Exclusive Beach Slang Afternoon Show at Firebrand Saints

See Beach Slang at Firebrand Saints this Saturday 3/14/15

Here's your exclusive, VIP insider tip of the day. Beach Slang (PA) will be at Firebrand Saints (1 Broadway, Kendall Square, Cambridge) this Saturday, March 14th, for a very special midday show before their SOLD OUT show with Cursive at The Sinclair later that night. The band will be accompanied by Boston post-hardcore band, Choke Up.

2PM / $5 / 21+. Presented by Eye Design. Facebook event details. Boom.

Rock Out With Your Cocktail Out Vol. XXXIII

'She Knows' how to make mean cocktails (image credit)

Happy almost spring you guys! Have you gone to a show lately? The Class of the 2015 Rock ‘n’ Roll Rumble was announced, we have Rebuilder’s ‘Rock & Roll in America’ record release coming up, Great Lakes USA and The New Warden are playing Friday 13th. Get out there and socialize. And maybe order an Irish Sprite while you’re at it. Here's our March 2015 Rock Out With Your Cocktail Out Playlist.

Introducing the Class of the 2015 Rock ‘n’ Roll Rumble

This might be our favorite Rumble lineup yet. Zip-Tie Handcuffs, Yale, MA, Raw Blow what?! Boston Emissions with Anngelle Wood (100.7 WZLX) took to the airwaves Sunday night to announce the class of the 2015 Rock 'n' Roll Rumble.

Stream "The National Bohemian" off of Rebuilder's Upcoming Debut LP

Rebuilder's 'Rock & Roll In America' release show - April 3rd at O'Brien's Pub, Allston

In celebration of their upcoming debut full-length album ‘Rock & Roll In America’, Rebuilder (Panic State Records) is scheduled to play their record release show at O’Brien’s Pub in Allston on Friday, April 3rd. We’re keeping it local and celebrating the immense talent of the Boston music scene by featuring post-hardcore band Choke Up (Black Numbers Records), Somerville indie punk outfit Bundles and kitschy ‘spaceman looping artist’ Sundog, along with special guest DJ Mateo Williams of WMBR 88.1 FM’s Late Risers Club (MIT) who will be spinning vinyl records of the punk variety in-between sets. The event is presented by Bishop & Rook Music Blog, is 21+, $8 and doors are at 8pm. Advanced ticket link available here. Get additional details via the official Facebook event page.

Stream an exclusive first listen of "The National Bohemian" off of Rock & Roll In America after the jump.

Bandcamp Reports Fans Have Given Artists $100 Million USD

Dolla Dolla Bill, Y'All. Bandcamp reports major milestone.

Bandcamp took to Facebook to announce a major milestone. Per the music streaming website, fans have now given artists $100 million USD through Bandcamp. Fans give artists $3.5 million every month on the site, and buy more than 16,000 records a day, which works out to about one every five seconds, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

"So a big, big thanks to everyone supporting artists on Bandcamp, and to all the artists and labels posting great music too. We wouldn’t be here without you. P.S. We worked out of the public library for the first four years of Bandcamp’s existence. In May 2009, fans gave artists $12,823.12. It was the first time we’d crossed the $10K-in-a-month mark."

Read more via the Bandcamp blog.

25% Off Vinyl Records at Newbury Comics

3 days only (3/6-3/8), receive 25% off all vinyl records at Newbury Comics. Find a location near you. See website/store for complete details.

Party with Trophy Lungs this Sunday 3/8

Punk rock party at the Middle East Upstairs 3/8.

It’s his birthday and he’ll drink all the beers if he wants to. Head to the Middle East Upstairs on Sunday, March 8th to celebrate Trophy Lungs guitarist, Kevin Bogart’s, birthday with performances by After the Fall (Albany punks recently signed to Bridge Nine Records), Remnants (NY, ex-members of The Broosevelts), Tied to a Bear (members of Choke Up / collectively decided to be too cool for the internet), Bear Child (NY, Justin from Deep Pockets), presented by Wormwood Joint.

Doors are at 8pm, $10, 18+ with valid ID. Additional details can be found on the official Facebook event page.

Remember, Sunday is Daylight Savings Time, turn those clocks forward one hour and don't miss the first act.

Eye Design Presents Premiere Show at Firebrand Saints

New show, new venue, get on this. Saturday, March 7th.

Celebrate the first show at Firebrand Saints featuring indie shoegaze band Guillermo Sexo (Midriff Records) meow metal until we can't meow metal anymore you guys, experimental noise rockers Linear Downfall (TN) and surf rock outfit Beach Toys, presented by Eye Design. This show is $5, 21+ with valid ID and starts at 9pm. Get full event details here.

Firebrand Saints is located at 1 Broadway in Kendall Square, Cambridge. Close to the T, offers free parking and the kitchen is open until 11pm.

Music Video Premiere: Soft Pyramids "Trouble"

As a follow up to their previous DIY music video, "Around This Town" off of the 2014 LP Fossils of the Free World, Soft Pyramids returns to the Napoleon Complex to bring us Lindsey Buckingham's 1981 song, "Trouble”. Putting a shoegaze spin on the retro track, Soft Pyramids takes it slow with a dreamier, sincere rendition.

For anyone who tends to observe various aspects of a live performance, this unique split screen concept provides an intimate, in-the-moment experience for the viewers at home; achieved when filmmaker Tim Stabers matched two separate takes, side by side, and utilizing one video’s audio.

Soft Pyramids will be playing Empire in Portland, ME on March 7th with Foam Castles and Leveret (event details) and O’Brien’s Pub in Allston on March 11th with Dead Trains, The Sun Lions and Peach Pit (event details).

Related Stories:
Music Video: Soft Pyramids - “Around This Town"

First Batch of Awesome Day Fest 2015 Bands Announced

So ominous it must be important. Coming May 30, 2015.

The first batch of participating Awesome Day Fest 2015 bands has been announced! It’s happening! The annual neighborhood music event will be held on Saturday, May 30th, 2015 in “The Aspen of the East” beautiful Allston, Massachusetts, curated by Jesse Sherman and Midriff Records.

“Awesome Day Fest is a day long 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!” states Midriff Records.

Confirmed to participate in this year’s event is Weird Womb, Sidewalk Driver, Kudgel, Shatner, Vic Firecracker (reunion), Petty Morals, Guillermo Sexo, Crooked North, Eldridge Rodriguez, Party Bois, Codetta (reunion) and Diablo Gato. More to come.

Additional information including individual show tickets, “all venue” wristbands and a full lineup of participating bands will be added to Midriff Record’s blog regularly. Follow Awesome Day Fest on Facebook and Twitter for announcements and attend the all-day event May 30th.

Related Stories:
Allston Gets a Bit More Awesome During Awesome Day Fest

Velah Calls it a Day

Velah Calls it a Day

Boston alt-indie band Velah has ceased to be a band. Per Facebook this afternoon, the band stated:

"Hey everyone! Apologies to be the bearers of rather crap news but we've decided to call it day. We had a blast for the time we were together but unfortunately we just ran out of gas. Thanks to everyone who came out to shows and supported us the last few years - we are eternally grateful. Have no fear, we're all still making music though! Check out Jen and Mike in Pale Hands, Danny's work in Black Foliage and Justin drumming his heart out in Blackbutton. Nick is working on guitars which you can ogle at here, somervilleguitarco.tumblr.com XO"

The band recently played with now Brooklynites, Boom Said Thunder during their homecoming single release show back in January of this year. You can stream Velah's releases on Bandcamp.

Dance Like Nobody's Watching with Charly Bliss 2/28 at O'Brien's Pub

See Charly Bliss with Bent Shapes, Chandos and Fucko at O'Brien's Pub 2/28.

Listen, if we hear that a female-fronted band from NYC is heading up to Boston, we take notice. New York has a decent track record, Slothrust, Chumped, Swearin’, and Charly Bliss fits nicely into our fangirl obsession.

If Betty Boop had an indie band, this is what we think it would sound like. Eva Hendricks’ sugary, spunky vocals add a deceivingly innocent tone to the catchy pop rock 3-song EP Soft Serve; available to stream and purchase (digital and vinyl) at Bandcamp.

Dance like nobody's watching and catch their live set at O'Brien's Pub this Saturday (February 28th) with Bent Shapes, Chandos and Fucko, presented by Eye Design. Event details here.

Charly Bliss is a four piece indie band from Westport, Connecticut based out of New York City formed in the winter of 2011 and comprised of (sister/brother) Eva and Sam Hendricks, and Spencer Fox and Kevin Copeland.

The Hotelier Press Debut Record + Tour All Over The Damn Place

Grab the first pressing of The Hotelier's debut record now.

Did you know The Hotelier, at the time The Hotel Year, had a record before Home, Like Noplace Is There? True story. Originally released in 2011, their debut full-length It Never Goes Out was unfortunately kept in label limbo in regards to a proper physical release, but now current label Tiny Engines has made all your emo hearts explode with the announcement of a proper vinyl pressing!

Sports., Fall Risk ('Sleeplessness' EP Release Show), Dirt Naps at Charlie’s Kitchen

Hang out with Bishop And Rook at a show. It'll be awesome. We'll high-five each other.

Sorry ma, forgot to take out the trash...because we were too busy making a rock show! Whhaaaatttt?

Head to Charlie's Kitchen (10 Eliot Street, Harvard Square, Cambridge) on Monday, March 2nd for the next Bishop And Rook presents show featuring pop punker duo Fall Risk, supporting their 'Sleeplessness' EP release, emo punks Sports. and garage kids Dirt Naps. Full event details here.

Get there early, eat great food, stay and pay $5 to hear equally great music. Plus, be the very first crowd to purchase brand new, limited run Bishop And Rook merch before it becomes available to purchase on the internets. ◄ Internet shopping is a highly impersonal experience. Absolutely no hugs given. Best to buy in person.

Related Stories:
Boston Underdogs Fall Risk to Release the 'Sleeplessness' EP
Bishop And Rook Returns to Mutiny on the Microphone (for some reason)

Hardcore Helps the Homeless – March 22nd

O’Brien’s Pub in Allston will be the venue for Hardcore Helps the Homeless on March 22nd. The event features several local hardcore bands including Lunglust, Kimachi, Empty Vessels (CT), Vultures and Mass Graves, and benefits the Somerville Homeless Coalition.

‘Alex I Am Nothing’ is the Most Awkward and Sincere Concept Record

Swoon Swoon Swoon. Buy Buy Buy.

Love pining lyrics and concept records? Boy do we ever! Museum Mouth is our new favorite band not from New England.

Boston Underdogs Fall Risk to Release the 'Sleeplessness' EP

See Fall Risk live during their EP release show on Mach 2nd.

Sleeplessness, the 4th release from Boston’s Fall Risk, is 12 minutes and 25 seconds of good old fashioned socially aware, angsty pop punk.

Meet The Rock 'n' Roll Rumble Class of 2015

The Rock 'n' Roll Rumble Facebook page made a simple yet exciting announcement last night. Your 24 new favorite bands unveiled on Sunday, March 8 on Boston Emissions with Anngelle Wood

100.7 WZLX and BostonEmissions.com

Bishop And Rook Returns to Mutiny on the Microphone (for some reason)

Bishop And Rook was this week's guest DJ on New England music podcast Mutiny on the Microphone. Here's 60 minutes of complete nonsense, local music and probably a whole mess of misinformation. For the record, we were invited back. LISTEN NOW. #norules #nogods




On a mobile device? Click here to listen!


Also, go to a show. Next Bishop And Rook shows!!!
March 2nd - Charlies Kitchen - fting Sports., Fall Risk, Dirt Naps
April 3rd - O'Brien's Pub - fting Rebuilder, Choke Up, Bundles, Sundog


February 19th Playlist:

Bundles - B&E
Jetavana Grove - Hope is a Bus (That I Missed This Morning)
Choke Up - Rust
Laika's Orbit - Circumstance
Sports. - Mo Vaughn
Fall Risk - No. 1
Sundog - Superstition
Dirt Naps - Bees Knees
Julius Earthling - 575

Related Stories:
Bishop And Rook Guest DJs the 'Break Out Bands of 2014' Podcast For Mutiny on the Microphone

Music Video - The Prefab Messiahs' 'Weirdoz Everywhere'

Don't miss the record release show on March 19th at The Middle East.

Resurrected from the 80s, by way of a 30th Anniversary mini-tour and reissued anthology, DIY psych/garage band The Prefab Messiahs have adapted to 2015 by hitting social media hard to promote their upcoming new album Keep Your Stupid Dreams Alive, co-released by Burger Records and KLYAM Records.

The 8-song record will be available March 10th as 10” vinyl, cassette and CD. Catch The Prefab Messiahs during their March 19th record release show at the Middle East Upstairs with The Fagettes, Magic Shoppe and Fedavees, presented by Illegally Blind and KLYAM Records. Event details.

Follow the band on Facebook for additional release and show announcements.

Anonymous Post-Hardcore Band Premiers New Track Off Debut EP

At the Heart of It debut EP out March 3rd. Pre-order available now.

New Hampshire’s At the Heart of It revolves around the belief that music is a tool for social awareness and a means to open the lines of communication with their listeners. Looking to keep the focus on the music and message, rather than on the band as individuals, ATHOI chose to be interviewed as a single entity. “We are a five piece, and will go by our first initials for identification's sake. R. A. J. T. N.”

Get Old Gray Music Fo' Free - Limited Time Only

Get it while it's free.

For a limited time only (we can't say for how long), you can download all available Old Gray music on Bandcamp for free (or at a name your price donation if you're feeling generous).

Get on this before the offer is gone.

Gogol Bordello, Flogging Molly with Mariachi El Bronx Come to Boston June 19th

Gogol Bordello, Flogging Molly, Mariachi El Bronx June 19th.

Good news! Gogol Bordello recently announced they will be touring with Flogging Molly. More good news! They will be playing Boston on June 19th with special guest Mariachi El Bronx. Bad news, it's at Blue Hills Bank Pavilion.

General public pre-sale tickets go on sale February 20th at 10am EST.

If you can't wait to see the gypsy punks, head to Lupo's in Providence, RI on February 28th. Tickets for that show available now.

Show Review - Bishop And Rook Presents The Offseason Stripped Down and Keeping it Classy

The Offseason at Sound Lion 1.30.15 through the eyes of sketch artist Louis Roe.

Third time was the charm for The Offseason as their first two gigs of the week were snowed out by blizzard conditions.

Coach & Sons Olde Time Family Booking Presents 'Coach Comp Vol. 1'

Download the 47-song comp for $3 on Bandcamp now.

Coach & Sons Olde Time Family Booking has released their first local music compilation.

The 47-song digital download entitled Coach Comp Vol. 1 features new songs from Animal Flag and Fall Risk (who you can see at Charlie’s Kitchen on March 2nd), as well as tracks from Soroity Noise, Sports., St. Nothing, Survay Says! and more. You can grab the comp on Bandcamp for $3, proceeds go to participating bands.

Post Your 'Walking Dead' End of the World Playlist and Win a Prize

Post your playlist to Sound Lion's Facebook page and be entered to win!

Our friends at Sound Lion Stores are running a contest and you're invited to enter (and possibly win).

In honor of tonight's The Walking Dead season premier, Sound Lion is asking you for your 6-song playlist for surviving the zombie apocalypse.

Post your playlist to Sound Lion's Facebook page (you have by 9pm EST tonight!)

The playlist that gets the most "likes" wins a pair of Skullcandy Shrapnel speaker.

Lady Bones Joins Midnight Werewolf Records

Big news from the Lady Bones camp. Exciting news in the near future.

Boston-based Midnight Werewolf Records (Kal Marks, Sneeze), specializing in both vinyl and cassette releases, announced yesterday that local indie-rock trio Lady Bones has joined their DIY label.

Per MWR's website:

"Lady Bones has been rocking out for almost 4 years and have self-released a split cassette (with Horsehands) as well as a three song demo (which you can listen to here). This band right now is one of my total favs and trust me when I say I am honored to welcome them to the MWR family. Keep your eyes peeled, cause damn, we got some exciting fucking news to announce in the very near future. Keep the shit in your pants and go shovel the sidewalk you asshole."

(We kept the last sentence in there for a PSA moment. Lazy jerks.) Lady Bones is just one of many Boston-area artists to recently align themselves with a complimentary label in the ever-Herculean task of producing and promoting local music.

Related Stories:
“Courtesy Moans” Makes My Lady Bones Tingle

ARCH Gallery Presents: Behind Your Eyelids, In Your Room

Join ARCH Gallery for the opening party on February 7th.

ARCH Gallery is thrilled to present their first month-long satellite installation at Refuge Cafe in Allston, with an opening party this Saturday, February 7th from 7-11pm. "Behind Your Eyelids; In Your Room" solo show by photographer Karen Jerzyk is like walking into a haunted dream; straight out of American Horror Story.

Nice Guys 'Chips In The Moonlight' Record Release Show

Nice Guys Record Release Show at Club Bohemia 2.12.15

Illegally Blind presents Nice Guys' Chips in the Moonlight (456 Records) EP Release Show at Club Bohemia (738 Massachusets Ave, Cambridge) on February 12th.

All good music aside, this December 2014 KLYAM review is why we'd go see a live Nice Guys show.

"Nice Guys errr ahhh here we go, these cats, these guys rumble. A swift kick in the nads. That’s their music. If you wanted a description, that’s what you’re going to get. That feeling you get when you get kicked square in the nads, it’s like that, but pull back a little. It’s that full on attack, but without the pain and misery."

Rounding out the bill is The Monsieurs, Slow Jerks (MD) and Black Beach. This show is 21+, $8. Full details can be found on the official Facebook event page.

Pet Sun, L.A. Jeff, Lesser Knowns, Tyler & The Names at O'Brien's Pub

Adorable seal says go to a local music show plz.

UPDATE: Due to a broken hand, Pet Sun will be unable to make the show. 

Head out to O’Brien’s Pub in Allston on Wednesday, February 11th for…

Pet Sun – Ontario lo-fi psychedelic rock
L.A. Jeff – Garage jams from Cambridge
Lesser Knowns – Bluesy rock and roll from way down south (New Bedford)
Tyler & The Names – Mystery grab bag

...because cheap beer, local music, supporting touring bands, this adorable seal told you to do so. 21+ with valid ID, 8PM, $8, full event details here.

Local Music Scene Hangout - February 18th

Illegally Blind presents 'Local Music Scene Hangout', 10pm, February 18th at ZuZu (474 Massachusetts Ave., Central Square, Cambridge). Per the Facebook event page, the goal for the evening is to get a bunch of local musicians, artists, promoters, writers, etc. to hangout and hopefully help build working relationships within the local music community. Everyone is encouraged to bring albums, business cards, etc. and please get to know one another! There will be a playlist of all local music for the duration of the evening.

Help spread the word.

FREE, 21+.

Rock Out With Your Cocktail Out Vol. XXXII

As refreshing as a face full of snow. (image credit)

Rock out with your cocktail out in February with a Cucumber-Rosemary Gin and Tonic and a brand new playlist. Each month Bishop And Rook provides a Spotify playlist of new, local and touring bands and a complimentary alcoholic beverage. Interested in heading out to a local show? Check out our flyers (updated on the regular), and head to Charlie's Kitchen on March 2nd for our next sponsored event.

First Annual Punk Rock Groundhog Day Show

It's the most wonderful time of the year.

Here's something new. The first annual Punk Rock Groundhog Day Show happens at Charlie's Kitchen (10 Eliot St. Harvard Square) on February 2nd, and features some of the area's most popular punk/gnarly rock bands including Rebuilder (Panic State Records), The Black Cheers and Great Lakes USA (Black Numbers Records).

"We figured if Dropkicks has St. Patrick's Day and Bosstones has Christmas...and if we want to follow in the footsteps of great Boston bands, we need a holiday as well," says Rebuilder frontman Sal Ellington. "So we took Groundhog Day. That way we can celebrate local music, Bill Murray and a great American holiday all in one night."

The band that celebrates Murray 365 days-a-year via tongue and cheek merch is rumored to be playing two back-to-back, potentially identical, sets in true Harold Ramis style. "We cannot confirm or deny that we have been practicing a few new songs specifically for this night. And possibly the appearance of limited edition 'Salfie' T-shirts," Ellington implies. What's a Salfie? Ask a punk.

The Black Cheers and Great Lakes USA round out the night. Admission is $5. This is a 21+ show (w/ valid ID). Get additional details on the official Facebook event page.

#BandcampRoulette – Snowed in Edition

Hey guys, we found new music for you!

Fun fact. Many local music entities including Allston Pudding, WMBR’s Pipeline! and yours truly scour Bandcamp to find the next best Boston band. As the rules of Bandcamp Roulette suggest, it’s a tough job. But then you stumble upon a record with extreme potential like this Demo from Laika's Orbit, released in January of this year.

Spunky indie pop, tagged as “diet punk”, whatever the fuck that is, Laika’s Orbit is a ray of sunshine in an otherwise blizzardy wasteland of internet uploads.

Yeah it’s muffled, and sure they list upcoming shows, but where Laika’s Orbit, where?! Of course they don’t seem to have a social media page as far as we can tell, but we’re hooked. Listen and download for free on Bandcamp, and see Laika's Orbit in Brooklyn 1/31, Cambridge 2/5 and Allston 2/20. Locations TBD/unknown/super secret/ask a punk?

Play Bandcamp Roulette now.

Resolutions / Teen Agers Split

Resolutions (Germany) and Teen Agers (Orlando, FL) teamed up for a split 7" on No Panic! Records (GER) and All in Vinyl (UK) to promote their upcoming European tour this spring. Mastered by Stephen Egerton (Descendents / ALL), the 2-track record can be downloaded for free (at a name your price donation) on Bandcamp. Physical 7” on red/blue split (100), clear with blue and red splatter (150) and clear with red haze vinyl (250) can be purchased via No Panic! Records’ online store for a few pounds.