Skul.Kid (aka Chace Wall) released a new EP, “Dove Songs”, via Midwest Action last week. As with Wall’s previous solo work, this is beautifully intimate Lo-fi bedroom folk pop.

Better Yet is a tremendous local long form interview podcast, hosted by Tim Crisp, and primarily featuring local and traveling musicians. The podcast is preparing to release tribute album to Wilco’s classic Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, called “All of God’s Money”, on July 10th.

The tribute album will feature an array of local bands and musicians including Meat Wave, Slow Mass, and Ratboys. The albums first single is New York’s Laura Stevenson’s take on “Jesus Etc.”.

All proceeds from this project will be going to AIDS Foundation of Chicago.

Rust Ring recently released the lead single, “Speedruns”, from their forthcoming album, Genuine Me, which will be released via Worry Records on July 12th.

This is the “heavy, slow, emotional” music of William Covert, Kyle Geib, and Joram Zbichorski.

You can catch Rust Ring at Downstairs at Subt on July 13th with The God Awful Small Affairs and Sad Witches.

SiP recently released a video for their latest single “Glory Beauty Supply”. This is primarily the work of Jimmy Lacy, but for the track he is joined by Gabriel Perez Diaz (Guitar) and Carlos Chavarria (Saxophone). The single was released via the new experimental label Get Strange and the video was created by Robotboot.

Matt Muse released the first single and video, “Ain’t No”, from his forthcoming EP, “Love & Nappyness”, which is due out August 9th. This is the follow-up to Muse’s acclaimed 2018 album Nappy Talk.

You can catch Matt Muse at Schubas on August 17th with Ausar, Loona Dae, and DJ Cash.

(photo by Paul Elliot)

The Darling Suns have released a new single called “Loving You”. This is the trio’s second single of 2019, both following their 2018 self-titled debut EP.

The Darling Suns is indie rock of Robert Krause (Guitar/Vocals), John Stenger (Guitar/Synth/Vocals), and Lindsey Ward (Violin/Vocals).

You can catch The Darling Suns at Bottom Lounge on June 29th with Violet Crime, Bright Kid, and Wilem & The Warning.

Pete Sayke dropped a new album called Gold & Rue last week. The album, Sayke’s first since 2017, features production work from Phoenix, iLL Brown, Mike Jones, LONEgevity, and Theory Hazit, along with contributions verbally from Phoenix, JusSol, Mother Nature, Roy Kinsey.

Garage Punk trio Speed Babes recently released the first single, “wegman’s”, from their forthcoming album FCKNGWHTVR.

This is the blistering work of Jesse Ewan, Mike Mazzola, and Dave Rentauskas.

You can catch Speed Babes on July 22nd at D.C. Torium with Tap Water, Underwire, Redacted, and Tanner.

Screamo band Indisposed released a new single, “Mason Kid”, last week. This is the work of Nina Palumbo (Guitar/Screams/Vocals), Rebecca Young (Bass), Sam Kim (Guitar), and Goose Diegans (Drums).

You can catch Indisposed at Burlington Bar on July 31st with Frail Body, Habor Lights, and Carnivores At Grace.

Muted Color released their debut EP, “Pastel", last week. Below is the video for EP’s latest single, “Daisy Chain”.

The band has a classic New Wave sound with elements of shoegaze mixed through out the EP.

You can catch Muted Color on July 12th at Captain Records in St. Chares with Lettering, CityCop, and The Grievance Club.

Photo by Molly Kinnunen

Doom Metal band Flesh of the Stars released their latest album, “Mercy”, today, June 21st.

The thoughtful, patience, and explosive album opens with the epic 22 minutes title track and does not let up from there.

This is work of Matt Ciani (guitar, vocals, pianos & synthesizers, percussion), Nico Ciani (drums), Mike Fox (guitar), and Travis Marmon (bass).

The Dead Bolts dropped the first single, “Keep It Movin”, from their forthcoming album today. This follows the Southside band’s 2018 debut EP, “Part Time”.

The Dead Bolts is Blues and Southern Fried Rock influenced sounds of John Rolence (Vocals, Rhythm Guitar), James Ryan (Drums), Matt Paske (Benny Mace) (Lead Guitar), Tyler Hancock (Bass / Synth), and Eddie Hennessy (Vocals / Rhythm Guitar / Mandolin).

You can catch The Dead Bolts at Harte’s Saloon (Evergreen Park) on June 22nd and at Elbo Room on June 28th with The Jesters and Madema.