In this new age of bedroom pop and DIY everything, Georgia’s band Triathalon, who recently resettled in NYC, offers a sound all its own, blending elements as varied as soul, pop, jazz, and electro. Attempting to label their music proves challenging – and that’s part of the plan, since they state that they "work towards a sound that can’t easily be defined.” Thriathalon’s first two EP sounded like rather unfocused takes on anything within the indie realm, from dream pop to slacker rock. Third LP Online, released earlier in 2018, sounds like music made by a different band altogether: the production is more mature, the sound more focused, and a newfound passion for soul seems to have shuffled the band’s sonic cards. “Hard to Move” is reminiscent of a lo-fi, "synthy" version of Michael Jackson’s “Blame it on the Boogie,” while “3” is backed with a thumping bass verse that cleverly transitions to a jazz-inspired keyboard interlude. This is a band with lots of potential, check them out live on June 1st at Mercury Lounge. -Lily Crandall
TC Superstar Ignite Dance Party With New EP ‘Heat Death’
Unapologetically 80’s with their synth beats and new wave vocals, TC Superstar is motivated to get Austin moving by igniting an off-beat fire on the dance floor. Started as a solo project by Connor McCampbell in the Summer of 2017, TC Superstar has grown into a six-piece live performing band. TC Superstar’s first album, Masc, was released in September 2017 through Austin-based Porch Fire Records but it’s their latest EP ‘Heat Death’ that has massive electro-potential. McCampbell’s deep baritone floats over pulsating dance-centric beats that slowly become fortified with a chorus of radiant synths. The confidence ingrained in the music and the musician’s zeal for live performances make TC Superstar a hot attraction whenever found on a music bill. While retro vibes are evident with Talking Heads and Thompson Twins coming through quite clearly, McCampbell also channels contemporary dream pop like Chairlift and Austra in his songwriting. Young, talented and ambitious – keep an eye out for TC Superstar.
Cinchel @ High Concept Labs (6/21)
Ambient/Drone artist Cinchel has two album dropping this summer. The first is called Sustain/Sustain, out June 8th, and is a collections of tracks recorded over the last two years.
The second release, In Chaos, will be released on July 1st, and features 10 tracks that have moments that are beautifully, chilling, dark, and peaceful.
As with most of Cinchel’s music both albums were created using guitar, effects, and a laptop. Both album’s will be available on cassette, in addition to digital, in a limited quantity of 50.
Cinchel will be performing at High Concept Labs as part of Make Music Chicago on June 21st with Picosa and Sid Yiddish & His Candy Store Henchmen.
Matt Piet “City In A Garden”
Matt Piet is an Pianist that thrives on improvisation. His new album, City In A Garden, is a series of improvisations recorded with an array of talented musicians during “jam sessions” at Constellation’s Sound of the City workshop. Each piece is titled by the names the musicians Piet is performing with at the time of the recording. The album as a whole serves a a snapshot of the thriving local jazz and musical improvisation scene.
You can help Piet celebrate the release of “City In A Garden” on June 15th at Constellation.
Felicity drops new single “Pilot with a Fear of Heights”
Harnessing the power of her weathered yet powerful voice, Felicity channels emotional turmoil into triumph on “Pilot with a Fear of Heights”. The new single from the Australian-born, South African-raised New York resident mirrors her anxieties about destiny’s role in love, both sonically and lyrically. Opening with haunting vocals before being jolted alive with grandiose production flourishes and a gospel-tinged chorus, the artist fatally remarks about the anxieties that come with falling in love. However, instead of wallowing in this emotional conflict, she surrenders to whatever her fate may be as she boldly sings about free-falling through life. This moment is rapturous and heart-racing, and she sounds fearless when the chorus builds up one final time. It’s reminiscent of Kesha’s 2017 single “Praying”, but Felicity’s vocals combined with the dynamic production offer something more vibrant without losing any of its radiance or catharsis. – Tucker Pennington
Gentle J release surreal video for “Smoking”
Jordan Thomas just had a rough day on "Smoking." The desert locale is a curious setting for Thomas, the main songwriter of Gentle J, and his bandmates to give their ode to the New Hollywood seventies movement with a grubby cinematic flair. The resplendent guitar arpeggios of the track give a faint glimmer of hope for Thomas, transforming an otherwise grim outcome with an impressionistic, even transporting form. Just like the scene that replays in Thomas’s journey, "Smoking" possesses a dazzling hook that will also linger in your mind for days. Juan Rodríguez
New Music Video: “Intent” – Blowdryer
The trio of Blowdryer recently shared a eye-catching video for “Intent,” featured on their new self-titled release. Director Dawn Riddle (of Bad Canoes) creates a visual spectacle that taps into a sense of retro oddity. What is its "intent"? Hmm…fuck if we know! But we are definitely digging the dance moves, which are absolutely playful and endearing. We’ll have a good time trying to replicate them next Thursday, June 7 at Kung Fu Necktie, where they’ll be performing with Michael Beach and Storks. (Photo by Scott Troyan)
quest?onmarc brings chaotic club music to Elsewhere’s Rooftop on 06/02
quest?onmarc’s brand of house music balanced moments of wild fervor and restrained beauty, creating tracks that can be as uneasy as they are energetic. The Qween Beat affiliate describes their music as ballroom house, a mixture of traditional house music with theatrical elements traditionally found in vogue performance. With their new single “Ok!”, however, they set their sights on a more traditional and uptempo sound without losing the heart-racing nature of their previous releases. Skipping along with tight synths and an off-kilter drums, there are traces of footwork and juke, but the consistently thunderous beat marks a distinct shift towards a more danceable and bigger sound. With the only vocals being periodic interruptions from a monotone voice saying “ok”, the artist has crafted a song that sounds like it was forged in clubs but meant for arenas. quest?onmarc will be performing their unique blend of club and footwork as a part of Jubilee’s Magic City on the rooftop of Elsewhere on Saturday, June 2. Check out their newest single “Ok!” below. – Tucker Pennington
New St. Brendan EP Available for Streaming & Purchase
Recorded and mixed at The Headroom with Kyle Pulley, St. Brendan recently shared a trio of tracks packaged as The Talk EP. Raunchy riffs and tunnel-transmitted, emotive vocals interact, creating an aggressive/somber dichotomy. A melancholy isolation meets the release of pent up energy via an onslaught of rockin’ instrumentation. Feel free to find catharsis in its heartbreak.
Jared Rabin @ SPACE (6/8)
Jared Rabin is back with a EP called “Wondering About The Weather”. This is the follow-up to his acclaimed 2015 debut LP, Something Left To Say. Rabin has a warm and slightly rock-tinged take on Americana.
“Wondering About The Weather” was released on May 11th and will be celebrated on June 8th at SPACE in Evanston with Ten Patrick.
Surfer Rosie June 30th at Black Water
Surfer Rosie, a slacker-rock garage band, has been gaining popularity in Portland for a number of reasons. The band’s members Gillian Brase, Gillian Avina, Laura Daegling, Noah Johanson have all cut their teeth in the DIY scene over the years, and that experience shows in Surfer Rosie’s music. Their first EP released last June, simply titled EP 1, is an excellent example of alt-pop done right. The band’s strength lies in their combination of emo-inspired lyricism with deceptively minimalistic guitar riffs and beats. Surfer Rosie’s latest single “Worms” came out this May. The track feels driven and focused, but still makes room for the band’s signature moodiness. Surfer Rosie’s next show is June 30th at the Black Water Bar with Little Star, Alien Boy, and Vari Vice. – by Avril Carrillo, Photo by Natalie Eagan
Showcase Alert: Throwin’ Bo’s at The Elbo Room (6.7) ft. Mr. Yote, Just Rese, & more
Throwin’ Bo’s is shaking it up this month, with an R&B and hip-hop influenced lineup that leans heavily towards the experimental. From the moody and mesmerizing avant-soul of LA-via-Boston-via-UK-via-Hong Kong songstress Cehryl (pronounced Cheryl), to the eerie and unsettling flow of San Francisco’s own Mr. Yote, to the infectious bounce of Oakland’s Just Rese, this may be the best showcase yet. If you’re still unconvinced, the proof is in the playlist, which you can stream below. – Lilly Milman
This event will be on Thursday, June 7 at 9 pm. Throwin’ Bo’s is a monthly 21+ showcase held at The Elbo Room. Tickets are $5 in advance and $7 at the door. RSVP on Facebook here.