Karate - "Defendants"

Photo by Daniel Bergeron

I think we all have those bands that we know we should be more familiar with, but for some inexplicable reason, we just aren't. One of those bands for me is Karate. The Boston band's initial run was between 1993 and 2005 was my prime for going to shows and hearing new music, but even though I knew the name, I just never got into them.

Well... now's a good time for me to correct that since Karate is about to release their first new album in twenty years. Their latest single, "Defendants," fits right into the post-rock/slowcore/jazz rock sound that make Karate so beloved. It's the kind of single that makes a newbie like me angry for not discovering the beloved band twenty-five years ago when I should have, but at least now it's inspiring me to go into a full fledged deep dive. From the very surface of my dive, a song like "Defendants" and its B-side 'Silence, Sound" fit right in with their classic releases, showing that Karate have not lost a step at all in the past two decades.

You can listen to "Defendants" below. Make It Fit is due out October 18 on Numero Group, and is available for pre-order here. For more on Karate, check out the band on Facebook and Instagram.

Inspector 34 - "Self"

Photo via Facebook

Inspector 34 are one of the more underrated bands of the Boston area music scene, and if you're just discovering them, "Self" is a great place to start. Their most recent single is a noisy and chaotic indie rock song, with melodicaly screamed vocals and clanging guitars. It kind of sounds like it half of At the Drive In decided to write a pop song, and the other half tried to sabotage it, but it all mysteriously worked out so they decided to keep it. The song sounds both angry and upbeat at the same time, just adding to the overall chaos. 

You can watch the video for "Self" below. Squint Your Ears is due out August 16 on Sad Milk Collective, and is available for pre-order through Bandcamp. For more on Inspector 34, check out the band on Instagram and Facebook.

Happy Little Clouds - "Lungs"

Photo by Jac Mestel

The latest from Boston's Happy Little Clouds is a bit more downtempo than their previous songs, but it's no less impactful. "Lungs" is a soulful post-grunge power ballad that gives vocalist/guitarist Jac Mestel's vocals a place to shine. The vocals are the focus of "Lungs," and Mestel has never sounded so powerful before. Their emotions are on full display here, and the song is better for it. The song also adds in some organ along with the usual guitar/bass/drums combination, which adds a bit of levity to the song. As emotional as it is, Happy Little Clouds keep a sense of optimism throughout. 

Jac Mestel says of the band's latest single:

“The listener can really make this song their own. Each verse can be like someone grappling with a major life-shattering event as they go through a whole hero’s journey arc within the span of a 3-minute song. As the song progresses, they deal with their constantly changing feelings or stages of grief, or self acceptance and by the end, they work up the strength to believe in themselves and regain a sense of pride.”

You can listen to "Lungs" below. For more on Happy Little Clouds, check out the band's website.

Sassyhiya - "Kristen Stewart"

Sassyhiya are real life partners Kathy Wright and Helen Skinner, who met at a rollerderby game where Wright was skating for the Ultraviolent Femmes. Their latest single, "Kristen Stewart," was inspired by Skinner seeing the actress and queer icon filming a scene for Spencer at a local Kentucky Fried Chicken. The resulting song is a joyous indie rock song that has the bounciness of punk but with the upbeat sound of indie rock and alt-pop. It's a wonderfully melodic track that still keeps the DIY spirit alive with its unique vibe. Plus, it has the bassline of your favorite post-punk tracks. 

Helen Skinner says of the band's latest single:

“I wanted to do a song about her because I think she’s ace and makes great choices when it comes to roles. She’s grown up in the public eye and has still managed to become the person we absolutely hoped she would - someone proud of her queerness plus she's really cool and fun.”

You can watch the video for "Kristen Stewart" below. Take You Somewhere is due out November 8 on Skep Wax. For more on Sassyhiya, check out the band on Facebook and Instagram.

Doing Anything This Weekend?: July 26-28

Doing Anything this Weekend? is a feature here at If It's Too Loud... where we feature some live shows in and on the far outskirts of the Boston area. Our main rules are that they have to be reasonably priced shows that you can attend last minute. They'll feature If It's Too Loud... approved bands, and we'll provide event links when possible. And since we're in outdoor music season, these events are weather permitting. If you're looking for last minute plans this weekend, we recommend:

Friday July 26

Rick Rude, Qvickdraw, and Tin Fish at The Dance Hall, Kittery, ME

Nice, a fest featuring Noble Dust, TIFFY, Jake McKelvie, Hannah Mohan, Mallcops, and more at Crystal Ballroom and The Rockwell, Somerville, MA

Eric Gaffney at Shelburne Springs, Shelburne Falls, MA

The Shirts and Shoes, The Ghouls, Dee Tension & The Secrets, and Melt at Thirsty First, Lowell, MA

Freak Pit, Eight Foot Manchild, and Mister Wonderful at The Boiler Room at Wes's Rib House, Providence, RI

One Fall, Super Beef, and Bad Idea USA at Chagall PAC, Salem, MA

Evolution: Rock Garden Records Showcase II featuring Hummingbird Syndicate, Crow Follow, Robin Lane, Adam Sherman, and Little Billy Lost at Warehouse XI, Somerville, MA

Saturday July 27

Nice, a fest featuring Palehound, Pile, Nurse Joy, Pink Slip, Burp., Hell Beach, JVK, and more at Davis Square, Somerville, MA

Honkeyball, White Dynomite, The Welch Boys, Hammered Saint, and Catching Hell at The Middle East, Cambridge, MA

Bird Friend, Wooll, and Highwater Haulers at Auspicious Brew, Dover, NH

Lenny Lashley's Gang of One, Already Dead, and The Graniteers at Thirsty First, Lowell, MA

The Dogmatics, The Grommets, and The Carnivals at The New World Tavern, Plymouth, MA

Summer of Love Block Party featuring O'Mega Red, The Jungle Brothers, Oompa, Kool DJ Red Alert, and Dawn Tallman at Nubian Square, Roxbury, MA

Connor Storms & His Bouquet, Captain Vampire, Wyn and the White Light, and Justin Arena at The Jungle, Somerville, MA

Evolution: Rock Garden Records Showcase II featuring Holy Smoke, Tiger Bomb, Jennifer Tefft & the Strange, Smitt E. Smitty & The Feztones, and Mutual Admiration Society at Warehouse XI, Somerville, MA

Sunday July 28

Worcester Punk Rock Flea Market featuring BANGZZ, Dando Fever, and Jonee Earthquake Band at Hotel Vernon, Worcester, MA

Cisco NB Summer Vibes Festival featuring Bim Skala Bim, The NB Rude Boys, and The Rins, Cisco Brewers, New Bedford, MA

Cannibal Ramblers and Highwater Haulers at Askew, Providence, RI

Linnea's Garden, theWorst, Mattias, and CJ Honey at State Park, Cambridge, MA

Nice, a fest featuring Model/Actriz, House of Harm, Zip-Tie Handcuffs, Vivid Bloom, The Rupert Selection, and more at The Rockwell and Crystal Ballroom, Somerville, MA

Being Dead - "Van Goes"

Photo by Athen Smith

Being Dead is the musical project of Austin, TX based multi-instrumentalists Falcon Bitch and Shmoofy. Their latest single, "Van Goes," has this interesting mix of upbeat fun and darkness. It's a little bit post-punk and a little bit egg punk. There are some pop elements, but "Van Goes" is an odd little song. Imagine a mixture of DEVO and Beat Happening, and you might come close to what this sounds like. As weird and unusual as the song is, there are strong pop elements throughout. Being Dead certainly won't be for everyone, but if they work for you, welcome to your latest musical obsession!

The band says of their new video:

“Our goal is simple. When you die and your life flashes before your eyes we’d like this video to be included in the reel. (Or at least lay a blueprint for how yours might be). Fast and furious is one's life when betrayed. And in a flash, your whole life before you: everyone you've ever known, everything you've been brave enough to feel – extinguished in a twinkle of clarity."

You can watch the video for "Van Goes" below. EELS is due out September 27 on Bayonet Records, and is available for pre-order here. For more on Being Dead, check out the artist on Instagram. Upcoming tour dates are below the video.

Sat. July 27 - Austin, TX @ Hotel Vegas
Tue. Aug. 13 - Austin, TX @ Sagebrush
Fri. Sept. 27 - Austin, TX @ Radio East
Sat. Oct. 12 - Austin, TX @ Austin City Limits
Mon. Oct. 14 - Atlanta, GA @ 529 Club
Tue. Oct. 15 - Richmond, VA @ The Camel
Wed. Oct. 16 - Washington, DC @ Comet Ping Pong
Fri. Oct. 18 - Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Made
Sat. Oct. 19 - Philadelphia, PA @ PhilaMOCA
Mon. Oct. 21 - Boston, MA @ The Rockwell
Tue. Oct. 22 - Montreal, QC @ L’Esco
Wed. Oct. 23 - Toronto, ON @ The Baby G
Fri. Oct. 25 - Chicago, IL @ Empty Bottle
Sun. Oct. 27 - Cincinnati, OH @ MOTR Pub
Tue. Oct. 29 - Louisville, KY @ The Whirling Tiger
Thu. Oct. 31 - Nashville, TN @ The Blue Room at Third Man Records
Sat. Nov. 2 - Dallas, TX @ Club Dada

Fight Dice - "Magic Pact"

Photo by Lucca Bell

Members of The Promise Ring, Braid, Hey Mercedes, and Maritime coming together to make a Dungeons & Dragons themed stoner rock band? You have to at least check it out for the curiosity factor. Turns out the first single from Fight Dice is great enough to surpass the novelty. "Magic Pact" is much more metal-ish than I would have expected, and it lands smack dab right in the stoner rock category. That being said, it does have a surprising punk edge to it. It's a fun song that doubles as a "How To" when it comes to using magic weapons. If you want to hear a bunch of punk and emo musicians rock out about Dungeons & Dragons, Fight Dice are the band for you.

Bassist Todd Bell says of the project:

“During the pandemic, we were immersed in playing ‘D&D’ together online to ward off boredom and stay socially connected. When we could see each other more regularly and safely, as friends, we began practicing as a makeshift ‘band’ — another outlet to stay sane while all other remnants of being in our other bands were still on hold. We set about working on some musical parts we all had lying around, and the next thing you know we were all in a drop D tuning sludging along, having fun with our new project. Satisfied with what we were doing and with loads of ‘D&D’-inspired content for band direction and lyrics, we booked a show when it was okay to do so, settled on a name, and Fight Dice was officially born.”

You can watch the video for "Magic Pact" below. Total Party Kill is due out September 20 on Forge Again Records, and is available for pre-order through Bandcamp. For more on Fight Dice, check out the band on Facebook and Instagram.

Lutalo - "The Bed" & "Broken Twin"

Photo by Patrick McCormack

Lutalo was born in Minnesota but now calls Vermont home. They just released a pair of singles that showcase the artist's wide range. "The Bed" is an upbeat sounding folk-rock song about war propaganda with a surprisingly funky beat. Lutalo has a slacker style vocal that goes against the music in the track, but still works perfectly. The other single, "Broken Twin," is more of an indie rock goes mainstream style single. It sounds a lot like early 00's British rock, kind of like Travis or Coldplay but with a much stronger edge to it. "Broken Twin" also has a stronger beat than you would typically hear in this style of music, which I'm starting to suspect is Lutalo's calling card. Both singles stand on their own, but together they are great examples of just how diverse of an artist Lutalo is.

Lutalo says that "The Bed" "... is about being educated about American propaganda and war mongering at a young age from my father. ’The Bed’ is referencing how as citizens of the country we have no choice but participate whether directly or indirectly with the dealings of our state, and to be indoctrinated into this mindset that supports its current standing."

You can listen to "The Bed" and "Broken Twin" below. The Academy is out September 20 on Winspear, and is available for pre-order here. For more on Lutalo, check out the artist on Instagram. Upcoming tour dates are below the songs.

09/28/24 - Philadelphia, PA @ Underground Arts
09/30/24 - Washington, DC @ Black Cat
10/01/24 - Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Steel
10/02/24 - Boston, MA @ Royale
10/04/24 - Montreal, QC @ La Tulipe
10/05/24 - Toronto, ON @ Phoenix Concert Theatre
10/06/24 - Cleveland, OH @ Grog Shop
10/07/24 - Chicago, IL @ Metro
10/09/24 - Nashville, TN @ Basement East
10/10/24 - Carrboro, NC @ Cat’s Cradle
10/11/24 - Atlanta, GA @ Terminal West
10/13/24 - Lawrence, KS @ Bottleneck
10/15/24 - Denver, CO @ Meow Wolf
10/16/24 - Salt Lake City, UT @ State Room
10/18/24 - Vancouver, BC @ Hollywood Theatre
10/19/24 - Seattle, WA @ The Crocodile
10/20/24 - Portland, OR @ Wonder Ballroom
10/22/24 - San Francisco, CA @ August Hall
10/24/24 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Fonda

Supporting Nilüfer Yanya

First Listen: New Releases for 19 July 2024

Artist: Goodnight, Texas
Album: Signals
Quick Thoughts: Goodnight, Texas has a strong record of quality alt-country efforts, but this one feels like it levels things up a bit. Equal parts rockin' roots and more traditional country, plus some interesting bonuses (like Kirk Hammett of Metallica) make this an excellent mid-summer listen. Don't miss out on this one.
Songs of Note: "Dry Heat," "RUNAWAYS," "Frankie, Where Are You Now?" "Among Tumbleweeds," "The Offer," "The Lightning and the Old Man Todd"

Artist: Salem Wolves
Album: The Psychotron Speaks
Quick Thoughts: We like Salem Wolves quite a bit here. This latest album, however, really hit perfectly for me. It's the sort of punk-adjacent indie I'm looking for in an act, and the songwriting here is so strong and so compelling that I am looking forward to getting back to this as soon as I can. Don't miss out.
Songs of Note: "Low Card," "The Psychotron Speaks!" "November," "Stay Strange," "I Don't Think It's Funny"

Artist: Master Peace
Album: How to Make a Master Peace
Quick Thoughts: This is one we missed from earlier this year. In terms of punk-rap British hybrids, Master Peace gives a lot of Bob Vylan energy in their approach while dabbling in some of the UK Grime/Drill fields. The whole thing really worked for me, and I think it's one that deserves a lot more consideration.
Songs of Note: "Los Narcos," "Lodge," "I Might Be Fake," "Loo Song," "Happiness is Love," "I Might Be Fake-Arrr"

Artist: Kiely Connell
Album: My Own Company
Quick Thoughts: Wanted to shout out this pure roots effort from Kiely Connell, which has some gorgeous songwriting and hook-laden songs across this whole record. A great listen that's would be worth your time in a busy week.
Songs of Note: "Through to You," "Hobo's Dream," "Coming Up Empty," "Damn Hands," "On the Mend"

Of note:

* Dylan Patrick Ward - The Porch Collapses (Big early-oughts anti-folk energy.)
* AJ Lee and Blue Summit - City of Glass (Gorgeous bluegrass effort.)
* The Raveonettes - The Raveonettes Sing... (A covers album after a seven year absence.)
* Whose Hat is This? - Ponyboy
* Los Camposinos! - All Hell
* a Lesser Version - She Was Wounded, I Was Terrified!
* W O L F C L U B - Canyons
* Childish Gambino - Bando Stone and The New World
* Yullola - Zen Maiden
* Lava La Rue - STARFACE
* Eliza & The Delusionals - Make It Feel Like the Garden
* Dr. Dog - Dr. Dog
* Oneida - Expensive Air
* L'Orange - The Manipulation
* Photocomfort - Patron Saint
* Jessica Boudroux - The Faster I Run
* Beachwood Sparks - Across the River of Stars
* Molly Nilsson - Un-American Activities
* Orcas - How to Color a Thousand Mistakes
* Total Blue - Total Blue
* Zelienople - Everything is Simple
* Amy Summers - Identitieaze (Original Soundtrack)
* Kyo Itachi - Loop in My Hand

EPs:

* Los Bitchos - Kiki, You Complete Me
* Cathedral Bells - Another Lifetime
* jupiter flynn - villain to my story
* Metronomy - Posse EP Volume 2
* Codename: Rocky - Foundation
* Tank and The Bangas - The Heart
* S3RL - Remix EP 20
* Carson McHone - ODES
* Lame Drivers - This Pattern EP
* NEW YORK - Rapstar* - Side A

Live albums/Compilations/Reissues:

* Country Bear Musical Jamboreee (Original Soundtrack)

Glacier - "The old timers said they'd never seen nothin' like that"

It's been five years since the release of No Light Ever, but thankfully Boston's Glacier are back with a new single. "The old timers said they'd never seen nothin' like that" is a nearly ten minute epic instrumental sludgefest that never overstays its welcome. The song starts slowly, with a building intensity that just gets more and more foreboding as it trundles along. But when the song explodes, it makes the wait all the more worth it. It turns into a sludge-filled thrash-soaked masterpiece of giant, heavy metal and noise rock goodness. Even though the song is heavy and dissonant, "The old timers said they'd never seen nothin' like that" has an odd beauty to it, as well.

You can listen to "The old timers said they'd never seen nothin' like that" below. A Distant, Violent Shudder is due out September 6, and is available to pre-order in various bundles via Bandcamp. For more on Glacier, check out the band on Facebook and Instagram.

Hayley and the Crushers - "Blood and Treasure"

Photo courtesy Hayley and the Crushers

We're used to the retro punk meets surf rock sound from Hayley and the Crushers, but their latest single changes that up quite a bit. The band recently relocated from California to Detroit, and "Blood and Treasure" harkens back to Hayley Crusher Cain and husband/bass player Dr. Reid Cain ESQ's origins in a country band. The new song has a 60's girl group goes country sound, and while it may be more laid back and country than we're used to, it still sounds like a Hayley and the Crushers track. Sure, it's country based, but it still has that girl group goes pop punk sound we love from our favorite "poolside glitter punks."

Hayley Crusher Cain says of her latest single:

"When two people get together, their love is totally unique. It creates an experience that can never be replicated. It's fitting that this EP hits hard in so many ways, but also has a slow and tender side (with 'Blood and Treasure'). Being in a band with your significant other is a lot like that. From the van to the dance floor, it's certainly never boring. Reid and I just celebrated our ten-year wedding anniversary. We started out in music ten years ago, playing in a country band together. This idea of irreplaceable love is more intense than ever in our minds. Sometimes, our music can feel like our own personal movie soundtrack. Through time and space, real love remains unshakable, even when lost. There's something devastating and beautiful about that kind of bond."

You can watch the video for "Blood and Treasure" below. Unsubscribe from the Underground is due out September 10 on Kitten Robot Records. For more on Hayley and the Crushers, check out the band's website.

John Davis - "The Future"

With Superdrag playing reunion shows this week, it's natural to wonder if there will be new music from the band coming out in the future. The answer is kinda? The upcoming John Davis solo album was intended to be and written as a Superdrag album, but the recording was done sporadically and eventually fizzled out. Joining Davis on the new solo project are Stewart Peck (Pegclimber) and his son Henry Peck. The first single, "The Future," sounds like vintage Superdrag. It's a tad more laid back and reserved than their 90's releases, but it stands right up with the classics. There are even some guitar licks that remind me of "Destination Ursa Major." Even though this is a John Davis solo project, Superdrag die hards are going to adore it.

John Davis says of his new single:

"I guess it sounds extremely pessimistic to say, 'I don't wanna know about the future,' but that's just where I was at the time. Sometimes the “now” is crushing your soul to the point where you can't really look ahead. I love this track, love what Stewart & Henry brought to it. Seemed like the perfect opener and the perfect introduction to the LP."

You can watch the video for "The Future" below. JINX is due out September 27 on Lost in Ohio, and is available for pre-order here. For more on John Davis, check out the artist on Instagram and Facebook.

dropbear - "Magic City"

We loved dropbear's debut EP, Spiralized, back when it was released in 2022, and now the Boston band is back with the title track of their upcoming album. "Magic City" is this absolutely perfect mixture of shoegaze, alt-rock, and pop. The song has that layer of fuzz we love about shoegaze, with the slightly off-tuned guitars that make the genre so addictive. It also packs a heavier punch than you traditionally get with the genre, but also a heavy dose of melody and catchiness is abundant throughout "Magic City." It's the kind of song where you're not quite sure if you should stand still to take it all in, pogo, and straight up dance, and all are correct.

You can listen to "Magic City" below. The album is due out "while we're still wearing shorts and tank tops." For more on dropbear, check out the band on Instagram and Facebook.

Ed Schrader's Music Beat - "Roman Candle"

Photo by Joanna Tillman

Baltimore duo Ed Schrader's Music Beat are sharing one of the more unique singles we've heard in a while. "Roman Candle" is about a nineteen year old Schrader sneaking into Woodstock '99 and watching candles that were intended for a vigil to honor the victims of Columbine be instead used to set fires. After the press tower collapsed, Schrader boarded a bus and was dropped off near a Denny's. "Roman Candle" has a bit of a New Wave and darkwave sound to it, and will most likely appeal to fans of bands like New Order and Depeche Mode. However, it doesn't sound like a throwback the way a lot of post-punk that borders on New Wave does. Ed Schrader's Music Beat is a virtually brand new take on that sound. Not many artists can take a five decades old sound and make it this fresh, but they pull it off admirably. 

Ed Schrader says of their new single:

“It was a far cry from the Garden of Eden. That experience defined what I didn’t want to be a part of. It was the raw ugliness that had crept in to fill the void of a better future which never came. It is us until we don’t want it to be us.”

You can listen to "Roman Candle" below. Orchestra Hits is due out September 20 on Upset the Rhythm. For more on Ed Schrader's Music Beat, check out the artist's website.

TIFFY - "Mirror"

Photo by Cam Cavagnaro

Boston's TIFFY is back with more "fuzz tinged dream rock!" "Mirror" is the artist's latest single, and is a dreamy indie rock song just dripping with pop. The song seems to cycle through styles, never quite letting you feel comfortable with just one song while keeping the vibe constant throughout. It's starts off as a fun pop rock track, and then adds in a surf rock and doo wop sound, punk pops in at one point, and some 80's rock guitars make an appearance before being replaced by a more indie rock sound. "Mirror" is a great song that is complicated enough for the music snobs and catchy enough for more pop focused fans.

Tiffany Sammy (aka TIFFY) says of her latest single:

"The song is about the comfortability people feel maintaining the status quo."

You can watch the video for "Mirror" below. 2 is due out August 2. For more on TIFFY, check out the artist on Instagram and Facebook.

Robber Robber - "How We Ball"

Photo by Connor Turque

Burlington, VT's Robber Robber have their new album due out this Friday, but we have one last single to check out before it arrives. "How We Ball" is a chaotic post-punk meets indie rock track. It's high energy all the way through, with a disjointed sound that comes across much more fun than you typically get with a song this noisy. It's a raw track that might be the most punk and most straightforward (relatively speaking) that we've heard from Robber Robber so far. Despite being a little over three minutes long, the track feels like a much longer epic. It might just be because songs with this much energy usually only make it for two minutes or so.

Singer/guitarist Nina Cates says of the new song:

“This song is about how we have to present ourselves. It's a playful look into saying the right thing and thinking about how you come across to others. Sometimes it's so simple and sometimes you go home feeling like you said all the wrong things.”

You can watch the video for "How We Ball" below. Wild Guess is due out July 26, and is available for pre-order here. For more on Robber Robber, check out the band on Instagram. Upcoming tour dates are below the video.

Fri. July 26 - Burlington, VT @ Foam Brewers (album release show)
Thu. Aug. 8 - Portland, ME @ Oxbow Brewing Company [with Hello Shark, The Clearwater Swimmers]
Fri. Aug. 9 - Boston, MA @ The 4th Wall [with Clifford, Prewn]
Sun. Aug. 11 - New York, NY @ Baby’s All Right [with This is Lorelei (solo), Pet Fox]
Wed. Sept. 4 - Washington, DC @ TBA [with Lily Seabird]
Fri. Sept. 6 - Raleigh, NC @ Hopscotch Music Festival
Sun. Sept. 8 - Philadelphia, PA @ The Dolphin [with Lily Seabird, Cult Objects]
Tue. Sept. 17 - Burlington, VT @ Higher Ground [with Gift, Fantasy of a Broken Heart]
Sat. Sept. 21 - Rochester, NY @ The Bug Jar [with Overhand sam and Bad Weapon, Bugcatcher]
Sun. Sept. 22- Cleveland, OH @ Little Rose Tavern
Tue. Sept. 24 - Chicago, IL @ Sleeping Village [with Closebye, Oyeme, Elijah Berlow]
Wed. Sept. 25 - Indianapolis, IN @ State Street Pub [with Closebye]
Thu. Sept. 26 - Columbus, OH @ Cafe Bourbon St. [with Closebye, Neil, Abel]
Sat. Sept. 28 - Williston, VT @ Spirit of Vermont Festival

Live Shows: The Dollyrots and The Boreouts, Sonia, Cambridge, MA 7/19/24

Friday night's The Dollyrots show at Sonia in Cambridge had one of the oddest vibes of any show I've ever been to. First, there were signs up everywhere in the venue saying that there would be moshing at the show, so dance at your own risk. I've never seen these signs at any show at Sonia or The Middle East, so that was a bit odd. It might have been because when the show was advertised as all ages, they truly meant all ages. The crowd went from grizzled, graying punks to preschoolers wearing Bluey shirts. There was a high contingent of elementary school aged kids at the show, and maybe because of that, there was no moshing. 

With or without moshing, The Dollyrots put on a killer show. Their blend of punk and garage rock leans quite heavily into the pop side of the genres, and their live show sounds even better than their recordings. Maybe it was because a good chunk of the crowd skewed much younger than a typical rock show, but there was a charged energy missing with most shows I go to. This was a rare time that I happily gave up my front row spot for a group of young kids, since to me this was just another show, but for them it could be a life changing evening.

If you're still in single digits, there are a lot worse bands out there to change your life than The Dollyrots. The band certainly isn't changing the world of punk or garage rock, but they play such solid versions of both that even the older people in the crowd were rocking out just as hard as the kids. Despite The Dollyrots being based in Florida, it felt like they were playing for old friends. They just had such a casual and easy rapport with their audience that it felt like a local show. There were even members of the crowd disappointed that the band's kids stayed at home for this tour. 

The Boreouts opened the evening. I didn't know much about the band before, but turns out they're a Detroit punk supergroup featuring J Navarro from Suicide Machines, John Bunkley from Gangster Fun, and Ko Molina from The Dirtbombs. It took a little bit for me to get into their set since they have such a unique sound that mixes ska with garage rock. Even the songs with a more downbeat subject were fun live, but how can a ska/garage rock band not be fun? Their set was as raw as possible, in the best way. All members (except for drummer Rob Paul) took turns on lead vocals, and they attacked their songs with the energy of kids just starting out and not industry vets. They even busted out covers of A Flock of Seagulls' "Space Age Love Song" and DEVO's "Uncontrollable Urge." Solid night of music all around.

Dunums - "binti"

Photo by Erin Olivia Media

"binti" was originally released as a solo single on Dunums' first solo single in 2011. Last summer, Sijal Nasralla reworked it with some friends as a full band song, and re-released it earlier this month to raise money for Palestinian mutual aid, and have since raised $5000. The song is an absolute epic post-rock masterpiece. Despite not being traditionally punk, "binti" is one of the most punk songs of the year. It's accentuated with what sounds like an enormous band, and is kind of like if Neutral Milk Hotel were more rock and angrier. Dunums are going to be a band we'll be excited to keep an eye on just based on how great of a piece of art "binti" is.

Sijal Nasralla says of "binti":

"When I was 12 I saw Mohammad Al Durra get shot on tv in his father’s arms in Gaza and it destroyed me. He was also 12. In 2008 I sat horrified with the story of Amal, Kanan, Mona, and Mahmoud – four child survivors of a massacre on the street they lived on – Samouni street, a street that carries their family’s name. A few years later, they made an animated video to tell their story. Their art was a practice of hope amidst overwhelming pain that burdened me for years, the rest of the world around me appeared unphased."

You can listen to "binti" below. I wasn't that thought is due out October 4 on Sleepy Cat Records, and is available for pre-order through Bandcamp. For more on Dunums, check out the band's website.

Save Ferris - "Lights Out in the Reptile House"

During their first run, I considered myself too cool for Save Ferris. They were just too pop for what I enjoyed at the time, but I've since revisited them, and they were always great, and I was a snobby idiot. Luckily, the third wave ska legends are once again back with new music and an upcoming tour! "Lights Out in the Reptile House" is a ridiculously fun song heavy on both ska and pop. Plus, it has a certain unexpected theatricality to it. It's an infectiously catchy song that kind of sounds like it could be from an upcoming ska musical... but a really fun and great one. If you've always loved Save Ferris, "Lights Out in the Reptile House" is going to prove you right. And if you're a relative newbie like me, welcome aboard!

Singer Monique Powell says of her band's new single:

"We're incredibly proud of 'Lights Out In The Reptile House' and can't wait for our fans to hear it. This song captures the essence of Save Ferris and reflects the passion and energy we bring to our music."

You can watch the video for "Lights Out in the Reptile House" below. For more on Save Ferris, check them out on Facebook and Instagram. Upcoming tour dates are below the video.

Mon, JUL 22 @ WAVE ICT- Wichita, KS #
Tue, JUL 23 @ The Astro - La Vista, NE #
Wed, JUL 24 @ Gabe's - Iowa City, IA
Thu, JUL 25 @ Reggies Rock Club - Chicago, IL
Fri, JUL 26 @ The Magic Bag - Ferndale, MI
Sat, JUL 27 @ Rumba Cafe - Columbus, OH
Sun, JUL 28 @ Beachland Ballroom & Tavern - Cleveland, OH
Thu, AUG 8 @ Jergel's Rhythm Grille - Warrendale, PA
Fri, AUG 9 @ Phantom Power - Millersville, PA
Sat, AUG 10 @ Broken Goblet Brewing - Bensalem, PA
Sun, AUG 11 @ Rec Room - Buffalo, NY
Mon, AUG 12 @ The Song & Dance - Syracuse, NY
Tue, AUG 13 @ Elsewhere (Rooftop) - Brooklyn, NY
Wed, AUG 14 @ Space Ballroom - Hamden, CT
Thu, AUG 15 @ Brighton Music Hall - Allston, MA
Sat, AUG 17 @ The Music Hall- Portsmouth, NH
Sun, AUG 18 @ Asbury Lanes - Asbury Park, NJ
Fri, SEP 6 @ Launchpad - Albuquerque, NM
Sat, SEP 7 @ Ska Brewing Co - Durango, CO +

with Goldfinger, Unwritten Law, Urethane *

with The Offspring, The Urge #

with special guests The Toasters +

Oruā - "Caboclo"

Photo by Pan Alves

Experimental lo-fi Brazilian band Oruā sound even cooler than that explanation sounds. Their latest single, "Caboclo," has all of the lo-fi/DIY sound of your favorite indie rock bands, all of the noise and sonic left turns you'd expect from an experimental rock band, and the groove that just exudes from Brazilian bands. It's all put together in a way to make "Caboclo" one of the more exciting listens of the year, even if the song is inherently laid back. Experimental, lo-fi music isn't exactly known for its strong groove, but Oruā are going to make you question why it isn't more common.

Oruā says of their new single:

"Caboclo is a warrior who came from the forest and is said to be the son of a European settler and an Indigenous Brazilian. In the common Brazilian universe, Caboclo is a runner and does everything he can to survive.

"In the center of Rio de Janeiro in 2024, Caboclo received a bullet, died on the spot and came back a few minutes later with his head held high.

"OBA OBA Ê
"OBA OBA Ô"

You can watch the video for "Caboclo" below. Passe is out now on Transfusāo Records/IFB Records, and is available through Bandcamp. For more on Oruā, check out the band's website. Upcoming tour dates are below the video.

July 22nd - Portland, OR - Swan Dive
July 23rd - Seattle, WA - Chop Suey
July 25th - Eugene, OR - Sam Bond’s Garage
July 26th - Arcata, CA - Miniplex
July 27th - San Francisco, CA - El Rio
July 28th - Los Angeles, CA - Resident
July 29th - San Diego, CA - Soda Bar
July 30th - Phoenix, AZ - Linger Longer Lounge
July 31th - Albuquerque, NM - The Minnow 
Aug 3rd - Austin, TX - The 13th Floor
Aug 7th - Gainesville, FL - The How Bazaar
Aug 8th - Tampa, FL - Hooch & Hiv
Aug 11th - Durham, NC - Rubies on 5 Points
Aug 12th - Washington, DC - The Garage 
Aug 14th - Philadelphia, PA - Philamoca
Aug 15th - Brooklyn, NY - Baker Falls x Knitting Factory
Aug 17th - Pittsburgh, PA - Poetry
Aug 18th - Detroit, MI - Lager House
Aug 19th - Windsor, ON - Meteor
Aug 20th - Chicago, IL - Burlington Bar
Aug 21th - Minneapolis, MN - Cloudland
Aug 23rd - Colorado Spring, CO - Lulus
Aug 24th - Denver, CO - Larimer
Aug 25th - Salt Lake City, UT - The DLC at Quarters Arcade Bar

Josephine Network - "Fat Doll"

Photo by Loren Lenox

It's a Friday, and that means we could all use a song like "Fat Doll" to get us pumped for the weekend. The latest single from Brooklyn based queer glam rock artist Josephine Network is a glam rock number that owes quite a bit to predecessors like T. Rex. "Fat Doll" also has more than a little grit in its glam, so to me it sounds like T. Rex meets Thelma and The Sleaze. Josephine Network have crafted a "... celebration of transfeminity doubling as an ode to big girls who rock," and turned it into a killer party ready rock anthem. Even if that doesn't describe you, you'd have to be devoid of a soul to not love "Fat Doll."

Josehine Network describes her new single as "“a fun body-positive banger that breaks through Ozempic-era beauty norms with the power of rock and roll."

You can watch the video for "Fat Doll" below. The song is currently available via Bandcamp. For more on Josephine Network, check out the artist on Instagram.

Sparxsea - "Roses in the Street"

Photo by Will Bradford

Hailing from Maine, Sparxsea is making indie-pop that doesn't quite sound like anyone else. Her latest single, "Roses in the Street," combines piano syths, acoustic guitars, and programmed drum beats into a surprisingly organic singer-songwriter goes indie pop song. The song merges such diverse sounds into such a compelling composition that is strikingly fresh yet familiar. It's like a melding of trip hop, mainstream 90's folk-rock, and modern indie pop. Sparxsea feels like one of those artists that you're either going to dislike or be infatuated with, with very little in between.

Sparxsea says of her latest single:

“This is a ‘darkest before the dawn’ song. That last hour before dawn, before that rose breaks through the concrete into the street and becomes something beautiful for people to appreciate. I write about what I need to get through hard times, words that I need to hear. It's a song about abundance. There’s enough love out there for everyone. You just have to be open to it. Everything can seem very hard until you break through.”

You can watch the video for "Roses in the Street" below. On the Sea is due out September 13. For more on Sparxsea, check out the artist's website.