When it comes to catchy pop hooks in the Music City, Tristen Gaspadarek (who goes by her first name) stands among the best in the game. In recent years, she’s toured with the Mountain Goats and Robyn Hitchcock, and she’s played as a member of Jenny Lewis’s band. Her last album Sneaker Waves dropped in 2017, but now, after spending some quality time in the studio, Tristen will release two new tracks — "Dream Within a Dream" and its B-side "Red Lava" — on May 10. Tristen will take some time in the beginning of May to tour the Midwest in support of the new indie pop jams, but she’ll return to Nashville on May 17th to play Grimey’s New and Preloved Music. Hype yourself up with a listen of Tristen’s track "Got Some" below. – Will Sisskind
NYC
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Outstanding soul release from Alecia Renece
Alecia Renece‘s Matter EP is simply superb. Renece has a tremendous voice, commitment to poetic lyricism, songwriting versatility, a sweet, sweet penchant for harmonizing with herself, and, to top it all off, professional quality mixing and mastering on her tracks.
The voice is probably what makes this release so satisfying. The voice is good. Like, really good. Renece moves seamlessly through notes, mostly hitting them spot on, giving them love and attention. And really, the voice says it all about what’s going with the release in general; it’s saying, very simply, Alecia Renece’s “The Artist” LLC is not the real estate equivalent of some dirty groundfloor unit with paper thin walls in a building built before they discovered lead was bad; rather it’s a woven vinyl floored penthouse with marble countertops right next to that Italian place I went to on Valentine’s day at Waterfront.
And let’s talk about the poetry here, can we talk about the poetry? There are some great lines, like, “Premium cut, you’re favorite slice, I break myself to pieces baby baby so that you can have whatever you like.” And the diversity of songwriting styles, Renece brings the energy up on the eminently pleasing track, “You’re Welcome,” and brings it back down to feature those sweet vocal harmonies on “Longest End”. That’s all to say nothing of the opening track itself. Seriously folks, clench your bowels before listening, it’s that good.
This reviewer wasn’t hot on every track, but overall a great release, plain and simple.
Notable tracks: "Why you gotta go", "You’re Welcome", "Longest End".
-Mike Dranove
NYC
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argonaut&wasp vamp into the night on “Composure,” play Rough Trade 5.22
NYC indie dance duo argonaut&wasp lay down vintage sensuality on new release “Composure,” a smooth, sample friendly ’80s vamp. Described by some as “the perfect soundtrack to New York City,” the Burlington-via-Brooklyn outfit captures vibes emblematic of the Big Apple’s past and present; their latest single is as much Oliver Stone’s Wall Street than it is Katja Blichfeld’s High Maintenance, a synth-heavy midnight interlude that’s neither old nor new. What makes “Composure” such an engaging listen lies in argonaut&wasp’s ability to round out the track’s more treble-heavy components – there’s jangly guitar riffs and pitch-shifted samples abound, but they never distract from the urbane quality of its keyboard backbone. It gives the song a dark, almost muted quality, marked by a palpable energy that lies just beneath the surface, the type of tune you could jam to both start and end your night. Listen below, and catch them at their Rough Trade on May 22nd. -Connor Beckett McInerney (@b_ck_tt)
Chicago
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Stander “The Slow Bark”
Experimental Metal trio Stander has released the first single, “At Arm’s Length”, from their forthcoming coming debut album, The Slow Bark, which is due out May 10th.
Stander is the work of Mike Boyd (guitars, piano, samples), Derek Shlepr (bass), and Stephen Waller (drums).
You can catch Stander at Empty Bottle on May 1st with Mako Sica and Imelda Marcos. They will also be performing at Sleeping Village on May 25th with Bloodymind, Aseethe, and Ikaray.
Chicago
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Serena Isioma “Mystery Boy”
Serena Isioma has released new song called “Mystery Boy” which features Yung Water. This is the second single from this talented 18 year old, following up last month’s debut “Breathe”.
Serena has a powerful voice and an ear for smooth, downbeat production. This latest single was produced by Kofi Bae and just dropped yesterday.
Nashville
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Erin Rae releases “Bad Mind” music video; plays Musicians Corner 05.25
For the pleasant coming warmth of spring comes a song born from pain: Erin Rae‘s "Bad Mind" came out last year on her album Putting On Airs, but it gets new life as the music video for the track has just dropped. It shows Rae singing in a field of blossoming branches and flowers, showing growth even as Rae stands in wistful poses and walks with her eyes downcast. The song itself concerns Rae’s relationship fears and her coming to terms with what caused them, including memories of an Alabama court ruling her aunt to be an "unfit mother" because she was gay. The video’s mixture of pensiveness — Erin — and perseverance — how the flowers bloom every year — show that through grief, there can be growth. Rae will take her songs on the road this spring and summer; she’ll make a hometown stop in Nashville at Musicians Corner on May 25th. Catch her then; for now, watch the video for "Bad Mind" below. – Will Sisskind
Austin
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Better Oblivion Community Center Inspires at Stubbs
Allow me to bring BETTER OBLIVION COMMUNITY CENTER to your attention; the folk rock duo and pals, Conor Oberst and Phoebe Bridgers. You might be familiar with Conor and his instrumental voice from his other projects; Bright Eyes, Mystic Valley River Band, Desaparecidos, Commander Venus to name a few over the years. Phoebe is relatively new on the scene, although after hearing her vulnerability shine through her music, you might think you’ve known her forever. (A quick taste of the duo in a Billboard interview.)
On their own, both artists tote songs that could be considered “emo,” but together they create a melodic melange of satire and playful angst. If you’ve been following Conor through his musical career, you may glimpse a new side of him in this project. (Isn’t that what we love about evolving artists?) Phoebe’s youth, realness, and humility elicits a child-like joy out of Conor, and he uses every opportunity to be her biggest hype man. You can see the fun they’re having on stage, and you can hear in their lyrics (listen to: Forest Lawn @ 1:03). Both artists are equally regarded for their honest and thoughtful lyricism. Instead of inward reflection and dwelling on heavy emotions, together they’re looking out at their community and its members. Service Road paints an endearing picture of a difficult relationship with a brother figure, and likewise My City feels like it was written for Austin, but could likely be imposed on a number of big cities that feel like small towns.
When BOCC stopped through Austin and Santa Fe, their roster included Lala Lala and Christian Lee Hutson. Both openers have relations with the founding members of BOCC outside of the initial community start-up. Phoebe gave Lillie West, lead singer of Lala Lala, a shout-out during her set: “Lillie told the kids in highschool to stop making fun of me. Give her another hand!” The whole ensemble rocked it. Christian Lee Hutson opened the whole show with an acoustic guitar, and subsequently appeared in all three sets playing keys and electric guitar. He’s composed and talented and humble. He plays an original song, Northsiders, with a sweet voice and provoking story-telling lyrics. The Better Oblivion Community core family co-created a cohesive show of camaraderie, good cheer, and thoughtful tunes with a touch of soft goth.
“Play Sleepwalking!,” hollers an audience member.
“We only have one album, so we’re definitely playing all of the songs. Sorry to spoil that for you,” Phoebe sardonically smiles back.
They played Sleepwalkin’, and it was great. It features fantastic bass riffs and intoxicating vocals, and asks a question I think could be assigned to my generation: “Is this having fun?”
Conor and Phoebe took turns covering each others’ classic songs. Conor sang “Funeral,” but made it punk rock. Seriously, give this song 5 minutes of your undivided attention and feel it deeply. Then, imagine it fast-jump-up-and-down-punk-rock-amaze. When Phoebe sang his “Lua,” at the Austin show the whole crowd echoed her. (I cried…I actually cried thrice from the beginning to the end of the whole show.) The Community these two artist built was tangible and so inclusive in that moment.
Being vulnerable can be incredibly challenging. Artists like Phoebe and Conor make it look easy, but when you listen closely to their words and sentiments you can gather that they’ve been through some shit – like everyone else. We’re not alone. There’s a Better Oblivion Community Center that’s open and operating. Call today: +1 (785) 433 5534
-Mel Green
Philadelphia
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Weekend Warrior, April 26 – 28
An adventurous, intricate yet free-flowing, musical atmosphere opens itself up when listening to All Time Present (No Quarter), the new double album from Chris Forsyth. The Philly guitar maestro is slated to perform at a pair of record release shows this Saturday and Sunday at Jerry’s on Front. The record instills a meditative, mystic-oriented aesthetic throughout its ongoing instrumental-led journey. Forsyth tactfully maneuvers across a vast expanse, locking into hypnotic, long-form stretches that exhibit a controlled, cathartic fire – one that continuously burns, flaring up at opportune moments to demonstrate uninhibited, raw prowess. While Saturday’s show with Garcia Peoples is sold out, there are still tickets available for Sunday’s performance, where he will be supported by Poughkeepsie, New York’s Cold Hands. – Michael Colavita
Other places where you can lose/find yourself this weekend…
Jerry’s on Front (2341 N. Front St.) SAT Chris Forsyth (Record Release), SUN Chris Forsyth (Record Release)
Johnny Brenda’s (1201 N. Frankford Ave.) FRI &More, Great Time, Dahi Divine, SAT Mt Vengeance, Foxy Contin, Poppy
Boot & Saddle (1131 S. Broad St.) SAT Countdown from Ten
Kung Fu Necktie (1250 N. Front St.) FRI OOLALA, Molly Rhythm, Dirty Soap/Riot Nerd, SAT Fame Lust
PhilaMOCA (531 N. 12th St.) SAT Christinna O, SUN Laser Background, Writhing Squares
Underground Arts (1200 Callowhill St.) FRI Shannen Moser, SAT Lunacy
World Café Live (3025 Walnut St.) FRI (Upstairs) Scarlet Cimillo/(Downstairs) Karl Blau, SAT (Downstairs) The 9th annual Rockin’ Docs for Diabetes Cure
The Fire (412 W. Girard Ave.) FRI Drew & the Blue, SUN IATT, Collider, Lost Continent, No Remorse For The Fallen
MilkBoy Philly (1100 Chestnut St.) FRI Swift Technique (with special guests Zilla Rocca and Curly Castro), SAT Femme Freedom V: Fundraiser: Rachel Andie, Bree and the Reeds, Genevieve Marie Chambers & Friends, , Kicking Down Doors, Roberta Faceplant, SUN iNFiNiEN, Nakama
Ortlieb’s Lounge (847 N. 3rd St.) FRI Full Bush, American Speedway, Broke Body, Under 95,SAT Joey Sweeney & The Neon Grease, The Deadeyes, SUN Bright Yam Suns
The Barbary (951 Frankford Ave.) FRI Rad and Kell, The Barker Brothers, SAT Overwinter, Kahlil Ali/Bad Shapes, Brick Nova, Telyscopes
Bourbon & Branch (705 N. 2nd St.) SAT Adam Travis & The Soul, Possum Kingdom, Underwater Robots
Fergie’s (1214 Sansom St.) SAT Center City Jazz Festival/El Dwellers, SUN Rusty Cadillac
Century (1350 S 29th St.) SAT Static Brothers, VulturePeak, The Plibmen, Jesus Hating Liar
Voltage Lounge (421 N. 7th St.) FRI DJ Mighty Mike Saga
Frankie Bradley’s (1320 Chancellor St.) FRI DJ Chris Urban, SAT DJ Brian Toll
The Grape Room (105 Grape St.) FRI Apple Juice Jones, SAT Sitting in Cars, Cassettes, Jamie and the Guarded Heart, Weezadelphia
Ardmore Music Hall (23 E. Lancaster Ave.) FRI PhillyBloco, SAT Tommy Conwell & The Young Rumblers, SUN Whiskeyhickon Boys, Four Lean Hounds, Chris Grunwald
First Unitarian Church (2125 Chestnut St.) SAT Thin Lips
Everybody Hits (529 W. Girard Ave.) SAT Cult Objects
The Pharmacy (1300 S. 18th St.) SAT J Solomon, Stone Cold Grace
Vox Populi (319 N. 11th St., 3rd Floor) SUN The Invasive Species, Forgotten Bottom, Aphid Daughters
Ruba Club (416 Green St.) FRI Desertion Trio
No Face Studios (5213 Grays Ave.) FRI Dear Forbidden, Babe Grenade, SAT World Below, SUN Fixation, Controller
Warehouse on Watts (923 N. Watts St.) SAT DEL, Francisco Collazo
Pickle Rehearsal Space (5213 Grays Ferry Ave., Unit B14) SAT Revolution, I Love You, Rasan In The Heyday, Beach Bod
Lizard Lounge (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SAT Eliza Bird, Earthboy
Hubris House (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SAT The Chairman Dances, All Boy/All Girl, Buddie
The Music Ward (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SAT The Wallflower Observer Presents Elevated Earthlings: A Celebration of Planet Earth: Jello Vibes, Sonni Shine
Philadelphia
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New Track: “Honeypie” – Johnny Utah
A freshly baked single, “Honeypie,” has recently arrived from Jacob Sullenger, a.k.a. Johnny Utah. Immediately jumping into a funky, danceable groove, the track captures a fluid, exuberant sound. Enhanced by the accompanying falsetto vocals, the infectious rhythm demands for you to shake them hips. So press play, enjoy and then repeat.
Chicago
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Thomas Comerford Blood Moon Tour
It has been nearly a year since local troubadour Thomas Comerford released his latest album, Blood Moon. The album took his brand of Americana to whole new level, and this week he announced that he will be touring for the album later this Spring to celebrate its one year anniversary.
You can find all of his tour dates and can catch him for the homecoming free show at The Hungry Brain on June 28th with Marydee Reynolds.
Photo by Jim Newberry
NYC
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Zr. King debuts single “Ships in the Night,” release LP at Arlene’s 05.16
The heavy punching hymns of pure alternative rock seem like a rarity these days but groups like Zr. King bring them to relevance with fuzzy guitar chords to spare. “Ships in the Night” is the group’s second single off their upcoming sophomore album Musically & Morally Bankrupt, which is set for release May 17. The group formed in 2012 and is true to the power-rock that has elevated bands like Queens of the Stone Age to national stardom. The new track shows off the band’s deep sonic arsenal, as it delivers one euphoric musical breakdown after the next—slick guitar solos, slithering basslines, bold drum fills – it’s a sincere ode to hard rock. Zr. King calls the single "a celebration of the confidence that comes from rebuilding yourself." Celebrating is also what Zr. King will be doing at Arlene’s Grocery May 16 as they perform on the eve of the album’s release. – Rene Cobar
Chicago
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Patrick Burnell “Day of Reckoning”
Guitarist, and all around renaissance man, Patrick Burnell has released his debut album called Day of Reckoning via Ezz-thetic Records and Metric Coffee.
The album is a meditative mix of flamenco and classical guitar playing that takes the listener on journey and tells an adventurous story without a single spoken word.