dommengang, “past lives”

dommengang, “past lives”

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.

Keep up with Dommengang here.

carry illinois, “runaway”

carry illinois, “runaway”

LGBTQA rockers Carry Illinois announce their new EP Work In Progress which will release May 25th.  The band will hit the ground running with  show release on May 25th in Austin,  TX.  In the meantime, the indie-pop rockers have released their latest single off of Work In Progress “Runaway.”  “Runaway” dives into the synth-pop world of alternative indie with its electronic sounds.  The lyrics tell of an uphill battle between anxiety, body image, and internal struggles.  “When did you first begin to hate your body and your heart?  I was six or I was seven…wasn’t I too young to feel that way?” proclaims the track.  Diving into the chorus, Carry Illinois talks about the one thing that is familiar to them: “I know, I know how to runaway– I know, I know it’s not good to runaway.”

“Runaway” shows off a raw and open emotional narrative with no shame.  Inspiration for many of Carry Illinois’ songs comes from the loss of a close bandmate, John Winsor.  Frontwoman Lizzy Lehman explains this saying, “After John committed suicide in March of 2016, I decided that I no longer needed to shy away from the real struggles that I face. I decided that writing about it, singing about it, and performing with utmost strength and courage is what I need to do.”  The cathartic writing that Lizzy touches on is present on “Runaway” and the latest Work In Progress.  

Work In Progress is out May 25th. Keep up with Carry Illinois here.

coralcrown, “she is a saint”

coralcrown, “she is a saint”

Luis Gotor – who goes by Coralcrown – has dropped his debut EP Birth for everyone to hear. The EP consists of four songs that elaborate on Coralcrown’s sound for the world. One of the songs from the EP is titled “She is a Saint”, which has recently received a visual adaptation.

“She is a Saint” is a passionate song that is a great opening to Coralcrown’s EP. “She is a Saint” is a love story that leaves the listener longing for love, or feeling the love that the singer feels. The song is an upbeat track that takes music to a whole new level.

Coralcrown’s debut EP Birth is available now.

tokyo police club, “new blues”

tokyo police club, “new blues”

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

Keep up with Tokyo Police Club here.

pale houses drop new ep, songs of the isolation

pale houses drop new ep, songs of the isolation

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.


Stay connected with Pale Houses:
Facebook –  InstagramSpotifyBandcamp

century thief, “406”

century thief, “406”

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.”


Stay up to date with Century Thief:
FACEBOOK / TWITTER / INSTAGRAM / SPOTIFY

ciaran lavery, sweet decay

ciaran lavery, sweet decay

Coming out of a very successful year with a new album Sweet Decay that has already risen on some of the most acclaimed foreign charts is Ireland based singer/songwriter Ciaran Lavery.Not only has he had the opportunity to play on some of the biggest stages and has gathered thousand of dedicated fans, but he has the skill and talent that support his rapidly growing success. Recently, he has been awarded the Northern Ireland Music Prize for is 2016 album Let Bad In. Along with this tremendous achievement, Lavery has acquired over a million followers on Spotify and he doesn’t plan to stop there.

Throughout this wonderful album, Lavery explores self-growth and reflection through his smooth, hypnotic beats and rhythm. Vocally, it can be said that he has a very melodic voice that blends easily with the beautifully composed guitar and percussion portions of each of the tracks on the album. This attribute of Lavery’s sound is especially highlighted in, “Bones 4 Blood,” which is then followed up by a much lighter track, “Wicket Teeth.” Without a doubt, however, one of the greatest skills that this up and coming artist exhibits is the ability to fill each lyric with the appropriate emotion that almost seems tangible in the atmosphere as one sits and enjoys the musical masterpiece that Lavery has put together for his fans. In he future, this international star hopes to move his success across a grander demographic and hopes to continue to perform for adoring fans that appreciate the poetic lyricism of all of his music.

Keep up with Ciaran Lavery here.

calan mai, “we’ve got love”

calan mai, “we’ve got love”

Out with an exciting new video, created to accompany one of his greatest singles to date, “We’ve Got Love,” is up and coming, rising talent, Calan Mai. Since the release of the single, fans all over the country have fallen for this infectious Australia-based artist. Due to this positive reaction, it comes as no surprise that the colorful visual spectacle that now accompanies this track is another success on Mai’s resume. At first glance, this music video encompasses a light hearted folk-vibe that fills the room with joy and light. However, as one considers the wonderful lyrics, there is a deeper meaning that speaks of unconditional love and family.

While listening to this beautifully light track, it is hard not to fall in love with the clean vocals and feeling of happiness that often surrounds work produced by Mai. In an article written in Glide, it described Mai’s track as “Distinct folk-pop… soaring vocals delivered with warmth and ease, intricate lyricism and detailed storytelling… the states will certainly be hearing more of his unique song-craft.” Without a doubt this Australian artist has a bright future ahead of him as he continues to team up with those who enhance his already natural and pure sound.

Keep up with Calan Mai here.

brittany campbell leaves bread crumbs to debut album with “my garden”

brittany campbell leaves bread crumbs to debut album with “my garden”

With a blossoming career in music, multi-talented singer-songwriter Brittany Campbell is currently on the cast for Chicago’s run of Hamilton and starring in the Netflix series She’s Gotta Have It. The songstress is on the rise in music and nothing will stop her rising career.

Brittany Campbell is getting geared up to release her new album April 28th Stay Gold. From that album is her song “My Garden”, which is a song that gets you to relax. The song has a soulful R&B sound to it and it accompanied by a reggae backdrop. “My Garden” is a great opening to Campbell’s debut album.

Keep your eyes peeled for Stay Gold , which will be released April 28th.