It was 1977 when David Bowie, drawing inspiration from the sight of his producer embracing his lover by the Berlin Wall, released “Heroes,” ostensibly one of his best singles (and probably one of the greatest rock tracks of all time). While the politics of the period undoubtedly underscore the song’s lyrics, the track’s core theme is distance, the varying uncontrollable factors that keep us from the people we long most to see. Though this is may be an ahistorical reading of Ziggy Stardust’s intentions, it’s hard not to listen to Brooklyn multi-instrumentalist Jeremiah Brunnhoetzl’s (d.b.a. Arlo Indigo) cover without considering the context of our contemporary malaise-ridden daydream — in the age of social distancing, it’s likely many of us find ourselves fantasizing about how things would be, how great things could be, if the odds could be overcome, albeit briefly. Thankfully, Brunnhoetzl’s “blue pop” instrumentation, his pulsing synth-driven, 80s-tinged approach to Bowie’s work, masterfully captures the original’s dispirited energy with a contemporary spin. Give it a listen below.
Alt-pop songstress WENS releases debut EP “Lemoncholy”
Although she has a lengthy independent career behind her, tastemaker and alt-pop songstress WENS has released her major label debut EP Lemoncholy on R&R/Warner Records. Written about the years between 18 and 21 years of age, the songs on Lemoncholy cover confusion, contradiction, love, loss, and fear while coming of age. In these uncertain times, songs about uncertainty seem fitting, especially when set to WENS’s catchy pop arrangements. WENS has released several music videos for tracks from Lemoncholy, but a brand new one for "Tongue Tied" is available for you to watch now. – Will Sisskind
Panic Priest “Nighthunter”
Panic Priest has released the first single, "Nighthunter", from his forthcoming album, Second Seduction. These are the Dark Wave sounds of Jack Armondo (of My Gold Mask) and this is the first new music from him since his 2018 self-titled solo debut.
Panic Priest is currently scheduled to perform at Sleeping Village on May 1st with Wingtips and None of Your Concern.
Photo by David Gall
Paul Michael reveals the escape door in new record “Pain & Love”
Connecticut never stops surprising with its immense pool of talent, musicians of all genres, ever-growing. Paul Michael is swimming in that pool, and boy does he set himself apart with a delicious brand of EDM that is mint-modern and scented with touches of the French invasion of DJs that included David Guetta and Bob Sinclar. In his record Pain & Love, Michael showcases tracks like “Real Fantasy,” which are sensuous, silky, and powered by heartbeat-like rhythms to close your eyes to and surrender. Tributes are alive and well in songs like “Keep” whose synths peacock the pseudo-futurism of the ‘80s. “Some Things You Cannot Hide” has hints of pop, sticky-good, and very 2020. The record is an escape route that beckons; stream “Let Go of Me” below for a taste of something uplifting. – Rene Cobar
Seaxes to Donate EP Sales
Noise Rock duo Seaxes have released their self-titled debut EP, and have dedicated to donate all proceeds to local businesses impacted by the effects of Covid-19.
This is work of Cameron Daigle and Cooper Glodoski who have been performing together for several years, but never attempted to capture the raw energy of their live performance until now.
Strange Majik recall classic rock with perfect hindsight on “20/20”
David Pattillo is something of a blues rock cult hero in New York City, but you could likely tell that from looking at him. Replete with hair well-below the shoulders and a flare for late 60s / early 70s fashion, his music under the moniker Strange Majik conjures up classic influences, which when channeled through a contemporary filter, become something else entirely that’s wholly (and delightfully) weird. His latest offering 20/20 excels in this mishmash of past and present sounds, a psych-y, funky odyssey that reads like an alternate history Summer of Love wherein the public found out every batshit conspiracy theory of the time turned out to be true (as opposed to being declassified years later). And while Pattillo’s craft is in a five decade long tradition, his songwriting is very much of-the-times, which makes for an engaging cognitive dissonance — hearing Strange Majik groove under lyrics describing the breakbeat pace of modern living (“World On Fire”) and the surveillance state (“Whistleblower”) feels inherently anachronistic, a prediction of things yet to come hidden in dusty forgotten vinyl. Moreover, this combination of a modern worldview, a carefully curated mix of genera, and Pattillo’s strange bent succeeds in making a rock and roll record that feels truly contemporary, a task that’s no small feat these days. Play it loud, below. —Connor Beckett McInerney, photo by Ky DiGregorio
Sci-Fi Sleep Cycles “Does It Show on Their Face”
Post Punk trio Sci-fi Sleep Cycles has released a new single called "Does It Show on Their Face". Last year saw the group release two albums, You, Tomorrow (Sep 2019) and Waning Days of Babylon (Apr 2019), and with this single they are starting 2020 strong.
This is the work of Jack Curtin, Tim Stotz, and Jonah Murray.
Camp Edwards “Fine.”
Camp Edwards recently released their latest single "Fine.". This is the band’s second single since the released of their debut EP, "Beloit", back in November. This is single is accompanied by the video, directed by Tony Sherifi, below.
Taking their name from one of our favorite places in the world, this band is absolutely one to watch in 2020!
Brass Calf “Crush”
Brass Calf has released a new single called "Crush". This is the first new music from the Dream Pop quartet since the release of their debut EP, "Delphi", last August.
This is the work of Weston Engelstad (Guitar, Vocals), Nick Lovelace (Guitar), Alex Lovelace (Drums), and Scott Myers (Bass).
Brass Calf is currently schedule to perform at Cole’s Bar on April 18th with Little Yellow Dog and Pludo.
bluefront @ Cubby Bear (4/29)
bluefront is the Alt Rock group fronted by Alan Zreczny. Their songs are formed around the narrative poems of Zreczny and most recently came to our attention with the release of Aftershock nearly a year ago.
This is the work of Alan Zreczny (guitars, vocals), Jason Steele (guitars), Nick Kabat (drums), and Mark Burns (bass). Below is great acoustic perform of the album’s title track captured by Chicago Acoustic Underground.
Currently, bluefront is set to perform as Cubby Bear on April 29th.
Pattern Addict defines high and lows in new single “One Eye Open”
Anxiety is normal during uncertain times, but the remembrance of one’s blessings like family, a home, and humanity united should always triumph over fear. As we sit and reflect, thoughts may feel like thunder rumbling in a storm of maddening, pouring news; on the other side of the tempest is a better tomorrow still and good music to enjoy. Searching the endless talent pool of New England, we stumbled upon an October single that feels like it fits the mood. Pattern Addict, from Vermont, embraces the highs and lows of life, and well highlights them, in its single “One Eye Open” which alternates from serene verses to furious choruses comprised of tough acoustic guitar riffs, swift keys, sharp drum snaps, and a sweet arpeggiating bass. The song’s final minute is an instrumental treat that is both bluesy and indie, perfect for a much-needed escape. Not much more to say these days: stream the single below and hang in there, folks. – Rene Cobar
American Grizzly “Riding On A Horse”
American Grizzly has released a new single called "Riding On A Horse". This is the band’s third single since the release of the 2018 self-titled EP.
This is currently the work of Jack Doyle, Dennis Wilson, and Marty Funk.
You can catch American Grizzly on August 29th at Up In Smoke 2020.