best-emerging-bands-artists

Pile to play Great Scott 11/17

Listening to Pile is kind of like being in the eye of a storm--there are brief moments of calm, punctuated by the cacophony of the hurricane hurling around you. A lot of what makes the band so engaging to listen to is that while they certainly deliver the head-nod worthy riffs of an indie rock band, they're also explosive and driving--constantly pushing the limits of simple song structures and edging toward blanketing the listener in total noise. The result is an unpredictable sonic experience with expert dynamic play, and gleaming, textbook examples of bridled chaos. If the sky ever cracks open, this may be your soundtrack to the end of the world. Check out Pile 11/17 at Great Scott with Palm and Dust from 1000 Years, and listen to them streaming below.-Olivia Sisinni

 

November 01, 2016    

The Deli Philly’s November Record of the Month: Romantic - Mannequin Pussy

Mannequin Pussy’s second LP, Romantic (Tiny Engines), opens without a shred of warning or restraint. Full throttle and in your face, the full-length’s initial statement, “Kiss,” is an anthem of self-care and self-acceptance, whose teeth sink deep into the spine of its listener. Brief but memorable, the song is delectably abrasive, fueled by heart and hunger.
 
The album’s title track, “Romantic,” is equally fierce, but more melodic. As frontwoman Marisa Dabice’s vocals rise above the tidal crash of swelling riffs and cymbals, it is difficult not to think of Courtney Love circa Live Through This or Kim Gordon’s angst-filled diction on “Drunken Butterfly”. The calm between “Romantic” and “Ten” is momentary before the fast-paced punk ballad – barely a minute in length – unfolds, serving in a way as an energetic and impassioned prelude to the nostalgia-laden “Emotional High”. Straightforwardly heartfelt, Romantic’s third offering is like a valentine or text message never sent to the friend that you wish was more than a friend. “I wanted you to know that darling, if you’re lonely, you know what you gotta do, all you gotta do is call.” Dabice sings in a warm tone that later evolves into fervent screams during “Pledge”.
 
Mannequin Pussy’s ability to transition between melody and dissonance from track to track is mesmerizing, making the poppy hook of “Denial” as effective as the deliberate bombast of “Everything”. An audible coupling of yin and yang, Romantic captures the dark and light side of longing, passion, and love. “Anything,” a probable epilogue for “Everything,” is a grunge-y testament to intimacy and the elusive and ever-changing nature of desire.
 
“Meatslave One” and “Hey, Steven,” much like the songs that precede them, are anything but coy, confronting listeners with the directness of an unblinking and all-seeing eye. Ending with harmony-laden “Beside Myself,” Romantic’s final moments are much like its first – unshakably fervent and sincere. - Dianca London

November 01, 2016    

Zula releases 'Grasshopper' LP + plays Sunnyvale on 12.15

We kind of missed Zula's announcement of the release of their new album 'Grassopper,' out at the end of August. As we had the chance to express when we made their 2013 album 'This Hopeful' our NYC Record of the Month,' with their blend of post rock and psych pop, the quartet is one of the most interesting NYC bands to come out of Brooklyn this decade. The new record sounds like an even stronger release, more solid in both the songwriting and production departements, and also more mature in terms of personality: the group has found its voice and it's refining it, which is what happens when talented musicians stick around in the same band long enough to hone their skill and grow musically, together - a rare sight to behold these days. Don't miss their live show at Sunnyvale on December 15th. - Photo by Alicia Walter

October 31, 2016    

Light the Black Flame Candle with the Halloween HoPo Party

 *poster by Jodie Beechem

How could this show not be on our radar? Lose Yr Mind Fest has killed it with this witchy presention of bands, with the theme being that of one of everyone's favorite Halloween movies, Hocus Pocus. HoPo, or the Halloween Hocus Pocus Party will see the Liquor Store transform into its own Salem, Mass., with Cat Hoch, Fog Father and Wampire serving as our harmonious Sanderson Sisters.

As to which band correlates to Sarah, Winnie and Mary? That's up to you, but Fog Father will be releasing a single this night as well, making the whole thing even more fun. 

To boot, Hocus Pocus will be playing on a projection screen behind the bands as they play and there will be a late night dance party following the sets. If you wear a costume, you'll be entered to win some prizes! 

HoPo is 21+, $10 and a good mix of traditional Halloween celebrating (there will be candy, too!) and the way Portland celebrates - with music.

October 29, 2016    

PALMAS unveil orchestral single “Flowers,” play Rockwood on 11.01

Following the debut EP To The Valley from 2015, PALMAS has released a new single called “Flowers”, featuring a beautiful and rather impressive arrangement clearly inspired to The Beach Boys' "Pet Sounds": hammond organs, french horns and a luscious string section build on the lead choral vocals, which draw celestial melodies Mr. Brian Wilson himself would be proud of (if he only got around to listen!). We are looking forward to see how PALMAS develops their infatuation with the 60’s pop revival, and in the meantime don't miss their upcoming live show at Rockwood Music Hall on November 1. - Ashley Muniz

October 28, 2016