Krust Toons: "Touring the Northeast" 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.
New England
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Eastern Souvenirs releases new psych-pop single “Getting There,” plays Sofar Sounds: Boston 07.23
Brian Fisher has been writing songs under the moniker Eastern Souvenirs since 2014, concocting his brand of electronic psych-pop tunes. Synth-driven and guitar heavy the songs of his 2017 debut full-length record Green Valleys had a healthy balance of indie-folktronica as it was, now in his upcoming EP Getting There they are being served with a psych tinge. Both of the singles released for the record so far put the artist’s skills on full display: “Falling” has the surreal sounds of bands like Animal Collective while the title track (streaming) leans more on its cool electric guitar, for a more indie quality. Fisher seems to be blossoming in this upcoming EP, finding a style that incorporates the best of the psych-pop genre, which makes us excited for the release on July 12th. Fisher has recently relocated to Boston and will play Sofar Sounds July 23rd. – Rene Cobar
Chicago
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Poor Calvin “Sleepless Lullaby”
Poor Calvin recently released the first single, “Sleepless Lullaby”, from their forthcoming debut album, Optimism Inc, which is due out July 19th.
This is rock, blues, and Americana of Brian Doherty (Vocals & Guitar), Evan Opitz (Guitar), Jimmy Kowalczyk (Drums), and Kevin McMahon (Bass)
NYC
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Phoebe Ryan shows the strength of vulnerability in new music video for “A Thousand Ways”
Phoebe Ryan’s vocals have a haunting sharpness to them, greatly showcased in the powerful hooks of her new single “A Thousand Ways.” The track’s music video (streaming below) is gritty shot-for-shot and matches the intensity of the mighty percussion in the choruses. The verses are calm and accompanied by trickling acoustic guitar notes, with Ryan’s vocals commanding the sonic storm that intensifies toward the end of the track. The New Jersey-native’s confidently vulnerable attitude in the song is somewhat reminiscent of Halsey, with whom it shares a magnetic and intense appeal. Check out “A Thousand Ways” to see what we mean. – Rene Cobar
Philadelphia
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The Deli Philly’s June Record of the Month: Active Listening: Night on Earth – Empath
Active Listening: Night on Earth (Get Better Records), the debut full-length album from the quartet of Empath, immerses the listener in a chaotic, cathartic sonic world. The awakening sounds of birds chirping give way to Emily Shanahan and Randall Coon’s assertively warped combination of electro-bass and synth on album opener, “Soft Shape”. Catherine Elicson’s vocals hover between a restrained hushed tone and a more pronounced power. The instruments weave creating a complex yet streamlined sound, before Garrett Koloski’s drumming is unleashed, stepping to the forefront and bashing away towards the song’s conclusion.
Spring-loaded “Pure Intent” toys with tempo, constructing an exuberant, disorienting environment, with brief, calming, vocal moments of respite. Caught up in that whirlwind, everything becomes so hazy; however, after the storm, reassuring keys and softly strummed guitar conceive a serene backdrop, before the abrupt kick-start of “Hanging Out Of Cars,” with its jagged-guitar rev. Joined by bustling percussion and the contrasting, softer key tones, the track blends a rugged, uncompromising approach that is exuded in the blunt, raw force of the guitar-percussion combination. “Where I take you is where I take myself, an empty is left most I ever felt.” Halfway through, the traffic disappears, and the road opens up as a soothing, electro-reverberating clarity emerges.
“Roses That Cry” appears to mesh theories on learning to accept and deal with the present, (“They say everything aging all the time together/As the clutter comes alive, comes in bed, nowhere to hide/Don’t waste your time judging kindness/“We say hell is forever, and what is the cost? Is this it?”), while also expressing optimism and nostalgia (“Are you coming around?/You’d like to, but you don’t know how/Remember when that tree fell on your car”). There’s a sense of hopeful warmth and memory illuminating the song, amid the swirl of noise. A blitzing, brutal instrumental brightness hits on “Rowing”. There’s no slowing down, as the track races with compact precision, appearing ready to fall off the rails, while still maintaining a melodic connection.
With “Heaven,” there is an impactful interlude into the psyche, as brief thoughts are delivered in a free-flowing manner. “I just want to get to heaven.” Clairvoyant, floating keys form an ethereal atmosphere throughout “IV,” as the rest of the instrumentation provides a more detailed texture. “Decor” marches fantastically forward in an inviting manner. The vocals retain a soft, assuring nature. “Deep down, nothing changes where you’ve been.” The LP returns to form with “Redeo Fever” surging ahead as Elicson sings: “Say a little prayer, the most that I could bear/All I have to glean is the experience.”
Empath’s latest collection of recordings exudes a thoughtful, noise-infused intensity – one that requests an intent ear and rewards the listener in the process. (Photo by Troy Memis) – Michael Colavita
Nashville
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David Smalt self-releases new song “On The Mountain”
David Smalt has released a heavy amount of tracks over the past couple of years, including the 2018 LP Fragile Magick and his single from earlier this year "Dear Old Earth". Now comes alt-folk positivity anthem "On The Mountain", the first song Smalt has written, recorded, and produced as a single unit. The one-person production matches the intimacy of the track; the song describes a rough point in Smalt’s life which took place during the chaos in Charlottesville in 2017. "On The Mountain" describes the impossible feeling of trying to overcome listlessness and lack of purpose, as well as the strength that it takes to finally do it. Take a listen below. – Will Sisskind
Portland
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Tonight! ILRC Benefit
Tonight, you can catch the first of the Ladd Circle Outdoor Concert Series. Presented by Common Bones Production and Ladd Taphouse, the show will feature Dirty Revival, White Lotus, and HEREISGOOD. All proceeds from the event will go to the Immigrant Legal Resource Center in San Francisco. The ILRC is a is a national nonprofit that works with immigrants, community organizations, and the legal sector to create a fair and democratic community for all. It’s a great chance to listen to some good tunes and support a great cause, which is always something to appreciate.
The show starts at 5, at Ladd Taphouse. Tickets are $15. There’s also going to be an after party, featuring Jen Siren.
-By Avril Carrillo
NYC
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Post-punk-inspired rockers The Wants debut new single, play Union Pool 06.30
Each instrument in The Wants’ new single “Ape Trap” (streaming) has its grand entrance: a vigorous drum beat is followed by a gruff bassline, then by a sinister-sounding guitar riff, as smooth vocals creep in. The song draws you in, grips you, and does not let go easily. The single blends elements of pop and post punk with a mechanical feel reminiscent of some semi-robotic sounding bands of the early ’80s, forging a style that pulls you in multiple directions. The clarity of the recording adds to the track’s detached aura as do the lyrics of singer and guitarist Madison Velding-VanDam, both awkwardly abstract and oddly relatable. This band has devised an edgy style that reimagines the sound of post punk in simple but effective ways. You can catch The Wants live on June 30th at Union Pool. – Rene Cobar
New England
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SnugHouse embraces Americana in latest EP, plays Music in the Park 06.19
Do yourself a favor and check out the music of Portland Maine’s SnugHouse. The indie-folk group’s second EP Like Water is silky smooth from start to finish, with its Americana gloss shining brightly. “A Long Walk Home” and “Glass” feature rich harmonies and dreamy melodies while “Firefly” has some sweet electro-keys that jingle to the warm vocals of Nikhil Dasgupta. The EP has an emotional honesty to each song that is characteristic of indie-folk and reminds one why bands like Fleet Foxes have found such success. SnugHouse will be playing the Music in the Park series at Shevenell Park in Biddeford, ME on Jun 19th. We got “Firefly” for you below. – Rene Cobar
Chicago
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The Off Days Listening Party (6/7)
The Off Days will be hosting a listening party for their debut album, Only Human, on June 7th at FDC Studios.
The band released the second single from the album, “Skinny Dipping”, last month along with a hilarious NSFW video.
The listening party will feature performances from 8:33, Dog Mom, Vision in the Rhythm, and Richienough.
Philadelphia
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Weekend Warrior – May 31 – June 2
With a sincere, inviting vulnerability is orchestrated in detailed, personal storytelling/songwriting, Free Cake For Every Creature exhibits the ability to create memorable, sonic scenes with concisely crafted lyricism. Those softly delivered observations open a door, showcasing intimate, thoughtfully relatable perspectives. Nuanced, instrumental layers illuminate the surrounding circumstances, offering well-rounded, fly-on-the-wall points of view, while temporarily transporting you in the process. However, that door is sadly closing as Katie Bennett and company play their final show this evening at Everybody Hits. They’ll be joined by the exuberantly cathartic powerpop of Remember Sports as well as the harmony-laced songwriting of Indiana’s Amy O. – Michael Colavita
Other places to hit now that summer is upon us…
Everybody Hits (529 W. Girard Ave.) FRI Free Cake For Every Creature (Last Show), Remember Sports, SAT Grayling
Johnny Brenda’s (1201 N. Frankford Ave.) FRI The Beat Street Jam with Killiam Shakespeare, Dayne Jordan
Boot & Saddle (1131 S. Broad St.) SAT Strange Parts
Kung Fu Necktie (1250 N. Front St.) FRI The Out-Sect/Riot Nerd, SAT Necrosexual/Riot Nerd, SUN PLOT, Witch Bomb, Sun God
PhilaMOCA (531 N. 12th St.) FRI Thantophobe (EP Release), Punk Hands, Kelsey Cork & the Swigs, SAT Arch Of Love
Underground Arts (1200 Callowhill St.) FRI The House Key Showcase: Ill Fated Natives, Kilamanzego
Union Transfer (1026 Spring Garden St,) FRI Heavy Temple, Solace
The Trocadero (1003 Arch St.) FRI The Big Mess Cabaret, SAT The Big Mess Cabaret
The Foundry (1000 Frankford Ave.) FRI DJ Dame Luz, Nash: Holy Trinity: Bey, RiRi & Nicki Party
Franklin Music Hall (421 N. 7th St.) FRI Wobbleland Philadelphia: Bandlez, SAT Wobbleland Philadelphia: Bandlez
World Café Live (3025 Walnut St.) FRI (Upstairs) Stars Apart (Record Release)/(Downstairs) 90’s Kinda Love: The Soundtracks, SAT (Upstairs) Stargazer Lily, The Low Road/The Low Road, Joey Sweeney
The Fire (412 W. Girard Ave.) FRI Mighty Joe Castro and the Gravamen, Hannah Taylor and the Rekardo Lee Trio, Three Chord Money, SAT Infinity (Album Release), Solvo, Cardinal Sin, SUN Girl Science
MilkBoy Philly (1100 Chestnut St.) SUN Jordan Ramirez & The Tribe
Ortlieb’s Lounge (847 N. 3rd St.) FRI Rosu Lup, Hemming, SAT Wax Wav, Wallace
The Barbary (951 Frankford Ave.) FRI The Great Enough, Electric Church
Silk City (435 Spring Garden St.) FRI Rich Medina
Bourbon & Branch (705 N. 2nd St.) FRI Conversations, SAT Eat Your Beats, Newpy Hundo, SUN Rob Clancy, Mat Burke
Fergie’s (1214 Sansom St.) SUN Rusty Cadillac
Connie’s Ric Rac (1132 S. 9th St.) FRI Elissa Janelle Velveteen
The Tusk (430 South St.) SAT God Root/Manikineter, Booklegger (Double Tape Release), Hallucinogenic Bulb, Kahlil Ali
Century (1350 S. 29th St.) SAT Black Friday Death Count, Howling Fantods, Human Shield, Nervous Wish
The Mann Center (5201 Parkside Ave.) SAT Roots Picnic
Morgan’s Pier (221 N. Columbus Blvd.) FRI DJ Beatstreet, SUN New Pony/DJ Pfef
Frankie Bradley’s (1320 Chancellor St.) FRI DJ Craig Dash, SAT The Rainbow Connection: A Tribute To The Muppets/DJ Ian St Laurent
The Grape Room (105 Grape St.) FRI Bravo, Leader, Jesse Gimbel, SAT Dear Forbidden, Seeking Spades, Perlin Noise
Ardmore Music Hall (23 E. Lancaster Ave.) FRI Splintered Sunlight, SAT Splintered Sunlight, SUN Transistor Trio
The Pharmacy (1300 S. 18th St.) SAT Science Club, Brick Nova, Pinwheel, Readership
The Mothership (602 S. 52nd St.) FRI Hermit High Priestess
Creep Records (1050 N. Hancock St.) FRI Courier Club
Warehouse on Watts (923 N. Watts St.) FRI BeeTee Beats, Ily, SAT Camp Phuckit Presents: Prom Night-Enchantment Under The Sea: IANN, DJ Nysus, Johnny Showcase, DEL, Wassup Gina
Lizard Lounge (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SAT Sandboxing, Camp Candle , Double Suede
Cousin Danny’s (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SUN Eat
The Meadow (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SUN Naff, Mage Hand, Moonwatcher
