Austin

Beth // James Appear on Blackkklansman With “Lion Eyes”

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There are so many music artists in Austin that tirelessly plod away at expanding their audience, and some never catch a break. It might be cliche, but defining ‘luck’ as when preparation meets opportunity, actually seems to prove itself over and over again. Long-time Austin electronic band, SURVIVE, found success with the Stranger Things soundtrack and countless other bands have found success through national TV spots. Local indie folk duo, Beth // James, got their thunderbolt through an open submission to Spike Lee for his new movie, Blackkklansman. Their song "Lion Eyes" was picked up and thrust into one of the best movies of the year, and also one of the best soundtracks. Mikaela Beth Kahn and Jordan James Burchill pick up where the band the Civil Wars left off and do a good job injecting an indie pop sensibility into their folk exoskeleton. The duo have their debut EP, New In Life, currently available and just released a single called "Wasted on Sundays".

 

Chicago

The Streets on Fire are Back!

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The Streets on Fire are back with their first album in eight years, Dead Styles. The band has been working on this project for seven years, and it features both former and current bassists Sebastian Brzek and Scott Van Buren with Yuri Alexander on guitars and keyboards, Gabriel Palomo on drums and beats, and Chadwick Anderson on lead vocals.

This new album is well worth the wait, and triumphant collection of danceable synth rock.

NYC

Devon Church breaks through with debut single “We Are Inextricable”

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There’s something so matter-of-the-fact on Devon Church’s “We Are Inextricable”, the first single from his debut album of the same name. It’s a declaration of attachment that seems devoid of poetry at first, but with each imperative cry of “Come on baby” the song pushes deeper into the singer’s complex psyche. Constructed over shifting, ambient grid points reminiscent of Tim Hecker, the production features sprawling synths and gentle guitars before it all fractures in a noisy burst. Church’s foray as a solo artist is breathlessly confident, and you can hear his debut album when it comes out October 26. – Tucker Pennington

Chicago

withGRACE

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withGRACE is the lush blend of jazz and R&B from the heart of Grace Kinter. Last month she released her latest collection of song, “hate/love songs”. The EP features a contributions from DIVMOND, Solvega, False Poet, Brandon Burgos, and more.

Grace’s intense and dynamic vocals are the true center of this project and make each track a journey love, hate, soul, jazz, and funk.

Chicago

Brin “Talea”

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Chicago’s Lillerne Tapes released the debut full-length album from Brin, “Talea”, today, Sept. 5th. Brin is the moniker of Colin Blanton (Ant’ltrd) of Baro Records.

This is a collection of masterfully constructed sample-heavy beats and loops. Brin has the ability to balance ambient music with downtempo pop and experimentation with beauty.

Philadelphia

New Music Video: “Yellow Rocket” – The Retinas

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The Retinas‘s forthcoming EP Yellow Rocket is set to take off tomorrow, and the power trio will be heading out this weekend on its fall tour in support. As a precursor, the group posted a new video for its title-track. Calming vocals radiate as footage of old-school space vessels, moon imagery, and a bit of kung fu fighting are integrated with seductive images of ladies and wonders of nature, creating a strange yet compelling sequence, produced by Big Mouth Philly. That floating-passenger approach shifts gears as the afterburners kick in, increasing the tempo and the rapid-fire rpms of the clips. It’s a wild race to the finish line!

Chicago

Run and Punch “Exit 17”

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The Ska Punk band Run and Punch recently released a new single, “Exit 17”. This is the band’s first release since 2016’s EP, “Sorry Doll”.

This is the throwback Ska of Anne Rako (Vocals), Anthony Johnson (Bass), Christopher Curtis (Trumpet), Katie DeAmico (Trombone), Bill Stulgin (Tenor Sax), Tom Bopp (Guitar), and Gordon Kratz (Drums). – Photo by Michael Salosbury

Philadelphia

New On the Water EP Available for Streaming & Purchase

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Psych-folk collective On the Water recently shared a new 7”, titled Failing Upwards. Elegance and tenacity unite as the layers of instrumentation and vocal harmonies come together. That grand/guttural marriage grabs one’s attention, sweeping you into a mystical, ethereal world. You can catch the band’s record release show at The Mothership on Friday, September 14, supported by Northern Liberties, STARWOOD,  and Brooklyn’s Van Goose. (Photo by LJ Brubaker)

NYC

Gold Child and Stranger Cat join Chad Valley at Knitting Factory 09.08

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Between Gold Child, Stranger Cat, and Chad Valley there’s a range of styles: folky songwriting, electronica arrangements, and swelling alt-pop. But between the three artists there’s a certain similarity. Each aspires toward arty pop music that’s simultaneously memorable and creatively minded. It can be heard in the shimmering synthesizer worlds of Stranger Cat as well as the spacious arrangements of Gold Child. That similarity makes the artists a perfect match for their performance together at Knitting Factory on September 8. It’s a lineup with diversity yet a string of resemblance throughout. It’s pop music built with care and precision. – Cameron Carr

Portland

Black Belt Eagle Scout Debuts Two New Songs

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Black Belt Eagle Scout, composed of musician Katherine Paul, has a new album Mother of my Children coming out September 14th via Saddle Creek. Two songs off the upcoming album are already released. “Soft Stud,” which debuted mid August, expresses the frustration of unfulfilled desire. The song brings the point across with simple and poignant lyrics. The guitar playing is tense and brittle. Blunt base riffs and ephemeral electric chords create a nice harmony. Through them, Paul conveys a mournful yearning that can be hard to express vocally.

The second song, entitled “Just Lie Down” is angsty but adult. Opening with heavily distorted guitar, it produces a raucous, bone-rattling noise that veers shy of grating. The chords are stripped and distilled to a gritty, hypnotic rhythm. Paul’s vocals are soft and listless. They reach an angelic tone that resonates deeply over the explosion of noise. Both songs display intimacy, honesty, and sheer talent. When the rest of the album is released, I highly recommend you give it a listen.

-By Nick Hartman, Photo by Black Belt Eagle Scout

 

Toronto

Gnarly Horse – “Dopamine” Single – Folk Turned Fuzz Punk

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Gnarly Horse are a new fuzzy indie band out of Toronto. When I first put on their track “Dopamine” I thought it was going to be a straight up folk tune but then they stomp the pedals and here comes the rock! It turns into a ripper track with some pop punk influences. This track comes off their “Maybe I’m Certain” EP which is available on their bandcamp. Gnarly Horse plays The Baby G on Thursday September 6th with Gregory Pepper, Girlongirl and Desire Lines. – Kris Gies