Caroline Says recently put forth 50,000,000 Elvis Fans Can’t Be Wrong, a new album where the only mystery lies in the title. That doesn’t mean that the album is not subtle. It is perfect for the coming Autumn atmosphere, especially "Winter Is Cold", emanating the desire to curl up with a book and cup of tea, watching the world from the comfort of your seat. "My Fiance’s Pets" and the mildly upbeat "Ghost Pokes" share this intimacy and effervescent quality. That is the warmth and homespun quality felt from the album, making listening an enchantingly subdued and peaceful moment in time.
Arthur Caudy
Arthur Caudy is the production work of John Klein and the guitars of Danny Schaefer. Their self-titled debut album was released last week and it may not be what you expect. When you look at the cover with hand drawn dogs looking at each other you would not expect thumbing bass, interesting electronics, and shredding guitars to come blaring out of your speakers. However it is a thrilling surprise filled with near industrial EDM through to the last second.
Caroline Says Brings the Intimacy
Caroline Says recently put forth 50,000,000 Elvis Fans Can’t Be Wrong, a new album where the only mystery lies in the title. That doesn’t mean that the album is not subtle. It is perfect for the coming Autumn atmosphere, especially "Winter Is Cold", emanating the desire to curl up with a book and cup of tea, watching the world from the comfort of your seat. "My Fiance’s Pets" and the mildly upbeat "Ghost Pokes" share this intimacy and effervescent quality. That is the warmth and homespun quality felt from the album, making listening an enchantingly subdued and peaceful moment in time.
Avant Pop from NYC: Ruby My Dear releases debut EP at Glasslands on 08.27
On Wednesday, August 27th, Ruby My Dear will celebrate the official release of their forthcoming EP – from which they’ve already unveiled the single “Balloons” (streaming) – with a show at Glasslands Gallery in Brooklyn. While the bandmates hail from everywhere from Australia to New Jersey, they’ve settled down in New York City (of all places!), where they’ve been honing and perfecting their mellow electronic pop. Fronted by Aussie vocalist Gabbi Coenen, the quintet takes a rather experimental approach to their jazz-infused tracks, and the resulting sound is both eccentric and intriguing. It will be interesting to see the band translate their layered sonics onto the stage in a few weeks. If you like “Balloons,” don’t miss the release party at Glasslands on 08.27 with other talented local bands Throw Vision, Tiny Hazard, and recent Deli Artist of the Month Altopalo. – Jillian Dooley
New Music Video: “Every St.” – Cookie Rabinowitz
We first learned of Cookie Rabinowitz, which also included Schoolly D at the time, through their hilarious, NSFW animation series. And while Schoolly did make mention of the series possibly being picked up by Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim a while back, it sadly still hasn’t materialized. However, Cookie Rabinowitz continue to provide us with some seriously righteous "four eyed soul" that also comes with one of the neatest lyric videos for their latest single, "Every St.," which you can view below. Embrace the good vibes, and learn a little sign language and a few nifty dance moves while your at it!
Congratulations to The Cunning, Our Newest Artist of the Month!
The Cunning kind of swept this round, pulling ahead in the last few days with a sizeable lead. Frontman Sean Cunningham (get it?) started the group in 2013 after leaving his New Zealand-based project ATLAS to return stateside. The foursome have been building their reputation as steadfast rock’n’rollers ever since. They possess a straighforward dedication to the genre, puncuated by a few refreshing jinks here and there thanks to seasoned veterans manning all four fronts. Their win coincides nicely with the release of their newest video, "Lonesome No More." The track is slightly reminiscent of The Features, with a little Anthony Kiedis spin on some of the vocals. It’s a great track to debut as a single; I can’t get enough of that gut-rumbling bass. The Cunning are preparing to release their first EP this week, and have a show coming up August 23rd for The Hot Chicken and Jorts Festival at Mayday Brewery in Murfreesboro. At the moment is has not been confirmed whether the band will be performing in jorts, but positive speculation is high. -Terra James-Jura
Us Lights European Tour Kickoff at Mississippi Studios 8.19
Tuesday will mark the first headline show at Mississippi Studios for Us Lights. It is also be the kick off of their European tour. Joining them will be Hosannas and Yeah Great Fine, making it yet again a blinding display of the Portland scene.
Yeah Great Fine’s fluid polyrhythms lay underneath some seriously catchy pop ditties. Reminiscent of 90s video game themes, these boys will make even the most uptight ears twitch. Their song Manifest Destiny’s Child a personal favorite because, quite frankly, we could all use a little Beyonce spirit from time to time. Tight harmonies and percussive genius make this a great start to the night.
Hosannas next with a slightly more ominous tone. These punching drums and distorted whispers of melodies are haunting and thought provoking, and tracks like Cccloud smack with an Art Garfunkel influence that is hard not to love.
Michael Young’s vocals for Us Lights are breathtaking. As rich as Rufus Wainwright, his tone soars over beautiful, classic synth melodies. This five piece produce an incredibly dynamic tease of clean emotive pop. I defy you to not be blown away.
– Jennie Chapman
Photo of Us Lights by Peter Rasmussen
Alex G Hometown Record Release Show at The Fire Aug. 17
Band to Watch: Genuis
Band crush. Genuis is a San Francisco based experimental electronic duo that makes incredibly classy darkwave outer space tracks that holds your attention for every second their music is emitting from your speakers. These young musicians are sonically versatile and have an understanding of sound and layering that many musicians don’t possess. Genuis’ music has an intense amout of depth to it, but the music doesn’t overwhelm you with layers that are dissonant, misplaced or out of key. Also, there can be one moment where you’ll hear an intense intergalactic song and the next you’ll find yourself listening to a minimal acoustic anti folk track. Nonetheless, by the time you get through their album, whether your ear catches a lofi or heavily produced song won’t matter.
&thony (Anthony Michael Leedom) and Elfboi (Lien Bao Do) make a great duo, and Bao Do’s voice is incredibly charming and brings a lot of enchantment to the songs. We’re totally into it. The songs have layered and atmospheric personality and you should get into Genuis for sure. –je
MilkBoy 3rd Anniversary w/The Lawsuits, Mo Lowda & The Humble, and Our Griffins at MilkBoy Philly Aug. 16
MilkBoy Philly celebrates its 3rd anniversary with a fully-stacked three day lineup of FREE SHOWS that already featured the likes of Black Landlord, The Ataris, and Cheerleader. But tonight’s show will be the icing on the cake with The Lawsuits. The band has already had a good summer that saw them playing XPoNential Music Fest and releasing a music video for “Dreaming #26,” off their latest album Cool Cool Cool. They are getting closer to releasing their next EP Tumbled on September 23 via American Diamond Recordings, and you can take a listen to its lead single, “Sweet Marcelle,” below. It will also be a good chance to catch Mo Lowda & The Humble before the beginning of their residency at Bourbon & Branch next month. The former Deli Philly Featured Artist(s) Poll winners have been gaining some headway, recently being featured on Huffington Post. Kicking things off will be the always earnest, emotive tunes of Our Griffins. MilkBoy Philly, 1100 Chestnut St., 9pm, Free, 21+ (Photo by Rachel Barrish) – Bill McThrill
Ugly Kids Club Release Single “Good Love”
Ugly Kids Club released this single "Good Love" on Tuesday in anticipation of their upcoming EP "Head Games," due out September 30th. It blazes by you like a comet of 80’s nostalgia, as interpreted by sparkly-eyed youths who would have no idea what to do with a Popple if they saw one. Age disparity aside, it’s a concrete track, thanks to glossy production and an irrepressible, unflagging energy that can’t help but bubble over out of the speakers. It’s hard to dislike a band that describes themselves as "A pop-grunge band formed by Madonna, Andy Warhol and M83." Ugly Kids Club has a decent track record so far of making good music despite their insistence in reviving some of the worst bits that god-forsaken era, (evidenced here) so hopes are high for this EP. Their next Nashville show will be August 26th at The High Watt with Lylas and Field Days. Keep up with the band at http://www.uglykidsclub.com/. -Terra James-Jura
Brooklyn pop punksters Up For Nothing play Peggy O’Neill’s on 08.16
Often referred to as Brooklyn’s best kept (pop punk) secret, Up For Nothing blend the flare of the local scene with that infectious, driving pop punk rhythm that we’re all so familiar with. The band’s lead singer Justin Conigliaro, fronts the four-piece band with fast, raspy vocals. They’ve been around for over a decade, yet still remain under the radar, in a good, punk rock kinda way. They just released a new all-acoustic album last month titled ‘Responses,’ but check out the track ‘This Moment’ from their 2013 EP ‘In Trance’ below to really get a feel for their Bouncing Souls fused with One Man Army sound. Catch them this Saturday 8/16 at Peggy O’Neill’s in Brooklyn. – Michael Haskoor