New Music, Emerging from your Local Scene
Bandy recently released their sophomore album, The Challengers, via the Texas label Under The Counter Tapes.
This is the experimental rock of Adam Cohen-Leadholm (guitar, vocals), Ross Howard (drums, vocals) and Paul Parts (bass, vocals). Paul and Ross are former members of the MAMA, with Ross being the primary songwriter on this album.
This album is ’70’s glam mixed traditional garage rock and is a tremendous amount fun.
Sorry, but I had to put that in the title. Singer Gabby Franks sings it on “Baltimore” from Moon by Moon‘s self-titled and I thought it was really charming and funny. The track has another hilarious moment when in the middle of it after Franks has been complaining about life in Baltimore for a solid two minutes she all of sudden says, “and i’ve only really been here for like 3 weeks.” In all, this isn’t the most technically impressive release I’ve ever listened to, but it has moments like those that make it appealing.
Anyway, looks like the group is gigging around pretty regularly, you can check out their Facebook to learn more.
-Mike Dranove
At least that was my first thought when I was listening to “Making Space,” the opening track on Eli Lev’s debut release All Roads East. With my interest piqued, I checked out his website; turns out this guy is a seriously busy gigger. He has a whole slew of shows lined up and some impressive performances on his resume including at The Fillmore in Silver Spring, the 9:30 club, Burning Man, and a private show for Eleanor Holmes Norton.
And after listening to the rest of the album, gotta say dude has some chops. If you are into country, rockabilly, or folk, definitely give him a listen. He is playing tomorrow night in DC at Sauf Haus Beer Hall on 18th st.
-Mike Dranove
Aidan Peterson, a.k.a. Instupendo, recently shared a new single “Cinderella,” featured on the forthcoming EP Boys by Girls (due out on June 5). Establishing an elegant atmosphere of contemplation, the first person narrative swims in a placid, confessional composition. However, while the song appears to come from the point of view of a hesitant admirer, protective instincts are also voiced/revealed. Hovering between a daydreaming ideal and the hope that it translates into a reality, one waits to see how the story plays out.
The furious guitars and nimble drum beats of Grim Streaker—led by the matching vocal inflection of Amelia Bushell—will pierce through your preferred listening device this May 17 as the band releases their debut LP No Vision. Their preview track “Today New York” is a promise of world domination through classic garage punk – and it all starts with their album release party at Alphaville on May 16. The Brooklyn group is offering the album with a cassette and zine package that is limited to 100 copies. The event is shaping up nicely, and NYC should be buzzing that evening. Listen to the strong pace of "Today New York" below. – Rene Cobar
Box House recently released the first single, “Lovesick #2”, from their forthcoming debut EP, “Sick Days”. This this work of Jon O’Brien (Guitarist), Beckland Sargeant (Lead Vocalist/Guitarist), Luciano Passaretti (Bassist), and Drew Zaremba (Drummer/Percussionist).
You can catch Box House kicking off the Giant City EP release on April 23rd at Downstairs (Subt), and you can help them celebrate the release of their EP on May 18th at Smith’s Central Garage in McHenry with Rotten Mouth and Monarch Band.
The brand new single from Toronto’s Run Coyote features the anti-hero from their upcoming album “In Shadowlands”. Run Coyote blends 2000’s indie rock with old time spaghetti western licks which are very prominent in this single “The Chase”. This tune follows the character as she tries to take justice into her own hands and is pursued by a private eye across the city and desert. “In Shadowlands” is out on April 26th via So Sorry Records. Run Coyote will be on the road throughout Eastern Canada in April/May and will be performing at their release party in Toronto at the Burdock on June 27th with Lenny Bull. – Kris Gies
The fuzzy bassline that kicks off NYC group Mala Vista’s song “Mouth Breeder” is only the beginning of a sonic roller coaster ride that will take you right back to the vintage years of garage rock (early ’70s). Furiously powerful drumming lays a foundation for expeditious guitar riffs and driving vocal deliveries that are covered in the anxiety and excitement of NYC’s punk glory days. However, the band has a finesse to it that betrays an above the average musicianship (at least in the garage rock field, not prone to virtuosism); they showcase it not only in the solos of lead guitarist Erik Lamf but also in the effective backing vocals of drummer Ben McIsaac. The group is celebrating the release of their first EP and is charging toward a gig at Gutter Bar in Brooklyn April 20th. Here below is what you can expect from these NYC gents. – Rene Cobar
Slow Mass released a new single last week called “Music For Ears 1” via Landland Colportage. The 7” single features a new track called “Siren” backed with a cover of “Reservations” by Wilco.
Slow Mass is currently on a Spring Tour and can be seen at Thalia Hall on April 23rd with Gouge Away and La Dispute.
Photo by Madi Ellis Photography
Easy Habits have released a new album called SAYONARA, and have also disbanded. The trio played what they are calling their final show last week at Reed’s Local.
SAYONARA is is the band’s second album and first release since 2018’s standout single “Perfect Lady". Easy Habits as a project will be missed and we wish each of it’s member the best as they hopefully move on to new projects.
Hip Hop group SpaceGang recently released a new album called Project Mercury. This is the work of K-Mojo, JayKarti, and EJAY.
Below is the lyric video for the album’s lead single, “What I Did For My Brothers”.
