Philly’s Line Leader recently shared its new, full-length album, Houses of Water. One enters a multifaceted, mysterious, head-trippy, musical mission. An array of sonic textures creates a fluid, ever-evolving atmosphere – one that floats in a dreamy manner at one moment and then transitions into a more volatile, urgent heaviness in the next. That unpredictable, shape-shifting nature compels the listener to remain alert around each and every bend. (Photo by Kayla McCaney)
NYC
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The Afro Nick celebrates single release tonight at Mercury Lounge
A heavy-handed drumbeat powers through the thick sonic atmosphere of The Afro Nick’s latest single "Dream Big" leading the listener toward a mighty chorus that is just so damn sticky. The single pays tribute to the larger-than-life sounds of arena rock while still keeping an indie-rock aura, seemingly a fitting song for both a massive stadium or your local bar. The song layers wonderfully to create its enormous atmosphere as distorted guitars, synthesizers, and grand piano chords swell and erupt. The Afro Nick’s childhood experiences in his hometown of Chaniá, Greece have inspired his sonic journey: the singer/songwriter channels his admiration for the rich musical history of his native country through his focus on storytelling amplified by big melodic choruses. To celebrate the release of this anthemic new single, The Afro Nick will be playing Mercury Lounge this evening at 6:30 pm. We premiering "Dream Big" for you below. – Rene Cobar
Chicago
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The Mizzerables “Gravity”
Pop Punk group The Mizzerables have released a new single called “Gravity”. This is the work of Joe Mizzi, Pete Mittler, Korey Brisendine, and Dave Vazzano, and the first new music from the band since their 2017 EP, “No Sleeves”.
NYC
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Sharkswimmer explode out on “Shut-In,” play Brooklyn Bazaar 7.7
“Summer’s never long,” Justin Buschardt croons on the first track of Brooklyn indie outfit Sharkswimmer’s debut, Shut-In. It’s a fitting introductory note to the band’s first release, which over the course of five tracks straddles the worlds of easygoing guitar rock and fuzzed-out, palpably frustrated punk inclinations. A seasonally well-timed release, Shut-In aligns well with the current New York weather, energized by lyrics that focus in part on the imperceivable fast movement of time and lofi, occasionally discordant instrumentation. Recommended listening “PhD in Anxiety” and title track “Shut-In” are perfect for when the brisk city pace and June humidity inclines even the most extroverted among us to shut ourselves in and take a necessary, warm weather mental health day. Stream it below, and catch them at Brooklyn Bazaar on July 7th, playing alongside Taciturn, Cup and Trash TV.–Connor Beckett McInerney, Photo by Daniel Topete
Nashville
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Little Raven release new single “Magic Bullet” from forthcoming EP
If you want to get a little funky, Little Raven — past winners of The Deli Nashville’s Featured Artist poll — have released a new single called "Magic Bullet" to spice up your week. The single has the makings of an indie funk classic: Keenan Payne pumping away on the bass, Kyle Edmonston keeping dance-friendly time on the drums, and Brad Owens filling in the spaces with some ear candy key riffs. Add Rafael Green making his guitar sing and serenading with his breathy vocals, and you’ve got a summer track fired straight out of the chamber towards your eardrums. "Magic Bullet" is the first single from Little Raven’s forthcoming EP Let It Out, which drops this fall. Take a listen to "Magic Bullet" below. – Will Sisskind
Portland
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Cape Chacon’s Memories Make Good Music
Cape Chacon’s first release, Doing My Best, is endearing and relatable in the best way possible. Listening to it reminds you of every skinned knee you got during the summer as a kid. The vocals are beautiful, grounded firmly in each note sung. It has the feel of young adults shaking off the skin of teenage apathy, realizing that feeling earnest and genuine isn’t a bad thing.
It isn’t all sweet either, despite the upbeat pop style. The album is full of a uniquely gentle resentment. Do you remember the first time you tried to eat a bubble, only to discover that the incredibly tempting shine was really just bitter and soapy? That’s the feeling Cape Chacon is singing about, especially in songs like “save me 4 l8r.” However, there is hope in the album as well. After all, the band describes their music as “indie rock that’s kind of like when you forgot your pencil in sixth grade but ur bff had an extra.” Sure, there’s panic and despair, but there’s also a friendly hand there to help you out.
-By Avril Carrillo
Philadelphia
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Krust Toons: “Canada Building a Wall” by Tedd Hazard
Krust Toons: "Canada Building a Wall" by Tedd Hazard – please feel free to drop him a line at teddandthehazards@gmail.com if you dig or have any funny ideas. You can also check out more of his illustrations and animation shorts HERE.
New England
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The Callouts need no labels, play Dusk 06.12
The Callouts are a band you can’t help but cheer for, and get the feeling they are cheering for you. The connection comes from the group’s upbeat style, ideally suited for both that summertime house show where you finally kiss your high school crush, or the Tuesday night bar stumble-in that exceeds your expectations. The band creates a unique mold for itself in its latest record Give Up: high-energy electric guitars and speedy drum patterns are balanced with sensitive pop hooks for a style that narrowly escapes the pop-punk label. Yes, the energy and breakdowns that characterized pop-punk bands of the early 2000s are there, but the group feels distinctly modernized and less commercial. The band is playing Dusk in their hometown of Providence, RI on June 12th. When you listen to The Callouts, you can visualize a group having fun in a garage, no labels needed. “Hot Tuesday” is streaming below. – Rene Cobar
Chicago
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V.V. Lightbody “Car Alarm”
V.V. Lightbody has released a new single called “Car Alarm”. This is her second single in as many months, and one that according to her, came together rather quickly.
“Car Alarm” is a little more upbeat and electric than a lot of Lightbody’s music, but still has that slow and steady vibe of her signature “Nap Rock”.
You can catch V.V. Lightbody on June 21st at Empty Bottle with Valebol, Girl K, Bunny, and Divino Niño.
Philadelphia
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New Soul Glo Album Available for Streaming & Purchase
Philly punks Soul Glo forms profound, rapid-fire prose, hell-bent on exposing the everyday realities experienced in the black community to the masses. "Underneath my will to live clings tight my will to die, the silent secret of my strength is all the shame I’ve centralized." Pulling from the influences of noise, rap and hardcore, the group makes powerful, eye-opening statements with their latest album, The Nigga In Me Is Me, which is now available via SRA Records. Press play, and get educated.
New England
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Bent Knee commits wholly to new identity in new single, plays Space Ballroom 06.19
Bent Knee, is that you? The Boston-based group’s aggressive new identity takes no prisoners in their latest single “Catch Light.” The band commits fully to its avant-garde identity in this new track that possesses a beguiling rhythm section that mutates throughout the song, commanding its many facets. Courtney Swain’s assertive vocals rev up and explode adjacent some heavy electronic percussion before the song modifies into an atmospheric collage of delicate keyboard notes, only to climax stupendously. A bit of Florence Welch, with a hint of Lorde, Swain showcases a fierceness in her delivery that is fitting for the song’s theme of women empowerment. Bent Knee is currently touring in support of Thank You Scientist all through the U.S. and Canada, with the next New England stop being Hamden, CT at Space Ballroom on Jun 19th. The band is a new breed of itself and deserves an abundant listen below. – Rene Cobar
NYC
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Blisses B July 5 Album Release Party
The Oakland group Blisses B have released two singles off their album Tell Your Friends You Love Them And Why and they have just announced their record release party at Bottom of the Hill on Friday July 5th. Their music is rock, Americana and indie rock, and it’s positive and fun. Go support their new album and the 10th year of their band! -Lucille Faulkner