Portland

Maurice and the Stiff Sisters Thank the Fans

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*photo credit: Zim Zimmerman/Light Monkeys

Gratitude is essentially a virtue. It used to be the norm for bands and solo musicians to have a particular hubris about them-a cocky air craving the praise of their fans for oftentimes no reason at all. Thankfully artists aren’t as much like that anymore. Power pop quintet Maurice and the Stiff Sisters show this, demonstrating how farther a good relationship with the audience can take you in addition to talent.

The group hasn’t been around for very long. In about a year’s time since they’ve been a band they’ve already played to masses of people, like at the Kenton Street Fair, as well as to pretty varying crowds like patrons of the southeast country bar Landmark Saloon. Maurice and the Stiff Sisters have a type of accessible sound that’s easy for all crowds to enjoy. Their power pop is not only delightfully catchy, but also mixes in romantic soulful notes that make them even more lovable. 

Seeing Maurice and the Stiff Sisters is just as enjoyable as listening to them, which in part helped them become one of our June artists of the month. You can catch their next set at the end of July for an ACLU benefit at Dig A Pony, along with Bubblecats and Snowblind Traveler. Until then, enjoy their performance video for "Our Old Haunts" and an adoring acceptance video for their win.

Portland

Mood Music: Ellis Pink – “Temperature”

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Temperatures have steadily been climbing the last couple of weeks and after celebrating the summer solstice yesterday, we’ve got to truly prepare for summer to be here. Thankfully, there’s a mellow Ellis Pink track to ease our way into it.

Ellis Pink is the kind of duo that know how to get bodies moving, and minds thinking. To only incorporate two members, Ellis Pink create such a packed sound of pop, jazz and electronic. During their live sets, the two only employ three instruments in the production of their sound – keyboards, drums and their voices – to create the magic. It makes for an intriguing set to watch, and locals will be able to enjoy them and more in just a few hours.

The two will be headlining a show tonight at the White Eagle with a bill full of other poppy acts. Former Pacific Northwesteners Eugene Marie will share tracks from their recent electro-pop debut, while Sea Caves will offer some orchestral indie vibes and Courtney Noe teams up with The Heavy Hustle to get everyone moving. Tickets are only $9 at the door and music starts at 8pm. Listen to Ellis Pink’s track "Temperature" below.

NYC

Alt folksters New Mystics debut at Baby’s All Right tonight (06.22)

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Josh Onstott of Other Lives’ new project, New Mystics, brings a sunny, fresh energy into a new band. With tracks like Sparrows and Modern, Onstott’s vocals communicate a sense of regret and longing that’s perfectly reflected in the band’s sound: the songs serve a purpose. When lyrics like “such a lovely day to say goodbye” are translated into these bright sounds, the pairing is therapeutic. New Mystics follows on the footsteps of bands like Delta Spirit and their emotional alt folk, don’t miss their live debut tonight (June 22nd) at Baby’s All Right.

Philadelphia

New Haunted Homes EP Available for Streaming & Purchase

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Haunted Homes just released an EP whose title eerily ushers in the summer. Produced by Uniform Recording’s Jeff Zeigler, Séance At The Shore echoes surf-rock optimism, with a foreboding undertow. Despite the murky pretense of alluring keys, one is drawn toward the humid haze. The quintet, along with American Trappist,  are penciled in to support Madalean Gauze’s record release show on Friday, July 21 at Johnny Brenda’s.

NYC

NYC Record of the Month: Evolfo – “Last of the Acid Cowboys” + live at PizzaFest tonight (06.22)

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Brooklyn-based Evolfo plays garage rock with the sort of heart, grit, and flourishes you’d expect from a group of vinyl store junkies with a massive b-side collection. The band, an ensemble of music school students who originally united (to much acclaim) in Boston, crafts tunes that play like a well-curated list of late 60s-70s cult hits. They’ve created a reputation for songs that are visceral, infectious, and immediately bewitching, and their most recent release, "Last of the Acid Cowboys," does not disappoint. From the crunch of opening track "Vision of Sin," to the bluesy saunter of "Moon Eclipsed the Sun," the record manages to cover a lot of ground but never relinquishes its too-cool, old-school vibes. Tracks like "Frank the Fiddler" add a swirling, synth-led mystique to the album but the core of the LP is the brash and brazen garage rock fun pulsing throughout it. All in all, Last of the Acid Cowboys is an electric record that puts a much-welcomed twist on revivalism. – Olivia Sisinni

Philadelphia

New Track: “Hey God” – The Front End

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Allentown’s The Front End explores existential themes on their latest single, “Hey God”. Framed as a post-death/dream encounter with a god, the song maintains a loose vibe despite its heavier implications. Gradually, avalanching instrumentation hastens the pace as an emotive core rises to the surface in a harmonized conclusion.

Austin

Knife In the Water Leaves Solace In Its Wake

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 A fourteen year hiatus usually proves the death knell on almost any artistic endeavor, save the ones that are fueled by an undying passion.  Knife In The Water has that passion and a healthy dose of integrity to put forth their fifth release, Reproduction. Released in March, 2017 the album is a return to their signature slow unravelling soundscapes that peak blissfully only to return to the spatial solemnity. While there are no propellers attached to this vehicle, the glide is so mesmerizing and soothing that you’ll forget where it was you had planned on going.  A tip of the hat to these music veterans who are about to head out on for most of the band, will be their first touring gig in decades.

Chicago

White Mystery

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White Mystery recently released a video for their track “Bad Neptune”. The band is also involved in the New Belgium Tour De Fat Battle of the Bands. You can vote for them here.

White Mystery will be performing at Beat Kitchen on June 24th and at Schubas on June 26th.