LA scene staple Kate Clover finished recording her debut album Channel Zero last year, but instead of rest on her laurels, she’s chosen to hit the ground running in 2020 with a residency at the Bootleg Theater. The electricity of songs like her debut’s title track shoots out full force on stage, something that local scenesters know and curious punk and indie fans ought to learn more about. With a sound and look forged from the fires left lit by protopunk idols Debbie Harry and Iggy Pop, Clover’s sound rings in the new decade not just with a bang, but with a barrage. Clover plays the Bootleg on 1/6, 1/13, 1/20, and 1/27, with different acts joining her every night. Get yourself to one of her shows, and take a listen to the title track from Channel Zero below. – Will Sisskind
Mousa ushers in nostalgia in new record “Mousatron X”
If you are in the nostalgic mood most of us are in after the decade came to a less-than-spectacular end, then we recommend a surefire stimulant: Maine’s Mousa has just released Mousatron X, a solid record worth the six-year wait. The album is a short treat that hits all the right spots as it fluctuates from galactic-noise themes like those in the opener “Silent In” to bedroom pop/psych-infused synth swells that complement a sonorous croon. The record captures the intimacy and infinity of its concept: the music found in tracks like “Cower” drains into the listener’s mind to create nostalgic images so infinite. Stream the delicate balance of grand sounds and homely vocals that is the album’s closing track “In Between Dreams” below. Happy New Year, New England! – Rene Cobar
Get soaked and stoked with Wyndup Kid, play Muchmore’s 1.9
Garden State punk trio Wyndup Kid exude the type of energy you’d find at a New Brunswick basement party, and their latest effort S(t)OAKED is a rager that’s moments away from getting shut down by the cops. A four track melodically surfy EP, the band brings all bangers, laying down fast rock n roll with hilarious, indulgent lyricism; when they’re not wilding out after consuming a drugged “Spiked Cake” or driving 80 down the parkway on “Turnpike Kids,” they’re speedily recounting relationships on “Josie” or wilding so much insofar as they’re being escorted from the premises on “Kick Me Out.” Fun, vivacious, and never boring, Wyndup Kid embody the youthful energy you’d expect from three wild New Jersey dudes (and I write that as a formerly wild dude from Jersey myself). Stream them below, and catch them shred at Muchmore’s on January 9th. —Connor Beckett McInerney
Dear Banshee release Viva Guernica
On December 27, the San Francisco experimental rock group Dear Banshee released their latest, Viva Guernica. Title track has an accompanying video with dark synth feels and creepy vibes—in a good way. Catch them playing in Oakland at The Golden Bull January 23. -Lucille Faulkner
Winnebago Vacation’s “Camp Somewhere” is a muted, lonely affair, plays Muchmore’s 1.5
Queens-based “folk/goth” outfit Winnebago Vacation combines the quiet solitude of bedroom pop with the acoustic textures of the great outdoors on debut LP Camp Somewhere. A project of Queens-based songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Eli Frank, each of the record’s eleven tracks deftly weave guitars, muted lofi drums, and echoing Casiotones to create soft, somber melodies and lonely lyrical testaments, a well-balanced mix of emo, electronica, and indie rock. Overall, it’s an excellent collection of songs for driving down an open road with no destination in mind; listen below, and catch Winnebago Vacation at Muchmore’s on January 5th, supporting Barely Civil. —Connor Beckett McInerney
Weaver is the Answer to Your Psychedelia Dreams
Weaver opened for a toasty crowd at Spider House Ballroom on Saturday night. Formerly a two piece from Israel, the band recently added a bass player from the Bronx: Liraz on guitar, Eliav on drums, and Febian on bass. They may be injecting new blood to the Austin music scene, but their style of psychedelic rock feels right at home here.
Red lights reflecting off the red velvet curtains behind them, the whole room glows red with their passionate energy on stage. The hypnotic rhythm of the drums and deep throb of the bass replaces the cadence of your heart beat, while the shredding guitar spirals you into your inner mind. The loops and dips of one song felt like a Tom and Jerry chase scene, running your mind in circles. There’s no lyrics or song titles, only raw sound and chemistry. There’s not even a set list. Listen, close your eyes, and forget what decade you’re in. A couple of songs from their newest EP are available on Bandcamp, Amaranth and Alice.
Sans lyrics and sans titles, the last songs of the set were improvised raw garage rock magic. The instrumental 3 piece tip toes along grunge and punk, but stays true to psychedelia. The bassist and guitarist angle themselves toward the drums allowing the sounds to reverberate and dance off each other. A delicious, fuzzy synergism fills souls and overwhelms the room. There is an attractive mysteriousness surrounding this band that makes you want to hear more.
Weaver is playing Free Week – catch them at The Sahara Lounge on January 2nd. Check out their instagram for other future shows; their bio aptly promises a “fuzz-laced hit for your inner mind.”
Mel Green
01.03: Beers for Fears ring in promising 2020 at The Hi Hat
Because neither Roland Orzabal nor Curt Smith have decided to sue, Beers for Fears will traipse gleefully into 2020 with a show at The Hi Hat on Friday, January 3rd. Beers for Fears first took the stage in 2017, and in late 2018 released their first single "Bone Wizard (Part I: He’s A Bone Lizard)". While the band makes no bones about their sense of humor, they take their music seriously. Cinematic, melodic, and often experimental, Beers for Fears’ music makes for fun listening as well as a raucous live show. Catch them on stage at The Hi Hat previewing an upcoming album on 1/3, along with indie rock tribute act Black Crystal Wolf Kids. Take a listen to "Bone Wizard (Part I: He’s A Bone Lizard)" below. – Will Sisskind
Teen Blush “Futurism”
Teen Blush has released their debut EP, “Futurism”. This follow’s the artist first two singles, “Felt Like Home” and “Honey Stars”, which were released earlier this year.
Kenneth has had a wonderful 2019 and is poised for big things in 2020 including the launch his own music site called Blush Sounds.
Twist and shout with Egg Cream’s new LP, plays Alphaville 1.7
Jangle pop project Egg Cream crafts vintage bops evocative of sock hops and soda bars with a grunge-y twist. New record Can’t Stop The Cream is a smattering of concise, primarily minute-and-change songs characterized by catchy hooks, drum machines, bravado-laden vocals and synth flairs, creating music you’d expect from a parallel dimension Buddy Holly. This album will immediately be at home with fans of Christopher Owens / Girls, or those with a penchant for rockabilly seeking a more contemporary spin on the genre; give it a listen bellow, and see Egg Cream at Alphaville on January 7th alongside Paddlefish and ZZZwalk.
Answering Machine wax unoptimistically on “Bad Luck,” play Gutter Bar 1.9
Self described “sad and fast” Brooklyn powerpop quintet Answering Machine live up to their own characterization on new single “Bad Luck,” embedding their most recent output with a healthy dose of shredding and brightly lachrymose lyrics. Unwashed guitar tones underscore the progressive churn, positing a melodically grungy instrumental line, made clean by the occasional explosive solo and front woman Samantha Campanile’s sunny vox; neither depressive nor wholly optimistic, “Bad Luck” is a good groove for a warm (yet overcast) afternoon, or visiting Coney Island during the offseason. Listen below, and see Answering Machine at the Gutter Bar on January 9th, supporting Math the Band.
Groove into the new decade with Gold Casio at Mercury Lounge 12.31
Since their relocation to NYC, Portland-bred indietronica outfit Gold Casio has been persistently tearing it up at venues throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn, and while the band has been quietly at work at their next forthcoming effort, their performances are something to behold. Witnessing tracks from their most recent EP SINNERS at Berlin this past September, it’s hard not to be impressed by the band’s ability to render the breadth of their nudisco in real time, from the breakbeat four-on-the-floor of “Make You Mine” to the start-stop stutter of “Love vs Logic.” Perfect for fans of Chromeo (or their Pacific Northwest compatriots Yacht), the band’s true magic can only be captured in a live setting; as such, you should stream them below before catching them at Mercury Lounge on New Year’s Eve, supporting Pink Flamingo Rhythm Revue and French Horn Rebellion, but only if you want to start the decade in an undisputedly funky fashion —Connor Beckett McInerney