Pop punk is a genre that many of us identify as our first real musical love. It’s the music that blasted in our earphones as we tried to survive eighth grade . And for many of us, that love fades away as our own teenage angst forms into something new, something “mature.” Belmont’s new self-titled album reminds us of that first love and how that music has involved in itself, while still being as cool and emotional and punk.
This album is the epitome of what pop punk music is. Each song showcases the band’s youth and talent. Frontman Taz Johnson’s vocals are hypnotic, and combined with Brian Lada on drums, Sam Patt on guitar, and Alex Wieringa on bass, the end result is magical. The moment the opening track “Empty” bursts to life with an explosion of guitar and drums, I am flooded with nostalgia and the desire to head bang like crazy. As the album goes on, each song seems to give off that same vibe that only this music can give. There are also so many lyrics that stand out because of their depth and honesty. “Interlude” is a slowed-down song that, despite its cool beat, has you thinking instead of head banging:
Do you know what it’s like to be alone?
To live life feeling numb and cold,
It’s a ******* nightmare on its own
And it just gets worse as we grow old.
The second half of the album picks up speed once again, with powerful tracks like “Hollowed Out” and “Convalescence.” As the album comes to an end with “BMC,” Johnson asks the million dollar question: “Why do I pretend to keep caring?” Belmont’s talent is undeniable in both their music and their lyrics, showing the band’s inevitable rise as the next great act.
If you have never heard of NYC-based band Jeremy & the Harlequins, then you are in for a treat. While this band is fairly new, over the last few years, they have seen growing success in their past music, such as being featured in movies, playlists, and even going on tour. Jeremy & the Harlequins recently released their new album Remember This today, August 17th! Their track “Remember This”, as well as the entire album, contains aspects of modern day rock and alternative music while also presenting sounds of classic rock music which sets them apart from other modern day rock bands.
I would say that one of the best songs on the album would have to be “Nothing Civil” because it has an positive upbeat tempo that makes you want to play the song over and over again! If you’re looking for a few songs on the album that contain more of the classic rock vibe, then the songs for you would be “California Roc”, “Like A Prayer”, and “Hold On” because they not only have the ‘classic rock’ instrumentals, but they also provide smooth rock vocals. The rest of the album is just as stunning as these few songs. No song sounds exactly like the other, and you are getting a different surprise with each new song.
Be sure to catch Jeremy & the Harlequins currently on tour with Chuck Prophet, or Electric Six in October. This will be a tour you don’t want to miss! Support Jeremy & the Harlequins by listening to all of their new music!
Being that it’s summer time, we’re all very busy, but smart and talented Shonali Bhowmik takes busy to the next level! Not only did she attend law school throughout her career, but Bhowmik also leads a life of acting, and performing with her band Tigers & Monkeys. Tigers & Monkeys create a blend of indie rock music that matches perfectly with the alternative style vocals with a hint of some southern charm in there to take it bake to Bhowmik’s childhood roots. Tigers & Monkeys are expected to release their new album Saturday Destroyer on September 17, which you will want to keep an eye out for, because the best is yet to come! As a teaser, the band recently released their new single “In An Instant” which combines everything that you would want to hear coming from a new album.
In order to get ready for their new album release, stay up to date with Tigers & Monkeys on Facebook and by listening to all of their previous music!
San Francisco experimental collective Sis has some major news for your ears this week, and we’ve got the exclusive. The band – comprised of Jenny Gillespie Mason (voice, synth, guitar, piano), Rob Shelton (synth, programming, piano), Carly Bond (electric guitar, synth, vocals,) Joseph Adamik (drums, bass clarinet, marimba,) Andrew Maguire (drums, marimba,) Jamie Riotto (bass, synth), and many contributors to the horns section – is bringing us their debut full-length on the 17th. Euphorbia – which boasts thirteen incredibly composed tracks – provides a kaleidoscope soundscape that makes it perfect for this time of year, as the time seems to slow down and the leaves start to change. But the most magnificent aspect of what Sis has to deliver, perhaps, is the sublime lyricism and attention to detail that the band has been able to cultivate for this, their first full-length. To the untrained ear, this band feels as though they have been together for decades, with a fresh take on some impelling sounds.
Get your first listen to the album in its entirety below, and be sure to grab a copy for yourself when it drops on Friday!
Canadian artist Taylor Janzen gets as real as she can get with her new EP. Interpersonal is thoughtful and smart, as if written by a seasoned professional; at only 19-years-old, she has an acute sense of empathy and self-awareness that makes this EP incredibly special. Her vocals are heartbreakingly beautiful, drawing strong comparisons to Paramore’s Hayley Williams. But that’s as far as the comparisons go – in every way, Janzen is entirely her own artist.
As you listen, each song bares a bit more of Janzen’s soul. Her honesty makes her relatable, which is the epitome of why we love sad songs. “Stations” delves into the reality of emotional abuse in a relationship. “The Waiting Room” is a standout track due to its raw and honest discussion of her struggles with mental health through the imagery of a waiting room. The lyrics show how, sometimes, the mental health system can be challenging and lonely. Janzen sings with pain in her voice, lamenting about her experience: “Spitting out my demons to someone I just met … the only one who listens is the person I pay.” “Colourblind” and “Better Now” round out the EP, leaving you with that feeling – not sadness, not anger, not happiness. The best way to describe Janzen’s music is hopeful. She delves deep into heartbreak and depression, but her voice assures us that not all is lost. In fact, these are the kind of sad songs that you want to listen over and over again, even if it makes you want to sob into a glass of red wine.
With attention to minute detail given by its creators, enticing track “Run Wild” was the perfect lead-in to the brand new 6 track EP, Run Wild. Thutmose – a Nigerian-born, Brooklyn-based hip hop artist – and NoMBe – the German-born, Los Angeles-based musical project by Noah McBeth – had already proven they could create luscious soundscapes, paired with lyrics that are descriptive and feel-good in nature.
The rest of the EP is no different, as you can witness below. At times, the duo slows it down to a amore mellow pace – as with tracks “Young & Reckless”, “Soft Top”, and “Summer’s Gone” -, highlighting the soulful aspects of their musical talents. And though we tend to glean positive vibes from the majority of the release, songs like “Summer’s Gone” – despite its hopeful, beautiful message of love – leave a melancholic feeling deep in your bones, foreshadowing that end of warmer months in the northern hemisphere in the coming months.
If you’re ready to be enveloped in a sound that is a buttery smooth version of Drake-meets-Kid Cudi-meets Shop Boyz, Run Wild is calling for you to fall in mutual love.
Chicago-based Lo-fi rock trio Clearance – a talented band with ample amount of music experience – released their highly anticipated new album At Your Leisure on cassette, vinyl, and digital music streaming platforms everywhere today. The incredible musicianship of Mike Bellis, Kevin Fairbairn, and Arthur Velez is on full display over the duration of the eleven tracks, with melodies that feel genuine mixed in with toe-tapping beats. Not only does this album exceed all of your expectations, but it also takes you back to the 60’s and 70’s with the band’s unique style of music with a classic rock twist.
“Rumored Sequel” and “Another Arrow” are the perfect songs to listen to in order to get you exhilarated and pumped up with the exciting upbeat tempo and great vocals. In many of the album’s songs, you can sense the band’s influence with folk-styled, traditional vocals. Clearance has the perfect style of music that sounds good not only on radio, but also sounds amazing on vinyl due to the beautiful instrumental sound and notable lyrics.
TRACKLIST:
Chances Are
Destination Wedding
Frozen Orange / No Wonder
Had A Fantastic
Rumored Sequel
Haven’t You Got the Time?
Another Arrow
Days Underwater
Gallery Glare
On the Doorstep
Bird’s-Eye View (Of the Back of the Room)
Recorded by: Dave Vettraino
Mastered by: Mikey Young (Total Control, etc.)
Album art and layout: Mike Bellis
Songs written by: Mike Bellis
Video by Alexa Viscius
At Your Leisure is available now. Keep up with the band here.
Nashville-based musician Collin Gundry, whom you may know as Tuxedo Wildlife, releases his new EP Myself Together this week, and we have the exclusive streaming premiere of this masterpiece in its entirety. Many of the songs on this EP are emotional, heartfelt songs while many of the songs also have a slower beat yet calming feel to them. Tracks “Isotopes” and “Myself Together” are a little faster compared to the rest, and the vocals are a bit reminiscent of Imagine Dragons. But his luscious, deep vocals create a unique kaleidoscope of a landscape that is established at the beginning of the EP, and doesn’t drop off until the very last lines of the sixth track.
Myself Together embodies his journey through uncertain love and emotions which I’m sure many people can relate to throughout life, which is just another one of the reasons why Tuxedo Wildlife is a perfect new artist to listen to. Not only can you check out his new music below, but you can also check out his new video for “Depths” on YouTube.
Seattle-based indie rock/soul band Lanford Black is ready to take on the world with their new LP Electric Sweat. And, honestly, with the temperatures being what they are across the board, we’re ready to accept it into our lives as well. And though it won’t be available until July 27th, we happen to have the exclusive streaming premiere of the 10 track, self-released stunner in its entirety.
Touching on a variety of current issues, the band addresses life both previous to and after the election. Throwing in catchy, upbeat hooks, the messages are delivered in a way that is easily digestible, and super fun to jam out to. We might recommend all ten songs to be added to your end of summer bbq playlist, while you’re still in the mood to entertain and catch the sun’s rays. The soundscape lends itself nicely to a night in the backyard with friends, even in this sticky weather.
Tour Dates
June 14th // Seattle, WA // Barboza
June 29th // Spokane, WA // The Big Dipper
June 30th // Missoula, MT // TBA
July 1st // Bozeman, MT // TBA
July 2nd // Boise, ID // TBA
July 7th // Salem, OR // The Space
July 14th // Seattle, WA // Ballard Seafood Fest
July 27th // Seattle, WA // Sunset Tavern
