Zip-Tie Handcuffs Melts Your Face with “Psychotic Dance”

Sorry we’re late to the media love-fest for this video, we’re blaming it on the hypnotic trance of constantly hitting the repeat button.

I’d like to mention this may cause psychedelic seizures (side note, killer band name). As you may now know, Zip-Tie Handcuffs released a music video for single “Psychotic Dance” off the soon to be released album Sundream. It’s 2:38 minutes of dizzy distorted fuzz rock, ending with a ripping dance party.

One can only hope such a trippy sensation could be reenacted during their live show tomorrow, September 11th at O’Brien’s Pub, Allston with The New Highway Hymnal, Esh the Monolith and Boogie Boy Metal Mouth (21+/$7).

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.

My Heart Belongs to the Boston Music Scene

We support local music. Follow Bishop And Rook on Instagram for more pictures.

Shoe string guitar straps, punks playing violin, $4 Coors Lights and impromptu sing-alongs. Kids, this is what I live for. The Clear Channels and the big box stores can have their corporate recommended listens and curated compilations; I’ll take my music genuine.

The streets they’re singing about? You’ve walked on them. The bars you frequent? They’re drinking there with you. This show tonight? This show is happening for you.

Every day you support local music, you grow closer to a community, its people, its quirks and inside jokes. Its struggles. Its inspiration. The humble camaraderie. And the savvy ambition of a person who never gives up. By a steady amount or observation you begin to realize everyone around you is drunk off of passion, respect and gratitude. This is the scene. You can go to any no name place in any town, buy a drink and have no purpose. These venues have purpose, you have purpose. If you just show up.

Everything is better in person. Just go to a show.
Submit your music to Bishop And Rook.

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.

An Easy Breezy Night With Spirit Kid And Friends

Retro pop singer Spirit Kid is leaving Boston for the land of eternal sunshine. Before he peaces out to California, see Spirit Kid tonight during the 'See Ya Later Tour' with equally retro pop band Beach Toys and spooky surf rockers Beware the Dangers of a Ghost Scorpion during this edition of Rad Castle Presents at Zuzu in Central Square (21+/free/event details). A cold beer on a warm night with summer-loving music sounds pretty groovy to us. Get amped up for this evening’s show by watching Spirit Kid’s new video for “Severance”. Fun fact, we live (lived?) on the same street.

Nearly 80 Boston Bands to Play Pipeline!'s '50 Years of Boston Rock' Festival

Close to 80 reunited Boston-area bands sign on for Pipeline's 50 Years of Rock Festival (image credit)

“Did you get the ridiculous email about the thing Bob has put together for the fall?” Pipeline! DJ Jeff Breeze asked me. Indeed I did.

An event designed to blow all of these all-day festivals out of the water, and an undertaking even the current station staff can hardly believe, WMBR’s local live music show Pipeline!, will celebrate its 25th anniversary with 13 shows featuring close to 80 reunited Boston-area bands performing at 5 venues for over 5 weekends.

It’s safe to say you’ll have at least one show to go to this fall.

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.

Pretty & Nice Announce Indefinite Hiatus After New Release

After 9 years, Pretty & Nice go on indefinite hiatus (image credit)

On the coattails of the band’s recent single release, Boston’s indie / electro pop band Pretty & Nice took to Facebook and Instagram yesterday afternoon to announce an indefinite hiatus. [More details after the jump]

The Young Leaves Lose Their Bassist

The Young Leaves (from left) Rico (drums), Christopher (vocals/guitar), Lindsey (bass)

After a whirlwind season of releasing a record, touring, and growing support in their local scene, Holliston based distorted indie pop band The Young Leaves took to Facebook this morning to announced the departure of bassist Lindsey Nogueira.

"Hi. So as of yesterday, Lindsey is no longer in The Young Leaves. She's an excellent musician, great person, and the departure was COMPLETELY amicable. Lindsey rules and we'll always love her. With that said, we are continuing on as a 2-piece. I have an elaborate and weird rig being made right now so I can play bass and guitar simultaneously and it's going to get dumb...a good dumb. Anyway, thanks for being awesome everyone. See you in the pit."

Frontman Christopher Chaisson, who has lamented over previous bassist rotations in a 2012 article and who is credited for guitar and bass on their most recent record Alive and Well (Baldy Longhair Records), will take over both instruments for the time being. The Young Leaves are scheduled to play punk rock festival-extraordinaire FEST 13 in Gainesville, FL later this year.

Alive and Well can be purchased in digital format and on vinyl at Baldy Longhair Records online store.

Trophy Lungs Announce August Midwest Tour

Boston’s Trophy Lungs (Death To False Hope Records, Drink Or Die Records) will embark on a Midwest tour this August to promote their latest EP No Judgement. The tour kicks off in Florence, MA on August 9th, hitting states like Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin along the way, and wrapping up with a proper homecoming show at O’Brien’s Pub in Allston on August 22nd with Great Lakes USA (Black Numbers / Boston punks with hearts on their sleeves) and Sad And French (Black Numbers / Not French, not from France. From NY and a damn good band). Follow Trophy Lungs on Facebook for tour updates.

Full Tour Dates

Aug 9th - Florence, MA
Dog Day Fest II w/ Banquets, Placeholder, Choke Up.

Aug 10th - Buffalo, NY
Bird House w/ Blackbird Raum

Aug 11th - Cincinnati, OH
Chambers House w/ Lockland Breaks

Aug 12th - Chicago, IL
Fireside w/ Tens, Dog & Wolf

Aug 13th - Indianapolis, IL
Hoosier Dome

Aug 14th - Iowa City, IA
Public Space One w/ Rational Anthem

Aug 15th - Minneapolis, MN
Eagles Club w/ The Turkletons, Drones

Aug 16th - Milwaukee, WI
Bremen Cafe

Aug 17th - Lansing, MI
GTG House w/ Red Teeth

Aug 18th - Cleveland, OH
Candlekeep House w/ Old Souls

Aug 19th - Pittsburgh, PA
Mr Roboto Project w/ Peeple Watching, Scrap Kids

Aug 20th - Philadelphia, PA
TBA

Aug 21st - Long Island, NY
Brew Haus w/ Remnants

Aug 22nd - Boston, MA
O'Brien's w/ Great Lakes USA, Sad And French

FREE Boston Scene Support Networking Event

Do you like American music? I like American music. Swing by The Middlesex Lounge at 315 Mass Ave. in Cambridge on Tuesday, July 29th between 7p-9p to put a face with the name of our local scene supporters. A FREE meet and greet networking event for local scene supporters, bloggers, podcasters, journalists and promoters. It's about time.

7p-8p networking

8p-9p discuss collaborating opportunities, organizing a network and ways to grow your organization and the scene

If tickets sell out, add your name to the waitlist - additional spots will be released closer to the event date.

During the event, if you're having a too good to be true time, please remember to tag our gracious venue host @middlesexlounge on Twitter. This meet and greet is brought to you by Adam of Mutiny on the Microphone and Kristin of Bishop And Rook.

Save Ends Makes a Music Video - Gets Abducted By Aliens - Goes On Tour

When in doubt, cower in fear. Boston's pop punk / emo sweethearts Save Ends have released a video for track "Song of Susannah" off of their 2013 Warm Hearts, Cold Hands LP (Tiny Engines). The video, which depicts the end of the world for the band by way of Boston Costume rentals, kicks off their four-day tour with Cassavetes (PA / Black Numbers), including stops at AS220 in Providence, RI on July 24th and O'Brien's Pub in Allston on July 25th. (full tour dates)

Warm Hearts, Cold Hands can be purchased on vinyl or in digital format at Tiny Engines.

We're Nominated for The Boston A-List Best Local Blog - Vote for Us!

Oh hey hey now. We managed get ourselves nominated for the 2014 Boston A-List Best Local Blog. We're honored that late nights, cheap beer, and an endless supply of earplugs could result in such recognition. What can we say, we do it for the scene.

Show us your love and vote for Bishop And Rook - Best Local Blog. Because...music and kittens. Hurry, voting ends August 1st.

Design WMBR’s Fundraising Swag

2013 30th anniversary Breakfast of Champions T-shirt design.

Calling all artists - local college / community / OUR FAVORITE radio station 88.1FM WMBR is in search of designs for this year’s fundraising swag.

WMBR, situated on the campus of MIT in Cambridge, is a 100% volunteer station with no paid staff. “This is rare - even among other local college and public stations. Our only sources of income are listener donations and a small stipend from MIT,” states the station’s Facebook page.

Each November, WMBR hosts a week-long fundraising drive to replenish their capital budget and keep the station on air for another year, typically offering various WMBR-branded premiums such as T-shirts and bumper stickers to donors.

“Each year we choose different designs for these premiums, which is where you come in! We are reaching out to the local artist community for logos or other images. While we can't provide cash payment, any designers whose images we use will receive publicity via on-air mentions and on our website, as well as ample samples of their work on the actual premiums. In addition, you'll be helping out one of the premiere radio stations in the region.”

Interested artists can respond by Friday, August 22nd to premiums@wmbr.org with a jpeg or link to a proposed design. Rough drafts are welcome if accompanied by examples of other finished work.

Check out examples of previously used artwork 

Tune into 88.1 first on your FM dial or listen online for an array of excellent radio shows including the all local music segment Pipeline with DJ Jeff Breeze Sundays 8p-10p.

WE WANT THE AIRWAVES: The WFNX Story

On the second anniversary of Boston's 101.7FM WFNX alternative rock radio station going off the air, independent filmmaker Jason Steeves releases his 1:25 documentary of the rise and fall of the legendary media outlet, for free on Vimeo.

It will always be Hazy. Hot. And Henry in our hearts.

WE WANT THE AIRWAVES: The WFNX Story from Jason Steeves on Vimeo 

Originally posted on Vanyaland.

Foreign Tongues - Big Drag

Local indie rockers Foriegn Tongues release new single "Big Drag" off of the upcoming split EP with Felix Culpa (out 8.12.14) on No Sleep Records. Pre-order your copy now (available in digital format and on cloudy clear vinyl). See them perform their murky melancholy set live August 4th at Midway Cafe in Jamaica Plain with Lilith, Notches and Ghosts of Sailors at Sea.

Originally reported on www.altpress.com.

Fifth Annual StarlabFest Music & Arts Festival

StarlabFest is a Rock and Roll, Film, Comedy, Cookout, Flea Market Party, and it’s happening Saturday, July 19th from 10a-9p in Somerville. This year's event will take place at two locations; 32 Prospect St. (the old Starlab studio where the rocking and the rolling will commence on two stages) and 453 Somerville Ave. (the new, current Starlab Studios showcasing comedy, film and art show). It is a short, half-mile walk straight through Union Square between locations.

A flea market organized by Somerville's High Energy Vintage will be available at both locations. Admission is $10, all ages welcome, 21+ with valid ID to drink. Advanced tickets can be purchased online. Visit www.starlabstudios.com and the official Facebook event page for more information.

32 PROSPECT ST.
(PARKING LOT)
12PM-9PM
ROCK AND ROLL SHOW

BEWARE THE DANGERS OF A GHOST SCORPION! 8-8:45
BLINDERS 7:30-8
ABADABAD 7-7:30
NICE GUYS 6:30-7
LUNGLUST 6-6:30
BOOGIE BOY METAL MOUTH 5:30-6
STEPHEN KONRADS & THE ETERNALS 5-5:30
THE DAZIES 4:30-5
ANIMAL MOTHER 4-4:30
CONGRATULATIONS 3:30-4
FUTURE SPA 3-3:30
THE SUN LIONS 2:30-3:00

Other Location Details
FREE BURGERS, HOT DOGS AND VEGGIE OPTIONS
plus
FREE TREATS FROM LOCAL VENDORS
and
$3 NARRAGANSETT TALL-BOYS

♜

453 SOMERVILLE AVE.
10AM-6PM
COMEDY, FILM AND ARTS SHOW

Comedy Block:
MYQ KAPLAN (featured on Conan, The Late Show, Comedy Central Presents) 5-6
DAN BOULGER (featured on The Late Show) 4:30-5
STEVE MACONE 4-4:30
with support from
SAM IKE, CAM MacNEIL & RYAN DONAHUE 3-4

Short Films by:
PAUL VILLANOVA
TIM BIERBAUM
PADRICK RITCH
ELLIOT KAFFEE
JIM DANDEE
ANTHONY KNASAS
KEVIN REUNING
Playing at 11:30AM and 2PM

Visual Arts Show featuring:
HEATHER SEELEY
MARS JUPITER
LEEANNE DAVIGNION
EQM