. Each of the extended play’s four tracks set a scene with two players, with each performance a soliloquy that revels in the coziness of intimacy, or squirms under unescapable pressure. From opener “Heaven Is A Place In Queens,” which details the simple pleasures of suburban living over dreamy arpeggios, to “Let’s Go To Bed,” wherein the protagonist lands himself on the couch for things that should have remained unsaid, Boot has a talent for rendering the highs and lows of domestic living in a way that feels ubiquitous. The EP’s instrumental accompaniment feels equally homespun; bright, lofi guitar work and melodic syncopation lend a calm comfort to each track’s performance, breaking only for an explosive solo on “Tally Up” to close this effort on a high note. Stream it below. -Connor Beckett McInerney
Chicago
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Twin Peaks “Ferry Song”
Twin Peaks has released a second single, “Ferry Song”, from their forthcoming album, Lookout Low, which is set to be released on September 13th via Grand Jury.
The band will be touring in support of the album the Fall, and you can catch them at The Riv on November 29th with The Nude Party and Ohmme.
New England
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Somos pay tribute to their late guitarist Phil Haggerty
We are sad to report that one of New England’s own, Phil Haggerty, has passed away, the Somos guitarist was 28. The Boston-based band, heartbroken as it is, stepped up by releasing their initially fall scheduled album Prison On A Hill early. The album’s proceeds went toward the family’s funeral expenses, with an additional $3,000 donated to the Heather Heyer Foundation. The band’s sound has always been characterized by its high-energy and no-holds-barred approach. The group’s latest single "Mediterranean" is a prime example of the massive sound of Somos: string instrument swells, heavy drums, and Haggerty’s electric guitar work fuel the single. Our support is with the Haggerty family and the remaining band members during this difficult time. We are streaming "Mediterranean" below. – Rene Cobar
Philadelphia
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New Track: “a friend.” – Augusta Koch
Augusta Koch (Gladie, Sheena, Anika & Augusta, Cayetana) recently shared her latest solo effort, “a friend.,” which describes and observes thoughts and actions of isolating loneliness, within the search for connection. The sparse, instrumental backdrop allows the lyrical sincerity to shine. Simple Pleasures, the forthcoming EP from Sheena, Anika, and Augusta, is set to arrive on September 6 via Asian Man Records, and the trio is scheduled to perform at South Philly’s TRUCK on Saturday, September 14.
Philadelphia
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New Crooked Spine EP Available for Streaming & Download
Crooked Spine recently dropped its new tape End of Days, which is "about a UFO cult." A mysterious urgency holds one in a suspenseful state. However, amid the torrent of instrumentation, a first-person narration offers a kind of levity against the sonic surge. With the recent departure of bassist Garrett Bolin, the next incarnation of the band plans to touch down this fall.
New England
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Magen Tracy & the Missed Connections release classy record, play Brighton Music Hall 09.08
Somerville’s Magen Tracy isn’t shy about inviting listeners into her sonic playground; the singer-songwriter is wholeheartedly engaged in the music. Magen Tracy and the Missed Connections have released their latest record, Long Fuse Burning, a ten-track indie-folk carnival for the senses. The new album employs echoing guitars and fiery drum beats in tracks like "(Even the Good Guys) Fall," melancholy piano melodies in "Move a Crowd," and gorgeous harmonies in songs like "Sweetheart." Magen’s performance never dials down the charm; it merely presents it in the most appropriate form for the song’s mood. The band has a date at the Brighton Music Hall in Boston on September 8th. We are streaming the country-tinged "Dirty Little Secret" below for your enjoyment. – Rene Cobar
Chicago
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Vakash “The Burning Will Come To You”
Vakash is the dark drone pop of Richard Winn, and earlier this month he released his third EP of 2019, “The Burning Will Come To You”.
This EP is just two track and 11 eleven minutes, but every minute is filled with a haunting tension that is both disturbing and enjoyable.
Chicago
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Sean Han Tani “Anodyne 2: Return to Dust”
Video Game Designer and music composer Sean Han Tani has not only released his latest video game, “Anodyne 2: Return to Dust”, but more importantly for us, he has released the games wonderfully Synth-laden soundtrack.
Sean, who teaches game design and scoring at SAIC, released the original “Andodyne" back in 2013, but has released several games and albums in the meantime. Prior to this new game, his most recent title was “All Our Ashes”.