Cloakroom Proves Emo is Alive and Well in Portland

Cloakroom

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

Continue Reading →

METZ Turn Lincoln Hall Punk

METZ live by Sarah Hess

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

Continue Reading →

The Growlers Announce Fall Tour Dates!

BEST-NEW-BANDS-The-Growlers

New York – The music of The Growlers is unmistakable. Sure, you can hone in on some influences baked into the work of this California-bred band. Heck, even they’d cop to a few, like Ricky Nelson and The Clash but, once those same ”RIYL” tags have been filtered through the minds and hands and voices of this

Continue Reading →

Mutual Admiration: Jakubi and Their U.S. Audiences

Jakubi

Portland – Melbourne’s soulful newcomers, Jakubi, are on the rise to fame. The vivacious band is currently on their second U.S. tour promoting their EP Holiday and newly released single, “Couch Potato.” The band’s show at the Goodfoot Pub & Lounge brought even their underage fans. Bassist Jacob Farah didn’t let them leave empty-handed however,

Continue Reading →

Mini Mansions Brought the Fun to Chicago

Mini Mansions live by Sarah Hess

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

Continue Reading →

Clear Plastic Masks Heat Up The High Watt

Clear Plastic Masks live

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.

Continue Reading →