New Music, Emerging from your Local Scene
Happy Face have released the lead single/title track from their forthcoming self-titled debut EP. The EP will be released by Midwest Action on August 23rd.
This is the Psych Rock of Bailey Davis (guitars, vox), Ryan Borens (drums), and Chris Keramidas (bass).
You can help Happy Face celebrate the release of their EP on August 25th at Beat Kitchen with Plastic Crimewave Syndicate and Frankie and The Witch Fingers.
House music in Austin is an undercurrent, barely noticeable beneath the deluge of more mainstream genres that have much more visibility. Yet, occasionally a gem shines through that makes you want more. Paty Gomez-Palacio, aka DJ Frooot, found her break in the UT greek party scene, playing parties where she impressed attendees leading to bigger and higher profile shows. Frooot is young, female and determined, but Austin isn’t the most nourishing scene -especially since Kingdom and Ethics were shut down in the past year. Gomez-Palacio has persevered, expanding her show circuit to include other Texas cities, festivals and recurring shows at venues like Scratchouse and Vulcan Gas Company. A steady stream of consistent and quality released tracks also serve as harbingers of Frooot’s longevity and success moving forward.
Mermaid have released their debut single, “Find Me (Demo)”. This is the first single from their forthcoming debut LP that they are currently in studio recording.
This is the folk influenced R&B of Candace Quarrels and Brittany Campbell who met while working on the Chicago production of Hamilton.
Krust Toons: "More Shoes?" 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.
Equip is the moniker of Vaporwave producer Kevin Hein. His latest project is called Cursebreaker X and it contains his recently released trilogy of singles, “Cemetery Moonglow”, “Nocturne Catacombs”, and “Shadow Dancer”.
This is glorious synth-driven electronic music that would be the perfect soundtrack to an adventurous video game.
Cursebreaker X will be released by 100% Electronica on August 30th.
Let the retro-rock vibes of Coral Moons wash over you for a fresh Monday boost. The band’s soul tendencies give way to intertwining electric guitar riffs that are supplemented by a deep bass groove, snappy drums, and the sharp vocals of singer-songwriter Carly Kraft. Upbeat on the choruses, committed to the breakdowns, and keen on bringing a ‘60s and ‘70s cheer to the modern age, this group is wholly faithful to itself. The band’s debut record Quarter Life Crisis is due out September 12th, with two singles out for it already: “Dive In” and “Fall in Love” (streaming) promise a debut record dripping with rock ‘n’ roll goodness, scented with nu-soul perfume. The band’s next gig is at the much-beloved Gulu-Gulu Cafe in Salem, MA on August 23rd. – Rene Cobar
Retro Electro-Pop outfit SLPRS (Sleepers) have released have released a new single called “Time’s Up Pt. 1 & Pt. 2”. This is the first taste of an upcoming EP, their second, called “The Doorway”.
This is Synth-driven pop music ripped directly from the best moments of the ’80’s.
Dan Smith (Low Dose, ex-Fight Amp), Matt Weber (Young Statues, The Ages), and Josh Taylor creatively combine to form Sleep Tactics. The power trio recently released its self-titled debut album. The precise power of the instrumentation merges with the insightful ebb and the flow of the vocals, creating a dense, dynamic force. The band is all set to hold its record release show at Boot & Saddle on Friday, August 30, supported by Savage Dads and Timelost.
Boston’s Somerset isn’t content with the bare bones alt-rock performance; its particular brand of music is grandiose. The band’s upcoming fall record has spawned its second single, "Revere Street," a spectacular display of slick guitar arpeggios, shimmering piano accompaniments, thunderous harmonies, and a much-appreciated opening bassline. The group’s deep arsenal of sounds is primed for large venues, evoking the spirit of late ’90s alternative rock while modernizing it. The kick drum work in the new single is something to relish in, as is the heroic guitar solo in the climax: the song is a job well done. The band will be performing at O’Brien’s Pub in Allston on September 1st and kicking off what is sure to be a busy autumn. We are streaming "Revere Street" below for you. – Rene Cobar
Oakland’s Bam! Bam! just released a video for their song "Literary Hoax" and it is old school style with weird imagery that matches well with their vibe. Energy, slamming guitars and all the glory of post punk and pop punk, these ladies are holding it down. They are playing Bandcamp’s Oakland record store and performance space on Friday, September 13. Check them out. – Lucille Faulkner
Blacker Face has released the latest single, “Parade”, from their forthcoming LP, Distinctive Juju, which is due out October 18th via Sooper Records.
For this single, the second from the album, the band shifts their focus towards on the ongoing climate change crisis.
Blacker Face is Jolene Whatevr (vocals), PT Bell (Bass, backing vocals), Isaac Nicholas (Guitar), Noah Jones (Drums), and Louis Clark (Keyboards).
You can catch Blacker Face at East Room on August 17th with Hunx and His Punx. The record release event for their new album will take place on October 18th at The Hideout.
The Hecks have released the first single, “So 4 Real”, from their forthcoming sophomore LP, My Star, which is due out October 11th via Trouble In Mind Records.
This is a Synth Rock instant classic that we have been dancing to all week!
The record release event for My Star will take place on October 7th at Empty Bottle with JUICEBOXXX, but you can catch The Hecks on August 17th at The Hideout with Jungle Green.
