Piramid Scheme has just dropped a new single, “No More, Anymore”, off their upcoming debut EP Get Rich Quick Too. The East-coast band is headed by Lisa Said and Darrien Day and joined by drummer Andrew Toy and bassist Howard Rabach for live shows. Following her solo career of a few years, Said met Day and they soon began collaborating after he played bass and guitar for one of her shows.
Now, they’ve put out “No More, Anymore”, created in response to the Charlottesville hate rally last August. Taking on a garage rock sound, “No More, Anymore” is classic yet completely modern, and speaks to the current social climate. In a world where musicians can be the voice for any number of causes, Piramid Scheme has found their own way to speak up.
Look out for Get Rich Quick Too, out soon via Tall Short Records. Stay connected with Piramid Scheme: Piramidscheme.com | Bandcamp |Instagram
Los Angeles’ the black watch has just released, “Oh You Little Witch!”, the second single off their upcoming EP The Paper Boats. The prolific four-piece is made of vocalist/guitarist John Andrew Fredrick, Rick Woodard on drums, Chris Rackard on bass; and lead guitarist Tyson Cornell. They’ve put out over 17 CDs over the past quarter of a century, and have clearly honed their sound while maintaining flexibility. “Oh You Little Witch!” displays the black watch’s ability to put out an authentic track that also moves into a new sound. This new track continues in The Black Watch’s fantastic psychedelic pop tradition. John Andrew Fredrick says of the track:
“This song’s all in good fun. No harm, no foul. I’m convinced that one of the overarching themes of my life has to do with Jean Renoir’s epigraph for what I consider to be one of the greatest films of all time – ‘The Rules of the Game.’ Renoir says: ‘The tragic thing about life is everyone has their reasons.’ I often metaphorically enter into other people’s consciousnesses, trying to imagine what it’s like to be them. But at some point one stops doing that when a former lover, say, becomes a ghost of sorts. Then, as the song declares, ‘I never wonder what it’s like to be you.’ There’s no specific ghost, mind you. But they’re everywhere, aren’t they? You look at someone and go ‘Someone somewhere used to be so interested in that person – and now they never hardly ever pay them any never mind!'”
“Oh You Little Witch!” is just what you need to hear today, so check it out!
Watch for The Paper Boats, set for release on April 27. Stay connected with the band: Facebook | Bandcamp
After nearly a decade since his last release, Clint Michigan has just released his brand new LP, Centuries. Following several difficult years struggling with sobriety and other issues, Clint Michigan (irl Clint Asay) is back and better than ever. Clint Michigan has displays the strength he possesses and the difficulties he has faced since 2009’s Hawthorne To Hennepin.
“Knickerbocker Street” starts off Centuries with a mellow, and emotional folk-pop track, highlighted some well-composed guitar playing and vocal harmonies. Next up is “Beg for It”, a hauntingly beautiful track that follows up “Knickerbocker Street” in the perfect manner, alternating soft, nostalgic vocals with an irresistible, off-kilter beat.
“Steven Says” follows “Beg for It”, starting off with the trademark guitar playing that makes Centuries so excellent. Bringing in some violin towards the second half of the song, “Steven Says” explores many of the issues and despair that we face. “The Way Out” will give you goosebumps from its astonishingly beautiful piano intro to its touching lyrics. Filled with a childlike, yet adult sound, this song is truly a treat. “Centuries”, the title track of the record, is found in the middle of the album, and invites the reader along a nostalgic sonic journey. You won’t be able to help looking back on your own life as this track plays.
“Tired of Being Kind” is a unique track that lends itself more the folk side of Clint Michigan’s sound. Relevant and honest, “Tired of Being Kind” voices what many of us have on our minds but never say. “Shirt Off” muses on some memories of growing up as well as the present, again including some excellent instrumentation. “Eager to Leave”, the penultimate track on Centuries, takes a look at some of the stupidity of modern experiences (like unnecessarily taking pictures of our food before we eat it) through a timeless sound. Appropriately, “That Is All, That Is It” closes out Centuries, along a simple beat that gradually brings in more instruments. When the piano and bass come in about 1:00 into the song, this song really gets going, creating the bittersweet goodbye of the record.
Centuries is truly a beautiful record. Check it out today.
Rising above the status quo that has gripped the rock genre for some years now is Parker Moore, who has recently separated himself from Bay-area based rock group Catholic Radio and has begun to spin a new story all for himself. In recent months, he released a wildly popular debut solo album, Alterations and Repais, but even more current is his new single, “How Long.” Not only has this been a huge breakthrough for Moore himself, but it is also a wonderfully composed track that is skillfully layered with captivating soundscapes and gripping, guitar driven melodies. Complimented by his crooner vocal talent, the melodic undertones of the instrumentals lead flawlessly into a lyrically dynamic chorus that is enchanting and spectacular.
“How Long” aligns itself with some of the most popular aspects of the rock genre and is pitted to be one of Moore’s most successful releases to date. Just like he exhibited in the release of his full length album, it is clear that this artist took extensive amounts of time in order to produce a track that would be easily relatable and beloved by fans throughout the country. With stunning displays of distinct musical talent and a strong understanding of composition, Parker Moore has a bring future as a new and rapidly rising solo artist.
Edinburgh-based alternative collective Hamish Hawk & The New Outfit – comprised of the indellible Hamish Hawk and his cohorts Alex Duthie, Andrew Pearson, John Cashman, and Barry Carty – is releasing the official music video for their track “Nomad” today, and we’re excited to announce that we’ve got the exclusive premiere. Trudging through a murky, guitar-heavy soundscape, we find Hamish’s charming and quirky vocals to be refreshing, holding onto every one of his theatric, beautiful words. The song itself paints quite a vivid picture of very specific instances, though we somehow feel a kinship to Hawk because of it.
And perhaps that kinship is electrified by the music video, which is largely set in front of a black backdrop with a few key props. A warmth to the frame, coupled with vintage items and Hawk’s lush, textured style make for a delicate and beautiful display for the track. Additionally, Hawk’s theatric vocals go head to head with his dancing and elaborate movements. We’re big fans of the video, and a part of us hopes to see him blossom into – not only a more talented songwriter and musician, but – perhaps the composer or star of a musical.
All that said, we think the video is worth a watch. Check it out below!
Alternative-indie rock band Dommengang just released their latest single “Past Lives.” Recorded at Stumptown Coffee, “Past Lives” is an angsty anthem that we can’t stop listening to. The funky track samples a classic rock feel with whiny vocals. “Past Lives” talks on the relationship with a former lover. The relationship clearly isn’t over on Dommengang’s side. “Baby I can’t call you baby anymore,” cries out the regretful track. My favorite line is “I don’t belong to anyone,” describing the epitome of what it means for something to be over and even more so- to be able to acknowledge that. “Past Lives” is full of guitar, drums, and post-love blues. It’s definitely worth the listen.
Tokyo Police Club – the incredible group comprised of Dave Monks, Josh Hooks, Graham Wright and Greg Alsop – released their latest single “New Blues” recently, igniting the passion in their fans hearts once again, as they have been proven to do repeatedly. The single consists of the sound of drums and guitar ringing out in the background. The song has a bit of a slow rock sound to it, and has a markedly different sound from Tokyo Police Club’s previous two albums. “New Blues” shows that the group is trying something more diverse within their music. The group has also announced a three week U.S. tour and – trust us – you do NOT want to miss this.
TOUR DATES
04/16 – Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue
04/17 – Chicago, IL @ Riviera Theatre
04/18 – Detroit, MI @ Royal Oak Music Theatre
04/20 – Columbus, OH @ Express Live!
04/21 – Milwaukee, WI @ Mr. Smalls Theatre 04/22 – Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory
04/23 – S. Burlington, VT @ Higher Ground
04/24 – Portland, ME @ State Theatre
04/26 – Boston, MA @ House of Blues
04/27 – New Haven, CT @ College Street Music
04/28 – Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Street
04/29 – Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Street 05/02 – Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
05/03 – Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
05/04 – Charlotte, NC @ The Fillmore
Nashville-based Pale Houses has just released their new EP, Songs of the Isolation. Collaborating with producer Brandon Owens (Mutemath), the four-piece follows up their 2013 self-titled debut with this EP. Pale Houses is made up of drummer Ryan Rayborn, vocalist/guitarist Aaron Robinson, bassist/guitarist Aaron Yung, and Joshua Hood on lap steel/guitar. This long awaited second release encapsulates the beautifully different sound that Pale Houses so wonderfully owns. While the title of this EP references isolation, it is anything but uninviting. Pale Houses touches on familiar emotions and experiences in a deeper and different way through their lyricism and instrumentation. Songs of the Isolation: 1. “The Ocean Bed” starts off the EP with a metaphoric track, featuring some hitting lyrics and carefully crafted guitar playing. Leading into the chorus is a beautiful moment of rising percussion that is truly the clincher for this track. 2. “Tenderfoot” carries a sound of persistence along with earnest vocals and an energetic beat. This song simply has to be amazing live. 3, Who Will I Be For You?”, a unique track, layers soft synth in its beginning, questioning the roles we play in each others’ lives. 4. “Ring Around the Moon” brings the listener into a nostalgic, gentler soundscape highlighted by smooth vocals and a yearning, soulful sound. 5. “Hideaway” is a moving track with a strong beat and emotional lyrics, featuring a beautiful medley of guitar playing. 6. “Olivia and Courage” is a slightly abstract piece that hovers on the edge of breaking, while maintaining a quiet strength that keeps the listener in its hold through the entirety of the track. Moving along a variety of instrumentally breathtaking tracks, Pale Houses manages to be both flexible and focused with their sound. Songs of the Isolation is simultaneously different and perfect. This EP is not one to miss, so check it out today.
Toronto-based six-piece Century Thief has just dropped a brand new single, “406,” off their upcoming EP Deaf Beneath the Waves, out May 4. Deaf Beneath the Waves will be the second record from Century Thief, following their 2015 debut record, Reviere. The six-piece experimental indie band is made of bassist Dante Matas, vocalist/guitarist Omar Shabbar, Kathryn Kearns on keys, wind, and vocals, Adam Reid handling brass, Michael Legere on guitar and vocals, and drummer Colin McNally. Their new single, “406” encompasses frenzied emotion through varied instrumentation paired with clear but complex lyricism and vocals. The track is not only impressive in and of itself, but also because Century Thief self-produced it (and all their new material), working on their new songs since spring of 2016. With the ability to appeal to a variety of tastes, “406” covers many musical aspects within the the space of a song. Says the group of their new single: “406,” is about trying to close the growing distance between two people in a failed relationship. It explores ideas of false hope and the harsh realities of a newfound loneliness, pulling at loose threads through selective memory.”
