An authentic poet is Norwalk, Connecticut’s Sarah Golley: the artist’s complete devotion to maximum exposure is the trademark of her latest record As We Crawl. From the spoken poetry of the opening track, “From the Sea,” to the grandiose string-instrument-driven composition that backs up her soulful vocals in “At a Snail’s Pace” the album opens majestically. The honeyed symphonies continue in tracks like “Over Time” and “Into the Flames” where the melodious grand piano keys fire away as Golley dramatically spills her heart; the music takes on a rich theatrical form that is as exquisite as it is immersive. Sarah Golley channels ferocious energy in the vein of artists like Amanda Palmer, yet her music has a softer touch to it that is rooted in the theatricality of it all. Tracks like “On the Treadmill of Thought” hypnotize with vibrant harmonies and thunderous kick drum patterns. From the onset, As We Crawl requests one surrender their thoughts and emotions entirely to each piece, weaving both for an experience unique, and satisfying. Listen to the gravity with which “Through a Black Hole,” from the new album, blossoms below. – Rene Cobar, photo by Jesse Newman
Ambient artist Ana Roxanne named one of Bandcamp’s best of 2019
Ambient artist Ana Roxanne began her debut album ~~~ several years ago as a private project, a personal reflection on spirituality and art as an act of healing. Upon its rerelease in March by Leaving Records, the record took on another life, particularly as Roxanne had since explored more about identity and gender, having come out herself as intersex late last year. The record caught attention from a slew of new fans, which led Bandcamp to name it one of their top 10 records of 2019. Its blend of field recordings, droning synths, and minimalist percussion keeps the music simple while allowing the listener to open their mind in vast and unpredictable ways. Roxanne will head out east in January to introduce New York audiences to her music; take another listen to ~~~ for yourself below. – Will Sisskind
Katie Burden’s “Edge of Sleep”
Avant rock performer Katie Burden just released the title track of her forthcoming album Edge of Sleep, and it is a captivating representation of the song. Burden, who has spent the last few between San Francisco, Los Angles and New York, created the album with a new level of consciousness. Of the name, Burden says, “There’s that ancient Toltec wisdom that describes our conscious life as a waking dream that we sort of project into the world…’Edge of Sleep’ refers to an occurrence that shakes one from their waking dream and brings about a new perspective or way of seeing.” Title track lies somewhere between Björk and Florence and the Machine. The video depicts the frustrating place between awake and conscious and emotion, dragging a woman through a house where she can’t seem to decompress. Enjoy Burden’s new video and keep an eye out for her full album Edge of Sleep out January 30, 2020. –Michelle Kicherer, Associate Editor
Annie Trezza daydreams on “Drinking Beneath a Pear Tree,” plays Mercury 12.27
Long Island-based songwriter Annie Trezza dwells on inertia throughout new single “Drinking Beneath a Pear Tree,” contemplating the merits of productivity (or lack thereof), quitting drinking, and the unwritten future. The track is an evenhanded tune that seeks not to focus too much on the positive or negative facets of remaining in place, but rather transmit all passing thoughts to the listener lackadaisically through a rolling vocal melody, acoustic arpeggios, and the occasional electric guitar accents. It’s recommended listening for those who find themselves spacing out during these short December days, and for those seeking centering folk that sounds as nostalgic as it is of-the-times; stream it below, and catch Trezza at Mercury Lounge on December 27th.
Alex Dowling explores faith and futurism on “Reality Rounds,” plays Shapeshifter 1.29
Ireland-by-way-of-Brooklyn composer Alex Dowling’s forthcoming release Reality Rounds promises an esoteric, experimental affair, an LP that seeks to incorporate faith and futurism into a disconcerting effort. Lead single “King of Thumbs” sounds off as a distress signal from a lonely A.I., replete with autotuned vox, tactile accents, and spacey analogue synths. Dowling conceived Rounds as a hypothetical “future ritual of Dataism, a new religion that worships the eternal flow of data,” employing themes not unfamiliar to fans of Frank Herbert and Phillip K. Dick in cinematic fashion; his music dips deep into the uncanny valley, finding a place where the human voice and computer-produced tones intersect, exacerbating this uncomfortability to deliver visceral, confrontational electronic music. It’s a bold take on the Singularity, a vision that will be expanded upon when the record drops January 31st; stream “King of Thumbs” below, and catch Alex Dowling at Shapeshifter on January 29th.—Photo by Emma O’Halloran
The Shivers lay down a quiet, introspective listen on “I’m On Your Side,” play Sultan Room 1.9
I’m On Your Side is the latest LP by Sonny Santos’s project The Shivers, and it’s a muted, atmospheric record; most of the album’s nine tracks saunter along, accompanied by minimalist synths, mild electric guitars, and an understated vocal performance. It gives the entirety of the album an introspective quality, spotlighting Santos’ melancholic lyrics and hushed vox, while providing the necessary instrumental backbone to keep things engaging. It’s perfect for listeners seeking something quiet, but never sleepy; stream it below, and catch The Shivers at the Sultan Room on January 9th.
01.14: Erin Anne brings “Tough Love” to The Satellite
After the new year, head to the Satellite to hear Erin Anne bring her new album Tough Love to life on stage. The singer-songwriter released her debut album back in June, but it recently caught the attention of indie label Carpark Records, who released a special edition vinyl version last week. Existing at the intersection of indie punk and folk rock, and dealing with matters such as queer identity, gender politics, and moon phases, Tough Love makes for an electric debut from Erin Anne, as well as material for an exciting live show. Don’t miss it at the Satellite on January 14. Take a look at the music video for "Tough Love" below. – Will Sisskind
Enchanters – Glam-Garage Trio Lee’s Palace Show Review!
Earlier this month I was lucky enough to be at the jam packed Lee’s Palace for Danko Jones featuring the garage rockin’ Enchanters as the openers. This power trio, fronted by Craig Daniels, play great throwback 60’s garage rock with a heavy brit-rock influence from bands like The Kinks. Daniels’ fashion sense is second to none with the vintage striped pants he dawned as they took the stage. They opened up with a tune called “Backstabbers UK” which set the tone nicely. However they really kicked it into high gear on their third tune “Torture Chamber” which actually gives off some early KISS vibes. The guitar solo in particular ripped especially hard. “Too Late” showed off some psych rock elements but the highlight of the set was the gritty rocker “Firetruck”. The crowd popped huge as they finished the tune at a frenetic pace. The rhythm section were able to show off some of their chops during the final tune “High Heel Roller Skates”. Overall great set by Enchanters who would have certainly been hard to follow. Your next opportunity to rock out with them would be Saturday January 25th at This Ain’t Hollywood in Hamilton or Saturday February 15th at Bovine Sex Club. – Kris Gies
Pepper Mill Rondo “It’s Christmas Time”
Pepper Mill Rondo has released a wild new Christmas album called “It’s Christmas Time” via Hausu Mountain. This is the work of the label’s founders Doug Kaplan and Max Allison, and is perfect if your holiday is a little wrapped and twisted.
Photo by TINO FROM FOTO QUETZAL
Bad Ambassadors
Bad Ambassadors is the duo of Rich Jones and producer Walkingshoe. They are preparing to release their self-titled debut EP via Shoebox Records on January 10th. The EP’s lead single is called “Up To You” and can be streamed below.
The EP release show will take place at The Hideout on January 10th.
Wsabi Fox’s “Flamingo” is a haunting, choreographed affair
Brooklyn-based performance artist and musician Wsabi Fox may have dropped the video for “Flamingo” a few months ago, but it’s lurid, captivating visuals have a way of remaining with the viewer long far longer than its five minute run time. A dance between Ruben Sindo Acosta and Wsabi Fox bandleader Jennae Santos, dramatically captured amidst flashing lights and alternating day-night shots, lends a compelling aesthetic to the band’s stumbling, synth-friendly prog rock; it’s final image of Santos, lying motionless on the floor, as Acosta is seemingly recedes into the darkness, leaves onlookers with a haunting mise en scene. It’s a taste of the type of poignant performance Wsabi Fox will bring to C’mon Everybody on January 23rd — watch it below. —Connor Beckett McInerney
Tall Juan goes full Cumbia on “Vienes y Te Vas,” play Knitting Factory 12.20
Tall Juan’s psych-garage rock has been a consistent presence within the New York D.I.Y. scene of the last five years, but on new LP TALL JUAN PLAYS CUMBIA, the enigmatic artist exchanges guitar pedals for auxiliary percussion, opting for a more genre-specific album that retains all the charm and quirks of his existent releases. Single “Vienes y Te Vas” is a sunny cover of a cumbia staple, and while a departure from the fast and rough sound we’ve come to associate with Tall Juan, feels instantly familiar. Coupled with tongue-in-cheek video of the artist playing music on the beach and the occasional superimposed sappy imagery, and you’ve got an alt-latinx bop tucked away for warmer months. Watch it below, and catch Tall Juan at Knitting Factory tonight.