San Francisco – Viet Cong are a fantastic Canadian band whose illustrious eclecticism has torn a new one in the figurative behind of modern independent music. Their self-titled debut LP is one for the ages, and at just seven tracks long, its prowess is both defiant and terrifying. The band consists of two former members
Nashville – With their latest self-titled release (via Burger Records), Cotillon once again shines with an ethereal follow up to their breezy 2013 White Roses EP. Led by the visionary singer-songwriter Jordan Corso, and known for their warm, floral sound that evokes the glory days of California surf pop, it seems that the band is
Portland – Often in rock music, the adage “less is more” holds true. Range Anxiety, the new album from Melbourne-based Twerps (out this week on Merge Records in the U.S.), is a prime example of how accurate that statement is. With two guitars, bass, drums, and vocals shared by every member, the four-piece act has
Chicago – It was a homecoming of sorts for Islander this past Sunday. The South Carolina nu-metal band was in Chicago, home to their label Victory Records. Swarms of label employees came to see the band they’ve been praising as “the next big thing,” in alternative metal anyway. Seeing as the foursome was hand-picked by
Los Angeles – Templeton, California band Night Riots is a five-piece outfit, which includes Travis Hawley (vocals), Nick Fotinakes (guitar), Matt DePauw (guitar), Mikel Van Kranenburg (bass), and Rico Rodriguez (drums). Their brand new second EP, Howl, from Sumerian Records is a supercharged record that combines the sounds of 80s and modern rock into one
Melbourne, Australia’s Courtney Barnett, singer-songwriter, guitar virtuoso, visual artist and label owner whose 2013 release The Double EP: A Sea of Split Peas set the music world alight, is releasing her debut LP Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit on March 24 via Mom + Pop Music. Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I
Chicago – Live albums can often be hit or miss. The ones that make the mark transport you to the venue, bringing a concert to life. Ty Segall Band’s Live In San Francisco (Castle Face Records) does just that, but with an extra dose of who gives a f**k and a side of brilliance! The
Portland – Author and music aficionado Nick Hornby (“High Fidelity”) wrote that musicians often have two options while crafting their songs. One way is to create something so weird that nobody has ever done it before, but does not warrant a second listen. Alternatively, “You (can) think, write, play, and sing as though you have
Chicago – Lately more and more teenagers have been breaking into the music industry thanks to the power of social media and music sharing sites like YouTube, SoundCloud, Spotify, and Bandcamp. However, there’s definitely more to it than exposure. Social networking and the readily available technology have groomed a generation of kids to be industry
Nashville – Brooklyn-based super-duo Hank & Cupcakes rocked a blowout performance at the High Watt the other night. Comprised of wife Ariel Scherbacovsky and husband Sagit Shir, The Tel Aviv natives delivered a mind-blowing set packed with pure energy and a hearty serving of the band’s characteristic quirkiness. Their positively unique spin on upbeat electro-pop