Kansas City, Missouri-based rock and roll indie band Listener is soon to release their full length album, Being Empty : Being Filled on February 2nd. Kansas City is home to a growing community of local indie/alternative artists, encouraged and supported by like-minded people, thanks in part to Kansas City being home to the largest revenue-making alternative radio station, 96.5 the Buzz. Thus, Listener couldn’t have a better place to call home and expand musically. However, they are by no means limited to the Midwest. Listener has been in the game for awhile, and has toured all over the world. A band of friends comprised of vocals and bass from Dan Smith, Kris Rochelle on drums, and guitar player Jon Terrey, Listener is a unique rock and roll band that pairs strong instruments with direct, bold lyrics.
From the first resonating notes of “Pent Up Genes”, you know that Listener is not a band that plays around. Already around for over a decade, the bandmates of Listener know their sound and own it unapologetically. Smith uses more spoken word than singing – what Listener calls “talk music” – in many of the tracks, which pairs well with the rock and roll tone of the band and allows for Rochelle and Terrey to sing through their instruments. While this idea of lack of singing in music may be something new for many, Listener makes it work. Focusing on the emotion and overall sound, at times, words are not even necessary, like in “Add Blue”. Aside from the clever title, already released single “Shock and Value” lives up to its name, filled with brash guitar and emotional vocals that at times surprise the listener (no pun intended). Place-themed tracks set right next to each other, “A Love Letter to Detroit” and “Manhattan Projects” encompass the feelings associated with those places. You can also view the video for “A Love Letter to Detroit” here. One of the most tender tracks on Being Empty : Being Filled is “Window to the World”, while maintaining Listener’s sound, with the simple yet touching repetition of “buddy, she was beautiful” and “the lights have to be bright to see anything at all”. Every track on Being Empty : Being Filled will leave with something to think about and hungry to hear more.
Listener is gearing up for a UK/Europe tour in March of 2018 with support from: Levi the Poet. Be sure to look for Being Empty : Being Filled, out February 2nd, 2018.
PrimalRite comes from San Francisco, an area that is known for cranking out metal (and any sub-genre of it) awesomeness. This crossover (metal with punk attributes) 6 piece began in 2016 and have released 3 singles and an E.P. throughout 2017. There can’t be a better way to bring in 2018 than by releasing their debut full-length album Dirge Of Escapism set to release on January 26th via Revelation.
The album begins with “Chapter Zero” a wind swirling intro that lands upon a beat fit to send the troops into battle. The introductory guitar riff induces a metal trance that will find you thrusting your upper torso back and forth. With a rawness similar to that of Sepultura’s Schizophrenia album there is no shortage of leads that squeal like an air raid siren.There are metal grooves with dynamics that offer each transition a welcome pass to slide on in.
“Interference” possesses a classic thrash/speed metal feel that is sure to gain the respect of any true metal head, “Sensory Link to Pain” shows some serious in the pocket groove and stomp that will have you pumping your fists to the sky. You can hear an influence that is a conglomeration of classic 80’s bay area thrashers with a hint of East Coast punk/hardcore.
If there is anything you need to know before you head over to their Bandcamp and pre-order your copy of “Dirge of Escapism” it’s this, it’s heavy, it’s brutal, it’s reminiscent of a sweaty nightclub of clashing moshpitters and hardcore dancers. The album as a whole captures the energy of what a live show would be like. As a bonus, if you pre-order Dirge of Escapism, you get 3 tracks now (streaming via the free Bandcamp app and also available as a high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more), plus the complete album the moment it’s released.
I almost forgot to mention, those guttural vocals, no it’s not Martin Van Drunen from Asphyx, it’s Lucy. That’s right a female. Don’t even think there is a moment of weak, pretty, “hand me my skirt” moments. This chick has raised the bar and proven when it comes to metal, it’s not just boys that can lay it down. Horns up to PrimalRite.
Frida Sundemo, Swedish born rising pop star, has recently released a three track remix EP of her album Flashbacks & Futures as Flashbacks & Futures (Pure Version) EP, featuring acoustic versions of previously released songs, “Gold”, “We Are Dreamers”, and “Flashbacks & Flashbacks”. Each song features the clear vocals of Frida accompanied by subtle yet soaring instrumentation. These stripped versions, appropriately called “pure,” display Frida’s crisp vocals perfectly.
The floating melodies on “We Are Dreamers” will have you in a trance. “Gold” paints a musical landscape if a song ever did. It will leave you saying, just as the song does, “this is gold”. She has also released a 360 degree video of “Gold”, accompanied by a string quartet, Migdal Strings. If that sounds awesome, it’s because it is.
Prepare to be blown away, not only by the interactive experience, but also by Frida’s musical talent . The title song, “Flashbacks & Flashbacks”, a track teeming in nostalgia and bittersweet melodies, can nearly induce tears from the listener with its beautiful . The whole album sonically depicts feelings of nature, love, childhood, and other human experiences. Flashbacks & Futures (Pure Version) EP is purely perfect.
London-based punk band Dream Wife sets the standards high with their debut self titled album Dream Wife. The group formed in 2014 at Brighton University as a performance for their art school. They wrote their own music and performed in many areas, solidifying themselves a future in music.
Dream Wife’s debut album consists of eleven songs in total each song ranging from two to three minutes long in length. The first song on the album is “Let’s Make Out”. “Let’s Make Out” is a second favorite because when you listen to the song, the song will make you feel young at heart, alive and free. The song is guaranteed to make you want to get up and dance. I mean come on, tell me you can’t picture yourself at a party or dancing around to this song in your house.
A personal favorite is “Love Without Reason”. In “Love Without Reason”, Dream Wife explores their feelings while also trying not to question how they feel at the same time. The song gives its listeners desire and ambition to love without question.
“Somebody” is the second song from Dream Wife’s album and is a song for women. The song is about women learning to love their bodies. “Somebody” is about women reclaiming themselves, as not just a body but, as a person. The songs shows what it is like to be a woman in society and women coming back to redeem themselves, showing the world that women are people and not objects.
Other songs on the album include “Kids”, “Hey Heartbreaker”, “Taste”, “Act My Age”, “Right Now”, “F.U.U.”, “Right Now”, “Spend The Night”, and “Fire”. The album is lively with many songs that are guaranteed to make the listener feel good.
Dream Wife’s self titled album Dream Wife is set to be released Friday January 26th. In the meantime be sure to check out other songs from this trio, you will not regret it. Keep up with Dream Wife here.
If you appreciate the sounds of The Beatles, Radiohead, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and The Rolling Stones, Lady Blue Beard is the newest band to add to your collection. Songwriter, singer, and guitarist Klaus Fischer immaculately creates a folk-soul sound with the band’s debut album titled Picture of an Elephant. He flawlessly combines speaking, mild scat singing, and whistling with modern rhythms to create a polyphonic pop sound that radiates vitality and raw musicality. The musicality of each instrumentalist is showcased in each song through guitar breaks and vocal riffs. Picture of an Elephant manifests a brilliantly cohesive sound with each song driving the next, sounding similar yet impeccably powerful on their own.
Lady Blue Beard excites listeners with the first track titled “Breaking Your Heart,” a catchy, high energy track that screams hit single. It has the perfect blend of memorable lyrics, melodious instrumentals, and foot-tapping beats guaranteed to subconsciously play in the heads of listeners for days. “Road to Heidenau,” the album’s fifth track, buries beautifully written lyrics among a vibrant melody featuring a loose, dance-worthy rhythm. “Nestling” is the epitome of cohesion, a song that begins with a lullabye-like energy and continues to grow throughout. A guitar break, scat singing, and the addition of the drums morph this song into an unexpected, energetic piece. The final seconds of the song illustrate the inner spirit of the band giving listeners a glimpse in the creative songwriting process; voices simply continue scatting on creating a fun and entertaining atmosphere.
The title song “Picture of an Elephant” features a euphonious guitar and vocal mix that is both unrefined yet soothing. The ambiance of street sounds, birds, and wind in the background adds a new layer of authenticity to the song. Soul is dripping from this simple, lyricless song that epitomizes the heart of Lady Blue Beard’s music at the core.
The final song, “Where the Blue Wind Grows,” supplies the album with a perfect resolution; taking qualities of each song to construct meticulous cohesion. It begins with delicate harmonies and somber lyrics yet picks up as drums and guitar carry the song in a new direction. The vocals follow suit with new intensity generating dynamic excitement. The final chords mimic the song’s opening as the ferocity slowly fades to a final few strums of guitar, magnificently bringing the song full circle
This album passionately embodies emotion and vitality through tranquil vocals and calming instrumentals while retaining an energy that leaves fans humming, scatting, and tapping along.
Picture Of An Elephant is available now. Keep up with Lady Blue Beard here.
Some artists have difficulty reinventing themselves or putting out new content after being in the world of music for awhile. However, in James Mercer’s lengthy music career, this has yet to happen. Following the 2017 release of Heartworms – an album five years in the making – Albuquerque-based rock group The Shins just dropped The Worm’s Heart on January 19. The Worm’s Heart is a flipped album that discombobulates the track listing, instrumentals, and mood of Heartworms. The Shins as a band has always metamorphosed throughout the years, and The Worm’s Heart is only more proof of Mercer’s ability to appeal to a variety of genres and ears while maintaining an authentic sound.
It ends with “Name For It”, while Heartworms starts with that track. “Fantasy Island” changes from nostalgic and slightly morbid to a completely different, upbeat sound – almost as if Buddy Holly and David Bowie remixed it together – and it totally works. As one might expect from a guitar rock group, the guitar on the flipped version of “Mildenhall”is absolutely spectacular, and is one of the best reinventions on The Worm’s Heart. It’s the perfect jam sesh song, whether you’re stuck in traffic or rocking out with friends. “Name For It” is flipped from an upbeat bop on Heartworms to a moody, synth-filled track on The Worm’s Heart. The flipped version of “Cherry Hearts” sounds Beatles-esque, while the original on Heartworms is a definitively 21st century, light electronica song.
By retaining the original lyrics but providing each track with a completely new sound, The Shins display their versatility, talent, and ability to put forth quality content to appeal to a variety of ears. If you already had trouble picking a favorite track on Heartworms, get ready for even more competition for your most-loved song on The Worm’s Heart. The Worm’s Heart is a treasure trove of synth, retro vibes, and a touch into various genres. It’s an absolute treat for the ears, and a fantastic tribute to The Shins’ ability to reincarnate their own music. Last, but certainly not least, the album art for both Heartworms and The Worm’s Heart is AMAZING! Who doesn’t love a good ol’ dark-floral-and-skulls thematic landscape? Mixing the perfect amount of edgy with wistful, The Worm’s Heart is sure to please both old and new fans of The Shins.
The Worm’s Heart
The Fear (Flipped)
So Now What (Flipped)
Heartworms (Flipped)
Dead Alive (Flipped)
Half a Million (Flipped)
Rubber Ballz (Flipped)
Mildenhall (Flipped)
Fantasy Island (Flipped)
Cherry Hearts (Flipped)
Painting a Hole (Flipped)
Name For You (Flipped)
Check out The Worm’s Heart now, available to stream on Spotify and for purchase on iTunes.
Performing under the name Tishmal (“hummingbird” in Luiseno), San Diego native Rachel Brockbank’s is gearing up to release her debut solo EP, Tishmal, on January 24.
The tracks on the EP masterfully juxtapose electronic pop beats with Brockbank’s natural vocal talent. Beyond the instrumentals, the lyrics are perhaps the most riveting part of the album, lending at times unexpected depth to the tracks. Tishmal wastes no time hiding behind a first release, and carries the whole album with refreshing self confidence.
Tishmal revs up with the already released single, “Underneath”, a tantalizing track that provides a delicious contrast of lyrics dealing with unsureness and questions with confident vocals. There is also a phenomenal music video for “Underneath”, which you can see above. It provides riveting visuals alongside Tishmal’s hauntingly beautiful track. “Underneath” is available now and can be streamed on Soundcloud and Spotify.
While “Underneath” offers a wonderful taste of Tishmal’s music, it is far from all she’s capable of. Up next, “Concrete” provides a great blend of conflict and resolution in love. If you’re needing a song to listen to when you’re torn, look no further. It has just the right amount of ‘standing up for myself’ feels alongside “I have no idea what to do.” Fans of Halsey or Tove Lo could easily find themselves vibing to this track.
Tracks like “Connections” and “River” offer a different sound, while still adhering to the thematic landscape of the EP. “River” provides a mellower sound, perfectly placed after “Concrete”. The track itself sounds like it is cloaked in mist, and provides great natural imagery for the song. “Connections” reminds to keep a bond with one’s past, and childhood in particular. Closing the album, it repeats the question, “are you making connections?”
Be on the lookout for Tishmal, coming January 24. You won’t want to miss it. Keep up with Tishmal here.
Today, Amsterdam-based indie folk singer/songwriter VanWyck released her latest, an eleven track gem of an album titled An Average Woman. But, from the very first notes of the title track, the listener is aware that VanWyck does not fit the “average” mold. In fact, it begs the listener to question what “average” is, and allows us the reminder to be cognizant of calling anyone or anything “normal”. After the beautiful trickle-slow intro that is “An Average Woman”, “Red River Girl” provides a little more mellifluous composition instrumentally, really utilizing the strings to pull at your heartstrings.
By “Listen to You Breathe”, it is quite obvious that this album is going to largely exist in a slow soundspace, which we are completely on board with. We have noticed a lot lately that bands have been bringing more upbeat tempos in to more introspective tracks to give them a dimension of feeling fun. What’s beautiful and alluring about VanWyck is that she sings the songs as she means them. There is depth and immense emotion in her vocals, something you certainly can’t teach.
This entire album is a keeper, moreso for a day when you feel like sipping a hot cup of tea and journaling, or you’re looking for a playlist for your family dinner. It brings up key concepts about confidence, freedom, and being a damn badass as a woman, in a smoky and intense way that only VanWyck could accomplish. With the spotlight on so many issues regarding women recently, it feels nice to cocoon inside art that understands the complex nature of the human female.
“Europa Escapes” might be one of our favorites because it is more theatrical and feels like the Wild Wild West, yet with a woman at the forefront on vocals, which you almost never find. In fact, we would compare this track to one of our favorite male vocalists Radiator King, edgy and drawing a different attitude than its predecessors. We are also completely enamored by last track “Whole Again”, which seems to be more about VanWyck’s personal journey, tying the piece together in only a way that she can. It’s uplifting, conscientiously empowered despite the careful, quiet nature of the instrumentals that lead us out and onto another musical journey in our day.
UK-based musician Ian Parton has developed a new and invigorating sound in this second iteration of The Go! Team, live players Simone Odaranile (drums) and Angela ‘Maki’ Won-Yin Mak (vocals), as well as two original members, guitarist Sam Dook and rapper Ninja. With the help of a few more friends, the project releases its brand new album Semicircle on Friday. Just ahead of its release, we got a little listen to what’s to come and, boy, were we blown away!
From the very first notes of “Mayday” to the very end of twelfth song “Get Back Up”, you’ll be mesmerized by their energy and affinity for creating a fun and uplifting soundscape for us. Though the vocals in “Chain Link Fence” feel slightly like turn of the century bubble gum pop-meets-Jackson 5, we’re certainly not knocking it. In fact, it’s what drives the song and keeps our ears glued to what’s next. It isn’t until third track “Semicircle” that we notice how intense the musicianship is in the album. (Trust us, you’ll understand when you listen.)
Fourth track “Hey!” exists, for us, behind the montage scene of a chick flick, most likely when a shopping spree is taking place. But, boy, does it bring a vitality to the album that makes us want to play it everywhere! “The Answer’s No – Now What’s The Question?” – though one of the more hilarious titles we’ve seen in a while – demonstrates the band’s ability to create depth with an often addicting, sweet-as-candy sound to it. “Chico’s Radical Decade” takes us right back in time, no vocals to be heard to distinguish it as more modern. Close your eyes and picture the brown carpet, the fun hats, people probably saying “Groovy” whether it’s culturally relevant or not…
“All The Way Live” is as sticky sweet as its predecessors, which makes us realize we’re not getting out of this one without dancing. (And we thought we could fool our coworkers into thinking we were being productive!) But doesn’t the island vibe in “If There’s One Thing You Should Know ‘If There’s One Thing You Should Know'” make you wish that it was time for some warm weather around North America at the moment? (That’s OK… this album will still be ripe for the pickin’ once spring rolls around, we guarantee it.)
Though they certainly named a few of our faves in “Tangerine / Satsuma / Clementine”, it has a little more of a mellow tempo to it, bringing our heartbeat down just slightly and adding a head bob into our awkward back and forth dance movement. And with the sentiment of the title alone of “She’s Got Guns”, we’re groovin’ around the room. While we’re on board with both the title and the percussion in “Plans Are Like A Dream U Organise”, “Getting Back Up” is so inspirational in title, instrumentals, and chorus music, that we’d be surprised if a one of you didn’t end the album with a smile on your damn face.
Says Parton of the project:
It’s about reminding yourself of the good things in life. We don’t want to be dumbly optimistic and say, ‘Hey, isn’t everything great!’ but there’s something to be said for just getting on with it, for getting organized and not letting the fuckers get you down. Party for your right to fight!
Be sure to catch The Go! Team on tour soon if you’re in the UK!
Instore dates:
01/18 – Kingston, UK @ Banquet Records
01/19 – London, UK @ Rough Trade East
01/22 – Bristol, UK @ Rough Trade Bristol
01/23 – Nottingham, UK @Rough Trade Nottingham
Headlining/Festival dates:
* with GURR
# with Neon Saints Brass
+ with The Daniel Wakeford Experience
02/09 – Glasgow, UK @ QMU *
02/10 – Leeds, UK @ The Wardrobe *
02/11 – Brighton, UK @ The Haunt *#
02/15 – London, UK @ Electric Ballroom *+
02/16 – Newcastle, UK @ Riverside *
02/17 – Manchester, UK @ Gorilla * SOLD OUT
02/22 – Amsterdam, NL @ Paradiso
02/23 – Dunkirque @ Les 4 Ecluses
02/24 – St Malo @ Route Du Rock Festival
03/02 – Cologne, DE @ Gebäude 9
03/03 – Hamburg, DE @ Nochtspeicher
03/04 – Berlin, DE @ Bi Nuu
03/24 – Los Angeles, CA @ Teragram Ballroom
03/25 – San Diego, CA @ Casbah
03/27 – San Francisco, CA @ Independent
03/29 – Portland, OR @ Doug Fir
03/30 – Seattle, WA @ Neumos
03/31 – Vancouver, BC @ Fox
04/03 – St. Paul, MN @ Turf Club
04/04 – Chicago, IL @ Lincoln Hall
04/05 – Detroit, MI @ El Club
04/06 – Toronto, ON @ Great Hall
04/08 – Boston, MA @ The Sinclair
04/09 – New York, NY@ Le Poisson Rouge
