Stress You Out, the new album from the pairing of Rachel Wild and Nathan Avila, a.k.a. Beach Bod, has freshly washed up on our shores. The recording’s melancholy soaks into your skin as the delicate mist of melodic harmony takes over. A soothing/sincere dynamic balances the adrift, surf atmosphere. You can wade in their sonics this evening at Everybody Hits, where they’ll be opening for Oso Oso and Diva Sweetly. (Drawing by Liana Frances)
The American Legion’s Centennial Anniversary
Celebrate the American Legion Post 134’s centennial anniversary this weekend, starting tomorrow. Over the years the Legion has shown a lot of love to the local scene, and this is a great chance to send some of that love back their way. Local bands Nick Normal, No Aloha, Deathlist, and more will be playing. Each day goes from 5-11. There’s gonna be plenty of grub (vegan food included), and raffle prizes throughout the day. It’s only $7 per day, which is only $21 for the whole weekend. If you bring a canned good donation, the price drops down to $5. Check out the full details and lineup at the Legion’s facebook page here.
-By Avril Carrillo
Lady Chops & The Goddamn Jam plays Whip In 2/15
On the short, sweet "Leawood Street," Lady Chops & The Goddamn Jam paints a rich picture of a childhood summer day about town. Lead singer Bethony Nichole’s lyrics are an idyllic series of vignettes: descriptions abound of magnolia trees, gravel underneath one’s feet, pressing one’s hands into wet concrete and wearing overalls. For the most part, the song is refreshingly devoid of overt angst, instead focusing on the images and sensations that comprise a child’s experience of her world. The song brings the listener back to a place of innocence and simplicity. The only moment of mature reflection is the refrain: "I want to be a someone some day." It’s a feeling most of us can relate to, one that catches up with us into adulthood before we’re ready to realize that that someday is now. The song is still a heady, delightful portrait, and the instrumental prowess of Lady Chops’ full band serves to enhance this sensory experience without calling much attention to itself.
Lady Chops is playing at Whip In on February 15th, with support from the folk stylings of Much 2 Much and the debut of the new indie-rock band Tish. – Ethan Ames
Holy Ghosts announces new LP + unveils single
NYC synth music makers (and huge lovers of anything synth) Holy Ghost! just announced the upcoming release of their first album since 2013 "Dynamics." Preview single "Epton On Broadway (Part I & Part II)" keeps faith to the uplifting, ’80s influenced synth-soulpop sound of previous releases. The album represents the culmination of a transactional period, and preview single "Epton on Broadway" underlines this, as explained by frontman Alex Frankel: “Lyrically, ‘Epton On Broadway’ is a bit of a choose your own adventure. But to me: The verses are lamenting the end of a really fun era: “All my favorite places closed” – “nostalgia for the laughs and the afterglow.”
Wyatt Waddell “Untrain My Heart”
Wyatt Waddell has released a soulful new single called “Untrain My Heart”. The single features fellow Rosebud Collective member R E D, and will officially be released tomorrow, February 15th.
You can catch Wyatt Waddell on February 16th at Tonic Room with Jackson Davis and Daniel Cronson.
Adia Victoria’s new LP “Silences” drops 02.22 at onset of national tour
We hinted at the release of Adia Victoria‘s upcoming second album Silences last December, when Victoria played Delta Blues Christmas at Third Man. Now it’s February, the last of the holiday decorations have come down, and Victoria’s about to head out on tour to support the new record, which drops on the 22nd. The polymath artist — who on Silences sings songs that range from soaring ballads to dance-inducing blues rock numbers — co-produced the album with The National’s own Aaron Dessner. You can therefore hear plenty of emotion come through in the layers of masterful production on Silences; however, the base melodies and lyrics coming from Victoria’s voice are enough to convince you of her talent. Watch the video for "Different Kind of Love" below and see for yourself the power and conviction that Victoria delivers. – Will Sisskind
Video Premiere: Liska Steele “Just Enough”
We are proud to be able to premiere the video for the latest single, “Just Enough”, from Liska Steele. The video was produced by Low-Moon and it takes you on a fun-filled video game journey.
We recently had the opportunity to ask Liska about the video and here is what she had to say.
"I wanted the video to reflect my own journey of self acceptance. I was really set on having a portrayal of my "Ideal Self" in the video and I think Low Moon did an amazing job of putting a light-hearted twist on that. My hope is that this message of self-discovery is accessible to everyone who watches the video."
New The Savories EP Available for Streaming & Download
A casual, psych haze emits from the ventilation with the trio of tracks, found on The Savories‘s Singles. Turning towards a cosmic drift, one allows thoughts to wonder as the instrumentation serves as a guide. A gentle, melodic adventure develops wafting over one’s eardrums, before shifting into gears at prime points. You can catch the band on this evening’s billing at Century, with Bill Guy & The Essentials and Shoot the Messenger.
New Track: “Last Days Pt. 1” (Feat. Gus Staranko & Phillies Messiah) – Daz Jones
Daz Jones recently released a seven-song collection, titled Lost Tapes Vol. 1. Aided by Gus Staranko & Phillies Messiah, EP standout, “Last Days Pt. 1,” opens the proceedings. Keys and snare combine in a crisp, rolling beat, there’s a confident aggression – one that expertly weaves the streets, with the smooth ride of one’s words. Survival is a must.
Animal Aid Benefit
This Saturday, a benefit show for Animal Aid will be taking place at the High Water Mark. Animal Aid is a nonprofit, no-kill animal rescue and welfare organization that has been serving Portland since 1969. Other Lights, Dog Years, and Childspeak will all be playing in support of the organization. With each band filled with animal lovers, you can expect each set to be high energy and full of enthusiasm.
-By Nick Hartman
Harrison Lipton gets smooth on “Cannonball (feat. Huck, Quelle Rox),” plays Zone One 2.15
New York’s Harrison Lipton lays down some heavy alternative R&B vibes on “Cannonball,” with help from friends Quelle Rox and Huck. Accompanied by smooth, jazzy seventh chords and shuffling percussion, the song is a testament to the experience of becoming singularly fixated on a romantic interest, wherein all other thoughts fall by the wayside as paltry in comparison. Lipton’s first verse sets the mood with images of sultry baths and popping pills, enabling Huck to wax poetically on taking tequila shots and the passage of time as the track winds to a close, becoming increasingly more ethereal and echoing as it all fades to black. It’s a suave single, best enjoyed under the haze of cigar smoke and whisky, and guarantees a good time when Harrison takes to Zone One at Elsewhere on February 15th for its release party, supported by Melt the Band and Walker Landgraf. Stream Cannonball below. – Connor Beckett McInerney (@b_ck_tt)