2014 Rock 'N' Roll Rumble Champions

Goddamn Draculas for the win (image credit)

And your 2014 Rock 'N' Roll Rumble Champions are Goddamn Draculas!

One of our favorites from the preliminaries, DRAX powered their way through each round with gruff, rigger, some fancy lighting and those signature harmonies, ultimately taking on Petty Morals and Await Rescue during the sold out Finals night and then the crown.

The Dirty Looks - Line of Sight

Download your copy of Line of Sight on Bandcamp today.

With the recent success of local emotive bands like The Hotelier and Somos, we’re keeping the next band to emerge from that camp, The Dirty Looks, tight on our radar.

Their 4-song EP Line of Sight (Green Line Records) is the follow up to the 2013 split EP with Fairgrounds.

The Dirty Looks successfully create an air of relatable vulnerability with their music. Line of Sight hits all the right points; melodic guitars, crucial intermission breakdown with tide turning conclusion, and vivid imagery with lines like “Skin and bones hiding under the table, Rearranged to the point of disabled.”

Released April 18th, free Bandcamp downloads of the EP ran out within 24 hours. Digital downloads have been replenished at a name your price purchase, physical CDs are available during live shows.

Follow The Dirty Looks on Facebook and Twitter for additional information and upcoming show dates.

EMERGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT! MINERAL IS PLAYING A REUNION TOUR

All of our wildest dreams are coming true. Mineral is coming to Boston.

UPDATE (4/24 3:14p)
Tickets for the 9/10 show at Brighton Music Hall will go on sale Friday, April 25th at 11am via Ticketmaster.


Oh hey, just an FYI...the short-lived yet forever eternal 90’s emo band, Mineral, will embark on a (for now) quick 20th Anniversary Tour of nostalgic pining and ethereal, angst-ridden noise beginning September with Into It. Over It., stopping at the Brighton Music Hall in Allston on September 10th and finishing up at FEST 13 in Gainesville, FL. CLEAR OUR CALENDAR.

Mineral 2014 Tour Dates
09-05 New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom
09-06 New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom
09-09 Washington, DC - Black Cat
09-10 Boston, MA - Brighton Music Hall
09-11 Philadelphia, PA - Union Transfer
09-12 Cleveland, OH - Grog Shop
11-02 Gainesville, FL - The Fest 13

You can stalk follow Brighton Music Hall on Facebook and Twitter for ticket sale dates. Now listen to one of the best fucking albums of your life, in its entirety.

Old Gray, Tiny Moving Parts Split

Old Gray Tiny Moving Parts split out mid May. Pre-orders available now.

NH manic emotional poetic musicians Old Gray will release a split 7” with equally heart-on-sleeve Minnesota band Tiny Moving Parts mid May.

The brain melting post-hardcore collaboration will be put out by Kind of Like Records and Broken World Media, and limited to 500 copies.

This Is Boston Not LAme - April 26th

Your last chance to catch 'THIS IS BOSTON NOT LAme" is this Saturday, April 26th 7p-11p at SweeTree Ink Gallery 281A Mt Auburn St Watertown. This "very kick ass art show" features four generations of Boston Punk Rock scene in photos by Gail Rush, Tara Feely, Nicole Tammaro and Dave Tree.

Expect Boston rock n roll history expressed in photography, snapshots of staple Boston bands like SSD, Dropkick Murphys, Kings of Nuthin’ and Mighty Mighty Bosstones at original venues like the Channel, the Rat and the Middle East, complimentary refreshments and vinyl jams spinning in the background.

SweeTree Ink Gallery was established March 2010 by Dave TREE and Tyler Sweet and provides screen printing and graphic design services of the highest caliber. Preview photos on display in The Artery’s (90.9 wbur) report.

Bloghead Podcast Signs Off - Ocelot Records Takes Over

Bloghead Podcast creator Steve Knowles makes room for new project, Ocelot Records.

After 3 years and 42 episodes, Boston Bloghead (aka Bloghead Podcast) has signed off for the last time. Originally established at the end of 2010 as a website dedicated to detailing the Boston rock and punk scene, Bloghead soon branched out to include a podcast, show booking and promotions entity and a spinoff podcast, “New England Local Lode” manned by Bloghead co-host Jason Powers.

In a recent announcement, founder Steve Knowles explains, “The time has come to say farewell to Boston Bloghead. It was a tough decision to make, but new music adventures (and life) have stripped away all the time for blogging, podcasting and the like.”

The Snails and Riki Rocksteady & The Arraignments Take Over The Plough and Stars

It's a rocksteady type of night at The Plough and Stars April 26th.

Give us a fruity drink, a tiny umbrella and a seat at the bar this Saturday, because it's spring in Cambridge! The dapper Philadelphia gentlemen of The Snails will be performing rocksteady and reggae-infused music alongside local crooners Riki Rocksteady and the Arraignments Saturday night at The Plough and Stars.

Boston is part of The Snails' short New England stretch before heading out on their Hydrogen Jukebox Tour in support of the upcoming double EP out via Asbestos Records and Stubborn Records this May on CD, vinyl and digital formats.

Songs From The Hydrogen Jukebox is a four-volume series. The May 2014 release will consist of Volume 1: Blue Beat (4 brand new ska/blue beat/boogie songs) and Volume 2: Rock Steady (4 brand new rocksteady songs). Volume 3 and 4 will consist of Reggae and Soul and have a tentative 2015 release date.

For an instant good time, swing by The Plough and Stars (912 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA) Saturday, April 26 at 10pm. 21+, $5 admission. Positive vibes on the house. Full details on the official Facebook event page.

Promote your mixtape at ReverbNation.com

The Rock 'N' Roll Rumble Finals

Get your tickets for the Rock 'N' Roll Rumble Finals now.

All good things must come to an end. Head to TT the Bear's in Central Square, Cambridge on Friday, April 25th for the final installment of the 35th Annual Rock 'N' Roll Rumble. This event is 18+, $12, 8:30p doors. Tickets can be purchased in advanced at TT's Ticketweb. Find full details on the official Facebook event page.

9:30p – Wildcard: Await Rescue

10:15p: Petty Morals

11:00p: Goddamn Draculas

11:45p – Special Guest: The Information

The Okay Win - 'Nothing's Not Moving'

The Okay Win's Nothing's Not Moving out April 15th.

Notorious for staging their lyrical content in contextual allegories, Boston indie band The Okay Win introduce Nothing’s Not Moving with the thoughtful and metaphor-ridden track “Shift”. “Every record up until this point has always started with a loud punch, and this was definitely a change of pace,” states singer Stephen MacDonald. Originally thought to be added as a secret track on the record, “Shift”, which was inspired by a movie quote, "As long as you're facing forward, it's the right direction,” was promoted after the band realized the song encapsulated the overlying message of the album. “That felt like the proper note to start the record on.”

Record Store Day April 19th, 2014

Get your Record Store Day list now.

The seventh annual Record Store Day happens April 19th at an indie store near you and the list is live! … And their site has been crashing all morning. The Animals, The Standells, Veruca Salt, The Zombies? We’re going to go record poor with this lushous list.

FEINTS Out Yellabird In #RUMBLE35

Look at this upset! Due to illness, FEINTS will not be appearing in the wildcard slot for Night 2 of the 35th Annual Rock 'N' Roll Rumble Semifinals. Rock and roll duo, Yellabird, will step in as the new wildcard.

In a recent email, event organizer Anngelle Wood states,

"The nature of the Rock 'n' Roll Rumble is a roller coaster ride of emotion. For us all. We cannot predict any outcome or condition. I am sad to say FEINTS cannot appear tonight as planned but Yellabird will graciously step into the Wildcard spot as their score from night #6 dictates. Send much love to Amy Douglas, a true star of the highest caliber."

FEINTS reacted to the announcement via their Facebook page.

"We won't be able to come rock out tonight for the Rock 'n' Roll Rumble Semis. However, we are thrilled to have made it as far as we did, after all, we're really a baby band among a lot of giants. It's been an ABSOLUTE honor to play with you...we hope whoever takes the crown tonight slays it, you'll see us at Finals cheering on the Victors."

Yellabird originally played Night 6 of the Rumble's preliminary round, but could not surpass the guitar-heavy onslaught of Await Rescue. Doors for tonight's show are at 8:30pm, full details can be found on the official Facebook event page.

Wrong Body Has Right Sound with "Big"

Big out now and available for purchase on Bandcamp.

Big, the first LP from Boston's Wrong Body, takes notes from Fugazi-era post-hardcore, modern indie rock and dare we say a pinch of hard rock harmonies and riffs, but has all post-punk heart. Ghost Thrower summed it up best when they tweeted "Fucking @WRNGBDY is the best band you're not listening to."

Strip-Zeppelin at Club Oberon

Get your tickets now for Strip - Zeppelin Burlesque

For one night only, comedian and vocalist, Niki Luparelli, brings to Club Oberon, Harvard Square, Cambridge, on Friday, May 2, her Strip Zeppelin spectacular, a live music and burlesque explosion blending the best of Led Zeppelin with the best of Boston’s burlesque and aerial artists.

With a stage persona that deftly combines the best of Marilyn Monroe, Bette Midler, and Dean Martin, Niki Luparelli has been wowing area audiences for years with her pin-up girl curves, powerful singing voice, bawdy wit, and adorable drunk act.

Always sassy, brassy, and nigh to bursting from her bustier, Luparelli, cocktail in hand, leads her band the Gold Diggers (aka the Misty Mountains) and a breathtaking array of neo-burlesque performers eager to give you every inch of their love in tribute to the original Hammer of the Gods.

The burlesque performers will include Boston-based exotic extraverts Babes in Boinkland, campy maniac Ginny Nightshade, turquoise haired beauty Bettysioux Tailor, the sinewy and sumptuous Malice in Wonderland, Sparkletown Productions’ & the Glitter Bombs’ Jane Doe, acrobatic aerial ecdysiast Fonda Feeling, and silks divinity Zoso LaRos. Oh my gosh, so many fun words!

Bishop And Rook highly supports scantily clad stage performers and mixed media art. This event is 18+ with valid ID. Tickets are $20-$30 and are available at www.cluboberon.com. Find full details on the official Facebook event page.

Your Rock 'N' Roll Rumble Semifinalists

The Semi-finals of the Rock 'N' Roll Rumble happen 4/17 & 4/18

After an invigorating round of preliminaries involving twenty-four premier Boston bands, eight move onto the Semi-final round of the 35th Annual Rock 'N' Roll Rumble at TT the Bear's, hosted by Anngelle Wood of 100.7 WZLX Boston Emissions. Meet your Semifinalists, and our predictions for Finalist material.

Wake the Fuck up Boston, This is Grenades in the Archives

Support local and touring bands, go to a show. You can sleep when you're dead.

Good morning! Coming off a straight week of Rumbling? How about some energized havoc with your coffee? Boston punk/garage band Grenades in the Archives is brand new and eager to rock your face. Download their debut 3-song EP, Tokyo, on Bandcamp for free now and check them out live tomorrow (4/15) at O’Brien’s Pub in Allston with Ma Jolie (PA), Trophy Lungs, The Weaks (PA), and Costanza (IL). 7p Doors / $8. Full event details.

Follow Grenades in the Archives on Facebook and Twitter for more rock and roll information.

Special Delivery: Vinyl Clubs

Support bands, grow your record collection, sign up for a vinyl club.

What could be better than coming home to a 13x13 media mail package shoved into your tiny mailbox? A case of wine sitting patiently next to your door I suppose, but the "It's here!" excitement or rather, the "Wait, which one is this?" brain teaser is like Christmas for vinyl lovers. Each month is a surprise with a Vinyl of the Month Club!

New England Bands Announced For The 2014 Pouzza Fest IV

New England bands represent at this year's Pouzza Fest!

Stock up on your PBR and Poutine, Pouzza Fest IV is hitting the streets of downtown Montreal May 16, 17 and 18 and several New England bands will be representing in the land of bacon and hockey.

The Dirty Looks Release New Single "Catholic Radio"

Download your copy of "Catholic Radio" on Bandcamp today.

Boston’s pop punk band, The Dirty Looks, have released a new track! Yay! “Catholic Radio” is the first single off the upcoming EP Line of Sight (Green Line Records), the follow up to their 2013 split with Fairgrounds. Head to bandcamp for your free download (with recommended donation) of "Catholic Radio" and other previously recorded works including our super favorite tune "Boston".

Follow The Dirty Looks on Facebook and Twitter for release details and show announcements.

Leonard Nimoy Joins Boston Pops for 'Out of This World' in May

Out of this World with Leonard Nimoy and the Boston Pops this May (image credit)

We know too many people who will be ordering these tickets.

Star Trek actor Leonard Nimoy will join the Boston Pops as the host of two “Out of This World” space-themed programs on May 23 and 24 at Symphony Hall in Boston.

Getting to Know The Rock ‘N’ Roll Rumble Wildcard

Notable Rumble Wildcard alumn, Twin Berlin circa 2013 (image via Daykamp Music)

We are on day three of the 35th Annual Rock ‘N’ Roll Rumble, after getting over that initial hump from the extended Night #1 with reception hour. WE MET ALL THE PEOPLE. WE ARE ALL FRIENDS NOW. MUSIC!

With every champion announced, there is an immediate “you should have won this man!” comment. But all is not lost. Enter stage left, The Wildcard.

2014 Rock 'N' Roll Rumble Preliminary Schedule

These dates will sell out. Get your tickets now.

The preliminary schedule for the 35th annual Rock 'N' Roll Rumble at TT the Bear's in scenic Central Square, Cambridge was announced late last night during WZLX's Boston Emissions with Anngelle Wood.

Now Hear This - You're Not A Starfish, Wear Ear Plugs

Bishop And Rook will be offering free ear plugs during Night #1 of the Rock 'N' Roll Rumble!

Fun fact: Most starfish can regenerate damaged limbs. All humans cannot regenerate damaged hearing.

Studies have shown that the decibel level of a loud rock concert registers at approximately 120dB. The maximum exposure to 120dB of sound without ear protection is a whopping 15 minutes a day before you risk damaging your ear tissue, leading to permanent hearing loss. (The average rock concert runs around 240 minutes.) That’s just a scooch below the loudest recommended exposure WITH hearing protection (at 140dB).

Visit the Rebuilder merch table during Night #1 of the Rock 'N' Roll Rumble for a free pair of ear plugs (while supplies last), complimentary of Bishop And Rook music blog.

#BandcampRoulette

Let’s be honest, the word “punk” has been thrown around as carelessly as Mardi Gras beads at a bachelorette party. The influx of genre buffet style bands associating themselves as post-hardcore-alternative-pop-punk-garage-whatever is becoming a huge fucking annoyance little bit of an issue. That’s why, for future reference, this is what punk sounds like.

The Black Cheers is a Boston punk band comprised of former and current members of Darkbuster, The Acrobrats and Stray Bullets and Raw Sex, and they got "No Plans". Follow them on Facebook and Twitter for show dates and download their full album The Cat, The Rat, The Bat, The Dog for free (at a name your price donation) on Bandcamp today.

Play Bandcamp Roulette.

Noise Atlas Navigates the Sounds of Boston

Boston's newest organizational tool. Noise Atlas is the online database for Boston bands.

Plagued with the popular issue of drawing a blank when looking for that perfect last band to make the most prolific new lineup (preferably in the garage genre, ideally available late May...anyone?), Tim Oxton (Wakes, Polaroids) has created, what in retrospect, appears to be an obvious and brilliant solution like flat bottom taco shells or Kbrakes.

Second Night Added to “Boston Punk Supports the Lieutenant Walsh - Firefighter Kennedy Memorial Fund”

Tickets for Night #2 at The Sinclair go on sale April 3rd at noon.

Due to an overwhelming demand resulting in a sold out Great Scott show in less than 24 hours after ticket sales went live (we called that), a second night has been added on April 23rd, at The Sinclair in Harvard Square. Tickets will go on sale on Thursday, April 3rd at noon EST. All tickets for this 18+ event will be $35.

The April 23rd show will feature performances by The Street Dogs, Ducky Boys, Slap Shot, Old Edison and the resurrection of Avoid One Thing, formed by Joe Gittleman of the Mighty Mighty Bosstones in the early 2000's. The band released two albums on Side One Dummy before going on "permanent hiatus" in 2004. One of their most notable songs was "Lean On Sheena" from their 2002 self-titled album, which was eventually covered by The Bouncing Souls on their 2006 The Gold Record.

Visit the Facebook event page for additional updates.

Purchase tickets (on sale April 3rd at noon).

Doom Lover Releases New Single “Under the Alders”

Download the new Doom Lover single for free now.

 

Because you haven’t had enough theremin today.

Tagged as “science music” (sure, why not), Boston’s Doom Lover dives a little bit deeper into the realm of oddities and peril by accentuating the “doom” with their new single “Under the Alders”.

“Delivering on promises made in their live set, [this] modern-day bluesman's tale is a dulcet murder ballad that gives way to death-defying dynamics,” states Jeffrey Vachon (guitar and vocals) in a recent press release.

You can download your free copy of “Under the Alders” over at Bandcamp now.

Doom Lover will be playing their haunted rock and roll hearts out during Night #2 of the 35th Annual Rock ‘N’ Roll Rumble along with When Particles Collide, Goddamn Draculas and Emma Ate the Lion. Ticket link and additional information for this 18+ event can be found on the official Facebook event page.

Follow Doom Lover on Facebook and Twitter for additional music news and show dates. Get to know Doom Lover!

Rock Out With Your Cocktail Out Vol. XXII

Got a sweet tooth? We got your sugar right here! And your April playlist. (image credit)

Like an Easter Bunny on probation, this whimsical badass pairs perfectly with our April Rock Out With Your Cocktail Out playlist. This month we feature locals The Hotelier, Foreign Tongues and Future Days along with the sweet sounds of Tacocat, Tony Molina and Broken Gold. Oh I have a Jack Daniel's Root Beer Float mustache? Yeah, that’s there on purpose! Press play!