Pop rock outfit Swimming With Bears – comprised of Joe Perry (Lead Vocals / Bass), Alec Conte (Lead Guitar), Jonny Boy Kerr (Rhythm Guitar), and Ryan Hannasch (Drums) – recently released their upbeat single “Don’t Think About It”, and we’re all in with the energy on this one. The accompanying video, however, is on a whole other level. Take four guys and throw them into an enclosed area with instruments and see what unfolds! We love this video because of its simplicity, and we love the guys even more for the personality that they pour into their performance. We’re guessing this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to their live performance chops, and we’re thrilled. Check out both the song and its video below, and let us know what you think on Facebook!
Alt folk collective Kazyak – comprised of Peter Frey (guitar), Andy Wolfe (guitar), Pat Hayes (synth, piano), Lana Bolin (bass), and Nick Grewe (drums) – is coming at us hard this Tuesday with a single premiere for their new track “Contravertical”. A swirling, psychedelic sound brings us gradually into a beautiful, soothing soundscape. Eventually, reverb-filled vocals are added in, giving it a slight otherworldly sound. When one takes into account the lyrics, it truly is stunning how well they go with that sound, as the song is about exploring the unknown and the universe around us. Enjoy the track below, and let us know what you think on Facebook!
Though we have to wait until September 13th for the debut release from Los Angeles quartet The Paranoyds, we are being kept calm, cool and collected with the release of the music video for their surf-tinged rock single “Carnage Bargain”. The group – comprised of Staz Lindes, Laila Hashemi, Lexi Funston, and David Ruiz – has hit the ground running with a lot of buzz around their work, and we’re particularly big fans of it. The new video is fun, with footage of the band adventuring, singing, and seemingly enjoying themselves, as they sing of a less upbeat topic. Explains Lindes:
It’s an extremely vulnerable time in America–things aren’t sugar coated anymore. The dirt and grime that was swept under the rug has risen to surface. It’s impossible for us to get through a day without thinking of the thousands of migrant children in cages at the border alone, some without proper beds, soap, toothbrushes, and with lights on 24/7. We can not continue to ignore the black lives, young and old, taken by police almost every week. The plastic crisis. The mass shootings. The extreme need for prison reform. The opioid crisis. The water crisis in Flint, Michigan. The list goes on, and the hole gets deeper. Sometimes I can’t sleep and I wonder: do they sleep well in the White House? What else can I do as a privileged citizen? They want to get a Carnage Bargain. I want to pick up garbage.
Check out the relatable track and its accompanying visual below!
Tour Dates:
09/05/19 – San Diego, CA @ Casbah *
09/06/19 – Pomona, CA @ The Glass House *
09/07/19 – Phoenix, AZ @ Valley Bar *
09/09/19 – Austin, TX @ Barracuda *
09/10/19 – Dallas, TX @ Club Dada *
09/11/19 – Houston, TX @ Satellite Bar *
09/13/19 – New Orleans, LA @ Gasa Gasa *
09/14/19 – Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade (Hell Stage) *
09/15/19 – Raleigh, NC @ Motorco *
09/17/19 – Washington, D.C. @ U Hall *
09/19/19 – Brooklyn, NY @ Elsewhere *
09/20/19 – Philadelphia, PA @ Philamoca *
09/21/19 – Boston, MA @ Brighton Music Hall *
09/23/19 – Toronto, ON @ Horseshoe *
09/24/19 – Columbus, OH @ The Basement *
09/25/19 – Nashville, TN @ Exit/In *
09/28/19 – Minneapolis, MN @ 7th Street *
09/29/19 – Chicago, IL @ Lincoln Hall *
09/30/19 – St. Louis, MO, Firebird *
10/03/19 – St. Louis, MO @ Firebird #
10/04/19 – Des Moines, IA @ Vaudeville Mews #
10/05/19 – St. Paul, MN @ Amsterdam Bar & Grill #
10/07/10 – Denver, CO @ Larimer Lounge #
11/01/19 – San Francisco, CA @ Cafe du Nord
11/02/19 – Santa Cruz, CA @ The Crepe Place
11/03/19 – Reno, NV @ The Holland Project
11/05/19 – Portland, OR @ Bunk Bar
11/06/19 – Seattle, WA @ Barboza
* = supporting Bleached
# = supporting White Reaper
Though the first line of TOOPOOR‘s new single feels like the intro to an early 2000s pop/punk track, with the quick addition of the instrumentals comes an understanding that her sound exists more in a modern punk sphere, though TOOPOOR’s vocals would indicate a hint of pop inspiration. “Lamented” leisurely glides along, TOOPOOR’s vocals light and airy over the track, as she sings of a more “complicated” existence. Heartbreak, depicted as actual death, is the visual of choice, as enacted by director Gilbert Trejo. It’s truly a sight to see. So take a break from you day and enjoy!
Never before have I heard – and perhaps never again will I witness – such an inspired and heart-wrenching album vocally than Salt Lake City act Ritt Momney‘s debut 13-track collection, Her and All of My Friends. Brainchild Jack Rutter speaks from a space of loss at many levels – Rutter spends his time writing alone mostly, since his friends and girlfriend have gone off to college and pursued missions in other regions – and delivers a highly relatable album, christened with his beautiful vocals
The album opens raw with “I”, which leads into “Lew’s Lullaby”, a very literal telling of his loss of people in his life to circumstance. While “Command V” – computer nerds, we got you and that shortcut for “paste” – might give us some dramatic lyrics that truly resonate, the faster paced “On Love (An Alternative Response to Almitra’s Request)” holds a fondness in our hearts, as we got to witness it live and it features the vocals of Rutter’s adorable girlfriend. As the rest of the album unfolds, you realize how much heart went into its creation. Thirteen tracks that draw an emotional response, amidst thousands of releases that dedicate that type of attention to one or two songs, is incredibly thrilling to see.
What Ritt Momney has accomplished – at a level higher than most of what we have witnessed thus far – is the creation of a new genre, as he integrates an r&b flare into his indie alternative music, at times rock, sometimes more electronic, and, interestingly, percussion heavy. But, save for the lines of spoken word or rap, more or less, there isn’t a moment void of Rutter’s airy, breath of fresh air vocals. This album is definitely one to hold onto, especially when you’re missing someone.
Rhode Island plays host to some pretty stellar acts, but who knew it would be the home of one of our latest favorite alternative rock acts? Wild Sun – a trio comprised of Glenn Kendzia, Paul Fazio, and Padraic Fazio – has a brand new, 9-track release titled Closed Door Talks and it’s one of those albums that is best enjoyed from beginning to end. We’re not saying don’t check out a song here and there right now, at your desk at work. (We won’t tell anyone!) What we ARE saying is, it’s truly an impact album full of a slew of psychedelic instrumentals that give the already edgy vocals a heightened sound. We’d consider cozying up with a nice glass of {{insert favorite summer beverage here}}, a starry sky, and your loved ones to enjoy this one. You’re in for quite the ride!
The summertime is enchanting. The sun is out, our schedules are insane but we are much more likely to enjoy it at this point in the year. It’s hot outside, but my friends are still finding the time and energy to play four outdoor softball. I, however, am sitting inside. I’m raking in the cool air, spritzing my plants, and watching new music videos like it’s no one’s business. Below, find some of my favorites from July so far. Our little list includes Jagwar Twin, Of Monsters and Men, GRAE, Emily Hackett, Modern Love Child, Bat For Lashes, Shinedown, Goblin Prince, Ivan Ave, and more!
Keep your eyes glued to this soundtrack for the rest of the month to see more new videos pop up!
Recently, we had the wonderful pleasure of sitting down with Lulise to chat for season 2 of our podcast. We have to wait until August to experience that gem, but for now we thought we’d bide some time and premiere her new single, if you’re into it. (Frankly, we don’t care what you think. But we’re pretty sure you’ll be keen on it too.) Get a dose of gorgeous vocals, a little bit of attitude, and a whole lot of relatability as Lulise croons about a love interest that she cannot pursue!
Today, we sit down with Morgan Geer to chat about his musical project Drunken Prayer, the buildup to his album release in April, and UFOs. We actually got neck deep in UFO stories, and there’s a lot of laughter and awe in this interview that makes it the perfect end to season 1 of the podcast! Check it out below!
