“Honeysuckle,” a beautifully tender, reflective indie rock song, is the latest single from Brooklyn’s Pom Pom Squad prior to the release of their second EP OW (out on September 6th), following 2017’s HATE IT HERE. Berrin explains that the track is about rebuilding to resolve an issue, which one can only do once the cause of the wound is identified. The band’s sound has evolved in more sophisticated and powerful directions compared to their previous material, with an aggressive electric sound and a more angsty delivery reminiscent of the riot grrls movement of the ’90s . The single progresses from an apathetic stream-of-consciousness series of thoughts to painting a picture of a serious inward and outward, back and forth internal dialogue, tackling a painful personal experience with existential undertones underlined in the chorus: “if I’m nothing without you, am I anything at all?”. Berrin’s sultry vocals never resolve the question, and a concoction of clunky guitars play a chunky tune that continues her honest anxiety. – Susan Moon
Chicago
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Novatore “Say Goodnight”
Novatore has released a new and very personal single called “Say Goodnight”. This is the first single from the rapper’s forthcoming album called Louie II the follow-up to Louie which was released back in February.
Novatore will be touring the West Coast through out the month of September with Apathy & Celph Titled.
Philadelphia
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Debut Party Muscles LP Available for Streaming & Purchase
Party Muscles recently released their debut full-length album, Does It Even Matter. Crisp, melodic tunes stretch out exemplifying white-hot, guitar work, without losing touch with the groove. Uptempo with an energetic yet composed manner, the quartet flexes its charming, retro, songwriting skills. You can join the party this Thursday, August 15, at Ortlieb’s, where they’ll be throwing down with BYRH and Night Windows.
NYC
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Eighty Ninety, Luke Rathborne, and Common Jack at Elsewhere on August 14th
Three NYC-based artists with folk inclinations, Eighty Ninety, Luke Rathborne, and Common Jack will be playing a show together at Elsewhere on Wednesday, August 14th at 7 PM.
Headliners Eighty Ninety’s sweet, tender songwriting is compelling for its ability to be somewhat indie but still reminiscent of the kind of ear catching radio pop that wavers between the commercial and indie worlds. Luke Rathborne’s single, “Don’t Call Me Baby” is a great example of this singer songwriter and producer’s style blending modern folk and an indie rock attitude. Common Jack balances out the other two acts with a modern folk sound that incorporates synths and electronic effects. Altogether, this curated show offers a night of music that is mellow and warm – check out Elsewhere’s website for more details. – Susan Moon
New England
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Perspective, a lovely hand to hold previews new record with explosive single
Nashua, New Hampshire’s Perspective, a lovely hand to hold has us excited for the release of its full-length record Lousy on September 27th. "Subject to Change" is the second single off the album and it presents a deceptively super-charged preview heavy on distortion, just right on the dynamics, and fierce as hell. The song’s combination of indie and math-rock is doused with grunge fuel, and it sure explodes in the culminating breakdowns. The band is keeping the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll alive and very well, with sick drum fills and no reservations. Fresh off a performance at ONCE in Somerville expect some autumn dates after the record’s release. We are streaming "Subject to Change" for you below. – Rene Cobar
Toronto
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Sicayda – Alt-Shoegaze Band Drops Debut EP
Sicayda is a fresh 4 piece shoegaze band here in Toronto. Building their sound with layered melodies along with “melancholic yet uplifting tones”. Their lead single “Go On” opens up their debut EP “Sown”. This track has many sonic layers heavily drenched in shoegaze tone but also bringing influences such as 90’s alternative and perhaps some old Coldplay styles. Sicayda brings their sound to The Festival Lingua Franca in Toronto on August 29th. – Kris Gies
L.A.
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Emma Charles releases reflective new single “Scorpio,” performs at The Mint on 8/19
The inspiration behind "Scorpio," Emma Charles’ new single, came like one of those spur-of-the-moment conversations we have with the ones closest to us. After having a conversation with a friend, she was aware of the fact that her birth date is close to two star signs (for those interested, she’s in between a Sagittarius and a Scorpio), each known to have distinct personality traits. Random conjecturing on astrology aside, the folk-pop singer’s latest also finds a satisfactory compromise—the gentle mid-tempo cut is delicate yet assured, where she battles the intense oscillating emotions that consume her mental energy.
Charles is supporting the release of "Scorpio" at Hunnypot Live at The Mint on August 19. Juan Rodríguez
Chicago
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Tenci “Serprent” Video
Tenci has released the first single, “Serpent”, from their forthcoming album, My Heart is and Open Field. What began as outlet for the bedroom folk of Jess Shoman has blossomed into a full band utilizing the talents of Spencer Radcliffe and several of the “Everyone Else” musicians.
This is new album, due out August 25th, Shoman has enlisted Spencer Radcliffe (lead guitar), Tina Scarpello (bass), Jack Schemenauer (drums), Madison Chessare (cello), and several other talented local musicians.
You can help Tenci celebrate the release of their album on September 3rd at The Hideout with Izzy True and Joey Nebulous.
photo by Rachel Lessing
Chicago
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Mock Nine @ Martyrs (8/11)
Mock Nine released their debut EP, Stories From That Night You Can’t Remember, last week. The EP the band’s previous singles, “Mach 9”, “Wasted!”, and “Pick Up”, along with a timely opening track called “Summer Time”.
Mock Nine it the work of Tommy Langford (Lead Vocals), Franklin Brady (Rhythm Guitar-Harmonies), Mac Campbell (Bass), James Bruce (Lead guitar) and Sam Grosman (Drums).
You can catch them at an All Ages show at Martyrs on August 11th with The Powers Project and Vision in the Rhythm.
New England
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Chelsey Meyer releases deeply-layered single “Your Mind Amazes Me (Shots!)”
We are keeping with today’s indie-pop theme by presenting to you the music of Boston’s Chelsey Meyer. The singer-songwriter’s voice is a quick shot of endorphins to the brain, a light to dissipate the gloomiest of thoughts. Despite having a tinge of DIY to it, Chelsey’s latest single “Your Mind Amazes Me (Shots!)” has a sophistication to it that is undeniable. The song’s chipper vocal inflections and grandiose instrumentation are almost theatrical in delivery: piano leads, a warm bassline, and Meyer’s vocal range tell a great story in full performance. The track is a mass collaboration that Chelsey is grateful for; they should all be proud for they have delivered New England a solid tune to forget the world for a while. We are streaming the new single below. – Rene Cobar
Philadelphia
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Weekend Warrior – August 9 – 11
Bad Heaven Ltd. is the latest project from Snowing’s John Galm, who is also backed by Tyler Bussey (No Thank You, Strange Ranger, The World Is A Beautiful Place…) on guitar and vocals, Ross Barzuk (Snowing) on bass, and Melissa Brain (Amanda X, MARGE) on drums. The band just dropped its new LP Strength last week, the follow-up to the group’s 2016 debut Cool Hell. Originally inspired by acts like Sparklehorse and Elliott Smith, Galm revealed that “Strength is about being young and stupid and thinking things are good and will continue to be good, when realistically they’re not, and it’s just gonna hit you again.” Bad Heaven Ltd. will be bringing all those feels to Philly’s favorite batting cages/DIY space Everybody Hits this Saturday, where they’ll also be joined by Maxwell Stern (of Signals Midwest). – Alexis V.
Other places where you might catch the feels this weekend…
Everybody Hits (529 W. Girard Ave.) FRI Goodthief, SAT Max Stern, Bad Heaven Ltd.
Johnny Brenda’s (1201 N. Frankford Ave.) SAT Sitcom, AnnonXL, SUN Sparrow Steeple
Boot & Saddle (1131 S. Broad St.) SUN No Thank You, Earth Telephone
Kung Fu Necktie (1250 N. Front St.) FRI Dumal, Sonja/Function, SAT Truculent/Fame Lust
PhilaMOCA (531 N. 12th St.) FRI The Extraordinaires, Eddie Sids, SUN Talie
Underground Arts (1200 Callowhill St.) SAT Yellowhammer Fund Dance Party: Rana Ransom, DJ Delish, SUN Lovelorn
The Fillmore Philadelphia (1100 Canal St.) FRI August Burns Red, SAT So Far Gone: Dirty South Joe, Magglezzz, SUN Simply Christopher
The Foundry (1000 Frankford Ave.) SUN Function
World Café Live (3025 Walnut St.) SAT (Upstairs) Hoochi Coochi
The Fire (412 W. Girard Ave.) SAT Knightlife, Little Fawn, Service Dog/The Savories, FONVERY, Rubber, SUN Hand Me Downs, Spinechain
MilkBoy Philly (1100 Chestnut St.) FRI The Preps, SAT Full Bush
Ortlieb’s Lounge (847 N. 3rd St.) FRI Trash Knife, Faking, SAT The Stone Eye, SUN Destiny X
The Barbary (951 Frankford Ave.) FRI Twentythreenineteen, Here/Now
Silk City (435 Spring Garden St.) FRI DJ Sylo, Astro 8000, SAT DJ Deejay
Fergie’s (1214 Sansom St.) FRI Live Band Karaoke, SAT Live Band Karaoke, SUN Rusty Cadillac
Bourbon & Branch (705 N. 2nd St.) SAT Homestead Collective, Dylan Jane
Connie’s Ric Rac (1132 S. 9th St.) SAT DJ Elijvh Vrms
Morgan’s Pier (221 N. Columbus Blvd.) FRI DJ Beatstreet, SAT Menace Cartel, SUN New Pony
Frankie Bradley’s (1320 Chancellor St.) FRI DJ Royale, SAT Bye, Bye Boobies! A Top Surgery Celebration / DJ Ian St Laurent, SUN Sinful Sundays
Voltage Lounge (421 N. 7th St.) FRI Reef The Lost Cauze, SAT Whitney Peyton
The Tusk (430 South St.) SAT The Mojo Machine, The Outlaw Pandas, Sex with Rollercoasters, Rasan In The Heyday
Century (1350 S. 29th St.) FRI Episode, The End AD, SAT Loafass (Tape Release), The Barren Marys
The Grape Room (105 Grape St.) FRI Deck 5, Almost There, Modern Mercury, YelloCake, SAT Uncle Dan, Mr. Lisp
Ardmore Music Hall (23 E. Lancaster Ave.) SAT Splintered Sunlight
Creep Records (1050 N. Hancock St.) SAT Gloria Deo, PhillyGreen, Humilitarian, SUN No Option, Freeze, Pit Hair
The Pharmacy (1300 S. 18th St.) SUN Soft Crime
Vox Populi (319 N. 11th St., 3rd FL) FRI Paradise Gardens, Strawberry Hands, Control Point
Warehouse on Watts (923 N. Watts St.) FRI The Wonder Bars
The Mothership (602 S. 52nd St.) FRI Datadrift
Tralfamadore (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) FRI FLNG, Screamcloud
Haus of Yarga (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) FRI Magnetic The Shaman w/Calo, ASCXNSION, Jewelssea, SAT Blueprint, Fracture
Anthorna Gallery (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) FRI Alenni, A Million Dollars, SAT The Dark Tournament, Baphomet Nothing
The Tide Pool (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SAT Blame Jakob, Daydrunks
The Buffalo (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) FRI Rubbish, King AniMal, Manikineter, Gutsack
Chicago
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Born Days “Where We Live”
Born Days (aka Melissa Harris) has released the lead single, “Where We Live”, from her forthcoming sophomore EP which is due out October 4th via Rain Heart Records.
You can catch Born Days at Sleeping Village on Sept. 18th with Boyscott, 8-bit crEEps, and Den-Mate.