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. 

TAMINO – ” Sanctuary ” Feat Mitski

Posted: January 25, 2025 in MUSIC

Tamino’s upcoming third album, “Every Dawn’s A Mountain” (which is released on March 21st), is primarily a solo endeavor—except for “Sanctuary.” The singer dropped the new track, which features Mitski on vocals, Tamino was Mitski’s opening act for her 2024 North American tour, which opened the door for their musical collaboration. However, the song came together at the last minute. As Tamino explained in a press release, “Two weeks before our scheduled studio session, I had doubts about whether the current song was suitable enough for a duet. I teamed up with my friend Alessandro Buccellati (SZA, Arlo Parks) at my place in New York City, where, in the wake of my doubts, we wrote the music of ‘Sanctuary’ in a few hours. The next morning I wrote the lyrics, recorded a small demo, and sent it to Mitski, who loved it and, like me, preferred it to the other song.”

Every Dawn’s a Mountain” out 21st March 2025.

CRAIG FINN – ” Always Been “

Posted: January 25, 2025 in MUSIC

Craig Finn returns with “Always Been”, his first solo album since 2022. The album was produced by Finn’s long time friend Adam Granduciel, the principal of The War on Drugs. “Always Been” is direct both in music and title. As Finn says, “I’ve always been Craig Finn.” 

From the opener “Bethany,” a moody piano-driven portrait with a distinctive Granduciel guitar solo, to the propulsion of the first single “People of Substance,” to the vivid storytelling and character development that has marked Finn’s career, this record feels at once familiar and fresh. 

Recorded throughout 2024 at One Cue Studio in Burbank, CA, “Always Been” features a host of musicians, including many of Granduciel’s bandmates in The War on Drugs. Kathleen Edwards and Sam Fender provide guest vocals. The musical result is distinctive, purposeful, and commanding. This is perhaps Finn’s most narrative record yet. It tells the story of a man who becomes a clergyman despite a lack of faith. The songs detail his rise, fall, and eventual redemption, while also shining a light to sharply reveal the other characters that populate the world he moves through. 

Craig Finn: vocals Adam Granduciel: electric guitars, organ, mellotron Dave Hartley: bass guitar Sterling Laws: drums Kathleen Edwards: backing vocals

Always Been is Finn’s sixth solo record and stands alongside his nine albums with The Hold Steady. With his last solo release, “A Legacy of Rentals”, receiving year-end accolades from Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, Aquarium Drunkard and more, “Always Been” arrives as an exciting next step for this prolific storyteller and songwriter.

Madfish Records presents “Wishbone Ash – At The BBC 1970-1988” To be released on 28th March the 12-disc set includes 72-page hardback book, 11 CDs of live material and a DVD of performance footage from the BBC.

An extraordinary collection of iconic performances, rare recordings & behind- the- scenes gems, captured over nearly two decades from one of the most celebrated bands in rock history.

Four years in the making & shaped by the input of devoted fans & band members alike, this long awaited release is the definitive archive of Wishbone Ash’s unforgettable relationship with the BBC. For fans, collectors & newcomers alike, this is the ultimate treasure trove of Ash’s signature melodic twin-lead guitars & progressive rock mastery.

This set is an extraordinary collection of iconic performances, rare recordings, and behind-the-scenes gems, captured over nearly two decades from one of the most celebrated bands in rock history. Four years in the making and shaped by the input of devoted fans and band members alike, this long-awaited release is the definitive archive of Wishbone Ash’s unforgettable relationship with the BBC.

Contents: • 11 CDs of electrifying live material including never-before-heard sessions and performances, expertly restored and remastered by Pete Reynolds. Includes iconic shows from the Paris Theatre, Glasgow Apollo and Hammersmith Odeon, as well as performances on John Peel’s Sunday Concert, Sounds of the Seventies, Top Gear + more. Also include a DVD of Old Grey Whistle Test footage from 1971, 1977 & 1980. Includes rare outtakes, full performances, and behind-the-scenes moments.

Plus a beautifully bound 72-page hardback book, complete with rare photos, session documentation from the BBC vaults and exclusive insights from the band.

For fans, collectors, and newcomers alike, this is the ultimate treasure trove of Wishbone Ash’s signature melodic twin-lead guitars and progressive rock mastery.

THIN LIZZY – ” Acoustic Session “

Posted: January 23, 2025 in MUSIC

Thin Lizzy “Acoustic Session“, a ground breaking new frontline album that brings together the legendary voice of Philip Lynott, the masterful guitar work of founding member Eric Bell, and the powerful original drum takes of Brian Downey. This unique project offers fans a rare opportunity to experience Thin Lizzy’s classic hits like never before, with Lynott’s previously unheard vocal takes perfectly complemented by Bell’s fresh acoustic arrangements and Downey’s dynamic drumming.

There is something deeply affecting the first time Phil Lynott’s previously unheard vocals come through the speakers, accompanied by new stripped back arrangements by Eric Bell and Brian Downey which really give these old songs a fresh feel. I’d like to think Phil would approve.

“The Acoustic Sessions” represents a new listening experience for fans of Thin Lizzy, taking ten of their best-known songs and stripping them down to simple acoustic performances. The late Phil Lynott’s original vocal takes are intact, but couched in new acoustic parts from the band’s founding guitarist Eric Bell, plus similarly new parts from original drummer Brian Downey.

Drawing on material from the band’s iconic Decca era, the album revisits tracks from Thin Lizzy’s first three albums, presenting them in an intimate, stripped-down format that is sure to captivate both longtime fans and a new generation of listeners.