DIY Screamo trio Lord Snow has released a split cassette single with Le·Mat from Monterrey, Mexico. The trio of Steph Maldonado, Niko Zagalaras, and Erik Anderson formed in Chicago in 2011, but now, lead singer and bass player, Steph is the only one still based here. In a recent post on Tumblr Niko said the band is hoping to release a new LP, but this distance makes the process difficult.

The band has two tracks on this release, "el espíritu de la colmena” or The Spirit of the Hive and "moloko vellocet”. One song is in Spanish and one is not, but both songs are sonically explosive. You can truly feeling passion of Steph as she screams “Take your hands off my past/You can not redefine my story” in Spanish.

Lord Snow is currently touring Mexico with Le·Mat in support of the new split single.

Ze’ev has released the first single, “Black Physical Therapy" from their forthcoming album “GTP” which will be released on August 24th. The track features contributions from Mykele Deville, who signed to No Trend Records this week, and Eric Novak on Sax.

Ze’ev is the experimental trio of Cedric Casimier, Shelton Flagg, and Zack Caputo. “GTP” is the follow-up to their 2016 debut album “Kismet”.

PK Flyer is the solo project of Paul Karner (Ragged Claws), but on his latest project he enlisted some talented friends including Seth Vanek (Roommate), Andrew Trim (Hanami), Aaron Mitter, Stuart Seale, Amy Myers, and Doug Rosenberg.

His new project is an EP called “Please Don’t Think It’s Funny” and is a collection of four Mr. Rogers covers. This EP is timed perfectly with the current documentary of Fred Rogers and is performed with the genuine sincerity that they deserve. This is Karner’s first release since 2015’s collaboration with DH Currier.

You can help PK Flyer pay tribute to Mr. Rogers on August 15th at The Whistler.

Lollygagger is releasing their debut EP, "Life on Terminus" via Midwest Action on August 17th. With a name like Lollygagger you may be expecting slacker rock, but this band is very active both musically and politically. Their sound is a little ’90’s alternative, a little punk, and a little something all their own.

You can help Lollygagger celebrate the release on August 17th at Cole’s with Woongi, Bad Bad Meow, and FUUR.

Bike Cops recently released their self-titled debut album via Cleveland’s Jurassic Pop. This five piece band has been together since 2012 and have been building to this album for awhile. They blend dream pop with psych rock to create a really compelling sound. There are many standout tracks on this album, but our favorite is the single “Doors” with it’s jangle-pop, driving bass line, and catchy melody.

House of Whales is back after a hiatus since the release of their 2014 self-titled LP. Back in June they released a new single, “Colors”, featuring fantastic contributions from ShowYouSuck (of Air Credits) and Horn Bread (Sam Trump and David Ben-Porat of Sidewalk Chalk).

House of Whales is a trio, fronted by Rico Sisney of Sidewalk Chalk, that blends rock, funk, and hip hop.

Duchess is the sleepy bedroom pop of Victor Florence. A couple of years ago he relocated to Chicago from Gainesville, and in 2018 has been somewhat prolific. Back in March he released an LP called Dogs that contained tracks ranging from lo-fi electronic instrumentals to acoustic ballads to joyful sing alongs.

Last month he released new collection of songs called Horss. This album contain more instrumental tracks and shorter song ideas, but was still an enjoyable listen.

This week he released a new EP called “Hawk”. There is clearly an animal theme in 2018, but all quitlity releases. “Hawk” contains four songs and the title track is my favorite. It is a sleepy meditation on family and love.

sewingneedle has released a video for the title track, “user error”, from their recently released LP. The band is about to embark on a tour that will take them to the East Coast, and you can find all of their dates here.

You can catch sewingneedle at The Whistler on August 23rd with Paper Mice and Lardo.

photo by Vanessa Valadez

Chicago’s Numero Group released the fourth LP from Express Rising, Fixed Rope (II). This is the instrumental ambient funk of Dante Carfagna, and on this album he is joined by William Susan and Kevin Blagg. The last this trio came together was in 2013 for the first Fixed Rope LP.

This album beautifully blends peaceful, relaxation melodies, with thoughtful experimentation.

SpArKLeTeArS is the fun, energetic surf rock of Fatt Merguson (Bass, Vocals), Lauren Herrmann (Ukulele, Vocals), and Z (Percussion). The trio released a new single last week, “Surf Bunny” b/w “Horse Misogyny”. It’s not every single that carries it own trigger warning, but this one does. You’ve been warned!

You can catch Sparkle Tears at The Gallery Cabaret on August 18th as part of the Thomas Bojack Midnight Mash & Art Show.

Out The Car Window recently released a new single called “Us As Me”. This is the Alt Rock of Jake Wahlen (guitar/vocals), Matt Carlton (guitar), Griffin Taylor (drums/vocals), and Jeff Linville (guitar/vocals), and this single is their first follow-up to their January 2018 EP, “Isn’t It Always More”.

You can catch Out The Car Window with The Kind of Mars and Friday Pilots Club on August 9th at Subterranean.

Emily Blue will be releasing her latest EP, “*69” on August 8th. Below is the new video for the EP’s latest single, “Microscope”.

You can help Emily Blue celebrate the release of her new album at Schubas on August 8th with Moon Ruin and Family of Geniuses.