Great garage rock can never die, not in ten years, not in a hundred, Boston’s Dan Webb and the Spiders are just one of the many examples of the genre’s lasting power. The four-piece band’s brand new record Be Alright continues the group’s sonic race, displaying along the way the dauntless guitar solos, reverb-soaked choruses, and enthusiastic drum beats that have characterized the band for the last ten years. Be Alright has both energy and variety with tracks like “Best Regret” displaying the remnants of pop punk’s influence on bands active during the end of the last decade. “Notice” is an unexpectedly slow track with delicate piano notes, a bit of reflection perhaps for the group. Dan Webb and the Spiders have got in their hands now a record that reflects their storied history and serves up their music more refined than ever before. Dan Webb and the Spiders’ music video for the title track is streaming below. – Rene Cobar
Better Yet Podcast’s Wilco Tribute Album
Better Yet is a tremendous local long form interview podcast, hosted by Tim Crisp, and primarily featuring local and traveling musicians. The podcast is preparing to release tribute album to Wilco’s classic Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, called “All of God’s Money”, on July 10th.
The tribute album will feature an array of local bands and musicians including Meat Wave, Slow Mass, and Ratboys. The albums first single is New York’s Laura Stevenson’s take on “Jesus Etc.”.
All proceeds from this project will be going to AIDS Foundation of Chicago.
New Track: “Break Away” – The End of America
“Break Away” is the latest single from The End of America (a fitting name for how things feel lately). Swirling acoustic guitar and keys form a path for lush, vocal harmonies. Hanging in the balance, the fantasy of escape unfolds. On Friday, August 23, you can catch the Philly trio as part of the 25th Anniversary celebration of Jeff Buckley’s Grace at World Cafe Live.
Rust Ring “Speedruns”
Rust Ring recently released the lead single, “Speedruns”, from their forthcoming album, Genuine Me, which will be released via Worry Records on July 12th.
This is the “heavy, slow, emotional” music of William Covert, Kyle Geib, and Joram Zbichorski.
You can catch Rust Ring at Downstairs at Subt on July 13th with The God Awful Small Affairs and Sad Witches.
SiP “Glory Beauty Supply”
SiP recently released a video for their latest single “Glory Beauty Supply”. This is primarily the work of Jimmy Lacy, but for the track he is joined by Gabriel Perez Diaz (Guitar) and Carlos Chavarria (Saxophone). The single was released via the new experimental label Get Strange and the video was created by Robotboot.
07.08 at The High Watt: No Coast bring indie pop bounciness
Bouncy indie pop goes great with the summer heat; bands like No Coast have you covered. The group will perform their next at-home show at The High Watt on July 8th, as part of a bill with Cousin Simple, Parrotfish, and Thames. No Coast released their debut EP Never Stop Starting earlier this year; they’ve received accolades in the indie press for Manny Pyka’s and Tate Gardner’s songwriting chops and the band’s smooth pop arrangements. On Never Stop Starting, "Mars" takes listeners to a realm dominated by funk and ambient sounds, while "Keep Me Running" has a touch of a folk vibe. "Drowning" has the bubbliest sound on the album; take a listen to it below, and don’t miss No Coast’s performance at The High Watt on July 8th. – Will Sisskind
Matt Muse “Ain’t No”
Matt Muse released the first single and video, “Ain’t No”, from his forthcoming EP, “Love & Nappyness”, which is due out August 9th. This is the follow-up to Muse’s acclaimed 2018 album Nappy Talk.
You can catch Matt Muse at Schubas on August 17th with Ausar, Loona Dae, and DJ Cash.
(photo by Paul Elliot)
Don’t Believe In Ghosts’ “The Chase” is an ’80s phantasmagoria
There’s no shortage of ’80s nostalgia present in indie subgenera these days, but few approach the level of full-camp seen in “The Chase,” the newest video by New York alternative pop purveyors Don’t Believe in Ghosts. Betwixt the haze of fog machines, gaussian LED lights, and sequin miniskirts, “The Chase” is a phantasmagoria of cultural ephemera, one that, against the plucky, guitar friendly groove of the band’s music, reads as a celebration of the Reagan years’ frequently criticized/glorified aesthetic. That, paired with frontman Steven Nathan’s bombastic vocal performance (and roller-skate choreography) defines the track as a ridiculous, but fun, showcase of the Don’t Believe in Ghost’s iconoclastic pop vision. Stream it below, perhaps as a visual amuse-bouche to a John Hughes marathon, and catch them live at the Bowery Electric on August 17th. -Connor Beckett McInerney
Folk songstress Jeannie debuts with tender self-titled record, plays Union Tavern 06.29
The soft music of Boston’s Jeannie with its supple vocal melodies, entrancing acoustic guitar overtures, and pulsating cello foundations slowly leads the listener to a place familiar, a corner of the mind treasured. The indie-folk songstress is debuting with a self-titled EP suggestive of detachment from the hectic world, the atmospheric music lends itself to as much, the compassionate musical expressions float freely, and yet the lyrics center the themes back to people, relationships, love. Jeannie’s music is the perfect example of folk’s power of suggestion, the genre’s ability to produce beautiful sonic portraits recognizable to each listener in a unique way. Jeannie will be performing at Union Tavern in Somerville on June 29th, bringing the momentum of her premiere with her. See what you will when you listen to “in earnest” streaming below. – Rene Cobar
The Darling Suns “Loving You”
The Darling Suns have released a new single called “Loving You”. This is the trio’s second single of 2019, both following their 2018 self-titled debut EP.
The Darling Suns is indie rock of Robert Krause (Guitar/Vocals), John Stenger (Guitar/Synth/Vocals), and Lindsey Ward (Violin/Vocals).
You can catch The Darling Suns at Bottom Lounge on June 29th with Violet Crime, Bright Kid, and Wilem & The Warning.
New Stephen Freshy Masi EP Available for Streaming & Download
Here’s Two Songs For Ya is the aptly-named new release from Stephen Freshy Masi. The recordings hit you with their lush, melodic, breezy tones, creating a seamless yet intricate, sonic setting. Earnest whilst vibrantly refined, these songs exude a practiced polish that seems radio/label ready.
The Holy Vowels – Soulful Overdrive in Latest Single “Body Pillow”
Bass n’ drums two piece rock band The Holy Vowels have just dropped a brand new single “Body Pillow”. Both fellas share singing duties and include some nice harmonies in their garage, lo-fi jam. The verse section has some soul and the overdrive really kicks in for the chorus. Makes for a deadly combo. The Holy Vowels are hosting an evening of music at Paintbox Catering and Bistro on Friday July 26th. Special Guests TBD. – Kris Gies