“Wasted,” the sole release by “secret music project” Old Cob, expands the mythos of the anonymous Brooklyn performer through eclectic instrumentation and impressionistic lyrics. Interspersed between a recurring Dixieland banjo loop, shuffling percussion, and warped synthetic hits, Old Cob croons non-sequiturs that evoke feelings of repetition and tropes Americana. “Once upon a time, I would stand in line for the magic show,” Old Cob declares, before the chorus begs the question: “what am I doing here? I should be somewhere else making a living.” Deeply esoteric and impossibly intriguing, your guess is as good as mine as to what Old Cob’s intentions are—my working theory is that they are an early 20th century time traveler who’s unexpectedly landed in present-day New York, but I’m open to suggestion. Until we have more answers, stream “Wasted” below. -Connor Beckett McInerney
Toronto
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Dark Trip – New Dark Punk Video “Sick”, Rippin’ at The Baby G 08.25
Brand new video here from Toronto’s dark punk band Dark Trip. They released a self-titled EP earlier this year featuring six quick n’ creepy songs. This single “Sick” was originally written a couple years ago following a string of mass shootings and although written a while ago is unfortunately still relevant today. The video has a very DIY feel to it but almost in a non-DIY way. It looks like it was shot with the same camera as Stone Temple Pilot’s Big Bang Baby. It’s got that straight ahead down stroke rhythm driving the song with some nice lead licks frolicking over top. Catch Dark Trip live at The Baby G on August 25th along with Cave Curse, Wave of Terror and Chilldozer. – Kris Gies
Chicago
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Fire-Toolz “Fire Whispers (Into The Crystal Palace)”
Fire-Toolz is preparing to release a new album called “Field Whispers (Into The Crystal Palace)” via Orange Milk Records on August 30th.
These are genre bending creations of Angel Marcloid who is credited with an array of instruments on this project including voice, drums, electric & acoustic guitar, fretless bass, virtual studio technology, field recordings, circuit-bent junk, composition, lyrics, recording, production, mixing, mastering.
You can catch Fire-Toolz at The Hideout on September 28th with Bbsitters Club, Giant Claw, and Seth Graham.
NYC
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Kaycie Satterfield’s smart songwriting in “Women’s Fiction” EP
Guitarist, singer songwriter Kaycie Satterfield is a welcome voice to the growing scene of NYC storytellers. One of Brooklyn-bred indie rock’s best kept secrets, her voice croons confessional lyrics following rhythmic leads and melodic ideas that veer her natural folky approach towards indie-influenced sonic territories. With her powerful and smart songs inspired by jazzy singer-songwriters like Carole King and Joni Mitchell, Kaycie successfully transcends musical genres and hits emotional cords in ways that are never banal. For more news on Kaycie Satterfield, check out her website or label, Brooklyn based paper moon records. – Susan Moon
Philadelphia
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New Music Video: “E.C.C.B.” (Starring LUNCH) – American Trappist
American Trappist and LUNCH recently issued a split EP, aptly titled LUNCH with American Trappist. Directed by Ian Kelly, there’s new video from Joe Michelini and friends for the single “E.C.C.B.,” which also stars the gang of LUNCH. Set along the shoreline, the footage depicts a day at the beach & boardwalk, with the custom quirkiness/oddity of that mask-adorned sea creature. You can catch both bands this Thursday, August 22 at Bourbon & Branch, along with Minor Moon. (Photo by Kara Donnelly)
Chicago
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Collector “Post Rock Lately”
Improvised Jazz Trio Collector is preparing to release a new EP called “Post Rock Lately” on August 22nd via Matt Blair’s Scribbled Fang Records.
Collector is composed of Jakob Heinemann on bass (Chicago), Devin Drobka on drums (Milwaukee), and Matt Blair on Fender Rhodes and electronics (Minneapolis). The trio has been working together for seven years, but this is their first official recording.
You can help Collector celebrate the album release at Elastic Arts on August 22nd with the Kimmel/Piet Duo.
Philadelphia
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New Soft Idiot EP Available for Streaming & Download
Byrrie is the latest EP from Philly singer-songwriter Justin Roth, a.k.a. Soft Idiot. Intimately enchanting, nostalgic, bedroom-folk tales retain a sense of endearing beauty and warmth. However, the fractured fragility of a relationship hangs in the air. Soft Idiot is slated to perform at Ortlieb’s on Sunday, September 1, with Dead Neighbors and all boy/all girl.
New England
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EJ Carey debuts heartfelt single “Rising Tides, Crashing Skies”
The enthusiastic singing of Boston’s EJ Carey hooks you ten seconds into her new single "Rising Tides, Crashing Skies." As the charming acoustic guitar overture makes way for the song’s lush harmonies, Carey ramps up the vocal intensity to deliver a powerful message in the chorus: a declaration of emancipation from a toxic relationship. EJ puts a piece of her heart in every lyric, allowing the vibrant red passion of her words to carry the song beside dynamic drums and gushing electric guitar embellishments. The pop-rock genre that EJ embraces is tailored for today’s chart-topping-music scouts, and the tinge of country helps too. It is the artist’s honesty that shines through and engages the listener for an experience that is a textbook example of music’s absorbing power. EJ Carey recently completed several gigs throughout Massachusetts, the last of which was in Winthrop. A new album is in the works, and we are excited about that. Streaming below is the singer-songwriter’s new single, enjoy! – Rene Cobar
Chicago
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The Gunshy “Remember When You Used To Want To Die”
The Gunshy have released an ambitious 12 minute single called “Remember When You Used To Want To Die”.
This is the Anthemic Rock of Matt Arbogast, Ryan Ford, Andy Sivwright, and Colin Miller. The track is the first new music we have had from the band since 2018’s Undefeated Album.
Philadelphia
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Ticket Giveaway: Talib Kweli with Chill Moody & Dell-P at The Ardmore Music Hall Next Thursday
Consciousness-raising emcee Talib Kweli (Black Star) will be bringing his words of wisdom to The Ardmore Music Hall next Thursday, August 29, where he’ll be supported by local Philly talent Chill Moody and Dell-P. To enter for a chance to win a pair of tix, just send an email to thedelimagazinephiladelphia@gmail.com with the subject line: "Independent Thinkers & Doers Wanted". Please also include your cell number in the body of the message (in case of an emergency). Good luck!
L.A.
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On “Sinner,” singer/songwriter Leslie Stevens sets a new tone for the country music scene
A light flickers and goes out. The room goes dark, a single match is sparked once, then again, lighting the room long enough for the record to play another song. “Sinner” by Leslie Stevens begins to play as her soft, comforting voice fills the room. And that is exactly how I pictured the start of the next independent film I watch. Stevens beautifully recaptures an early Dolly Parton blended with Janis Joplin, seducing her audience and guiding us down an old town road. “There is bad in the best of us” is a lyric that we all need to hear, read and then hear again, a true lyricist that will rip your heart open and mend it back before the end of the song—and “Sinner” does exactly that. Leslie Stevens is resurrecting a lost art. Keep an eye out for her come August 23rd, when she releases her newest LP. – Kayla Hay
Chicago
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Silvergirl “Left On Central”
Folk Pop duo Silvergirl recently released their sophomore album, Left On Central. This is the work of Steve O’Connell (Guitars, Vocals) and Joshua Wentz (Keys, Sounds)
This is the first new music we have received from the duo since 2016 and this is a beautiful, mellow, headphone album perfectly suited for an overcast end of summer morning listen.