If It's Too Loud...

Photo by Eric Bones House of Harm have such an interesting sound that evokes late 80's/early 90's synth heavy alt-rock while still feeling like modern day music. Their latest single, "Two Kinds," is a slower song that isn't quite a ballad, but isn't quite mid-tempo either. It sort of has a Pet Shop Boys discover feedback thing going for it. It has that upbeat New Wave sound, but in a downtempo/goths trying to pretend everything is ok way. It's an oddly beautiful song that feels like when you're in a deep funk and trying desperately to pull yourself out of it. This might be what's so great about House of Harm's music. It always feels like it's living in two worlds at the same time and finding a way to bridge them both. Lead singer Michael Rocheford says of the new song: “The lyrics are written from a place of reflection and weakness. It’s a desperate call for things to return to the way they were, imperfections and all.” You can watch the vi...

Photo by Gerson Vargas House of Harm have one of the most unique and most familiar sounds in Boston. The trio's latest single, "Roseglass," is described as "shadow-pop" in their press release, and that's a perfect description for their sound. It's a dark version of New Wave without getting quite as post-punk as Joy Division. "Roseglass" is reminding me of a darker version of Pet Shop Boys or Depeche Mode while still having a pop style sound. The song doesn't quite sound like the 80's or 2023, but almost like this alternate reality where both eras happen at the same time. Lead singer Michael Rocheford says about the band's new single: “;Roseglass' is about the human cycle of putting yourself into situations where you feel like you’re an intruder for the sake of a better outcome later.” You can watch the video for "Roseglass" below. Playground is due out December 1, and is available for pre-order here . For more on House...

With the upcoming re-release of Bikini Kill's debut album, Revolution Girl Style Now! , we were promised three previously unheard songs. One of them can now be listened to! "Playground" starts off slow and ultra-sludgy, more like Dinosaur Jr's first album or Mudhoney than Bikini Kill. Around the 2:30 mark things really kick in with a thirty second blast of hardcore. It all ends after 3:33 seconds, and legend has it that's because the tape ran out, which is the punkest thing I've ever heard. And, of course, it has Kathleen Hanna's brilliant vocals throughout. The reissue of Revolution Girl Style Now! is due out on September 22, which is the old school Tuesday album release date. You can pre-order it now in various packages on bikinikill.com .