Archive for the ‘MUSIC’ Category

Deafheaven have announced a new album. “Lonely People With Power is the metal band’s follow-up to 2021’s “Infinite Granite”, with Justin Meldal-Johnsen returning as producer. Lead single “Magnolia” is also out now. Watch the Chelsea Jade and Sean Stout–directed music video for it below.

‘Magnolia’ sees the American post-metal band return to their hardcore roots, featuring thrashing drums, heavy and gritty guitars and George Clarke’s screeching and powerful vocals as he sings: “Warm winds blow / Secrets we die with / Trembling weakness is what haunts us now.” 

“Lonely People With Power” is out March 28th. It’s Deafheaven’s first album for Roadrunner Records; their previous albums arrived via Deathwish, Anti-, and Sargent House.

The band—featuring vocalist George Clarke, guitarists Kerry McCoy and Shiv Mehra, bassist Christopher Johnson, and drummer Daniel Tracy—invited Interpol’s Paul Banks and Boy Harsher’s Jae Matthews to guest on the new album.

A press release has described ‘Lonely People With Power’ as the band’s “most ambitious release yet.”

SPRINTS – ” Black Box Sessions “

Posted: January 27, 2025 in MUSIC

Garage-Punk sensation Sprints from Dublin, Ireland signed to City Slang and are releasing this session through bandcamp.

It’s a testament to their explosive live show, and further evidence that they are one of the most ferocious and exciting acts to emerge in recent years. 

released May 2nd, 2024

PACKS – ” Melt the Honey “

Posted: January 27, 2025 in MUSIC

Madeline Link, who makes music under the moniker Packs, has always found inspiration in her surroundings. When it came to newest effort “Melt the Honey” which is her second full-length release in the space of a year, she wanted to look beyond the mundane spaces that had informed much of her previous work. Over the course of 11 days last March, Link and the rest of her band Dexter Nash [guitar], Noah O’Neil [bass] and Shane Hooper [drums]) gathered in Mexico City, a city that already held a special place in her heart as an artist-in-residence at Casa Lü in 2020). Packs practiced new songs in a rented studio space, with each member bringing their aesthetic sensibility to the table. From there, they took a bus to Xalapa where they spent the remainder of their time abroad working at a house known as Casa pulpo, an architectural feat removed from the bustle of city life, owned and operated by Wendy Moira.

The making of “Melt the Honey” was a communal experience, with the same group of musicians who have joined her since her “Take the Cake” debut in 2021 taking part once again. Part of the vibrancy of the recording also comes from an underlying emotional shift in Link’s life: falling in love. After doing it alone for so long, Link is finally embracing the sense of ease that comes with knowing you’re cared for. “These songs are happier, or more optimistic, than any I’ve written,” Link says. “I was feeling generally less horrible than I have in the past,” she laughs. The album’s title draws from the single “Honey,” written in a Chilean beach town where Link briefly lived ensconced in these feelings, sharing a home with her romantic partner and allowing herself to experience life in an easier way, through the lens of having someone by her side. While Link is in a happier state-of-mind, “Melt the Honey” still finds a way to dig into the grit of her emotions, exploring new sonic territory as she goes. From the scuzzy shoegaze of “Pearly Whites” to the psych-textured interlude of “AmyW,” “Melt the Honey” is the band at their most fully-formed yet; unafraid to experiment while simultaneously doubling down on their signature quirky earworms that reverberate with universal appeal. 

released January 19th, 2024

Bass: Noah O’Neil
Drums, tambourine, shaker: Shane Hooper
Lead Guitar, keys on Honey, Take Care: Dexter Nash
Rhythm and acoustic guitars, vocals, rusty nail: Madeline Link
Spanish vocals on Missy: Lupita Rico
Keys on Honey, AmyW: Diego Parragué

All songs written by Madeline Link

For the first time since their initial release in 1994, The Clean’s ‘Modern Rock’ LP and “Late Last Night” b/w “Psychedelic Clown” 7-inch vinyl are back. This alone would be enough reason to celebrate, but the band is also sharing a making-of video for “Safe in the Rain” assembled by New Zealand filmmaker Patrick O’Neill from handicam footage shot during the recording of ‘Modern Rock’ – this is a first glimpse at an in-progress documentary about The Clean!.

From David Kilgour: “Shot by all involved, with special thanks to Alan Starett! After 15 years, The Clean movie is almost at “pre” post-production and looking for interested parties!”

The 7″ vinyl to be released on Merge Records. Remastered from the original tapes by Tex Houston. Edition of 500 copies in glue pocket jackets. A thirtieth anniversary reissue of The Clean’s 1994 single ‘Late Last Night’, which proved to be their final single release. Recorded around the same time as their seminal second album “Modern Rock” that came out the same year, it’s accompanied by its original B-side ‘Psychedelic Clown’.

The MEN – ” Buyer Beware “

Posted: January 26, 2025 in MUSIC

Prolific New York City punks The Men are dropping ‘PO Box 96’, it’s the second single to be lifted from their newly-announced ‘Buyer Beware’ album due out February 28th 2025! pre-order on limited edition vinyl/CD now!

Clocking in at under two minutes and arguably The Men’s heaviest release since their 2011 ‘Leave Home’ era, ‘PO Box 96’ is a pummelling, ferocious noise-rocker capable of stripping paint from walls.

On the single, The Men’s Nick Chiericozzi says: “Every once in a while a song appears fully formed to its writer. Mr. Postman dropped a good one in my mailbox. Solicitations written in hilarious fonts with odd punctuation, appealing to my sense of security on dark blue paper with black ink are gifts from the universe. The music came right away, albeit with a little more effort than opening an envelope. Rich Samis thought the chorus went “Thank God for PO Box 96″. It doesn’t.” The band have also now announced a ‘Buyer Beware’ record release show at TV Eye NYC on March 1st.

“Chasing The Light” is the latest album by Jesse Malin, released by Wicked Cool Records. This highly anticipated record showcases Malin’s signature blend of rock, punk, and Americana influences, delivering a raw and heartfelt musical experience.

With gritty vocals and introspective lyrics, Jesse Malin takes listeners on a journey through themes of love, loss, redemption, and resilience. Each track on “Chasing The Light” is crafted with emotional depth and musical craftsmanship that will resonate with both long-time fans and new listeners alike.

The album features a dynamic range of songs that effortlessly transition from energetic anthems to intimate ballads. From the infectious hooks of “Room 13” to the haunting melodies of “Shane,” “Chasing The Light” offers a diverse sonic landscape that keeps listeners engaged from start to finish.

Collaborating with acclaimed musicians and producers, Jesse Malin has created a cohesive body of work that captures the essence of his artistry. The production quality on “Chasing The Light” is top-notch, enhancing the overall listening experience and allowing each song to shine in its own unique way.

Overall, “Chasing The Light” is a must-have addition to any music lover’s collection. With its compelling storytelling, memorable melodies, and undeniable passion, this album solidifies Jesse Malin’s reputation as a versatile and talented musician in the contemporary music scene.

BOB MOULD – ” Here We Go Crazy “

Posted: January 25, 2025 in MUSIC

The legendary former frontman of Husker Du and Sugar delivers 11 slices of anthemic, emotional driving alt rock. The new album “Here We Go Crazy” arrives March 7th, with the title track available now on all music streaming platforms. Featuring 11 guitar pop songs, “Here We Go Crazy” is Bob Mould’s 15th solo album.

After 15 solo albums, Bob Mould knows exactly who he is—and what kind of music he likes to make. “On the surface, this is a group of straightforward guitar pop songs. I’m refining my primary sound and style through simplicity, brevity, and clarity,” Mould said about his upcoming album, “Here We Go Crazy”. “Under the hood, there’s a number of contrasting themes. Control and chaos, hypervigilance and helplessness, uncertainty and unconditional love.” That all sounds intriguing, but honestly, we’d take anything Mould is willing to give us.

Featuring singles the : “Here We Go Crazy”, “When Your Heart Is Broken” and “Breathing Room” the album finds Bob on top form.

Horsegirl — the New York-via-Chicago trio of best friends Nora Cheng, Penelope Lowenstein, and Gigi Reece are to release their second album, “Phonetics On and On”.  Produced by Cate Le Bon and recorded at The Loft in Chicago, the band’s original and sonic home, “Phonetics On and On” is an exploration of the lines between pop, minimalism, and playful experimentation.

This will be Horsegirl’s second full-length album is a departure from their first. Rather than the fuzzed-out shoegaze sound of 2022’s “Versions Of Modern Performance”, “Phonetics On And On” explores “new, bright, clear, sonic territories that highlight the inventive nature of these new songs.” What’s not different is the band’s uncanny ability to transport listeners with their music; their first album was a throwback to the indie scene circa 1997, while this one sounds more like it belongs in the early 2000s. It’s an impressive thing for three people who weren’t even alive in the ’90s to be able to capture and their ability to filter that sound through a modern lens is captivating.

Horsegirl returned to Chicago to record in January 2024, finding focus and intimacy in the studio that can only arise when it’s simply too cold to step outside. Le Bon led them into new, bright, clear, sonic territories highlighting the inventive nature of these songs. New tools help bring this world to life; violins, synths, and gamelan tiles are all woven into the record. The songs are a testament to experimenting with space and texture while maintaining a pop song at the core. All the while, a confident simplicity brings the band’s songwriting ability to the forefront.

It’s hard to imagine any of these songs being written by anyone but Nora, Penelope, and Gigi. Horsegirl write with unanticipated honesty, leading us through scenes of girlhood and youth. These are moments of their lives. The indelible truth is that Horsegirl is a band of best friends; being around them you can see that love in their eyes and it is always a joyous thing to witness. It’s a love that is ever-present in “Phonetics On and On” as tenderness reverberates back and forth across the recording.

Horsegirl hailing from the vibrant music scene of Chicago, Illinois. With their unique sound and captivating performances, they have quickly gained a loyal following. Their music blends elements of indie rock, post-punk, and shoegaze to create a truly distinctive sound that sets them apart from other bands in the genre. Horsegirl’s lyrics are introspective and thought-provoking, tackling themes of identity, mental health, and societal issues. Whether you’re a fan of rock music or simply appreciate innovative artistry, Horsegirl is a band that should not be missed.

Formed in [year], Horsegirl Since their inception, they have been making waves in the music industry with their powerful live performances and critically acclaimed releases. Their debut album received widespread praise for its raw energy and emotional depth.

With their growing popularity and undeniable talent, Horsegirl has become one of the most exciting up-and-coming bands in the American rock scene. They continue to push boundaries with their music while staying true to their roots. Keep an eye out for upcoming shows and new releases from this dynamic trio – you won’t want to miss what they have in store!

‘Phonetics On and On,’ the new album from Horsegirl out February 14th, 2025 on Matador Records.

From the off, Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory is sonically different from Van Etten’s previous work. Writing and recording in total collaboration with her band for the first time, Van Etten finds the freedom that comes by letting go. The result of that liberation is an exhilarating new dimension of sound and songwriting. The themes are timeless, classic Sharon – life and living, love and being loved – but the sounds are new, wholly realized and sharp as glass.

“Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory” is the first record Van Etten has fully written with a band. The members of The Attachment Theory (bassist Devra Hoff, keyboardist/backing vocalist Teeny Lieberson, and drummer Jorge Balbi) were Van Etten’s longtime backing band when she was touring and recording as a solo artist, but for her upcoming record, she welcomed them into the writing process. For Van Etten, the process of letting go was difficult, but ultimately freeing. “Writing and recording in total collaboration with her band for the first time, Van Etten finds the freedom that comes by letting go—letting go of her normal modus operandi or the need for control or attachment to the outcome. No safety net,” reads a note about the album.

What that sounds like in practice is a looser, shaggier sound than we’ve ever heard from Van Etten, incorporating more synths and electronic experimentation. The two singles released so far, “Afterlife” and “Southern Life (What It Must Be Like),” are like cousins rather than siblings, and that’s a good thing. Hopefully, the rest of the record will be similarly surprising.

‘Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory ‘, out February 7th on Jagjaguwar.

Indie rockers Lord Huron dropped a surprise new track and the announcement came with a strange note buried amid the marketing copy: “‘Who Laughs Last?’ represents just the first piece of a sonic, aesthetic, and sensory puzzle meant to be assembled with care.” Interestingly, the song accompanied a world tour announcement with no news about a new album. Perhaps there’s a hint about other pieces of the puzzle buried somewhere in the lyrics of the new song, which features a spoken-word performance from actor Kristen Stewart laid over a propulsive beat and a guitar riff that, if it was an individual in a bar, would definitely give off “I’m carrying at least one knife on my person” vibes. Vocalist Ben Schneider only comes in for the chorus, singing obliquely about fleeing on the open road after doing something unforgettable—or perhaps unforgivable. Schneider said of the collaboration with Stewart, “I didn’t know Kristen previously but I’d been a big fan since seeing her work with Olivier Assayas, which my wife introduced me to. I kept hearing her voice when I was writing this song and just thought ‘what the hell, I’ll reach out and see,’ thinking it was a long shot. But she said she was interested so we met up and hit it off talking about books, movies, and music. She immediately got what I was going for and had great ideas to boot. She’s just a great person and so creative and open. She added a lot to the video concept as well. It was the kind of collaboration you dream of, honestly.”

I think this new album is going to traverse across all what they’ve done so far. I think you’ll hear a bit of Vide Noir, a dash of Long Lost, and a sprinkle of Strange Trails. I think you’ll also hear a bit of Mighty and Into the Sun.

I think this is where it all finally collides, creating a strange oddity of cosmic trails where emeralds and oddities protrude through the dim flicker of lights ahead, echoing those lost to us, and to time: past, present, and future.