On first listen, Woodpainting’s music is very difficult to wrap your head around. Their track "A Hot Gust of Wind" (streaming below) darts back and forth between rhythms, drifts up and down in dynamic range, crashes, bangs, strums… Woodpainting describe themselves as "a grand multimedia narrative work, an infectious bubblegum-pop melodrama, a lyrical folk opera, a pan-idiomatic chamber piece, an anachronistic daytime-soap, and a rock epic." All of those things are probably true. But what you should cling to are the juicy guitar licks and soaring drums, especially on "Danse Macabre," which drifts into a slightly more atmospheric soundscape. The second you decide to simply let the music wash over you is the moment when it becomes a blissful concoction of sound. –Geena Kloeppel
Egrets on Ergot release video for “Mangkukulam,” debut album out on 10/27
"Mangkukulam!," chants art-punk quartet Egrets on Ergot over a relentless barrage of rolling toms and thudding bass lines. The term stands for someone who is a practitioner of low magic or sorcery in Filipino culture, a striking motif that presents an alien and uncompromising vision. Their loping, practically instrumental rhythms hit with a snarling energy without losing a keen sense of groove, casting a dark spell that engulfs your senses with each and every primitive shriek.
"Mangkukulam" is the lead-off track off of Egrets on Ergot’s debut album Surfeit of Gemütlich, which comes out on October 27 via Cleopatra Records. Watch the official video below.
Morningbird Plays Hard Rock Cafe Boston 10.06
Boston quintet Morningbird is a difficult band to pin down with genre descriptions and buzzwords. Their new album, Only Believe in Love, invokes classic influences and hearkens back to the "golden age" of rock, while keeping a modern flair. The record is driven, largely, by impressive vocal performances, beginning with a soulful, Queen-esque chorale in the standout debut track, "It Takes a Woman". Eclectic and dynamic, the album showcases the band’s considerable range, while maintaining a steady flow from start to finish. Check them out at Hard Rock Boston on 10/6 with The Poor Sports, Charles Delta, Violet Intent, and Helen. -Brian Varneke
Artist to check out: Odetta Hartman plays Rough Trade on 10.14
It is rare to stumble upon emerging artists who have the ability to convey intensity and emotion with only their voices and a few instruments – NYC/DC chanteuse Odetta Hartman possesses this skill. Inspired by old-timey country and anything rootsy, Odetta alternatively injects doses of tension, mystery and – always – oozes of character in anything she performs. With her latest original release (the 222 EP) dating back to 2015, we are owed some new material. In the meantime, you can see her live at Rough Trade on 10.14.
We added this song to The Deli’s playlist of Best NYCrootsy songs by emerging NYC artists – check it out!
The Beach Bats – “Washed Up” EP
Beach/Garage Rockers The Beach Bats have released a new EP “Washed Up”…which I would say does not accurately describe the band since they are rather young now. The EP opens up with “Creature or Die”. Gentle waves crash in on the shore to set the tone then the bass kicks off a tune reminiscent of early 2000’s indie rock but still keeping their surf vibes rollin’. The guitar work from Goth Bikini especially adds excellent surfy tones to the thumpin rhythm section featuring Moon Mutt. It’s fun listening to this band. See them at Doors Pub in Hamilton on October 6th. – Kris Gies
Melkbelly “Off The Lot”
Melkbelly has released a video for the latest single, “Off The Lot”, from their forthcoming LP Nothing Valley. The album will be released on October 13th via Wax Nine/Car Park.
You can help Melkbelly celebrate the release on October 13th at The Hideout.
Katie Von Schleicher plays Union Pool on 10.19 before UK/EU tour
Singer-songwriter and vocalist for Wilder Maker’s Katie Von Schleicher will play Union Pool as part of LPR Presents on October 19th. She’s kept busy promoting her second commercial album, self-depreciatively titled Shitty Hits, which came out in July and was well received by Pitchfork, The Guardian, PopMatters, and other major publications. The Union Pool show will be one of Von Schleicher’s last in NYC for a while, as she’s setting off on a grand UK/EU tour for most of the fall. She’ll venture through the UK, Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands before heading back to the states and NYC in December. Hear "Sell It Back" from Shitty Hits below, and catch her before she crosses the pond. – Will Sisskind
New Trash Knife EP Available for Streaming & Purchase
Local imprint FDH Records recently issued the self-titled EP from hardcore quintet Trash Knife. Resonating with a snarly sense of immediacy, these songs continuously push the pace, while demonstrating a tacky-tongue-twisting lyricism. Aggressively grabbing the reins in a firsthand, contemporary commentary, the album drives its points home quickly. Directly hammering to the point, it’s both fun, and gone in a flash.
New Track: “Crying” – Slow Ref
Meg McCauley, a.k.a. Slow Ref, recently released a new self-titled EP, which is available on cassette via Albany’s Bee Side Cassettes. Featured on the EP, “Crying” tries to pull an emotional response from its subject. With delicate melodies and a bedroom-pop feel, the song captures a sweet albeit secluded tone. Slow Ref will be performing next in town on Thursday, October 5 at an intimate South Philly house show, where she’ll be joined by Woodsists recording artist John Andrews and fellow locals Neutral Shirt.
Iris Lune brings alt-electronic to The Knit on 10.10
Brooklyn quartet Iris Lune seemingly transcends their indie-electronic sound in their new single, "Sewing Skylines to Shores" (streaming below), an engaging track built around a modern and rather dramatic pop production, featuring textural synths and intense soulful vocals. The song marks an electronic departure from their debut self-titled EP which sustained a calm and indie-pop vibe throughout. The quartet will play The Kniting Factory on October 10. – Tafari Lemma
The Broomestix transcend generations capturing the magic of timeless funk and soul
With its groovy instrumentation, and killer lead vocalist, the young and infectious talent of the Broomestix will have you up on your feet ready to dance, in no time. Fitted with incredibly well arranged originals, the band members produce a sound reminiscent of funk/soul legends like Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and Aretha Franklin. The groups up-and-coming success not only stems from its original content, but also from its exalted high-energy live performances, taking place in the Nashville area and dozens of states along the east coast. The group has released two albums, jam-packed full of quirky horn riffs, fat chords, insightful lyricism, and smooth vocals; both are available on Spotify for your pleasure.
Catch the Broomestix live at the Douglas Corner Cafe, October 12 at 8:30 PM!
BBQ Pope – New LP on Fried Records!
Here’s some heavy ass garage rock. BBQ Pope bring the heat. Thumpin’ rock n roll that has some Melvins vibes to it. They just released their self titled LP on Fried Records and it rocks. The opening track “Welcome To My Hell” really sets the tone with heavy drums and grungy guitars. You’ll pretty much know if you like it or not right away. These yutes seem too young to be sad but the next track is titled “Sad and Stoned”…which I’m sure they are the latter. This track leans a bit more towards the pop end of the spectrum. A nice mix-up from the first track and very catchy. Guys will like the opening track and chicks will dig this one. So they may have it all figured out. – Kris Gies