ROOKIE - "Sunglasses"

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Photo by Alex Basse
The latest single from Chicago's ROOKIE is retro in some of the best possible way. "Sunglasses" has a distinct 70's AM radio laid back feel. It's not quite easy listening, but it's just shy of that mark. It also reminds me heavily of the more laid back side of Big Star filtered through Ben Kweller's country period. It's a relaxed mixture of Americana and vintage power pop, which hits a lot of our musical tastes all at once.

 You can watch the video for "Sunglasses" below. It features guitarist Chris Devlin and his wife's dog grooming business. ROOKIE's self-titled debut album will be out March 13 on Bloodshot Records. You can pre-order it here. For more on ROOKIE, check out their Facebook and Twitter. Current tour dates are below the video.

2/11 - Theatre at Westbury - Westbury, NY*
2/12 - Wind Creek Event Center - Bethlehem, NY*
2/14 - Garcia's at the Capitol Theatre - Port Chester, NY*
2/15 - Retro-ique - Morgantown, WV
2/16 - Warner Theatre - Washington, DC*
2/17 - Black Sheep Burritos & Brews - Huntington, WV
3/10 - The Hi-Fi - Indianapolis, IN^
3/11 - The Burl - Lexington, KY^
3/12 - Mr. Smalls Theatre - Millvale, PA^
3/13 - Empty Bottle (album release show) - Chicago, IL
3/14 - Elevation at The Intersection - Grand Rapids, MI^
3/20 - Three Links - Dallas, TX%
3/21 - Desert Dogs Brewery & Cidery - Santa Fe, NM
3/23 - Gold-Diggers - Los Angeles, CA
3/24 - Felton Music Hall - Felton, CA
3/26 - Belltown Yacht Club - Seattle, WA
3/27 - Treefort Festival - Boise, ID
3/29 - Hi-Dive - Denver, CO
3/31 - Gabe's - Iowa City, IA
5/1 - Shaky Knees Festival - Atlanta, GA

* = w/ Cheap Trick
^ = w/ Twin Peaks
% = w/ Coathangers

On Repeat...

Liam Kazar - "Shoes Too Tight"

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Photo by Alexa Viscius This may be Liam Kazar's debut single, but the Chicago based musician already has an impressive resume, having worked with Jeff Tweedy, Chance the Rapper, Steve Gunn, Daniel Johnston, and others. "Shoes Too Tight" features childhood friend Spencer Tweedy on drums, Lane Beckstrom on bass, and Ohmme on vocals. It's an absurdly fun and groovy little song that is a party waiting to happen. What he gives us here is a timeless song that could truly have been released any time since the 1960's (ok... maybe not the 80's...) There are elements of classic rock, 60's crooners and R&B, indie rock, modern Americana... it's really just packed with everything in a cohesive song that maintains the vibe the entire way through. You can watch the video for "Shoes Too Tight" below. For more on Liam Kazar, check him out on Instagram and Twitter . He's also raising money on his Bandcamp for Constellation and The Hungry Brain. ...
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The Freqs - "Witch"

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Photo via Facebook When you're a rock band from Salem, MA, you have to have at least one song about witchcraft. The Freqs have fulfilled their obligation with a banger of a song. "Witch" is this giant monster of a song, filled with fuzz and strained, screaming vocals. This is the type of song that doesn't usually exist in this century. It's giving me some serious 90's flashbacks, like if Hum got aggressive or Alice in Chains decided to do some damage on the college charts. As great as the vocals are in "Witch," what's really drawing me in is the instrumental break down that takes over about halfway through. This is the kind of song to make the hipsters and the headbangers equally excited. You can listen to "Witch" below. For more on The Freqs, check out the band on Facebook and Instagram . The Freqs · Witch
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Dutch ReBelle - "GOONIEZ"

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How is Dutch ReBelle not a national superstar at this point? The Boston MC just released "GOONIEZ," and I know I'm a bit out of touch with current mainstream hip hop, but this song is absolutely killer. It's a stripped down hip hop song that has this futuristic space age sound to it. Plus, ReBelle's flow is unsurpassed. You can't listen to her and not be completely sucked in. The song has a feel reminiscent of classic Missy Elliott. As much as I love that we can still see Dutch ReBelle in smaller Boston venues, "GOONIEZ" proves she should be playing much larger venues nationwide very, very soon. You can watch the video for "GOONIEZ" below. For more on Dutch ReBelle, check out the artist's website . 
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