Toronto-based indie synth rock outfit Zinnia may be comprised of Rachael Cardiello, James Burrows, Chris Pruden, Connor Walsh and Mackenzie Longpre, but it feels as though their new track “Requiem” is made up of stardust. With that classic ethereal, synth-infused soundscape that we have come to expect from this act, Cardiello’s vocals serve as an anthemic reminder to the song’s listener. Add this one for a fun, psychedelic boost at your next autumn party, or sink deep into it surrounded by candles as Halloween approaches!
Rock collective Teleportal – comprised of Johnny Rossa (Vocals), Beth Liebling (Vocals and Bass), James Bourland (Guitar), and Ric Peterson (Drums) – just released a theatrical, 11-track album titled Devour that does – if not specifically that – really provide an attitude all its own. While the instrumentals of “Space Bone” introduce the collection with a dark soundscape, it lightens with the layering of new instrumentals and lighter vocals. Eventually a wailing note makes this song into what it is, and we’re transported back in time while also being pushed significantly into the future. “The Plague” has an undeniably frantic feel to its sound, energizing in its disposition, while “Disaster” evens out the tempo a bit for a more traditional rock sound. “Mansions” slows it down to that psych rock soundscape, giving us whirring guitar parts we didn’t even realize we were craving until now.
“The Organizer” dips back into classic rock, a little more of a ballad. We’re pleased with the way it pulls Rossa’s vocals to the forefront, providing this heartbreaking feeling we wouldn’t otherwise get from a different set of pipes. “Slither on the Ceiling” brings with it a funky feeling, the vocals rough and enticing. “Velvet Math” definitely feels more technical, with computerized sounds throughout and an otherworldly vocal presentation. While “Pull the Trigger” has a title that might feel a little more morbid than its predecessors, the crashing cymbals and punk rock feel make it fit right on in with several genres, including garage, punk, and classic rock.
“Ruins” slows everything down as an instrumental track driven by a classic drumbeat, while “Eel” does seem to exist in a watery, psychedelic soundscape. (The intentionality behind the undertones of the songs and their title pairings is almost poetic in itself, don’t get us started here.) “Gamma Dust” is quite possibly the perfect ending to this collection, as from beginning to end you feel an eery connectedness to the scattered percussion, haunting vocals, and layers of sound. Soothing, chaotic, intense.
On Monday, October 7th, we escaped the ever-more-frigid midwestern air to enjoy some of the oughts’ most incredible emo tracks. The Early November was performing at The Rino in North Kansas City, MO, and — as big-time fans for over a decade — you bet we were there, surrounded by a room full of people who all had the same nostalgia while singing. In support was Have Mercy. Highlights below.
Next Tuesday, October 8th, join us at the intimate Folly Theater in Kansas City as we welcome The Bacon Brothers on their latest tour, The Shaky Ground Tour. The Philadelphia-based genre-bending collective — comprised of Michael Bacon, Kevin Bacon, Paul Guzzone, Tim Quick, Frank Vilardi, and Joe Mennonna — has been lending their talent to the advancing Americana scene for decades. Though the two namesakes of the act have been making music together for most of their lives, they began to record music with this project in 1995.
So, if you haven’t heard of them yet, then your head is officially under a rock.
The perfect news in all of this? They have been touring pretty heavily as of late and — though originally they were only to come as close as Des Moines to the actual heart of America — added us to the tour a little later in the game, which made our hearts absolutely swoon.
Their latest single “Play!” that was released earlier this summer received critical acclaim and served as the backdrop to hot summer nights at the tail end of our warm months. Just enough of a boogie flare wraps itself in a warm embrace around such a beautiful chord progression, and we’re just so excited to see this one performed live.
Take an evening off and visit these Grammy-nominated musicians on Tuesday evening, October 8th. Tickets are available here.
See you on Tuesday! In the meantime, keep up with the brothers here!
