If It's Too Loud...

Since Margo Price had my #3 album of 2016 and my #1 album of 2017 and her set was the highlight of the 2016 Green River Festival, I've been dying to see her perform her own show, but it's just never worked out until this past Wednesday, when her Nowhere Fast tour came to Boston at the Paradise. Knowing it's only a matter of time until she moves out of clubs, I had to go out too late on a work night. Playing her own set in front of her own adoring fans and not a shortened festival set in front of a crowd gave Price more freedom. She moved from guitar to keyboards and even drums in a way that felt organic and not just showing off. If she did showing off, she did it in her absolute mastery of a live performance. She and her band are impossibly polished for clubs, and it showed in each and every song. Songs like "A Little Pain" and "All American Made" just take on a whole new life live. My favorite song at Green River was once again my favorite at the Pa...

Photo by Jen Dessinger Last year we brought you a few of Flasher's singles, and since then we've been waiting to hear more from the Washington DC band. We're finally in luck since June will see the release of their debut album. While we wait, we can check out "Pressure," the first single from the album.  Everything we loved about Flasher is on display here. "Pressure" is fairly straightforward modern alt rock with a bouncy, danceable flair. Maybe it's just the DC connection, but I hear some influence from bands like Rites of Spring or Fugazi. But, you know, fun. Most people are probably going to hear more DEVO or B-52's than those other bands, and they're probably right. It's a manic mixture that sounds fresh while drawing from the past. You can watch the video for "Pressure" below. Constant Image, the debut album from Flasher, will be out June 8 on Domino Recording Co. You can pre-order a copy here . For more on Flasher...

I have an odd fondness for rock duos. There's just something refreshing about music stripped down to its bare essentials while still having a full, fleshed out sound. London's Leisure Tank bring a sense of groove and melody to the rock duo genre. Their latest single, "Higher," has a driving beat along with an incredibly danceable rhythm and bass line. The song passed catchy within the first few seconds, and it will sound and feel familiar while twisting and turning into multiple unexpected directions. "Higher" is fun and inventive, and I truly can't imagine a listener that can't find something to like here. You can listen to "Higher" below. The single is available now via Goddamn Records. For more on Leisure Tank, check out their website . HIGHER by Leisure Tank

Photo by Sasha Lytvyn May is shaping up to be an amazing month for new music, and part of that is the long awaited new album (by me, at least) from MC Paul Barman. "((((((antennas))))))," the latest single, keeps up Barman's slow move from novelty songs like "Cock Mobster" to more serious songs. That's not to say there's no humor in the new material. "((((((antennas))))))" includes the line " Don’t hyperfocus on your diaper crocus. Just change your drawers and wipe your tochus," but it's a more mature humor. Plus, he is joined by hip hop legend Masta Ace for the song, which automatically gives it an insane amount of cred. The two styles of rappers gives the song this chill but still intense feeling. You can listen to "((((((antennas))))))" below. (((echo chamber))) , the upcoming album from MC Paul Barman, will be out May 18 on Mello Music Group. You can pre-order the album here . For more on MC Paul Barman, check...

For about a year now, we've been singing the praises of The I Want You. They have this great retro power pop/indie rock feel which is pretty much our thing here. Their latest single, "All Beat Up," was recorded as part of February's RPM Challenge, where artists try to write and record an album's worth of material in a month. "All Beat Up" is on the laid back, ballad side of things in the best possible way. It's about being your own worst enemy and emotionally beating yourself up worse than anyone ever could. With that subject matter, somehow it's still a fun song. You can watch the video for "All Beat Up" below. "All Beat Up" is available now as a single on Bandcamp with two b-sides: "Come On" is inspired by the Parkland students fight for gun control and "The Rise and Fall" is about the life of David Bowie. For more on The I Want You, check out their website .

Blaze it responsibly with new music! Album of the Week : Artist : My Indigo Album : My Indigo Quick Description : Nordic metal singer goes... not metal. Why You Should Listen : It's a gorgeous and interesting listen. Overall Thoughts : My favorite listen of the week, a slightly poppy, sometimes folky, but always-endearing listen that stretches some boundaries while still feeling safe and familiar. This hooked me by the second track and didn’t care to let go, and that says a lot in a busy week. I can’t wait to spend more time with this one. Recommendation : Bump this to the top of your list. Artist : Chilly Gonzales Album : Other People's Pieces Quick Description : An unconventional covers record. Why You Should Listen : You're looking for something a little different, but still want those sweet, sweet covers. Overall Thoughts : If you like The Bad Plus but hate jazz, you might want to give this Chilly Gonzales record a try. The instrumental medleys are ...

Despite being actively musically since leaving The Damned back in 1996, Rat Scabies has never gone the solo artist route. That changes next month when he releases his first ever solo album. Judging from the lead single, "Chew On You," Scabies is avoiding the typical singer/songwriter country/folk solo artist route. "Chew On You" is a rocking garage punk blast, filled with amped up buzzsaw guitars and crashing drums. It's loud, and noisy, and not the kind of song you usually hear from an artist that's been making music for forty years.  You can listen to "Chew On You" below. P.H.D. (Prison, Hospital, Death) , the first solo album from Rat Scabies, is due out May 18 on Cleopatra Records. You can pre-order a physical copy through Cleopatra Records and digitally on Bandcamp . For more on Rat Scabies, follow him on Twitter or Facebook . P.H.D. by Rat Scabies

To say we're excited for the release of Belly's first album since 1995's King  is an understatement. The Belly reunion feels more like an organic reunion than a cash grab, and the new music they've been releasing reflects that. Their latest single, "Starryeyed," is an absolutely gorgeous alternative ballad. It is fairly similar to Tanya Donelly's more recent solo work, but it still has that Belly edge to it, while still being soft and beautiful. Without looking at the track list for Dove , "Starryeyed" sounds like the closing song for an early/mid 90's alternative album. (If you were around back then, you know exactly what that sounds like.) You can listen to "Starryeyed" below. Dove, the first Belly album in 23 years, will be out May 4. For more on Belly, check out their website .

Photo via Facebook Apparently nobody told Spritzer that indie rock isn't supposed to be fun. We know, we know. We're embarrassed for them, too. Their new single, "Little Mystery," is an absolute blast of a song, with bouncy guitars with just enough jangle but enough of a shimmer throughout the entire song to make it poppy. Everything in this song is catchy, from the verses, to the chorus, to the rhythm guitar, to the "woo-oo"s, to the guitar that infrequently pops in seemingly out of nowhere. Even if you demand that your indie rock be very serious and earnest, you're going to love this song. You can listen to "Little Mystery" below. Spritzer's debut album, Love. Lies. Decay., will be out April 27. For more on Spritzer, check them out on Bandcamp and Facebook .

Last time we saw The Sheila Divine, they were p erforming an all improvised experimental rock set at Lilypad Inman . In case you thought they might be going in the art rock direction, they're back to the poppy alt rock that we've come to love for 20 years now with their latest single. "Time To Set It Off" has a slightly different sound than vintage Sheila Divine, maybe a little funkier than we're used to? It's still a Sheila Divine song with loud, driving and swirling guitars and Aaron Perrino's trademark just short of emo vocals, though, so we're 100% on board.  You can listen to "Time To Set It Off" below, and get your own copy of the song at The Sheila Divine's Bandcamp . If you happen to be in Belgium, you're in luck since they'll be touring your country in May. For all things The Sheila Divine, be sure to follow them on Facebook and Twitter . Time To Set It Off by The Sheila Divine

Boston's Labor Hex may be our spiritual brothers. According to their Bandcamp bio, " Labor Hex is four middle aged dudes still trying to figure out how to live their lives. Music helps." Same, guys. Same. Their debut EP, Lost In Calling , is wonderfully loud and noisy, the kind of music we're supposed to have stopped listening to, let along making, at our age. Their main sound seems to combine Rites of Spring and Fugazi with Cave In and Converge. Like I said, this is far too loud for people our age to listen to, much less make, but that might be why I love this so much. The title track just grabs you the second it starts, and from there the only break you'll get is the few seconds between songs. Even "Valentine Coast," the closest thing to a ballad, is louder than most bands' heavy songs. Somehow, Labor Hex does keep it all under control with some semblance of song structure, and maybe even some melody, so Lost In Calling  never devolves into a c...

I'm struggling to find ways to describe "Hunted," the latest single from Lotic, but I'll try my best. The Houston born and currently Berlin based artist has some ties to the trip hop world of Tricky. They share Tricky's groove and chill. But there is a strong sense of tension and noise throughout, reminding me a lot of Atari Teenage Riot. I never thought I'd be hearing a trip hop/digital hardcore hybrid, but I'm also not complaining. With the majority of the lyrics are the barely whispered " brown skin, masculine frame /  head's a target /  actin' real feminine /  make 'em vomit" repeated throughout the song, I doubt there's little question to the subject matter. You can listen to "Hunted" below. Lotic's debut album, Power , will be out on July 13 on Tri Angle Records. You can pre-order your copy here . For more on Lotic, check out their Facebook and Twitter .

It's been well over three years since we brought you any new music from Kitten Forever. (Somehow we missed their 2016 album 7 Hearts. WHOOPS!) For a self-described "minimalist punk band," they are loud. The Minneapolis based trio play this incredibly fast brand of punk that owes a ton to riot grrrl bands of the past. "Hell Hole" is all driving guitars and bashing, cymbal heavy drums, and gang vocal choruses. The crazy thing is, as loud and noisy as I'm describing it, "Hell Hole" is fun and groovy. There's just enough of a pop hook in the song to make it danceable, which is a rare feat.  You can listen to "Hell Hole" below. Kitten Forever's fourth album, Semi-Permanent , will be self-released on their own Rat Queen Records label on May 4. You can pre-order your copy via Bandcamp . For more on Kitten Forever, check out their website . SEMI-PERMANENT by KITTEN FOREVER

And the rest! Artist : Bryde Album : Like an Island Quick Description : First proper album from half of Paper Airplanes. Why You Should Listen : It's tricky indie rock with a folk bent. Overall Thoughts : Nearly my album of the week, this is sneaky great. Bryde takes the quiet->loud dynamic and sits directly on the edges of both, providing a surprising style that feels unpredictable even as you hear certain songs multiple times. The entire approach here is familiar, yet has a unique enough spin that you won’t feel bored. Recommendation : Really worth giving a shot. Artist : Mr. Fingers Album : Cerebral Hemispheres Quick Description : The return of a house legend. Why You Should Listen : It's like a time capsule of 1980s dance. Overall Thoughts : It’s been 20-odd years since this important house music artist put anything new together, and this album feels like a dose of retro dance music from start to finish. The problem with it is the overall lack of evol...

After ten years of following the musical exploits of The James Rocket, one of their rare trips up to the Boston area finally worked out for my schedule. Not to mention that our new discovery Amanda White was also playing the show, and I knew I had to head out, despite unseasonably cold temperatures and showtime confusion made worse by whoever was working the door. Amanda White started off the show with her backing band, which also includes Joe Elliott, drummer for The James Rocket. She had some sound issues for the first two songs, which is a little disappointing since her classically trained vocals are one of the main selling points. She stuck mostly to songs off her latest album, Kittens Give Zero Fucks , mostly so she could say "Kittens give zero fucks" as much as possible. (Her own admission, not my speculation.) As someone who tends to go to very earnest indie rock shows, sometimes it's just fun to see an artist that just rocks out and has fun with it. And live, ...

Nothing unlucky about 20 new releases to cover this week. Album of the Week : Artist : Many Rooms Album : There Is a Presence Here Quick Description : Dreamy folk-adjacent music. Why You Should Listen : You're looking for something a little more meditative this week. Overall Thoughts : Ethereal, deliberative tones, heavy on the reverb and vocal trickery. Feels like if Bon Iver and Band of Horses had a daughter, and that is not a bad thing at all. This will absolutely not be for everyone, but this is an album that demanded my attention by the third song, and I see myself going back to this a lot in the coming months. Recommendation : Really made me sit up and take notice this week. A must listen. Artist : Night Flowers Album : Wild Notion Quick Description : Retro-styled alt-pop. Why You Should Listen : You've been looking for a continuation of sorts from the trend we saw last year. Overall Thoughts : I loved this! A little alt-poppy, sometimes has that...

Photo via Facebook Sometimes you don't want a band to reinvent rock. Sometimes you just want a good, old fashioned, fun rock n' roll song. That's where the new single from Tulsa, OK's The Fabulous Minx comes in. "Party Till We're Dead" is a 94 second burst of rock n' roll fun. It definitely has more than a bit of a rockabilly throwback feel, but in the best possible way. You've definitely heard a band mix the Ramones's stripped down rock sound with punk sing-alongs in a rockabilly blend before, but it's still something you should love and listen to. Plus, the song is about being over thirty in a scene filled with youngsters in their early 20's, so we can most definitely relate. You can listen to "Party Till We're Dead" below. While you're at it, you should also check out the b-side "Baby Baby Baby." For more on The Fabulous Minx, check out their website .

As someone very active in the local Boston music scene in the late 90's (as an audience member, at least), I'm obviously very nostalgic for anything to do with that time/scene. That's why I've become enamored with Christian Campagna's new podcast, Talk About the Passion. It's only 23 episodes in, so now is a great time to get on board. According to the description, " Talk About the Passion is a podcast where I will be talking with friends and strangers about their passions in creativity. There’s a slight slant towards people from the punk and hardcore scenes, but of course I want to stretch way past those boundaries." He's not kidding about the slant towards punk and hardcore, as episodes have featured Scott Helland (Deep Wound), Nate Newton (Converge), Jonah Jenkins (Only Living Witness), etc. He does branch out from time to time, and has episodes with comedian Allison Dick, Kevin Patey (Raging Teens, Jittery Jack), and radio DJ Angie C. (The An...

Photo by Pooneh Ghana When this show was first announced, I knew I had to go. I only knew Lucy Dacus from her song "Night Shift," but based on that one song I was completely obsessed. Plus, And the Kids were opening, and I haven't gotten around to see them for a couple of years. Turns out, it was one of my better decisions I've made in years. And the Kids are by far one of the more fun live shows I've seen in years. When they took the stage, I was more than a little confused. Bass player Taliana Katz was missing and replaced by a bearded man. This substitution was never explained during the show, and considering Megan Miller (percussion, synthesizers) has been missing from American live shows due to visa issues, I was a bit apprehensive. Turns out 2/3 (or 1/2) And the Kids is still fantastic. Hannah Mohan always appears to be having the time of her life with every show, and made up for their missing member. Their blend of dance friendly indie rock is alway...

Photo by Mert Gafuroglu Sometimes you just want a fun dance song. But, when you're a music snob like me, you tend to retreat from most dance friendly music. BODEGA might just be our perfect band. On their new song, "Can't Knock the Hustle," they continue on their mixture of ".. .  post punk, contemporary pop, hip-hop, kraut rock, and folk-derived narrative songwriting" that we heard with "How Did This Happen!?" It's basically is post punk ever decided to not be as intensely serious as old school punk and wanted to throw a party. You can watch the video for "Can't Knock the Hustle" below. BODEGA's debut album, Endless Scroll , will be out on June 1 via What's Your Rupture?. For more on BODEGA, check out their website . Current tour dates are below the video. Wed. May 2 – Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Bazaar w/ No Age Tue. May 15 – London, UK @ The Social Wed. May 16 – London, UK @ Lock Tavern Thu. May 17 – Brighton, ...