Portland – Mississippi Studios hosted synth pop duo Wishyunu on Sunday night, which doubled as a release show for their just-dropped (and self-issued) 7’’ Photoplay. Wishyunu’s sound is an experience, one which is almost unexpected. The duo utilizes lead singer Bei Yan’s delicate vocals, guitar and synth machine, and drummer Tony Bertaccini to create their
Los Angeles – On one hand, the rise of METZ in the modern underground music scene is perplexing; the influence of electronic and pop music has slowly whittled down the number of acts that flaunt angular guitar riffs and liberal use of distortion. On the other hand, there have been few contemporary groups able to match
San Francisco – It’s hard to find an indie rock band completely free of irony in the 21st century. Rock artists seem to have a cynical chip on their shoulders these days, unable to enjoy the simple pleasures of loud guitars and pounding drums without a detached sense of humor coating it all. Parquet Courts,
Los Angeles – After breaking out in a major way with their rowdy, pub-rock-indebted 2013 debut 180, Palma Violets did what any young buzz band would do: they spent the subsequent months on the road, connecting with old fans and winning over new ones, garnering a reputation for a rowdy live show. After all that
San Francisco – When a band names an album after themselves that’s not their debut, it’s usually an attempt to reimagine a musical identity (check the Beatles bizarrely beautiful self-titled White Album), reestablish a place in the pantheon of rock ‘n’ roll icons (Pearl Jam’s acceptance of themselves as a full-blown arena rock act on
New York – Hotly tipped U.K. indie band Coasts played a sold-out show on the Lower East Side at Bowery Ballroom on April 30; a key stop on their first headlining U.S. tour. The Bristol-based quintet, comprised of Chris Caines, James Gamage, David Goulbourn, Ben Street and Liam Willford, are touring in support of the
Chicago – This past weekend, Brooklyn trio The Antlers opened two sold-out shows for Death Cab For Cutie at the historic Chicago Theatre. Best New Bands was fortunate to take in the Friday night performance. We last caught The Antlers over the summer at Lincoln Hall, in support of Familiars (ANTI-). Their Friday night visit
Los Angeles – Over the past few years, Sydney, Australia quintet Gang of Youths have been producing incredible singles, but it wasn’t until just last month that they finally released their highly anticipated debut LP, The Positions. I reviewed the record for Best New Bands noting, “The Positions will haunt you, but console you. It
Los Angeles – Perfect for new music Tuesday, Neon Trees have just released their new single, “Songs I Can’t Listen To.” The new track, written by Tyler Glenn, is sharable on VEVO, is available for purchase on iTunes HERE and also on Spotify HERE. Listen to the audio for “Songs I Can’t Listen To,” below! Front man of Neon Trees, Tyler Glenn, shares
Nashville – firekid, the brainchild of bluegrass artist Dillon Hodges, is a novel idea. Combining his love of Americana music with an electro-indie influence, Hodges has created something surprising and unique in this latest venture. And Nashville, his home of nearly three years, has provided the perfect backdrop for the band. I talked with Hodges