Chaparrals' LP Release Show: Local Music, Local Food, Local Beer, No Cover

Local music, local food, local beer, no cover.

Local music, a food truck, a brewery and no cover. We could just stop there, but we'll also throw in a record release for good measure. On September 26th, indie band, Chaparrals, will be celebrating the release of their debut LP, Elpis, with Soft Pyramids and Kirk Swan Music (LA) at Aeronaut Brewing Company in Somerville.

Food will be available from Pennypackers Food Truck (specializing in Porchetta, sandwiches, house made sausages, soups, and salads) all night for purchase.

5:00pm - 11:00pm (Music from 8:00pm - 11:00p). Additional details can be found on the official Facebook event page. Snag a free download from Chaparrals and Soft Pyramids below and be on the look out for Soft Pyramids' record release show for Fossils of the Free World  October 3rd at Lilypad.

Rebuilder "Punkin' Spice Tour" This Fall

Hey ladies, Rebuilder is going on tour.

Always keeping it classy, Boston’s gnarly rock band, Rebuilder, has announced they will be hitting the road mid-October during the eleven-show, East Cost/Midwest "Punkin' Spice Tour" to promote their first full length record due out in early 2015. The soon-to-be released record will be recorded at Getaway Recording with Jay Maas (Defeater) and released by Panic State Records (NJ). The tour kicks off in Burlington, VT, crosses into Canada and ends in Baltimore, MD during the Feed the Scene Birthday Show with The Dead Milkmen, before playing their homecoming show at historic O'Brien's Pub in scenic Allston.

In lieu of a Kickstarter campaign to fund the new recording, people are encouraged to purchase merchandise that includes strategically placed Bill Murrays and Bill Cosbys, via Rebuilder’s Bandcamp page. Donations can also be made to refuserethinkrebuild@gmail.com via PayPal.

The 2014 Rock N Roll Rumble alumni's 2013 S/T EP and Rebuilder Christmas EP can be downloaded for free (at a name your price donation) on Bandcamp now. Follow Rebuilder on Facebook and Twitter for additional show and release information.

Listen to Rebuilder live on Boston Emissions with Anngelle Wood (9/14/14).

Tour Dates

October 16 242 Main Street Burlington, VT
October 17 Atomic Cafe, Montreal, QC, Canada
October 18 Hard Luck Bar Toronto, ON, Canada
October 19 Small’s Hamtramck, MI
October 20 Reggie’s Chicago, IL
October 21 Candlekeep House Cleveland, OH
October 22 TBA Pittsburgh, PA
October 23 House show Richmond, VA
October 24 The Hook Up Virginia Beach, VA
October 25 Metro Gallery Baltimore, MD w/ The Dead Milkmen
October 30 O’Brien’s Allston, MA

Who Are Lesser Knowns?

Meet Lesser Knowns and download their new songs for free.

“This is the point of the show where we introduce the band.”

Nick LeBlanc, Dan Letourneau, Dan McMahon and Riley Mello are Lesser Knowns and by the sounds of it, they’re rocking out whether you know of them or not.

In true Blues Brothers fashion, you literally get a rundown of the rocking and rolling quartet with “How Y’all Doin Tonight”, one of two new tracks in the first of many EP releases this fall.

“It won't really be a traditional record,” explains McMahon (guitar). “We wanted to mix it up a little bit and try releasing EPs in batches and in multiple formats,” with the first release available on cassette tape later this month, and digital and vinyl formats reserved for future tracks.

The comprehensive catchy, riffy, swagged up rock and roll project will be the band’s 5th “record” and will be celebrated on September 15th at Charlies Kitchen (Harvard Square) with Spectral Bat and L.A. Jeff.

“How Y’all Doin Tonight” and “She Loves to Dance” from the first installment are available for free download (at a name your price donation) on Bandcamp now. Follow Lesser Knowns on Facebook and Twitter for additional release information and show dates.

#BandcampRoulette

It's like a mystery grab bag. A free mystery grab bag.

This is a free demo by a Philadelphia pop punk quartet called Moto Surf. It was released yesterday. It was performed by a band that has zero internet presence and recorded at a studio that still hasn’t built a website. Now you know as much as I do.

Play Bandcamp Roulette.

The New Warden – 'Lightspeedugly'

Download Lightspeedugly by The New Warden for free.

The New Warden played a show that didn’t include Trophy Lungs on the bill. They also released a new 4-song EP. I don’t know, I thought both were newsworthy.

After a productive weekend of drinking and playing music, the Boston pop punkers have announced the release of their 4-song EP Lightspeedugly via Death to False Hope Records. Recorded in 2013, Lightspeedugly is the follow up to The New Warden’s 2012 record, Still Life.

Head over to Death to False Hope Records to stream and download Lightspeedugly now. Follow The New Warden on Facebook for additional show dates.

The Life Electric at Great Scott August 28th

Grab your free download of  The Life Electric's "Gone, Gone, Gone" before it's gone.

On Thursday, August 28th at Great Scott, Allston, Boston's electro-pop rock band and 2014 Rock N Roll Rumble alumn, The Life Electric, will take the stage with The Static Dynamic and Brent Battey's (The Wondas) new project, Le Roxy Pro.

Having opened for the likes of Neon Trees, Crash Kings and Marcy Playground under their collective belt, The Life Electric have set out for the ultimate goal in 2014: to make an epically catchy, inspired, and maybe a little weird full-length record. In anticipation for said record, you can download their 2014 single "Gone, Gone, Gone" (Zippah Records) for free now.

Advanced tickets for this $8/18+ show can be purchased online, and additional event details could/should/would be available on the official Facebook event page. 

Show flyer design by Nicole Anguish of Daykamp Creative.

Close Out Your Summer With "Gwen Stacy"

Stream single "Gwen Stacy" on Bandcamp today.

If the Cure could collaborate with Arctic Monkeys, “Gwen Stacy” would be that posh and electric love child. The single off of A-C-K by Burlington, VT singer-songwriter and frontman for folk rock outfit Bandleader, Patrick McCormack, is on point with a sleek and sophisticated sound, fitting for roof top cocktail parties to backyard barbeques, available pre-release for your listening pleasures, and an ideal addition to your vacation outro playlist.

NERVOUS Releases a Track-A-Day from New Record

For the next nine days, NERVOUS will provide new music for your ears.

It’s going to be a NERVOUS next few days. The Boston indie rockers announced last week they will be releasing a track-a-day off their latest record Decode beginning Monday, August 4th.

“Everything is different in music these days so I was trying something different or at least not as common,” states Addam Zaino (guitar/vocals).

The 9-track record, featuring new and re-recorded songs, is the first “real” release following a batch of EPs and demos made available by the band in earlier years.

Zaino, who is already finishing up the band’s next EP, hopes to host a record release show later in the year. In the meantime, you can follow along in the excitement the reveal by tuning into Facebook and Bandcamp each day for a new announcement, or download your copy for free today.

Free Ghost Thrower Starter Kit

Local indie rock outfit, Ghost Thrower, has released the Ghost Thrower Starter Kit - a collection of nine tracks from six releases, available for free (at a name your price donation) on Bandcamp. You can catch Ghost Thrower live during F*ckfest at O'Brien's Pub (presented by RTT Presents and Park Slug) in scenic Allston, MA on August 23rd.

Download your copy of the Ghost Thrower Starter Kit now. If you like what you hear, full versions of sampled albums can also be purchased via Bandcamp.

Announcing the 2nd Annual Punk N Roll BBQ

Happening 8/3. All proceeds go to Rawkstars Inc., purchase your tickets now.

Do you like punk? Do you like BBQ? Do you like special announcements?!

Bishop And Rook is proud to announce the 2nd Annual Punk N Roll BBQ and Fundraiser!

Local boutique label, Ocelot Records (formally Boston Bloghead), will continue the trend of all-day punk rock music and good food at Allston’s O’Brien’s Pub Sunday, August 3rd with performances by The Down and Outs, Zip-Tie Handcuffs, A Minor Revolution, Dead Cats Dead Rats and more.

OTP "Worth The Weight" 7" Record Release Show

Hey kids, how about a free record release show?

Boston folk/punk band OTP will be celebrating the release of their 7” entitled Worth The Weight with a free, 21+ record release show at The Lilypad in Cambridge on Friday, August 1st along with The Lousy Instruments. See full details on the official Facebook event page.

The 4-song EP is the band's fourth album. When we talked to OTP back in the fall of 2013, they foresaw the 7" as a bit punchier than their previous work. “Distortion has become a big part of OTP's vocabulary,” confirms frontman Colin Garrity on the latest songs. Worth The Weight will have a sister album entitled Worth The Wait (we see what you did there), however with a lineup change and releases trending towards EPs rather than full-lengths, OTP is still in the decision making process for their next record, tentatively scheduled for later this year.

Worth The Weight is available to stream now on Bandcamp and will be available for purchase online and in stores in August. In the mean time, you can grab a free download of their recently released punk cover of Elliot Smith’s “Twilight”, on Bandcamp today.

First Annual JP Porchfest

The 1st Annual JP Porchfest happens July 19th with after party at The Milky Way.

As reported by The Boston Compass (it’s free, go get one), Jamaica Plain will be hosting the very first JP Porchfest Saturday, July 19th from 12 noon to 4p, with a Portchfest After Party at the Milky Way (4:30p-8p) with $5 all you can eat pizza.

The JP Porchfest features over 55 bands performing on over 30 porches throughout the neighborhood. Organized by Marie Ghitman and Mindy Fried, this free, all-volunteer event celebrates JP’s creative talent and diversity, using music as a vehicle to weave the community together.

“We were inspired by Porchfest events around the country, especially nearby Somerville, which has held a Porchfest for several years,” said Ghitman.

“We are thrilled and amazed at the overwhelming response from the community, including musicians of all genres, and the many people who have offered their porches to musicians,” commented Fried. “The energy is positive and we are certain that this is the first of many JP Porchfests.”

Visit the official JP Porchfest website for map, schedule and artist information, and check out their Facebook page to get all social with the event.

Mellow Bravo Calls It Quits

This morning, Boston’s rock n’ rollers Mellow Bravo took to Facebook to announce the end to a five year era.

“Greetings friends and fans. It is with heavy hearts that my band-mates and I must report that Mellow Bravo is calling it quits. Sorry for the news, but as Alexander Graham Bell once said ”When one door closes, another one opens…” You can expect to see each of us pursuing other musical endeavors down the road soon. Thank you for all of your support and friendship over the past 5 years. Respect and good tidings.”

The announcement comes just three months after a teaser post hinting to an upcoming third full-length album.

Mellow Bravo’s 2011 LP Strut along with the 2013 EP Ripper and a few singles can be downloaded for free on Bandcamp. The 2012 S/T LP is available for purchase via Small Stone Records.

Eye Design Records, Harris Hawk Record Release, Treat Yo Self Extravaganza

Eye Design Records debut during the June Treat Yo Self / Harris Hawk Record Release show

Eye Design, a local booking outfit and co-curator of the monthly art and music series Treat Yo Self, will present an extra special show Wednesday (June 11th) along with partners in crime and musical DIY champion Boston Hassle, at Middlesex Lounge on Mass Ave. in Central Square.

In addition to the June installment of the local blended medium event, Eye Design will present the debut showcase of newly established label, Eye Design Records. The night will consist of musical stylings of the current EDR roster, Onslo, Horsehands (which we previously described as gremlin rock) and Idiot Genes as well as a record release celebration of 2014 Rock N Roll Rumble alumni Harris Hawk.

Showgoers can also enjoy art from Eric Perkins, Adrienne Pizzo and Sylvie Mayer. Preview the awesome that you are in for by listening to Eye Design Records' first compilation below and available on Bandcamp for free (at a 'name your price' suggested donation).

The show starts at 9pm, is 21+ and has a $5 cover. Full details can be found on the Facebook event page.

Follow Eye Design, Eye Design Records and Treat Yo Self for additional shows and label information. Middlesex Lounge is located at 315 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA.

A Night At Great Scott - In Photos

All music, all on Instagram. (okay fine, some kittens too)

Sometimes we review bands and sometimes we suggest they all play together in a strategically planned lineup. Thanks to all the incredible talent that played Great Scott last night and to everyone who came out to support. Don't be lame, go to a show. Boston Shows Tumblr, 88.1FM WMBR's Concert Report and our very own Go To This Show tab feature upcoming local shows for your listening pleasure.

Yellabird - "Dead Hand Blues"

See Yellabird May 29th at Great Scott, Allston

2014 Rock N Roll Rumble semi-finalists and all around impressive rock duo Yellabird released a new track in anticipation to their upcoming 2014 EP Debts. "Dead Hand Blues" is currently available for free download (at a name your price donation) on Bandcamp along with previously released track "Tired Eyes".

I had the extreme privilege of judging Yellabird during their Rumble preliminary round and without hesitation, immediately understood this was a band to watch out for. To put a live performance into perspective, a favorite comment of the night was, "Wait...there are only two people on that stage?" See Yellabird live when they play Great Scott in Allston along with The Dirty Looks, Wrong Body and Darker Hues on May 29th. Event details.

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.

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.

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.

#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.