Portland – Emo was alive and well at Mississippi Studios on Thursday night when they hosted midwest powerhouse, Cloakroom. The trio’s commanding almost-explosive techniques were highlighted by the venue’s immense sound. Cloakroom’s live show solidified that every musical element is imperative to their heavy, carefully constructed “stoner emo.” Cloakroom is not a part of the
Chicago – Lincoln Hall was packed with men and women donning leather jackets, and black skinny jeans. The music hall was a sea of long hair and tattoos. Not a usual sight for the Lincoln Park venue. But then again, Toronto rockers METZ aren’t your stereotypical noise rock band either. Fans packed the main floor
New York - Stranger Cat celebrated the recent release of their debut LP Into The Wilderness (out on Joyful Noise Recordings and reviewed by BestNewBands here) at Rough Trade May 20th. The duo, comprised of Cat Martino and Sven Britt, demonstrated that the tracks written and recorded in rural California came together to become part of
Los Angeles – With a sold-out crowd that was every bit as diverse and eclectic as the headliner’s set list, Hiatus Kaiyote spent the evening dropping tracks from their breakout debut LP as well as this year’s Choose Your Weapon. The Australian band has gained a ton of momentum since releasing their sophomore album earlier
San Francisco – The first time I saw San Fermin, it was in a tiny club in New Orleans called Gasa Gasa. Their eponymous debut album was barely six months old, and even on a cool March evening everyone was sweating in the tiny space. Still, it was a sold out show, and for good
Chicago – Blue and purple lights danced around stage. The men of Mini Mansions glowed turquoise, indigo, and cyan while singing, “Do you want to have fun / Do you want a good time?” Surely everyone at The Riviera Theatre was down for both, and thanks to LA three-piece Mini Mansions, an entertaining evening was
Chicago – The guys of Heaters, along with Chicago bands Bleach Party and Uh Bones, lit a surf rock, psychedelic fire Thursday night. Watching Heaters on stage at Schubas, you’d think the three lanky psych rockers resided in Sunny California where bands like The Growlers, Shannon and the Clams, the Ty Segall Band have made
Nashville – New York born but Nashville grown, Clear Plastic Masks dove into a raucous set this past Wednesday night at the High Watt. With Andrew Katz on lead vocals and guitar, the band’s presence onstage was somehow both parts effortless and commanding—their attitude as distinctive as the high-energy rhythm that makes up their music.
Los Angeles – Formed in Tel Aviv just three years ago, Vaadat Charigim has rapidly risen to the forefront of the alternative music world with 2013’s The World is Well Lost. Sinking as a Stone, their sophomore LP, is slated for release this week on Burger Records. The three piece outfit creates a sound that
Brooklyn – Florida indie rockers Surfer Blood played Music Hall of Williamsburg May 11th in support of their just released third LP, 1000 Palms, noted as “their most mature record to date” by Best New Bands here and released on indie label Joyful Noise. Despite a turbulent couple of years that saw the band dropped