Chronic Anxiety and Dialer share space on their split release via Bunny Cat Records & SRA Records. Chronic Anxiety’s side is stacked with jarring, anxious, observational vocals, a continuous, primal, rhythmic push, and specs of chaotic noise, with a tenacious/groovy dichotomy. Dialer combines a synth-fueled musical attack, with raw, roaring vocals, revealing a harsh electro-punk reality. You can catch their record release celebration on Saturday, March 16 at Time Cube, where they’ll be supported by Cult Objects and Pit Hair.
Nashville
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Alt-rockers The Ivins release new single, play The Basement on 04.09
There’s a certain type of pop-punk or alt-rock that came out around 2008 or 2009, a sort of prototypical Imagine Dragons sound that still had a bit of the MCR/Fall Out Boy/Panic! drive that fell away once bands started getting militaristic and neo-Teutonic with their sound. The Ivins capture that transitional rock that set the tone for the turn of one decade of insecurity to another. And now, on the eve of yet another strange and unknowable ten years, the band will release their new single "Certain", an alt-rock anthem that will introduce new fans to The Ivins’ sound and bring long-time listeners want more. Although The Ivins have a few years behind them in their careers — as well as having their music used on Fox Sports — they’ll play New Faces Nite at The Basement on April 9th. While "Certain" is still a month away, get pumped for the release by watching the video for The Ivins’ previous single "Roam The World" below. – Will Sisskind
L.A.
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Subtle Smiles go on a celestial journey on self-titled debut single
It’s a rare occurrence when a musical project decides to name a track after their namesake. But instead of self-promotion, consider Subtle Smiles’ self-titled debut single as a definitive introduction into their hypnotic synth-pop. True to their name, the Long Beach duo—producer Brian Frederick and singer-songwriter Marley Rae—wield a low-key, yet richly textured sound that beams with scintillating intensity. "Starlight/ star bright," Rae playfully sings as frizzy synths and a lithe guitar riff proffer an unearthly atmosphere. "Subtle SMiles" should appeal to those who enjoy the dance-oriented balladry of New Order and the lavish, introspective pop of A Sunny Day in Glasgow.
"Subtle Smiles" is featured on the duo’s debut LP, Significant Other. Look out for a physical release later this summer via Donut Sounds. Juan Rodríguez
NYC
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Ghost Funk Orchestra brings their dark soul to Brooklyn Bazaar on 04.04
NYC group Ghost Funk Orchestra will be taking the stage at Brooklyn Bazaar on April 4th, and they will be bringing the sounds of their 2017 record Something Evil with them. In songs like “Fluorescent,” the group uses Djembe rhythms to lure the listener into a vortex of funky basslines and soulful vocals, their odd time signatures keeping you at the epicenter of the jam. The nine-piece ensemble of Julian Applebaum (bass), Seth Applebaum (guitar), Kyle Beach (drums), Stephen Chen (bari sax), Laura Gwynn (vocals/keyboard), Romi Hanoch (vocals/percussion), James Kelly (trombone), Joshua Park (guitar), and Rich Seibert (trumpet) utilizes every instrument at their disposal to craft a type of “heavy soul” or “dark funk” sound that fits their namesake. If you are up for something new, we recommend checking them out. – Rene Cobar
NYC
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Distant Mountains release new album Stationed Lockstep
Distant Mountains released their latest album Stationed Lockstep on March 1, the first full-length album the band self-engineered and self-produced (Light Rail Studios, San Francisco). Well they’ve done a fine job. The album as a whole is a breathing piece; songs fade and blend into each other with seamless mixing and a refreshing blend of experimental, alternative rock that might please fans of Wilco and My Morning Jacket. Track “Look Back” is an opening song with the epic quality of early Arcade Fire and has some clever-funny lyrical and vocal moments. Enjoy that deep warble for a second there. Our recommendation is to hold out for Side 2: tracks “Expensive Taste,” “Solstice,” and “Junipero” blend together with a seamless spacey quality. Distant Mountains is Paul McCorkle, Scott Lord, and Ben Manning. Stay tuned into their sites for upcoming shows. – Michelle Kicherer, Associate Editor
Chicago
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Interview with Black Brunswicker
Black Brunswicker is the last project from Ethan Helfrich (aka Rest You Sleeping Giant), and on March 10th he released his debut album, In the Age of Aristocracy, via Cleveland’s Stereoscenic Records.
We thought this would be the perfect time to reach out to Ethan and ask him a few questions about the album, the new moniker, and Ambient music in general. You can read the full interview here.
Toronto
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The Actual Goners – Roots Rock Duo “Coricidin Bottle Blues”
The Actual Goners are a roots-rock duo who now call Toronto home. Originally from Vancouver Island; these two songwriters are influenced by the likes of Wilco and Bruce Springsteen. You can definitely hear the Springsteen in their latest track “Coricidin Bottle Blues” with the subtle synth track that follows along with the rest of the instruments. Also reminds me of The War On Drugs in a way. This track as well as “Wide Awake” were recorded at the Henhouse Studio in Nashville with Steve Dawson. “The Henhouse Sessions” is available now on all platforms. See them live at The Piston on May 16th with Bywater Blues and Sean Pinchin. – Kris Gies
Chicago
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Khan “Ghosts and Mirros”
Khan has released a new compilation of ambient music recorded between 2014 and 2018 called Ghosts and Mirrors. Khan is moniker of electronic music producer Connor Plunkett, and this album is the follow-up to his sophomore release “Jardin de l’Aude”.
Chicago
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These Beasts
Metal trio These Beasts has released the first single, “End of the Whip”, from their forthcoming self-titled album. Magnetic Eye Records will be released this album as a 12” EP on March 29th.
This is the work of Chris Roo (Guitar and Words), Keith Anderson (Drums), and Todd Fabian (Bass and Words)
You can catch These Beasts at Burlington Bar on April 19th with Masonic Wave, Pale Horseman, and Scumloard.
Philadelphia
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New Sadurn EP Available for Streaming & Purchase
The duo of Genevieve DeGroot and Jon Cox, a.k.a. Sadurn, recently released an EP Gleam, via Dead Definition Records. Delicate, acoustic guitar and ukulele accentuate DeGroot’s impassioned, silky vocals. Bedroom-folk songwriting addresses personal concerns, while simultaneously capturing a soothing, daydreamy quality and captivating calm. You can find the pair this evening upstairs at World Cafe Live as part of a lineup that also includes Mother Moses and Americanadian.
Philadelphia
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New Amanda X Single Release Available for Streaming & Download
Amanda X not only returned to the stage this past Saturday at Everybody Hits, they also released a pair of singles. Recorded by Dan Angel and James Ryskalchick at the Dungeon, “Vivid” captures a melodic awakening as the vocals intertwine and the bass pushes the pace, ascending and then spilling over into distorted guitar. “End of Days” jumps right in, recognizing the shortcomings of getting off to a bad start; it trades off vocally, while riding a contrasting exuberance. (Photo by Scott Troyan)
NYC
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Dina Maccabee’s new music is a balancing act, plays Owl Music Parlor 4.6
Dina Maccabee’s forthcoming record The Sharpening Machine is a balancing act; Maccabee juggles inclinations towards melodic singing and experimental vocal expression, while simultaneously modulating between instrumental textures both acoustic and electronic. While it can be initially perplexing to discern her overall vision, it is out of these contrasts that she creates a tension wherein shifts in structure and sound deliver a satisfying build and release. Recent single “Could You Be Right” serves as a testament to the record’s dynamic nature, changing from stumbling synth lines and a wandering vocal melody to an indie-pop, almost baroque-like march during the song’s chorus (and then back again). It’s a peak behind the curtain to Maccabee’s uniquely singular vision which will drop in full on April 5th – stream it below, and be sure to catch her at The Owl Music Parlor on April 6th with Kaethe Hostetter and Out of Sight of Land. -Connor Beckett McInerney (@b_ck_tt)