Rock Out With Your Cocktail Out Vol. XXXV

Music and bourbon? We got you. (image credit)

So.many.shows.this.month. If you don’t know, now you know. Pale Angels is celebrating Cinco De Mayo with Fucko at O'Brien's Pub on 5/5. Hop Along will be at Great Scott with Pale Hounds on 5/8, Counterpunch is at Middle East Upstairs with Yo Ticondegroga on 5/13 and Vic Firecracker will reunite during Awesome Day Fest (O’Brien’s stage) with a whole mess of bands on 5/30.

And if that’s not enough, here’s a Fancy Bourbon Punch recipe.

Win Tickets to 'I Hate Music' - A Tribute To The Replacements

Win a pair of tickets. Details below.

Did you win tickets and subsequently see The Replacements last night during Night #1 of the Converse Rubber Tracks blow out super residency at The Sinclair? No? Well here's the next best thing. In true underdog fashion, O’Brien’s Pub in Allston Rock City will present I HATE MUSIC, a Replacements cover band with members of Mean Creek, Dan Webb & The Spiders, and The Dazies, this Saturday (May 2nd) during "Hootenanny" which also features the musical stylings of Courters, Rev. Dan & The Dirty Catechism and NKLS, and you can win a pair of tickets to the show!

How Does One Enter and Potentially Win Said Tickets?

► This contest is closed. Congrats to our winner Colin!

This ticket giveaway ends 9PM EST Friday, May 1st.

An All Call for New England Bands - We Want Yo' Music For A Terrible Mashup

It's about to get wicked Terrible up in here.

Calling all bands. Bishop & Rook is partnering with local mashup artist, Terrible, to create a very special localz only, all-encompassing Boston music scene remix. In an effort to celebrate the diverse and talented music community that we strive to champion on a daily basis, Bishop & Rook and Terrible are looking for tracks to sample.

To get on board with this project, email your isolated instrument and vocal tracks and contact information to Terrible at musicterrible@gmail.com. Current participants include Mr. Fritz, Viva La Hop, LA Jeff, Penalty Kill, and Zip-Tie Handcuffs. Deadline is July 1st.

Terrible is the curator of 'Bike.Barista.Bullshit' and 'Going van Gogh'. When Terrible isn’t producing tracks, he’s Max Shaffer, studying nerd stuffs in Cambridge, and when Max isn’t hitting the books, he’s spinning the records in the underground rock department, The Record Hospital on WHRB 95.3 FM (Harvard Radio Broadcasting).

Related Stories:
'Going van Gogh' - Terrible Has an Ear for Music
'Bike. Barista. Bullshit.' This is Terrible Music

ROUGH FRANCIS Kicks Off Spring Tour in Allston with Varsity Drag, The Darker Hues

High punk energy at Great Scott Allston 4/30/15.

Vermont's soul / punk / garage / energy machine band, and one of the best live acts we've ever seen, ROUGH FRANCIS (Riot House Records) is kicking off their spring tour at Great Scott in Allston this Thursday, April 30th with friends pop punkers Varsity Drag (featuring Ben Deily of The Lemonheads) and post-hardcore band The Darker Hues (Refuse Rethink Rebuild Records). The show is 18+ / Doors 9pm / $10. Come out to support local music and get your face rocked off by a whole mess of talented musicians.

Related Stories:
You Can Shut Down the Government But You Can’t Shut Down Rough Francis

Choke Up Announces Summer Tour

Get ready all these other states, a killer act is about to be in you.

Post-hardcore punk band Choke Up recently announced a June tour with Philadelphia punks, Ma Jolie, in support of their debut LP 'Black Coffee, Bad Habits' out on Black Numbers Records. "This is our first time out since "Black Coffee, Bad Habits" was released and we're stoked to play those songs for some folks outside of Boston," states the band's Facebook page.

According to the internets, there are just a few copies left of the first pressing, and inventory will not be replenished until after the June tour, so snag your copy here.

Choke Up is also slated to play FEST 14 this year. You can the band prior to tour on May 11th with Living Room (Brooklyn), Typesetter (Chicago) and Heel and Arrow at O'Brien's Pub in Allston (event details).

Related Stories:
Boston Goes To FEST 14
Choke Up's Debut LP Leaves Us Speechless - Pre-order 'Black Coffee, Bad Habits'

All ‘Dressed Up Like Armageddon’ With No Place To Go - New Punk From Grenades in the Archives

Download your free copy of 'Dressed Up Like Armageddon' now.

Loud, dirty and distorted – Grenades in the Archives’ 2015 EP ‘Dressed Up Like Armageddon’ is a continuation of the punk rock mayhem from their breakout introductory 2014 EP, ‘Tokyo’, both of which are available for free (at a name your price donation) on Bandcamp.

"There must be a glitch in the system cause all this data’s corrupted.
This is all a dream and I've still wasted it anyway."
-Glitch In The System 

We received this record in March and haven’t been able to review it until damn near May because we had to press "replay" a whole bunch of times. It’s a quick one. The 7-song record, clocking in at 15:28, is comprised of tantrum-like punk tracks that have the attention span and elegance of a wino lost in IKEA on a Tuesday afternoon (hey, we don’t judge how you use your paid time off).

Frontman, Matt Ozelius’ vocals are a mix between a condescending proclamation and nonchalant banter as he spews lyrics about conflicts, personal reflection and the broken system. Typical talking points that never go out of style.

The band is still finding their footing with 'Dressed Up Like Armageddon'. With four extra songs on EP #2, they start to develop smart, initial concepts and just need to pull it in a little bit tighter. All the more reason to keep Grenades on your radar. What compliments this record is the band’s on-stage energy, which looks like this. You can witness it for yourself by stopping by O’Brien’s Pub in Allston this Sunday (4/26) when GITA play with Off Grove and InCircles (NY). 21+/ $7/8PM doors/event details.

Related Stories:
The New Punk Is Coming...
Wake the Fuck up Boston, This is Grenades in the Archives
Bishop And Rook's Local Picks of 2014

Boston Goes To FEST 14

The expansive lineup for FEST 14, the country's premier punk festival happening October 30, 31 and November 1, was announced last night, highlighting the widespread reach of national and international bands. This year, bands range from local Gainesville, FL acts to European artists and even representatives from Slam Diego Punkifornia (someone get us a T-shirt with this stat!) and Hell.

Migrating down south will be several heart-on-sleeve, DIY, O'Brien's finest Boston bands including Choke Up, The Color and Sound, Foreign Tongues, The Hotelier, Lady Bones, Lenny Lashley's Gang of One and Rebuilder.

Start planning your road trip itinerary. FEST passes go on sale June 1st.

► Bands
► Schedule
► Go to FEST

Boston Fuzzstival 2015...Is Coming...

Art by John Magnifico and Will Thomas from Boom Said Thunder

Boston Fuzzstival 2015 is coming!

The goal of Boston Fuzzstival is to highlight the best bands in the region that make psychedelic/fuzz/garage/surf rock and to build bridges within the local music community. This years Fuzzstival is a 3 day event, with 2 shows at The Middle East Upstairs and the 3rd show at The Middle East Downstairs, hosted by Illegally Blind.

Join the event on Facebook for future information including schedules and lineups.

AUGUST 6 @ Middle East Upstairs

AUGUST 7 @ Middle East Upstairs

AUGUST 8 @ Middle East Downstairs

The Results Are In, Your Rumble Semifinal Wildcards Are…

Thursday, April 23, 2015
Semifinals Night #1
Event link
Doors at 8:30
$10

9:30 // Wildcard: Duck & Cover



10:15 // Soft Pyramids



11:00 // Zip-Tie Handcuffs



11:45 // Dirty Bangs




Friday, April 24, 2015
Semifinals Night #2
Event link
Doors at 8:30
$10

9:30 // Wildcard: Murcielago



10:15 // Nemes



11:00 // Eternals



11:45 // The Static Dynamic




Based on what we've experienced from these bands during the preliminary round, we're predicting Zip-Tie Handcuffs for Night #1 and Murcielago for Night #2. Follow the Rock 'n' Roll Rumble on Facebook and Twitter for additional announcements and information. 

Gone Punk Rocking, Be Back Never - Converse Presents Free All Ages Residency at The Sinclair

Enter for a chance to win tickets. Registration starts Monday 4/20/15.

For five nights, Converse Rubber Tracks Live is taking over The Sinclair in Cambridge. Each night, local Boston bands who have recorded at a Converse Rubber Tracks recording studio will open for a line-up of internally recognized artists including The Replacements, The Descendents and Slayer.

“In anticipation of Converse’s momentous move from North Andover to Boston, we wanted to bring our Converse Rubber Tracks music platform to the city in the most incredible way possible,” said Jed Lewis, Converse Global Music Marketing Director. “The city of Boston has always supported us and this free, five-day concert series featuring local artists is our way of showing our gratitude and appreciation to the residents who continue to embrace Converse as part of the community.”

You can register for a chance to win tickets to one of the five shows. (We're rooting for Night #1 with The Replacements, Dinosaur Jr. and local favs The Young Leaves.) Tickets will be distributed at random. Starting noon, Monday April 20th, pick your two favorite nights, cross your fingers and think positive thoughts by registering at www.converse-music.com/boston. Winners will be notified via email by Wednesday, April 22nd.

► View the full lineup.

New England Bands Road Trip to Pouzza Fest V

Road trip anyone? #PouzzaV happens May 15-17

For three days in mid-May, downtown Montreal will be infiltrated with over 200+ bands and thousands of dysfunctional music fans during the fifth installment of Pouzza Fest. This year, several New England bands who will roadtriping their vans up to the border include A Minor Revolution (NH), Doom Service (VT), No Trigger, Oh The Humanity!, Pile, Rebuilder and The Digs.

► Get the full lineup

► Ticket information

► Schedule

Eye Design Introduces "Show Love" Industry Night

Attend the first Show Love night at Firebrand Saints on 4/18.

Local booking outfit, indie record label and curator of the art and music series Treat Yo Self has added another pillar to the establishment that is Eye Design with new event, 'Show Love'.

"Show Love was created as a way to make the community aware of smaller bands and labels in the New England area by offering vending and performance opportunities," says Eye Design founder Ian McGregor. The first Show Love will happen on April 18th (9PM/21+/$5/event details) at Firebrand Saints (1 Broadway, Cambridge) in celebration of Record Store Day, and is slated to occur every other month at the Kendall Square location.

To take part in future Show Love events, please contact Eye Design at showlove@eyedesignma.com. And learn more about the Eye Design organization during Boston Scene Party's free Boston industry networking event, "Meet Your Promoter" on Wednesday, April 22nd at O'Brien's Pub in Allston. RSVP and additional details here.

4/18 Lineup

Idiot Genes - Eye Design Records


Rye Pines - Bob Records


Everything and Everyone - Disposable America



Firebrand Saints is located at 1 Broadway, Cambridge across the street from Kendall T station, features a parking lot, and the kitchen is open until 11PM.

Full Awesome Day Fest Lineup Announced

Never Got Caught, Gozu, Hey Zeus, DiabloGato and Guillermo Sexo among the bands officially announced for Awesome Day Fest 2015.

ADF2015 spans two days, four venues and features over 20 bands. The event begins with a kickoff party Friday, May 29th at O'Brien's Pub, Allston.

► Full Lineup

► Full Schedule & Tickets

Awesome Day Fest is a daylong party celebrating the music, art and spirit of Allston “Rock City”, MA. With bands and BBQ during the day and rock at night we hope that folks will come out, spend the day with us and experience what makes Allston, MA so special. Make a day of it!

The event is sponsored by Verb Hotel, digboston, Midriff Records, Roxy’s Grilled Cheese, G&N Promo, QRST’s Screenprinting & Embroidery, Narragansett Beer, Boston Emissions with Anngelle Wood, Sound Museum, WEMF Radio and Smuttynose Brewing Co.

Darkbuster at The Sinclair August 3rd

Get yo presale tickets!

Presale tickets for Darkbuster at The Sinclair August 3rd are now available! Use password "BoweryBoston". Public tickets go on sale Friday (4/10). This show is 18+ with a valid ID. Click here to be redirected to the Ticketmaster page.

Pre-Order Rebuilder's 'Rock & Roll In America' Limited Edition Vinyl

Pre-order Rebuilder's debut LP 'Rock & Roll In America' now.

If you didn't get a chance to pre-order Rebuilder's debut LP 'Rock & Roll In America' during their sold out record release show at hometown local legend venue O'Brien's Pub in Allston last Friday, when the band played their record in its entirety plus whipped out a punk cover of Taylor Swift's "Shake It Off", here is your second chance. The self-proclaim gnarly rock band's newest record is currently available for pre-order via New Jersey label Panic State Records.

Rebuilder 'Rock & Roll In America' Ticket Giveaway

I's can haz tickets to Rebuilder record release show plz?

Ladies and fellas! Here is your chance to win a pair of tickets to Rebuilder's debut LP 'Rock & Roll In America' (Panic State Records) record release show at O'Brien's Pub (Allston), Friday, April 3rd featuring Choke Up, Bundles, Sundog and special guest WMBR 88.1FM DJ Mateo Williams! Plus listen to the first pre-released track, 'The National Bohemian', off the new record below.

You have until 4PM Friday, April 3rd to enter to win.

How do I win tickets?!

► Sorry! This contest is closed.

Rock Out With Your Cocktail Out Vol. XXXIV

It's April! Let porch life begin! (image credit)

It’s April 1st! You know what that means? Winter parking ban get lifted in various Boston neighborhoods, maybe not yours, but definitely mine, so let’s celebrate with new music and a Whiskey Lemonade! On deck for shows this month is Choke Up at O’Brien’s Pub April 3rd, Portland, OR’s Divers at O’Brien’s April 6th, and Swimmers (formally Emily’s Army) at Middle East Upstairs on April 12th.

Bishop & Rook Presents Rebuilder's 'Rock & Roll In America' Record Release Show

It's a Record Release Show ya'll! Ticket pre-orders are live now.

We're drunk on wine excitement to announce Bishop & Rook presents Rebuilder's Rock & Roll in America record release show featuring Choke Up, Bundles, Sundog and special guest WMBR 88.1 FM Late Risers' Club DJ, Mateo Williams.

It's a full house folks and pre-sale tickets are available now. And stream "The National Bohemian", the first single off the record, exclusively on Bishop And Rook after the jump.