If It's Too Loud...

And the rest! Co-Album of the Week : Artist : Screaming Females Album : All At Once Quick Description : The latest from a band poised to break out Why You Should Listen : They're one of the best indie acts going right now. Overall Thoughts : Co-album of the week comes from one of indie rock’s most steady acts as of late, Screaming Females. If there’s a downside to this album, it’s that the act is almost too tight. Everything feels crisp and deliberate, and your expectation for an act like this is some grit or grunge, but instead the polish allows everything involved with this to be highlighted. I can’t speak highly enough about this, and it’s definitely one of the top musical efforts of the year so far. Recommendation : A must-listen. Artist : Anna McClellan Album : Yes and No Quick Description : Folkish listen. Why You Should Listen : You're looking for something off the beaten path. Overall Thoughts : This was a weird one, and I’m not sure how I feel about ...

When I first heard Aaron Perrino's latest project, no hope/no harm, I wasn't as into it as I expected to be. I've always preferred his work when he's a bit louder and more rockin', and the first no hope/no harm songs were a little too mellow for my taste, and almost crooners. With their new EP, no hope/no harm have married both sounds perfectly.  What's interesting is that these songs have a feel like a crooner decided to take on emo inflected 90's alt rock. The fact that you get an anthem like "I Know That You Don't Care" next to the almost country tinged "Punch a Nazi in the Face" and they both flow together in a completely seamless way is magical. Plus, "Punch a Nazi in the Face" might be the angriest power ballad of all time. While the EP is very ballad heavy, it's by no means a quiet or mellow release. The ballads have the most intensity on Swimming in the Charles EP.  You can listen to "I Know That You D...

A really busy week, so a two-parter with two albums of the week. One today, one tomorrow: Co-Album of the Week Artist : Frigs Album : Basic Behaviour Quick Description : Awesome post-punk debut. Why You Should Listen : You're upset we only got one Screaming Females album this week, Overall Thoughts : A co-album of the week, very interesting to listen to in the context of an excellent Screaming Females album. A little angsty, a little anxious, and has a heavy, dark feeling behind it that suggests a number of layers below the initial surface. This is quite simply a must-listen, especially for fans of Screaming Females. Definitely a release that shouldn’t be overlooked. Recommendation : One of the best of the week. Artist : Computer Magic Album : Danz Quick Description : Latest from the indie electronic act. Why You Should Listen : A little more mature, a little more interesting. Overall Thoughts : I have expressed my love for Computer Magic before, and this new al...

I gave up on the Warped Tour after 2002 when I felt I had aged out of it. It was at the point that I had only gone to that one for four bands and just sat there bored for the rest of it. Since then it's just gotten poppier and more mainstream, only making the news due to the shitty behavior of one band or another. Last year brought the first punk event out of the Warped Tour in years: A band called War On Women, who refused to let misogyny happen while they were on the tour. (You can read more about their run in with The Dickies over at Noisey .) The band is set to release their second album in April. The first single off that album is available to listen to now, and, in case you need more of a reason to listen, it features Kathleen Hanna on back up vocals. "YDTMHTL" is as loud and punk as it could possibly be, with some of the greatest gang vocals you've heard in years. But it's also thrashy metal, which is always welcome. So if you feel your life has been mi...

The debut single from Scotland's Megan Airlie is truly something special. "After River" meets somewhere between traditional and alt folk. It reminds me of Lady Lamb's early more bare bones work (or her Tender Warriors Club EP) but mixed with a little jazz/soul. Her voice is truly the focus of the song. Airlie says of the song: " It was birthed from one of the hardest times of my life and was the first song I had written in a year. I had been in hospital, arrested and dumped and I thought to myself what best to do other than sing?" You can listen to "After River" below. The single is available for free via Megan Airlie's Bandcamp on Bloc Music Records. For more on Megan Airlie, check out her Facebook  and website .

Knowing full well that Belly are reunited and have a new album coming out this year, you'd think that we'd be know and expect a new song from them any day now. But this morning, when word of the first song from Belly's first album in 23 years broke... well, we had to drop everything and listen repeatedly. "Shiny One" is and isn't what we'd expect from Belly. It's a glorious alternative pop song that sounds like Belly, but the sound is tweaked just slightly. Tanya Donelly's voice is front and center and mesmerizing as always, but the guitars have a slightly grungier feel, and the song is a bit more groovy than I would have expected. But it still sounds like Belly, and what else could we possibly want at this point in our lives? You can listen to "Shiny One" below. Belly's new album (typing that will never get old), Dove , will be out May 4. You can pre-order it now in various bundles via PledgeMusic. For more on Belly, check out th...

We're back this week with another multi-band Friday Freebie that spans multiple genres. As always, if you download any of this music, consider throwing the band a few bucks, buy some merch, or at least give them a follow on their social media. Grave School - Strange Routine It's been a little over a year since we've had any new music from Grave School, but luckily they're back with a new EP. Strange Routine  is still the 90's inspired indie rock we love from Grave School, and I hate to use tired cliches, but the new EP seems a bit more mature and weary. A song like "Strange Routine" feels like working your first adult job, and even a big, fun, upbeat song like "Jason" feels a bit more melancholy. Strange Routine is available now for free via Grave School's Bandcamp . Lauren Ruth Ward - Back Pocket EP Lauren Ruth Ward just released her first full length, Well, Hell. It might be a weird choice for us to start with a B-sides...

The upcoming debut EP from Scotland's The Violet Kind is a concept album that's tough to write about seriously enough. According to the press release, the release "...is a concept EP, which acts as a poignant reminder of the reality of rape culture and a means of catharsis for the survivor of sexual violence." They've released the first single, "Speakeasy." Even without the subject matter, "Speakeasy" just feels heavy. It's equal parts singer/songwriter fare (it reminds me of quieter 90's Lilith Fair artists without being folk at all) and louder 90's indie rock without being noisy. It fluctuates between the quieter, introspective parts and these gorgeously uplifting, louder parts. I don't typically use uplifting as a compliment, but the Violet Kind pull it off. You can watch the video for "Speakeasy" below. OXTR, the debut EP from The Violet Kind, will be out March 16 via Kindness Records. For more on The Violet ...

Speedy Ortiz are one of our earliest discoveries since starting If It's Too Loud... almost five years ago, and they have been a favorite of ours ever since. Luckily for us (and everyone, really) they have a new album due out in April, and with the announcement of a new album comes a new song! "Lucky 88" is quite different from what we've come to expect from Speedy Ortiz. The 90's infused indie rock sound is virtually gone, and it has a more pop/dance sound, which is closer to singer Sadie Dupuis's solo work as sad13. Now this isn't quite as far as Gwen Stefani reuniting No Doubt just to make them play her solo work, but it's definitely leaning more strongly towards pop than we've become used to for Speedy Ortiz. It's an interesting change in sound that has been hinted at for a bit. It definitely has us intrigued for the new album. You can watch the video for "Lucky 88" below. The new album from Speedy Ortiz, Twerp Verse , will b...

Photo via Facebook Hailing from Chile, Maff have a new EP coming out in April. Chile is not where I'd expect fantastic indie rock to be coming from, but considering the diversity of South American rock festivals, I'm truly showing my American ignorance on that one. "Desfile" is a great song. Like, really great. It's everything indie rock should be. It's loud and noisy, but still filled with great hooks and catchy moments, although the guitars are the catchiest parts over the vocals. The guitars are equal parts crunchy and swirling, creating this gorgeously lush layer. Although it edges slightly more into the shoegaze territory, this could be perfect for those of us that miss Sonic Youth. You can listen to "Desfile" below. Maff's new EP,  Melaniña, will be out April 2nd. You can pre-order a copy on Bandcamp . For more on Maff, check them out on Facebook and Twitter . Melañiña by Maff

Not only are we in the middle of a two day February heat wave here in New England, we now have a new song from MC Paul Barman! The previously MIA (at least, according to me) MC just released "((( leapfrog )))." It's perhaps his most traditionally hip hop track to date. It feels decidedly old school in a Gang Starr kinda way. Somehow Barman raps about twice as fast as we're used to from him, but it still has a relaxed vibe. And, just in case you were worried about Barman changing his entire outlook, it ends with a mention of soot sprites. You can listen to "((( leapfrog )))" below. The song is currently available for free via Mello Music Group's Bandcamp . For more on MC Paul Barman, check out his website . ((( leapfrog ))) by MC Paul Barman

A really busy week of releases, and I have to do this the quick hit way today. Must Listens This Week : * Polica/s t a r g a z e - Music for the Long Emergency (weird and wonderful) * Geowulf - Great Big Blue (sort of like an edgier Wolf Alice at times) * Car Seat Headrest - Twin Fantasy (Car Seat Headrest is easily the most perpetually underappreciated act going right now) * Kellen of Troy - Posthumous Release * Fischerspooner - Sir (produced by Michael Stipe, might be my favorite of the week) * Loma - Loma Other Solid Releases : * Kronos Quartet and Laurie Anderson - Landfall * Walter Martin - Reminiscence Bar and Grill (Walkmen lead singer, pretty interesting listen) * Horsehoes and Hand Grenades - Ode * U.S. Girls - In a Poem Unlimited * Shannon and the Clams - Onion * I'm With Her - See You Around * Superchunk - What a Time to Be Alive Be Wary : * Born Ruffians - Uncle, Duke, and The Chief * Brandi Carlile - By the Way, I Forgive You * Ought - Roo...

Photo by Josh Moore There's a lot of bands delving into the world of shoegaze and dream pop lately. The better ones keep the structure of shoegaze alive while adding in their own element. Knowing my own personal tastes, I would have assumed I'd hate a more pop infused style of shoegaze/dream pop, but then Night Flowers came along to prove me wrong. The London band's new single, "Losing the Light," has the light, jangly guitars we have come to expect and want with dream pop. But they definitely add a slightly more mainstream, pop sound to the genre. I don't mean they go full on Taylor Swift with swirling sounds, but this is definitely a song that can help ease your kids into shoegaze. Plus, for us old fogies that have been listening to this style for 20+ years, it's always a good thing to bring in a new element, even if it's not one we'd expect to like. You can watch the video for "Losing the Light" below. Night Flowers will be rel...

Way back in 1996, Kool Keith, Dan the Automator, and DJ Qbert blew everyone's minds with their project, Dr. Octagon and the album Dr. Octagonecologyst. It was some of the most unique hip hop that had ever been heard, before or since. Dr. Octagon just released that one album. Every so often there would be rumors of a follow up, but nothing ever came of those. Until yesterday. We have a new album, Moosebumps: An Exploration Into Modern Day Horripilation , due out in April, and a new song, "Octagon Octagon." The song is fantastic. It's the type of hip hop I've been missing and craving for 22 years. Somehow Kool Keith works the word "octagon" into virtually every line, a feat literally only he could pull off. We had no idea this album was actually coming, and now we don't think we can wait for this to be released.  You can listen to "Octagon Octagon" over at The Fader . Moosebumps: An Exploration Into Modern Day Horripilation , the new al...

Squirrel Nut Zippers were always unfairly lumped in with the swing revival scene. While most of that scene seemed more focused on the scene and the look, Squirrel Nut Zippers always seemed more legit and about the music. They were always more roots than flash. So it makes sense that Jimbo Mathus would resurrect Squirrel Nut Zippers with the current roots revival going on right now. I'm not sure how many members from the 90's are back for this era of Squirrel Nut Zippers, but it's still a returned Squirrel Nut Zippers, so we're not complaining. Their new song, "Beasts of Burgundy," is more reserved than their previous hit singles like "Hell" or "Suits Are Picking Up the Bill." It's also less swing than you would expect. Instead, it's a quiet song without being a ballad. It's moody and fairly dark while still being fun. This could have gone horribly wrong, but Squirrel Nut Zippers found a perfect spot between being a nostalgia...

Photo via Facebook The best news so far this week is that Courtney Barnett is back with new music! "Nameless, Faceless" takes on internet trolls anonymously posting their vile hate, while wishing love upon them. The song also discusses the fear of violence women live in at all times with the line "I wanna walk through the park in the dark / Women are scared that men will kill them / I hold my keys between my fingers." It's definitely a much heavier subject than the personal stories told in her previous album Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit. Along with the more serious subject matter is a slightly lighter sound, more jangle pop than her crunchier previous songs. It's just enough of a change to keep it interesting while still being what we love about Barnett. You can watch the video for "Nameless, Faceless" below. Courtney Barnett's new album, Tell Me How You Really Feel , will be out May 18 on Marathon Artists/Milk! Rec...

Photo via Facebook Big Star's beyond classic "Thirteen" is a quiet little anthem about young love, and it might just be the most perfect song of all time. It seems completely impossible to mess this song up, and I've loved every version of it I've ever heard. The latest is from Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and it's the first new music from them in five years. They stopped by the Spotify Studious in New York City to record a Spotify Single. This one is a live version of their monster hit "Maps," and "Thirteen" is the b-side. As with all truly great covers of "Thirteen," they didn't overthink it and kept it a stripped down version completely true to the original. It's just about perfect. You can listen to Yeah Yeah Yeahs cover of "Thirteen" below. For more on the band, check out their website .

I've been waiting months for Disgraceland to premier. It's billed as the first ever rock n roll true crime podcast. That might be catered directly to me. Hosted by Boston musician Jake Brennan, Disgraceland finally premiered on February 13 with its first episode, "Jerry Lee Lewis: The Killer and Getting Away with Murder." Brennan uses a narrative style, more on the line of Lore  than My Favorite Murder . He really gets into the entire history of Lewis's known violence and erratic behavior, and how he had two wives die under mysterious circumstances in a very short period of time. It's an unbelievably brutal look at a man who has created some of the greatest music on the planet, and that he's probably one of the biggest monsters walking it today. Future episodes will include tales of The Rolling Stones, Beck, and 2pac. You can find it on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts. To keep up to date with Disgraceland , check out their website .

To say we're highly anticipating the new album from Lucy Dacus would be a complete understatement. The latest song from the album, "Next of Kin," could very well turn Dacus into a superstar. It's that blend of 90's infected alternative pop that's huge right now, but still rooted enough in rock for us. "Next of Kin" is dangerously close to landing in top 40 territory, but a lot of the bands I loved in the 90's would most likely be considered mainstream now, like Letters to Cleo. "Next of Kin" does have louder and crunchier guitars than Cleo's version of 90's alt-rock, so it sounds more like a poppier version of The Lemonheads or Buffalo Tom. Plus, it's about anxiety, so that's always fun! You can listen to "Next of Kin" via Spotify below.  The new album from Lucy Dacus,  Historian , will be out March 2 on Matador Records. You can pre-order your copy on your preferred outlet here .  For more on Lucy Dacus, ch...

A busyish week this week. Album of the Week : Artist : Ruby Boots Album : Don't Talk About It Quick Description : Roots-adjacent music from someone who could be your new favorite. Why You Should Listen : You haven't heard anything like this in a little while, even though you probably think you have. Overall Thoughts : If Lydia Loveless and Margo Price had a baby and gave it to Kathleen Edwards to raise in her coffee shop, you might end up with Ruby Boots. A wonderful listen from start to finish that has a rock sensibility with the roots base behind it without sounding too much like either of them, it feels both raw and polished, dirty yet deliberate. I have no complaints here at all, and if you’re not hooked by “Infatuation,” I may need to ask what’s wrong with you. Recommendation : Easily my favorite of the week. Artist : Various Artists Album : Black Panther soundtrack Quick Description : Probably the most anticipated rap collaboration in years. Why You Shou...