Garage Rock group Gal Gun kicked off 2020 by releasing a new EP called “Beauty Community”. This is the first new music from the group since 2018’s Special Music of Emotion.

Our favorite track on first listen is the catchy and fun closer, “Pizza Community”.

Garage rock four piece Dropper’s debut EP is a sun-drenched, nonchalant release, marching forward at an easygoing pace, bright guitar work and a muted-yet-emotional vocal performances in hand. Even during the release’s most heated moments, such as the shredding breakdowns on “$2 Beer,” Dropper manages to keep their sound centered and energetic, endowing their self-titled effort with an atmosphere that is engaging, never cacophonous. It’s a difficult task to produce guitar-driven rock that spirals outwards as a means of creating a compelling listen, but Dropper are confident keeping things calmly focused; listen to it below, and see the band perform at Rough Trade on January 15th, opening for THICK. —Connor Beckett McInerney

Garage Rock group Town Criers recently released second EP of the year and their third overall, Town Criers III.

The band was interviewed by Jennifer Machuca for Music Why Not! two years ago after having just released their first two singles, and you can relive that full interview below.

The term “jam band” can be a divisive term, evoking images of meandering guitar work and instrumentation pandering to a heady listener base, and while NJ-based outfit Garcia Peoples incorporates psych rock as a founding pillar of their music, their new LP One Step Behind embraces a fuller sound. Opener and title track “One Step Behind” begins on a jazz fusion note, gradually segueing into an accessible, more indie influenced groove; while there’s no shortage of noodling guitar solos, the band’s eager incorporation of garage and prog rock could turn even the most reticent of listeners into full fledged fans. Stream it below to hear for yourself, and catch Garcia Peoples at Le Poisson Rouge on December 30th, opening for Ryley Walker.

Earlier this month I was lucky enough to be at the jam packed Lee’s Palace for Danko Jones featuring the garage rockin’ Enchanters as the openers. This power trio, fronted by Craig Daniels, play great throwback 60’s garage rock with a heavy brit-rock influence from bands like The Kinks. Daniels’ fashion sense is second to none with the vintage striped pants he dawned as they took the stage. They opened up with a tune called “Backstabbers UK” which set the tone nicely. However they really kicked it into high gear on their third tune “Torture Chamber” which actually gives off some early KISS vibes. The guitar solo in particular ripped especially hard. “Too Late” showed off some psych rock elements but the highlight of the set was the gritty rocker “Firetruck”. The crowd popped huge as they finished the tune at a frenetic pace. The rhythm section were able to show off some of their chops during the final tune “High Heel Roller Skates”. Overall great set by Enchanters who would have certainly been hard to follow. Your next opportunity to rock out with them would be Saturday January 25^th at This Ain’t Hollywood in Hamilton or Saturday February 15^th at Bovine Sex Club. – Kris Gies