fresh Tracks
Varsity
Second Act
Another single off Varsity’s demo release The Basement Takes (dropping November 15th). “Second Act” shows the roots of what has become one of Chicago's premier indie pop acts.
Engine Summer
Carol’s Dead
Bumping new track “Carol’s Dead” from Chicago trio Engine Summer promises the same intense post rock swagger that have made them one of the cities most fun live bands.
We missed them Thursday at The Whistler. Sad faces all around...
REZN , Lume
Live at Electrical Studio
Local experimental metal luminarys REZN and Lume have combined to give us a collab studio performance with Live at Electrical Studio. Hold onto your beards and check your mind at the door.
REZN - Friday September 27th - Revolution Oktoberfest - 4:00PM
REZN and Lume Collab Show - Empty Bottle - October 12th
Boys V.S. Girls
She’s A Rager!!!
A killer track from local artist Boys V.S. Girls hits on all the right levels. Our only complaint with “She’s A Rager!!!” is the 2:30 run time, which just means it deserves to be played twice.
The Shades
Great Escape
Harmonies prevail on local trio The Shades new tune “Great Escape.” Harkening back to radio rock of the mid 90’s, The Shades hooky bop is sure to please anyone who pines for simpler times and rolling melodies.
Just Friends
Fever
Soul/funk collective Just Friends return riding the coattails of last years excellent Nothing but Love with new single “Fever.” A fun loving, funkified joy of a tune that is sure to brighten up the day.
Donovan Woods
Way Way Back
The Toronto folker takes a pop turn with “Way Way Back.” Known for his heartfelt acoustic performances, Donovan Woods takes a dive into mainstream songwriting and comes out the other side with a really damn fine tune.
Soccer Mommy
Lucy
Sophie Allison just keeps putting out singles and “Lucy,” her latest in a long line of standalones preceding 2018 standout Soccer Mommy album Clean, keeping the talented Nashville artist in the positive public eye. It helps that everyone of the new tunes is killer. As our friend Dave exclaims, “why is XRT sleeping on this girl!”
V.V. Lightbody
Allowance
A gorgeous new track from Vivian McConnell, who is currently finishing a new album coming in Spring ‘20, “Allowance” is everything we have come to expect from one of Chicago’s brightest lights.
Fran
Company
“Company” is the lead single from the debut full length from Chicago indie rockers Fran. And if this tune is any indication A Private Picture promises to contain some of Maria Jacobson’s rawest and most personal work to date.
Blacker Face
My Life Matters
Blacker Face continues to invigorate with their third single off new record Distinctive Juju, due out October 18th on Sooper Records. What can this local act not do? We are convinced: they can do it all.
The Burst and Bloom
Rush
We’re a bit late to the party but “Rush” by locals The Burst and Bloom had us jamming all the way to Riot Fest this weekend. The Burst and Bloom deserves to be on everyone's radar. Get out to see them soon.
It looks like The Burst and Bloom is looking for a new drummer!
NO MEN
Sucker
If you’re not excited about the upcoming NO MEN record, their first in three years, then you don’t have any blood in your veins. And if “Sucker” doesn’t get it pumping, nothing will.
- Kyle Land
Decible Crawl Fest - Elastic Arts - September 20th
Lincoln Hall - October 31st
Cam’s Jams
Loverocket Revolution
A beachy psych rock journey of trippy proportions awaits from Cam’s Jams. With “Loverocket Revolution” the Chicago journeyman Cameron Cowles (Peach Fuzz, Modern Shag) hits all the right buttons in his debut solo track.
- Kyle Land
Danny Brown
Dirty Laundry
If first single “Dirty Laundry” is any indication Danny Brown’s upcoming album uknowhatimsayin¿ (due October 4th) is gonna be on everyone's shortlist for hip hop record of the year.
- Kyle Land
Grimes
Violence
A collaboration with producer i_0, Canadian singer and songwriter Grimes releases electro indie song, “Violence”, a tune that gives out a dance melody while contrasting her lyrics of domestic abuse. The music video is really abstract and interesting, while in the beginning she reads the book, The Art of War, Grimes is surrounded by dancers wielding weapons while she is in the middle, dancing and at times, wearing a mask over her mouth. The music video is as intriguing as the song.
- Nicole Locarno
Swans
It’s Coming It’s Real
From Swans you come to expect epic. And the nearly eight minute “It’s Coming, It’s Real” doesn’t skimp in that department. The lead single from new album Leaving Meaning sounds like the NYC outfit hasn’t missed a beat since ‘16s The Glowing Man.
- Kyle Land
Ex Hex
It’s Real / What Kind of Monster Are You?
Ex Hex rolled out the cut title track to their latest record It’s Real along with a cover of the Slant 6’s “What Kind of Monster Are You?” After adding Michelle Mae on bass, freeing up Betsy Wright to join Mary Timony on guitar we’ve heard their live shows have hit another level!
-Kyle Land
Chelsea Wolfe
Deranged for Rock & Roll
Chelsea Wolfe raises fans’ anticipation for her new album, Birth of Violence, by releasing this vocally soft yet intriguing electronic and acoustic melody in new song “Deranged for Rock & Roll”. The tonal change in her vocals from the chorus to the verses with this looming melody that gets louder and louder as the song progresses, gives this dark and creepy feeling as she embraces her self in the lust for the genre.
-Nicole Locarno