Friday, October 30, 2015

Fresh Listen: “Washout” – Donna Bummer


New band. New music. Free download.

Donna Bummer (members of Grandview and The Dirty Looks) is the latest band to emerge from the basements of Lowell, MA. Here for you is a new listen, “Washout”, is available for free download (at a name your price donation) on Bandcamp. “We're currently writing full force, hoping to have something out before summer to tour on,” Devin LaRocque tells Bishop & Rook.

You can catch Donna Bummer at UnchARTed in Lowell on November 5th with Worried Well (ME), Western Education and Weakened Friends (Annie Hoffman of The Field Effect’s newish band). Full event details here.


Monday, October 26, 2015

World Premiere: Listen to "Preach" Off Of The Digs' Debut LP 'Manic'



First, we want you to put your hands on either side of your head. Good? Doing it? Okay. Because your face might get rocked off and we don’t want any messy accidents.

Bishop & Rook is pleased to share, for the first time ever, "Preach" off The Digs' debut LP, 'Manic' (Ocelot Records). The Midway Cafe will play host to their record release show on November 21st, featuring Trophy Lungs, The American Myth (PA) and OC45 (homecoming show). Event details here. 'Manic' will be available on digital, CD, vinyl and limited edition cassette tape.




Swing by Bandcamp to hear a selection of pre-released tracks and follow the band on Facebook for additional show information.

The 11-track album written by the band’s members, Jeff Demas (guitar/vocals/lead song writer), Andrew Dedousis (bass/vocals) and Steve Knowles (drums/vocals), takes the music outside of the traditional “rock ‘n’ roll” or “punk rock” genres, and instead melds the two into the groups auditory-vision that is 'Manic', in the fullest sense. The album takes hints from bands such as Face to Face, Green Day, and The Kinks, all whose instrumental styles can be heard in the mix and brought out even clearer through the fantastic Mastering of Nick Zampiello at New Alliance East Mastering (Cambridge MA).

Thursday, October 22, 2015

Today Junior’s Sound Gets Ocean-soaked And Sunburnt in Ride The Surf

Get nostalgic for the summer sun and Ride The Surf with Today Junior.

Obviously, we’ve all heard of the infamous sophomore slump. Even with bands who never really made a splash, the second album is always perceived as the most difficult to record for reasons spanning from unreasonably high expectations to production time crunches.

But sometimes the band finds its signature sound during round two and the sophomore hits the mark that the debut was initially aiming for. While Today Junior’s What’s The Skinny (2013) is surrounded by more of an indie rock air, 2015’s Ride The Surf bathes completely in the salty breeze of the ocean.

Monday, October 19, 2015

Maas No Mas - Jay Maas Leaves Defeater


Defeater made a big announcement via social media tonight.

Per the band's Facebook page:

"Over the weekend it was decided to move forward as a band without the participation of Jay Maas due to personal & creative differences. All scheduled Defeater shows and tours will go on as planned and we wish Jay luck in his future endeavors. Thank you"

Their Wikipedia page has already been updated.

The band recently wrapped up their U.S. fall tour that ended with a sold out Middle East Downstairs show and will embark on a European tour next month. Maas owns and operates Getaway Recording in Haverhill, MA and has worked with local bands such as Rebuilder, Trophy Lungs and most recently, Somos.

Thursday, October 15, 2015

Bishop & Rook Co-Hosts Mutiny on the Microphone Because...I'm Not Quite Sure Why Slash Was Promised Wine

We podcasted with Mutiny on the Microphone. Am I doing this right?


Bishop And Rook guest DJed co-hosted on Mutiny on the Microphone New England podcast because...I'm not quite sure why / was promised wine. Sorry in advance. Our opinion on Portland, OR, Brenefit shows, Ernest Hemingway, scene rants and raves and new music. Follow MOTM on Facebook and Twitter for local music news and additional podcasts. And head to Mutiny's website for more details.
 




On a mobile device? Click here to listen!

October 15th Playlist:

Trophy Lungs – Bathroom Graffiti
Lesser Knowns – What You Wanna Do
Courters – Loose Lips
The Digs – Gunslinger
Kitner – Your Memory
New Legs – Ignore Your Nature
Marriage Material – Fresh Air
Bandleader – Satisfy Your Heart
Bay Faction – Jasper Wildlife Association


Related Stories:
Bishop And Rook Guest DJs the 'Break Out Bands of 2014' Podcast For Mutiny on the Microphone
Bishop And Rook Returns to Mutiny on the Microphone (for some reason)

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

It’s a Brenefit Show – Benefit Show for Trophy Lungs’ Drummer Brendan Guerin

Intimate space, burgers, beers, punk rock and unisex bathrooms.

Hey kids, let’s go to a benefit show. Before you start thinking “Monday night, SMH”, understand Charlie's Kitchen ONLY hosts live music on Monday nights, and it’s a pretty damn awesome time.


One day before Boston punks, Trophy Lungs, returned from tour, drummer Brendan Guerin received news that his apartment in Jamaica Plain (that he moved into less than a month ago) caught on fire. Although everyone made it out okay, water and structural damage rendered the apartment unstable and emergency relocation was a must.


The scene came together and to form the Brenefit Show at Charlie’s Kitchen (10 Eliot Street, Harvard Square, Cambridge) featuring Trophy Lungs, Save Ends, Fucko and Rebuilder (essentially, it's an O'Brien's show, but at Charlie's). The evening also serves as a send of for some bands heading to FEST14. Charlie’s Kitchen is 21+ // $5 cover // 8PM // Facebook event link. Additional donations accepted throughout the night. Every dollar that comes through the door goes directly to helping Bren and his girlfriend Kerri find a new place/pay outrageous moving fees.









Related Stories:
Trophy Lungs Premier Music Video for “Bathroom Graffiti”

Friday, October 9, 2015

6 Nights of Halloween! Growing Up Spooky! + Trick or Treat Yo Self at Firebrand Saints

Eat, drink and be spooked. 5 nights of Halloween at Firebrand Saints.

Firebrand Saints restaurant and bar serving up New American fare and Eye Design will be enhancing your entire Halloween week leading up to the big day with audio and visual treats. 'Growing Up Spooky' is a week long event featuring horror movies from the 60's to present day. Playlist with spooky songs from each decade will accompany the films. Plus a special 'Trick or Treat Yo Self' on Halloween night featuring some of your favorite local bands covering some of your favorite mainstream bands.

Books n’ Brews Inaugural Meeting (Free Admission, All Ages) 10/15

Ernest Hemingway, let's discuss.

It’s like a suburban wine book club, but hipper. The first ever Books n’ Brews (reading and drinking) club will be in session on Thursday, October 15th, 8PM at Aeronaut Brewing Company (14 Tyler St., Somerville). The meet up is free, all ages (21+ with valid ID to drink), and provides a space for people to discuss selected short stories. The group kicks things off with "The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber", by notorious drinker and cat owner, and therefore totally relatable, Ernest Hemingway.

Event organizer, Dan McMahon (Lesser Knowns) provides the deets below and via the official Facebook event page:

Interested in short stories? How about drinking beer at a cool local brewery?

What if you could discuss short stories WHILE drinking beer at a cool local brewery? Forward-thinking, I know, but it has been made possible thanks to Andy Visser, Aeronaut Brewing Company and myself.

Come on down to Aeronaut, enjoy a beer and discuss our first installment of Books n' Brews, an open discussion centered around short stories.

This month's selection is "The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber", by Ernest Hemingway. Hemingway enjoyed getting his drink on, so we thought he was a fitting choice for this setting.

If you're a hip online type, you can read the entire story 23-page here.

If you have a hard-copy of the story, you're more than welcome to bring it along. If you're feeling really ambitious, you can also grab it at a fine local bookstore (yes, those still exist!). In our humble opinions, Raven Used Books would be a good place to start.

ALL AGES allowed to participate in the discussion; 21+ to drink, so don't forget your IDs with those amazing DMV photos!

Thursday, October 8, 2015

Kurt von Stetten Plays All of the Instruments in Music Video for “Spanish Ship” Off ‘Bon Fortuna’, Out Now

Grab your digital copy of 'Bon Fortuna' now.

Kurt von Stetten’s 10th solo album, ‘Bon Fortuna’, is now available via Static Motor Recordings as a digital download for $7. Watch the music video for first track “Spanish Ships” below. Since 2006 von Stetten has released a full-length album every year on which he plays every instrument.





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Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Checkin' In With The Stereo State

Holyoke's The Stereo State has been quiet - so we checked in on them.

You know what we were thinking? What’s The Stereo State up to? So we checked in on them.

Here’s what we know so far:




Latest update:



We’ll keep you posted on additional Stereo State news. #‎TSS2015 #moeslipons forever.


Related Stories:
The Stereo State is Back #TSS2015
The Stereo State - Just Kidding

Born Without Bones Acoustic Video + Show Dates



Born Without Bones' frontman Scott Ayotte recently worked with Table Three Media to produce a music video of an acoustic version of “Rough Terrain” off the band’s 2013 LP ‘Baby’ (Animal Style Records). The band is currently on their own fall tour, with a homecoming show on 10/17 in Worcester, but has already announced they have picked up a few east coast dates on the Dead Leaves and PINE fall tour in November, including 11/14 at The Democracy Center (see details above). Follow Born Without Bones on Facebook for additional show information.

Table Three Media is a media production company comprised of talented individuals, each with experience in various branches of the media arts including photography, video, printmaking, graphic design, web design and social media marketing. The culminating point of this organization is to utilize creative collaboration to efficiently provide artists in the music industry with the resources they need to produce album packaging, promotional photo shoots, music videos, social media bases, and general press kits for media advancement. In short, they make awesome things with awesome people. Holla at em.






Related Stories:
Born Without Bones – This is a Born Without Bones Cover

Tuesday, October 6, 2015

Trophy Lungs Premier Music Video for “Bathroom Graffiti”



Trophy Lungs premiered the music video for “Bathroom Graffiti” off their debut full-length ‘Day Jobs’ on Absolute Punk today.

“I'm crazy excited for this video to come out. We had the chance to invite some of our friends out and pay tribute to people in their lives who've passed away”, guitarist/singer Kevin Bogart told Bishop & Rook back in August. “I'm super thankful for everyone who was a part of it.”

Purchase ‘Day Jobs’ via Antique Records now. Follow the band on Facebook for upcoming show information.




Related Stories:
Trophy Lungs Set to Debut-Full Length ‘Day Jobs’ this September

Bay Faction Skips School to Sing About the Cues and Codes of Sex

College kids singin' bout college kid stuff.

“I guess I never really knew how cold this house could get
without the alcohol and people helping me forget.”

– Jasper Wildlife Assoc.

Advancing past the early hurdles of “oh oh ohs” and the trite line “that sound that sound my favorite sound”, both of which are rudimentary content killers, Bay Faction’s S/T (released 9/29/15) gains confidence and opens up to reveal a smooth and clean narration of reactions to emotional situations. By the end, you’re wanting more.

“[The album] concept is an observation of the culture surrounding our generation,” Bay Faction frontman James McDermott tells Bishop & Rook. “Primarily sex, sexuality and the codes and cues associated with the identification that comes with each.” The Boston-based trio is compromised of students currently taking time off from school to pursue the band and an upcoming tour to promote their debut LP. The tour kicks off via rock n' roll halfway house Top Hat Factory (ask a punk) on October 9th and ends at The Red Room Cafe 939 on November 20th.

An indie rock band with jazz influences, Bay Faction’s sound could play nicely with locals Horse Mode ‘ (Ocelot Records) or Sports..

'Bay Faction' is available as a free digital download via Bandcamp. CDs and vinyl available via Counter Intuitive Records. 12" vinyl is available in a limited run of 250 black and 250 white. Follow Bay Faction on Facebook for additional show information.

Standout tracks: (4) Coyote, (6) Beach Book, (8) Jasper Wildlife Assoc.




Full track listing:
  1. Bloody Nose
  2. Captive Cow
  3. Cutter
  4. Coyote
  5. Sasquatch .22
  6. Beach Book
  7. Casting Couch
  8. Jasper Wildlife Association

Monday, October 5, 2015

OC45 Tour Kickoff Show at Charlie's Kitchen 10/5

Beer, burgers, punx, repeat.

Boston DIY thrash punks OC45 are coming to a city near you, but first beer. 4 shows into their long-ass 2-month tour to support new EP 'Burn It' (which you can buy on Bandcamp for $4), OC45 will celebrate a hometown send off at Charlie's Kitchen in Harvard Square, Cambridge on Monday 10/5 with Grenades in the Archives and Lowell natives Pet Sounds and War Nerves. The U.S. trek that takes the band to Florida during FEST and out west to Texas, will eventually end back in Boston on November 21st.

Monday's show is 9PM // 21+ // $5. Official Facebook event link. Grab Grenades in the Archives, Pet Sounds and War Nerves music for free now.






Friday, October 2, 2015

Eridanos Tattoo & Gallery ‘Black Mass’ Opening Reception 10/3

A collective installation with a flare for the macabre, dark art and surrealism.

Eridanos Tattoo & Gallery will celebrate its two year anniversary with 'Black Mass' - opening reception happening on Saturday, October 3rd from 8PM-11PM.

Black Mass is a collective installation showcasing a variety of multimedia artists all over America with a flare for the macabre, dark art and surrealism.

Dropkick Murphys Play Final FINAL (we mean it this time) Beachcomber Show



Hometown heroes Dropkick Murphys announced a return to Quincy, MA to play (yet another) final Beachcomber Show. Rumored forever ago to be closing its doors, the longtime beachfront divebar on Quincy Shore Drive finally confirmed back in August that the 56-year old establishment would cease to exist come the fall. Since then, at least three farewell 'comber shows have been scheduled.


"We are proud to announce that we will be performing a special show in honor of the closing of the world famous Beachcomber - Quincy in Quincy, Mass. The owners, the McGettrick family, are lifelong friends of Ken’s, and we are honored to be playing the final show there. Only 250 tix will be on sale. Here’s how you can get tickets: 150 tickets will be available online, starting at NOON TOMORROW. 100 tickets will be on sale at the Beachcomber starting at NOON SATURDAY. You can purchase a maximum of 2 tickets. The times for Saturday night are as follows: Doors 7pm - Show 9pm."

Tickets go on sale 12noon Friday 10/2/15. Ticket Link.
The Beachcomber is located at 797 Quincy Shore Drive, Quincy, MA. 

Thursday, October 1, 2015

Rock Out With Your Cocktail Out Vol. XXXX

Spicing things up with our Rocktober playlist. (image credit)

Do you like Maple Syrup? Do you like Bourbon? Do you like Punk Rock? Cool, we do too. Things that are happening in October.

EX-CULT (Memphis) with Raw Blow at O’Brien’s Pub 10/21. Irish Handcuffs (Germany) with Dan Webb and the Spiders at O’Brien’s Pub 10/22. The Copyrights (IL) with Bundles at Cuisine en Locale on 10/23. Expert Alternations (Baltimore) with Kitner at O’Brien’s Pub 10/2.

Listen to our October Rock Out With Your Cocktail Out playlist to preview some of these bands and wash it all down with a Bourbon Maple Apple Cider.

World Premier: Bundles' Streams 2 New Tracks – Exclusively on Mutiny on the Microphone

Listen here first - Bundles premiers two new tracks off upcoming EP.

In anticipation of their sophomore EP, Boston’s indie rock trio Bundles is releasing two new songs; “Dead Reckoning” from their 2015 Converse Rubber Tracks session and “Prisoners” off of the forthcoming EP. The songs will debut this Thursday, October 1st exclusively on Mutiny On The Microphone Podcast. Listen to the band's episode below (for those of you who can't wait, try marks 5:58 and 29:25).

Bundles introduced themselves in the spring of 2013 with their debut self-titled EP; a 4-track collection of tight, lo-fi songs, produced within 10 hours of studio time - available to stream and purchase on Bandcamp. After a string of successful shows opening for bands such as A. Sinclair, Cayetana and Beach Slang, the band returned to the studio (for more than 10 hours this time) to produce their 7-track sophomore EP, recorded, mixed and mastered at Phoenix Down (Somerville) with John Scott and David Age (of Favorite Atomic Hero), set to be released as soon as someone will pay for it. You’ll find that these new songs, while still very much a Bundles record, move the band into a tighter and more polished sound.

Follow Bundles on Facebook and Twitter for additional show and release information.




On a mobile device? Listen here. Catch Bundles live in November:

October 23rd // 8PM // Ticket link
Cuisine en Locale // 156 Highland Ave., Somerville, MA
RTT Presents Masked Intruder and Friends
Featuring Masked Intruder (WI // Fat Wreck Chords), The Copyrights (IL // Redscare Records), Not Scientists, The New Warden, New Grenada and Bundles


Full Track Listing:
1. The Dornishman’s Wife
2. The Glow
3. Prisoner’s Dilemma
4. Oh, Brazil
5. In Like a Lion, out on the lam
6. TKC
7. Normans at the Battle of Hastings
8. Dead Reckoning


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Bundles - S/T EP
Masked Intruder and Friends Announced at Cuisine en Locale

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