Rock Out With Your Cocktail Out Vol. XXXIX

New music, our picks for September shows and THE SHARK PUNCHER.

Welcome Back Freshman. Moving blow. Go to a show. Providence, Rhode Island’s emo trio Twin Foxes will be at Charlie’s Kitchen in Harvard Square with Tied to a Bear on September 14th, New Hampshire’s spunky Little My is with Fucko at Middle East Upstairs on September 22nd and New York garage band Soda Bomb is playing at O’Brien’s Pub with Sneeze on September 23rd. All of this and more featured in our September Rock Out With Your Cocktail Out Spotify playlist, plus partake in The Shark Puncher - a spiced rum recipe for you and your friends.

Frank Turner is Omnipresent - Will Be at 3 Newbury Comics Locations on 9/26 at 2PM

Where in Boston is Frank Turner?

Singer, songwriter and man who defies logic, Frank Turner will apparently be at three Newbury Comics locations on Saturday, September 26th at 2pm. Per bandsintown.com, Turner will be at both the Faneuil Hall and the Newbury Street locations depending on which copy you're looking at. While Newburycomics.com claims he'll be the Harvard Square store. Newbies does love their Scavenger Hunts.

Regardless, Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls will be at the House of Blues in Boston on Friday, September 25th and Saturday, September 26th.'Positive Songs For Negative People' is out now on iTunes and in a store near you.

UPDATE 1:01 PM: We have confirmation that Frank Turner will be at the Harvard Square location (36 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA) on Saturday, September 26th at 2PM. #mysterysolved

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

Pre-order Trophy Lungs' debut LP via Antique Records (limit to 300 copies).

For anyone has lost a friend or family member, this song is for you. In anticipation for their debut full-length record ‘Day Jobs’ (out September 18th via Antique Records), staple Boston punk band Trophy Lungs has released the first single “Bathroom Graffiti”.

Writing “Bathroom Graffiti” was incredibly important to me because I feel like it finally gave me a chance to say goodbye."

“Music has always been an outlet for me to deal with the struggles and anxiety that come with growing up,” guitarist/singer Kevin Bogart tells Bishop & Rook. “Whenever I was dealing with something difficult I could put a record on or start playing guitar and it would calm me down. When I was younger two of my good friends Callin and Mike took their own lives. Later on another one of my good friends Chompy dumped his bike and later passed away. When someone dies you think about the last thing you said to them and constantly wonder if things could have been different if you were around. Writing “Bathroom Graffiti” was incredibly important to me because I feel like it finally gave me a chance to say goodbye. Hopefully if somebody is struggling with the loss of a friend or family they can put that song on and get a little bit of relief the way I did.”

To compliment the single, the band recently wrapped up a music video shoot for "Bathroom Graffiti" with Jonas Em (Emvisions Productions) who directed 2013’s “Dad’s Away On Business”. “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”, Bogart explains. “I'm super thankful for everyone who was a part of it.”

‘Day Jobs’ is the follow up to the 2013 EP ‘No Judgement’, was recorded with Jay Maas at Getaway Recording in Haverhill, MA and is available for pre-order via Antique Records. The vinyl record is limited to 300 copies in clear (150) and black (150). Digital download and bundle options are also available. Trophy Lungs will be playing their record release show on Sunday, September 13th with Timeshares (NY), Choke Up and The New Warden at Great Scott, presented by RTT Presents.

Follow the band on Facebook and Twitter for additional information.

Grotesque, Self-Pity and Rot – Lady Bones’ Debut LP is Ugly Pop

Follow the ugly-poppers down the path, but allow me to forewarn you—
there are vicious surprises lurking in the dark.

That clichéd phrase, “never judge a book by its cover” comes to mind quickly at first glance of Lady Bones' debut full-length album ‘Dying’ (Midnight Werewolf Records). The spooky album cover, the collection of songs with titles like “Nest”, “Wet”, “Dead Dogs”, and “Amen Dead Friend” all create a bleak and abrasive aesthetic character.

Yet amidst all the grime, hate, and chaos, I'll be damned if there isn’t still a share of whistle-friendly choruses buried in the songs like diamonds in a tar pit.

Rock Out With Your Cocktail Out Vol. XXXVII

Set your Fourth of July party on FIRE with Fireball Whisky and our new playlist.

Guys! It's Rock Out With Your Cocktail Out's 3rd birthday! We've been supplying you with drinks and playlists since 2012. To celebrate, treat yourself to a staycation and head to a local club this month to see the likes of Catch 22 with Rebuilder at Brighton Music Hall on July 17th (tickets) and Beach Slang with Choke Up and Bundles at Great Scott July 22nd (tickets). Or just camp out on your couch and order the newest Great Lakes USA record, ‘Stumbling Distance’ on limited edition vinyl. Regardless of your plans, you should most definitely be drinking a Cherry Tree Fireball and listening to the July Spotify playlist.

No Sore Losers – Rumble Bands Rock On at O’Brien’s Pub

There's no crying in rock and roll. Rumble punks play O'Brien's on June 26th.

They lost the Rock ‘n’ Roll Rumble but they still like each other. 2015 Rumble participants Duck & Cover, Dan Webb and the Spiders and The Warning Shots will play with Broken Stereo (Paul Russo of Pinkerton Thugs) at O’Brien’s Pub in Allston on Friday, June 26th.

Rocking on after the Rumble, Duck & Cover is headed into the studio to record in late July, Dan Webb and the Spiders have released their latest record ‘Perfect Problem’ (Gunner Records) on vinyl, which will be available for purchase at the show, and The Warning Shots were recently announced as local support for the upcoming Stiff Little Fingers show at The Sinclair on July 12th. 

Friday's event is 21+, $8, 8PM doors. Full event details here.

Related Stories:
Introducing the Class of the 2015 Rock ‘n’ Roll Rumble

Kids Like You & Me's 6th Anniversary Party July 1st

Party on with Kids Like You And Me July 1st at Middle East Up.

The creators of local music blog, Kids Like You And Me (KLYAM), are celebrating their 6th anniversary with a birthday bash at Middle East Upstairs on Wednesday, July 1st featuring The Barbazons, Nice Guys, G. Gordon Gritty and Providence's Atlantic Thrills. We discuss what one can learn after kicking around the Boston music scene for 6 years, how KLYAM released their first record and the best time to pee at a house show.

'Disorderly Presence' Is Not Far From Insubordination's Role In The Scene

See Insubordination with DCDR, Tenafly Vipers and Outer Stylie 6/18 at O'Brien's Pub.

In a way, the title of Insubordination's new album, 'Disorderly Presence' (Angry Pirate Records), could accurately describe not their place in modern society but in the punk rock community as well.

Choke Up Tour Kick Off Featuring Save Ends, Foreign Tongues, Old Days

Get your tickets for Choke Up's summer tour kickoff show.

Post-hardcore punk band Choke Up kicks off their 10-stop Summer tour with an evening of musical entertainment at O'Brien's Pub in Allston on Friday, June 19th with friends Save Ends, Foreign Tongues and newish band Old Days.

Rumored to have the potential to sell out, you can buy your tickets in advanced here. 21+, $8, 8PM doors. Want to know about more shows in the area? Visit our show flyer page.

This tour supports the band's debut LP 'Black Coffee, Bad Habits' on Black Numbers Records, available for purchase now. And check out the new music video for track "Woke Up Drunk" below.

Choke Up - Woke Up Drunk from Mason Marino on Vimeo.

Related Stories:

Choke Up Announces Summer Tour

Choke Up's Debut LP Leaves Us Speechless - Pre-order 'Black Coffee, Bad Habits'

Local Bands Contribute to Jawbreaker Tribute Album

The Underground Railroad to Candyland AND Toys That Kill Come to Allston

June 21st and 22nd at O'Brien's Pub. Tickets available now.

Humble, local music hub, O’Brien’s Pub, has some excellent news. The Underground Railroad to Candyland AND Toys That Kill will be playing back to back nights in Allston Rock City’s premier dive bar venue thanks to the mad booking skills of Ryan Agate.

Enter To Win Tickets to See Coliseum at Middle East Upstairs

Win a pair of tickets to see Coliseum! Details below.

Touring relentlessly, producing a series of full-lengths, EPs and splits, and continuously refining their sound over the last decade, Coliseum (Deathwish Records) is out on tour, supporting their fifth LP, ‘Anxiety’s Kiss’. A 10-track record that embodies the expansive life journey of a twelve-year-old band, 'Anxiety's Kiss' leans heavily on the post-hardcore, melodic side of Coliseum's sonic magnitude; standout tracks "Drums & Amplifiers", "Comedown" and "Escape Yr Skull".

The Louisville, KY punk band will stop in Boston on Monday, June 15th to play Middle East Upstairs with Child Bite, Chrome Over Brass and Raw Blow, presented by Wormwood Joint. 18+ with valid ID, $10 advanced / $12 day off, 8PM doors. View full event details.

And we have a pair of tickets to giveaway!

How do I win tickets?!

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

Can’t wait? Don’t want to chance it? You can purchase tickets now. Stream ‘Anxiety’s Kiss’ on Bandcamp and purchase the record on vinyl and CD via Deathwish Records.

Rebuiler’s Debut LP, How ‘Allston Christmas’ Influenced Album Art & What Exactly Is ‘Gnarly Rock’

Get your copy of 'Rock & Roll In America' today.

2014 Rock ‘n’ Roll Rumble participant and Boston Music Award nominee for ‘Punk Artist of the Year’, Rebuilder rips open the preconceived stitches of punk rock to deliver their expansive, mature, and complex sophomore album, ‘Rock & Roll In America’. Their debut full-length on Panic State Records, “RNRIA” reinvents the self-proclaimed gnarly rock band’s sonic footprint, transcending the traditional three chord punk progression and showcasing the evolution of the band’s collaborative writing styles. Passionate, stirring and with a ‘never say die’ attitude in the same vein as Frank Turner or Against Me, Rebuilder’s live shows are packed with the resilient emotion of DIY music inspired by the honest truth, the instinctual reaction and the second wind that holds you back from the brink of exhaustion.

We sat down with the band to talk about their debut full-length, how Allston Christmas shaped the concept behind ‘Rock & Roll In America’ and hashed out the definition of ‘gnarly rock’.

Tied To A Bear's Debut LP ‘Safe, Boring & Safe’ & Record Release Show Announcement

Download your copy of 'Safe, Boring & Safe' now.

To us, Tied To A Bear has been some sort of scene folklore. Jeff Rowe has a new band. It features Harley Cox (Choke Up) on drums. They have no internet identity so you’re just going to have to go to a show to see them. Which we did. More than once. (that one time) (that other time). And now you can hear them for yourself with the release of their debut LP and a limited time free download.

Local Bands Contribute to Jawbreaker Tribute Album

Michigan Indie label, Save Your Generation Records, has done a whole mess of leg work to create “What’s The Score”, a Jawbreaker tribute album. The 12-track record is available as a digital download to be released June 23rd and as a limited edition vinyl record (200) estimated to ship out July 28th. Pre-orders available now.

Death Comes to The Middle East 5/31

See Death live at Middle East Downstairs on May 31st.

Bowery Boston presents Death at Middle East Downstairs on Sunday, May 31st. 18+ (with valid ID), 8PM doors. $23 in advanced, $25 day of (ticket link).

Death was a garage rock and punk rock band formed in Detroit, Michigan, in 1971 by the brothers Bobby (bass, vocals), David (guitar), and Dannis (drums) Hackney. Death officially broke up in 1977. In September 2009, a reformed Death played three shows with original members Bobby and Dannis Hackney, with Lambsbread guitarist Bobbie Duncan taking the place of the late David Hackney. In 2011, Drag City Records released a new album, "Spiritual • Mental • Physical", with demos and rough cuts that predate the 1974 sessions. An independent documentary film about the band titled "A Band Called Death", (trailer below) directed by Jeff Howlett and Mark Covino, was released in 2013 on Drafthouse Films. Death frontman Bobby Hackney is father to Bobby Hackney jr., Urian Hackney and Julian Hackney of Vermont punk band Rough Francis.

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.

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