L.A.

Moon Ensemble release new single “Future Colors”

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Moon Ensemble have nestled between their sound and identity through a couple of years of experimentation, and now move confidently into the direction of redefining their existence with their track “Future Colors” via CupaDella Records. The Hacienda-Heights quartet ditch the psych-jangles to evolve into a fuller cosmic entity, led by progressive rock undertones, playful synth distortions, and an addictive guitar riff. Opening with sensual vocals, leading towards the band’s dream-state position, “Future Colors” manages to manipulate these elements through a creative composition while simultaneously pulsating through into the dance realm. Thriving through the duality of vocals and constant bursts of energy, Moon Ensemble make a welcoming statement through their sonic palette of new colors. – Janette Ayub

 

NYC

Mateo Akhi releases new album, to play SOB’s on 2/22

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With artists like Chance the Rapper serving as living manifestations of Kanye West’s legacy, it’s hard not to evaluate contemporary rappers according to how to relate to and differ from West in terms of music, persona or both. A rapper that invites this kind of comparison is Mateo Akhi. The Jersey City rapper’s most recent LP, veyebes, features a potent mix of rootsy hip hop reminiscent of West’s earlier stuff and the distorted edgeof his later works. The key difference, however, lies in the vocals. While West is mostly known for his rapping, Akhi raps and sings all throughout the album, quite literally, finding his own voice. Tracks like ‘poplar trees‘ show Akhi at his best, with the stormy instrumental perfectly matching his intense vocals. You can catch him live at SOB’s on 2/22. —Henry Solotaroff-Weber

Philadelphia

New No Thank You Album Available for Streaming

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No Thank You, the fledgling project from Kaytee Della-Monica, teeters between reflective open spaces and rambuctious, revealing powerpop on her first label release, Jump Ship. It’s another gem of a discovery from Philly’s own Lame-O Records. The record officially comes out this Friday, February 24, but you can now stream Jump Ship in its entirety below. Clocking in at under twenty minutes, it might end much sooner than you’d like; however, a lasting impression remains long after the music has stopped. You can also join Della-Monica and friends on the evening of her release at Everybody Hits, before she heads out on tour this weekend with The Superweaks in support of her latest.

NYC

Surf Thugs to play Arlene’s Grocery 3/31

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TGIF! Well, it’s not quite Friday yet, but if you need some music that will make it feel like the weekend, Surf Thugs will definitely spice things up. Their music screams “life of the party” with their upbeat, optimistic pop punk tunes. If that isn’t enough, these guys also sing about partying. They created their own abbreviation “RIP”, which doesn’t mean Rest in Peace in this case but Really into Partying. So, if you’re Really into Partying it’s time to listen to Surf Thugs as well as see them live when they play Arlene’s Grocery March 31st.-Jocelyn Huggler

 

NYC

Feb 25: The Jo-go Project at the 7DrumCity opening festival

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Former Strathmore artist-in-residence Elijah Balbed will bring his all-star lineup of go-go players to the North Capitol neighborhood this Saturday for the 7DrumCity opening festival. The Jo-go Project‘s barn-burning solos and tight go-go beats are guaranteed to make the reopening of the community focused drum studio and rehearsal space into a real party. 

Don’t miss The Jo-go Project at the 7DrumCity opening festival, 2-10pm, with DC bands Color Palette, Shining Blade Theory, and many more!

-Written by Michael Dranove

Portland

Sound + Vision Part Deux with Cool American, Boreen and Perfume V

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A collaborative effort from Banana Stand Media and the Portland Mercury, Sound + Vision is a monthly showcase that presents some of the best acts in town. Sound + Vision only began last month and with their second installment happening tonight, the showcases promises a solid duration of enjoyable artists.

In just a couple hours, the best flavor in Dorito pop comes from Cool American, who will be sharing the stage with the softly sad alternative of Boreen and the Malkmus-esque indie of Perfume V. It’s quite a steal when you think about it, seeing these three acts take to the Mississippi Studios stage for free. If Sound + Vision keeps it up, they’ll be seeing growing crowds with each one.

Portland

Whiskey and Rock Tonight at Tanker

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Tonight, come out and enjoy two of the greatest things life has to offer – whiskey and rock music – for free.

Well, the whiskey may not be free, but the music is and that’s where the most enjoyment will come from. Elements of punk, hardcore and doom focalize for Tanker’s first (and possibly last) show, with sets from post-grunge ghost rock duo Glacial Fall, sci-fi hardcore punks 42 Ford Prefect, the ski masked vigor of G*U*N and the good feels of Bad Sex.

A lineup like this guarantees Tanker‘s first show is going to get a bit rowdy, so come prepared to leave with the stench of booze and sweat all over you. Music will start somewhat promptly at 8pm.

Philadelphia

New Sandcastle EP Available for Streaming & Download

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Philly’s own Sandcastle emerge from their musical lair to traverse across a psych-folk/pop terrain on their new album Netherodes. Nomadic riffs and fragile sometimes eerie vocals complement each other, creating a mystical air around the latest batch of recordings. The EP is made up of five original tracks, accompanied by opener, "How Sweet I Roam’d," which contains the words of William Blake laid over the traditional Scottish folk composition of "The Water Is Wide". You can stream and download Netherodes for free below.

Philadelphia

New Pissed Jeans LP Available for Streaming

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Sub Pop mainstays Pissed Jeans recently premiered their fifth album, Why Love Now, over at Noisey. The Philly via Allentown four-piece recruited the help of Sumerlands‘ Arthur Rizk and punk/no-wave legend Lydia Lunch to produce its latest. The band’s innate ability to come together to create cathartic anthems spotlighting the soul-crushing, mundane aspects of life keeps us dialed in – that and the fact that Pissed Jeans is one of the best live bands out there. Why Love Now officially comes out this Friday, February 24, and Pissed Jeans will be hosting a couple of intimate hometown shows at Boot & Saddle on Friday, March 10 and PhilaMOCA on Saturday, March 10. You need to grab your tix immediately before both shows eventually sell out.

New England

Cardinals Transform With Release of Acoustic EP Aftertaste

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 After a whirlwind year of recording and touring, Boston pop-punkers Tighticus Finch have flown from the nest as Cardinals.  Equipped with a new acoustic EP, Aftertaste, duo Emily Ronna and CJ Rarela are putting the proverbial (and literal) band back together, harnessing the energy of Finch and the mature emotional content that comes with a year of new experiences.  The highlight track for us is "Of Montreal", a ballad that puts Ronna’s vocals to the test (which she passes).  Check them out live at Bungalow Bar & Grill in Manchester, NH with Woven in Hiatus, Paper Monsters, Hours North, and The Grebes. -Brian Varneke