L.A.

Woundz explore the murky depths of post-punk on their debut single

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On their debut single, "Woundzrchosen," Woundz introduce their dark sense of melody into the scene with eminent confidence. The post-punk quartet emphasizes mood and atmosphere—imbued with menacing energy—over throbbing, elastic bass lines and skronky sax work. The band members (Lucyaeon, Faith Malimba, Gena Tuso, Atom) play from each other’s strengths, as they exchange impressionistic lyrics made up of offbeat harmonies and ominous sing-speak. "EOF" follows and it’s broader in scope, as they allow their dense, rhythmic spaces to fill the void with a feeling of freeing discovery. 

Woundz has been making the rounds at venues like Zebulon and Non Plus Ultra. Make sure to follow them on their official facebook to get updates on all their upcoming shows. Juan Rodríguez

NYC

Bill Baird’s Trippy “Facial Disc” and Oakland May 11th show

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Nothing like a gentleman in a fine silky dress and a fencing mask jamming some psychedelic beats inside what looks like a computer but also a terrifying highway ride. It’s quite a pleasant experience, really. That’s Bill Baird’s "Facial Disc." The rest of Baird’s new LP, Owl (which just came out on Dangerbird Records) is a similarly synthed-psyched collection of pleasing weirdness and videos that link together to create a longer piece. To learn more, please see the man’s appropriately named website, www.billbillbillbillbill.com/ and go see him at the tail end of his tour! May 11th at Pro Arts. Special shout out to Oakland’s awesome Vintage Synth Museum for providing the synths that created this album. – Michelle Kicherer, Associate Editor

NYC

Yohuna prepares new album, play Elsewhere on 5/23

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The vision of singer/songwriter Johanne Swanson (who performs as Yohuna) takes the introspection often found in personal songs and reflects it on both elements of nature and the personal relationships inspiring it. Her latest album “Mirroring” is set for release on June 7, with two songs now available for preview. Moving away from a previous reliance on synthesizers, Yohuna relies here more on guitars as the predominant instrumental force. The title track floats along pitch-bended chords rivaling the best of any dreamgaze practitioner. Ethereal, almost aloof vocals deliver poetic three word lines on the verses before a call and response chorus reveals the song’s cascading vocals hook. Easy laid back drumming gives way to a 16th-note high-hat pattern, adding rhythmic motion at points within the overall dreamy feel. “Rain & Prairie Snow” opts for a cleaner guitar sound while adding simple, reverant keyboards allowing for more emphasis on a choral vocal sound (enhanced by long-time collaborator Emily Yacina). Yohuna’s May tour arrives at Elsewhere in Brooklyn on 5/23. – Dave Cromwell

Toronto

Little Magic Sam – Rippin’ Blues Single “Loaded Gun”

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Little Magic Sam was born and raised in the town of St.Thomas, Ontario. He grew up on the blues and brings his blues/soul music to the Big Smoke where he now calls home.  His single “Loaded Gun” has an immediately catchy blues riff kickin’ the song off reminiscent of other local Toronto band Flash Lightnin’. This track was recorded at EMAC Studios in London with Moe Berg producing. Catch Little Magic Sam at the Dakota Tavern on May 9th.  Hopefully he’ll be rockin his Bo Diddley Gretsch! –Kris Gies

Chicago

Woongi “Not Sad Sequence”

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Woongi has released a video for their latest single “Not Sad Sequence” from their forthcoming LP Rip’s Cut. The album will be available this Friday, May 10th via Sooper Records.

You can help Woongi celebrate the new album on May 13th at Empty Bottle with Liam Kazar and Blush Scars.

Photo by Natalie Escobedo

Chicago

Bury Me In The Lights

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Bury Me In The Lights recently announced that their next EP will be called “This Coma”, and will be released on June 7th. This is the legendary Punk band’s follow-up to their 2017 EP “Moments Between”.

As we await the release of the first single from the new EP we are registering to their 2017 EP and suggest you do the same. You will not be disappointed.

You can help Bury Me In The Lights celebrate the release on June 8th at BaseCamp Pub in Lisle with Bad Planning, The Burst & Bloom and Radar.

Philadelphia

New The Dove & The Wolf LP Available for Streaming & Purchase

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The Dove & The Wolf just released their first full-length record, Conversations, via Tone Tree Music. Led by Paloma Gil and Louise Hayat, intertwined harmonies radiate in a soothing yet emotive manner. The delicate, crisp instrumental accompaniment perfectly complements the group’s exquisite, wandering, daydream vocals. You can catch The Dove & The Wolf’s record release show at Johnny Brenda’s on Saturday, May 25, where they’ll be supported by Shamir and Michelle Blades. (Photo by Marcus Maddox)

Philadelphia

New Empath Album Available for Streaming & Purchase

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Active Listening: Night on Earth, the full-length debut from the quartet of Empath, is now available via Get Better Records. Merging shimmering melodies with stormy, noise-effected discord, the band finds a catchy, chaotic balance. Groundswells of rhythm are countered by ethereal synth as the contrast of feathery-ferocity grabs one’s focus with an intriguing intensity. Get lost in its unpredictability. (Photo by Troy Memis)

Nashville

John Shakespear releases LP “Spend Your Youth” on May 10th

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Born in Boston but now based in Nashville, John Shakespear will release an album dedicated to his shared identities on May 10th called Spend Your Youth. The indie folk record covers John’s coming-of-age story as the son of an Argentinian father and a Boston-born mother, a Catholic boy doubting his religion in Sunday school, and an aspiring artist in the buttoned-up Ivy League. Devon Dawson produced the album, and Greg Giorgio mixed; the latter has worked with notable artists like Kurt Vile, The National, and Sharon Van Etten. You can hear the latest single "Light On", a six-minute folk opus rife with strings and John’s masterful guitar work and lyrics, below. – Will Sisskind

Chicago

Sans Lorenzo “Lilacia Park”

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Suburban Rock Trio Sans Lorenzo have released a new single called “Lilacia Park”. This is the work of the trio of Dan Couture (Guitar, Vocals), Kevin Graf (Lead Drums), and Nate Brown (Bass Guitar), and this single has just enough vintage Dinosaur Jr. element to have us loving it.

NYC

LVL UP’s Mike Caridi debuts solo project The Glow with two new singles.

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You may know Mike Caridi from his previous band LVL UP. If you enjoyed the indie rock group (which dissolved last September), you might want to look into his solo project The Glow. In between LVL UP albums, Caridi was writing songs that drew life from the same lo-fi vein that was supplying his former group. Now his songs are finally seeing the light of day: the first two singles are out now and they shine brightly on their own. “Weight of Sun” has a snappy rhythm and bright acoustic guitars that give it an upbeat nature. “I Am Not Warm” is driven by Caridi’s deeply-layered vocals, a distorted lead guitar, and dense drums. The hazy feel of the tracks, along with their grungy edge make Caridi New York’s answer to L.A.’s rising lo-fi star Justus Proffit. Check out “I Am Not Warm” below. – Rene Cobar 

Chicago

Plastic Cameras

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Plastic Cameras is a mysterious new ambient music project and they released their debut album, Soundtrack For Super 8, last month. This is a collection of field recordings, electronics and tape loops to create something experimental, beautiful, and unique.