You might catch Sam Becht, a.k.a. Sam Bekt, at a show or on tour behind the skins with bands such as Epitaph Records’s Remo Drive and Long Island’s Oolong, who have helped to inspire him to want songs of his own. Thus, Selfie was created – a record of “stylish, homespun, pop melancholia”. It instantly captured our attention and a nomination for our Featured Artist(s) Poll, where Becht also recently emerged victorious. Take a moment, and find out more about the Philly renaissance man HERE.
L.A.
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Lomelda ‘M for Empathy’ is a candid reflection on communication breakdown
Hannah Read—who goes by the stage name Lomelda—writes intimate songs that elicit big, tender-hearted emotions. Read’s latest album, M for Empathy, is designed in minute-long sketches that detail the pains of loneliness and fraught relationships. She fingerpicks with a classical guitar—a sole companion through this bittersweet 16-minute musical portrait—which embellishes her inward-looking thoughts.
M for Empathy is the follow-up to 2017’s breakthrough album Thx, out now via Double whammy Records. You can stream the album in its entirety on all streaming platforms. Catch her opening for Big Thief at The Irenic in San Diego on April 20. Juan Rodríguez
Portland
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J.Graves’ Record Release & Pressing
J. Graves is currently raising funds to get their record Marathon pressed. While supporting a queer, female-fronted band is always a good cause, J. Graves has the kind of talent and heart you can’t help but root for. Their recently released “A Cabin” is a powerful rock ballad, full of the highs and lows any good emotional rock song should deliver. Lead guitarist and vocalist Jessa Grave’s voice is weighted down with tension and vulnerability. However, she keeps up a high energy level as she blends her voice in with the more animated beat produced by the bass and drums. The song is full of the nuanced technical balance that can only result from great chemistry between the members. Together, they produce the sort of rock we want to see more of in the world.
You can find a link to the Kickstarter here, and you can see the band live April 18th at the Bit House Saloon. Childspeak and Foxtails Brigade will also be playing sets.
-By Avril Carrillo
NYC
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Shake the Baby Till the Love Comes Out plays Alphaville tonight
NYC post-rock and prankster duo Shake the Baby Till the Love Comes Out are taking their musical exploration of textures and timbre to Alphaville tonight (March 27) and listeners shouldn’t expect them to hold anything back. The duo consisting of Fiona Gurney (guitar) and Niko Wood (drums) dangles, contorts, and tears away at the fabric of traditional rock in each track of their latest record in a pretty suit. The drastic shifts in tempo and the irresistibly mathy guitar licks that alternate between distorted and clean clearly puts them on the footsteps bands like Tortoise and Cul de Sac who drove the American post-rock movement forward. Shake the Baby Till the Love Comes Out is sure to make a lot of noise, of the right kind. – Rene Cobar
Chicago
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Divino Niño “Coca Cola”
Divino Niño has released a new single, “Coca Cola”, from their forthcoming album Foam. The album is set to be released on June 21st via Winspear.
This is work of Camilo Medina, Javier Forero, Guillermo Rodriguez, and Pierce Codina.
You can catch Divino Niño on April 11th at Thalia Hall with Durand Jones & The Indications.
NYC
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Tim Bluhm releases single off new album Sorta Surviving, Out March 29
Tim Bluhm (of The Mother Hips) is set to release his new solo project, Sorta Surviving on the 29th of March. The album was recorded and mixed at the forty year old Cash Cabin in Hendersonville, TN and was produced by Widespread Panic bassist & founding member, Dave Schools. The single “Where I Parked My Mind” is a solid, warm country introduction to the album: that two-step baseline, the steel guitar, lovely harmonizing and some familiar country themes: working hard, feeling tired, loving and losing. You can feel the production quality in the song’s bones and the richness and purity in Bluhm’s vocals. Sorta Surviving introduces some new songs and reimagines some classics.
The video for the song is interesting: it’s old country meets social media, where a bunch of young ladies phone-film themselves dancing around Bluhm, who is leaning on a liquor store strumming his guitar with a Jeff Bridges vibe (bless you both). Come on down this Friday to The Chapel for this record release show. –Michelle Kicherer, Associate Editor
Chicago
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Dying In Designer “PTSD”
South Side Emo rapper Dying In Designer (aka Bobby O’Brien) has released a new single and video called “PTSD” via Hopeless Records. The track features production from Nick Mira and the video was created by Alex Zarek.
As with his previous releases, this song follows O’Brien into the darkest corner of his pain and depression. Mental Health is a huge topic of concern , especially this week, and O’Brien is bravely facing and expressing his struggles. It is our hope, as his, that this approach helps those struggling with the same issues.
Philadelphia
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New MINT EP Available for Streaming & Download
Cancer is the official debut EP from punk quartet MINT. Meshing sincere observations with a snarky, sarcastic edge, the band creates a ramped-up, rowdy, infectious energy. Unapologetically in your face, the tracks push back against the status quo, while retaining a resilient, upbeat tone. The album was also recorded, mixed, and mastered by Wherever Audio’s Kyle Gilbride.
Chicago
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Ember Oceans “First Place”
Ember Oceans has released a new single, “First Place”, from their forthcoming debut full-length album. This is the third single the Synth-Pop band has released from this project, and it is the perfect backdrop for this freshly emerging Spring weather.
You can catch Ember Oceans at HVAC Pub on May 25th with Capital Soiree, Stay Outside, and August Hotel.
Philadelphia
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New The Tough Shits LP Available for Streaming & Purchase
Warmer weather is on the horizon, and not so coincidentally, The Tough Shits have come out of recording hibernation with a new record, Burning In Paradise, out via Burger Records. The album captures a joyful, slow-burning, late-night, spring/summer aesthetic. They are melodic, sweaty, nostalgic songs that demand one to sing along with a sense of community; however, the tracks also fire on all cylinders with the undeniable ability to stomp and shred. You now have time to learn some lyrics for the band’s upcoming performance at Johnny Brenda’s on Monday, June 24 with Daddy Long Legs.
Chicago
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Mom Dog
Mom Dog, not to be confused with Deli fav Dog Mom, is the new project from the young multi-instrumentalist Kenton Kiser. He recently released his self-tiled debut album which features a contribution from Saint Bahr on "Michagain".
The album is an impressive debut blending lo-fi bedroom recordings with more polished indie rock elements.
NYC
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Hell yeah, baby! The Hell Yeah Babies play The Footlight Bar on 03.29
Power pop’s deliciousness derives from its embracing of catchy tunes, bold personalities, and playful theatricality. But it’s kind of like an ice cream sundae: take an ingredient out, and it kinda sucks. Astoria’s The Hell Yeah Babies are able to serve this genre with a cherry on top through their blend of garage, glam, and Costellesque vocal melodies, taking us on a musical ride that flashes rich harmonies, intrepid guitar solos, and enough showmanship to make Broadway’s musicals blush. The Hell Yeah Babies’ 2018 record All The Things That You Believe is evidence that this group is working hard and aiming high. See them live at The Footlight Bar on March 29 in Queens, NY. – Rene Cobar