Rebuilder Spring Tour Kickoff Show May 11th at Charlie's Kitchen

Rebuilder tour kickoff show Monday, May 11th at Charlie's Kitchen.

Rebuilder is hitting the road and crossing borders this May as the self-proclaimed ‘gnarly rock band’ makes appearances at Pouzza Fest in Montreal and Skate And Surf in Asbury Park, NJ.

Pulitzer Prize Fighter Covers "Such Great Heights" - Free Bandcamp Download

Pulitzer Prize Fighter taps brings the harmonies with Postal Service cover.

Boston's pop alt band Pulitzer Prize Fighter have released a cover of The Postal Service's "Such Great Heights" as a free download on Bandcamp. "For the foreseeable future we'll be periodically dropping free covers in between original releases," states the band's Facebook page. PPF will be releasing a new single entitled "Wicked" sometime next month.

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Music Video Premier: Soft Pyramids "Trouble"

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.

Sorority Noise Releases Teaser Video for Upcoming LP "Joy, Departed"

Sorority Noise's sophomore LP and debut release on Topshelf Records available 6/19/15.

Hartford, CT emo rockers Sorority Noise have released a teaser video for upcoming record “Joy, Departed”. The band's sophomore LP, and Topshelf Records debut, will be available June 16, 2015 on CD, vinyl and digitally.

Get notified when pre-orders for the album become available via Topshelf Record's website. Head to Bandcamp to stream and purchase the 2014 LP "Forgettable" (Storm Chasers Records) now.

Taco Party To Open Storefront in Somerville - Everyday Reported to Become 'Taco Tuesday'

Taco Party coming soon to Somerville.

Taco Party, the all vegetarian / vegan Mexican-inspired food truck slinging Chimichurri Tempeh Tacos, Tofu Tacos and Chorizo Seitan Tacos, is getting a brick and mortar store of its very own according to a recent Facebook announcement.

"Checks have been written, keys handed over. I can now officially announce Taco Party the restaurant! We've always had such great experiences in Somerville so we've chosen Ball Sq as our new home. 711 Broadway is the spot. I won't be so bold as to choose the opening date yet but we will act fast! Can't wait to put a roof over your heads!"

Taco Party hit the streets in 2013 with Keith Schubert (ex-The Raging Teens) behind the wheel. The truck can be found in the Boston area Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and is also available for catering. Follow Taco Party on Facebook and Twitter for updates and truck schedules. And visit www.tacopartytruck.com for complete information.

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.

An All Call for New England Bands - We Want Yo' Music For A Terrible Mashup

It's about to get wicked Terrible up in here.

Calling all bands. Bishop & Rook is partnering with local mashup artist, Terrible, to create a very special localz only, all-encompassing Boston music scene remix. In an effort to celebrate the diverse and talented music community that we strive to champion on a daily basis, Bishop & Rook and Terrible are looking for tracks to sample.

To get on board with this project, email your isolated instrument and vocal tracks and contact information to Terrible at musicterrible@gmail.com. Current participants include Mr. Fritz, Viva La Hop, LA Jeff, Penalty Kill, and Zip-Tie Handcuffs. Deadline is July 1st.

Terrible is the curator of 'Bike.Barista.Bullshit' and 'Going van Gogh'. When Terrible isn’t producing tracks, he’s Max Shaffer, studying nerd stuffs in Cambridge, and when Max isn’t hitting the books, he’s spinning the records in the underground rock department, The Record Hospital on WHRB 95.3 FM (Harvard Radio Broadcasting).

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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.

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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).

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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.

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Boston Goes To FEST 14

The expansive lineup for FEST 14, the country's premier punk festival happening October 30, 31 and November 1, was announced last night, highlighting the widespread reach of national and international bands. This year, bands range from local Gainesville, FL acts to European artists and even representatives from Slam Diego Punkifornia (someone get us a T-shirt with this stat!) and Hell.

Migrating down south will be several heart-on-sleeve, DIY, O'Brien's finest Boston bands including Choke Up, The Color and Sound, Foreign Tongues, The Hotelier, Lady Bones, Lenny Lashley's Gang of One and Rebuilder.

Start planning your road trip itinerary. FEST passes go on sale June 1st.

► Bands
► Schedule
► Go to FEST

Boston Fuzzstival 2015...Is Coming...

Art by John Magnifico and Will Thomas from Boom Said Thunder

Boston Fuzzstival 2015 is coming!

The goal of Boston Fuzzstival is to highlight the best bands in the region that make psychedelic/fuzz/garage/surf rock and to build bridges within the local music community. This years Fuzzstival is a 3 day event, with 2 shows at The Middle East Upstairs and the 3rd show at The Middle East Downstairs, hosted by Illegally Blind.

Join the event on Facebook for future information including schedules and lineups.

AUGUST 6 @ Middle East Upstairs

AUGUST 7 @ Middle East Upstairs

AUGUST 8 @ Middle East Downstairs

The Results Are In, Your Rumble Semifinal Wildcards Are…

Thursday, April 23, 2015
Semifinals Night #1
Event link
Doors at 8:30
$10

9:30 // Wildcard: Duck & Cover



10:15 // Soft Pyramids



11:00 // Zip-Tie Handcuffs



11:45 // Dirty Bangs




Friday, April 24, 2015
Semifinals Night #2
Event link
Doors at 8:30
$10

9:30 // Wildcard: Murcielago



10:15 // Nemes



11:00 // Eternals



11:45 // The Static Dynamic




Based on what we've experienced from these bands during the preliminary round, we're predicting Zip-Tie Handcuffs for Night #1 and Murcielago for Night #2. Follow the Rock 'n' Roll Rumble on Facebook and Twitter for additional announcements and information. 

Gone Punk Rocking, Be Back Never - Converse Presents Free All Ages Residency at The Sinclair

Enter for a chance to win tickets. Registration starts Monday 4/20/15.

For five nights, Converse Rubber Tracks Live is taking over The Sinclair in Cambridge. Each night, local Boston bands who have recorded at a Converse Rubber Tracks recording studio will open for a line-up of internally recognized artists including The Replacements, The Descendents and Slayer.

“In anticipation of Converse’s momentous move from North Andover to Boston, we wanted to bring our Converse Rubber Tracks music platform to the city in the most incredible way possible,” said Jed Lewis, Converse Global Music Marketing Director. “The city of Boston has always supported us and this free, five-day concert series featuring local artists is our way of showing our gratitude and appreciation to the residents who continue to embrace Converse as part of the community.”

You can register for a chance to win tickets to one of the five shows. (We're rooting for Night #1 with The Replacements, Dinosaur Jr. and local favs The Young Leaves.) Tickets will be distributed at random. Starting noon, Monday April 20th, pick your two favorite nights, cross your fingers and think positive thoughts by registering at www.converse-music.com/boston. Winners will be notified via email by Wednesday, April 22nd.

► View the full lineup.

New England Bands Road Trip to Pouzza Fest V

Road trip anyone? #PouzzaV happens May 15-17

For three days in mid-May, downtown Montreal will be infiltrated with over 200+ bands and thousands of dysfunctional music fans during the fifth installment of Pouzza Fest. This year, several New England bands who will roadtriping their vans up to the border include A Minor Revolution (NH), Doom Service (VT), No Trigger, Oh The Humanity!, Pile, Rebuilder and The Digs.

► Get the full lineup

► Ticket information

► Schedule

Eye Design Introduces "Show Love" Industry Night

Attend the first Show Love night at Firebrand Saints on 4/18.

Local booking outfit, indie record label and curator of the art and music series Treat Yo Self has added another pillar to the establishment that is Eye Design with new event, 'Show Love'.

"Show Love was created as a way to make the community aware of smaller bands and labels in the New England area by offering vending and performance opportunities," says Eye Design founder Ian McGregor. The first Show Love will happen on April 18th (9PM/21+/$5/event details) at Firebrand Saints (1 Broadway, Cambridge) in celebration of Record Store Day, and is slated to occur every other month at the Kendall Square location.

To take part in future Show Love events, please contact Eye Design at showlove@eyedesignma.com. And learn more about the Eye Design organization during Boston Scene Party's free Boston industry networking event, "Meet Your Promoter" on Wednesday, April 22nd at O'Brien's Pub in Allston. RSVP and additional details here.

4/18 Lineup

Idiot Genes - Eye Design Records


Rye Pines - Bob Records


Everything and Everyone - Disposable America



Firebrand Saints is located at 1 Broadway, Cambridge across the street from Kendall T station, features a parking lot, and the kitchen is open until 11PM.

Full Awesome Day Fest Lineup Announced

Never Got Caught, Gozu, Hey Zeus, DiabloGato and Guillermo Sexo among the bands officially announced for Awesome Day Fest 2015.

ADF2015 spans two days, four venues and features over 20 bands. The event begins with a kickoff party Friday, May 29th at O'Brien's Pub, Allston.

► Full Lineup

► Full Schedule & Tickets

Awesome Day Fest is a daylong 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!

The event is sponsored by Verb Hotel, digboston, Midriff Records, Roxy’s Grilled Cheese, G&N Promo, QRST’s Screenprinting & Embroidery, Narragansett Beer, Boston Emissions with Anngelle Wood, Sound Museum, WEMF Radio and Smuttynose Brewing Co.

Darkbuster at The Sinclair August 3rd

Get yo presale tickets!

Presale tickets for Darkbuster at The Sinclair August 3rd are now available! Use password "BoweryBoston". Public tickets go on sale Friday (4/10). This show is 18+ with a valid ID. Click here to be redirected to the Ticketmaster page.

Pre-Order Rebuilder's 'Rock & Roll In America' Limited Edition Vinyl

Pre-order Rebuilder's debut LP 'Rock & Roll In America' now.

If you didn't get a chance to pre-order Rebuilder's debut LP 'Rock & Roll In America' during their sold out record release show at hometown local legend venue O'Brien's Pub in Allston last Friday, when the band played their record in its entirety plus whipped out a punk cover of Taylor Swift's "Shake It Off", here is your second chance. The self-proclaim gnarly rock band's newest record is currently available for pre-order via New Jersey label Panic State Records.

Rebuilder 'Rock & Roll In America' Ticket Giveaway

I's can haz tickets to Rebuilder record release show plz?

Ladies and fellas! Here is your chance to win a pair of tickets to Rebuilder's debut LP 'Rock & Roll In America' (Panic State Records) record release show at O'Brien's Pub (Allston), Friday, April 3rd featuring Choke Up, Bundles, Sundog and special guest WMBR 88.1FM DJ Mateo Williams! Plus listen to the first pre-released track, 'The National Bohemian', off the new record below.

You have until 4PM Friday, April 3rd to enter to win.

How do I win tickets?!

► Sorry! This contest is closed.

Rock Out With Your Cocktail Out Vol. XXXIV

It's April! Let porch life begin! (image credit)

It’s April 1st! You know what that means? Winter parking ban get lifted in various Boston neighborhoods, maybe not yours, but definitely mine, so let’s celebrate with new music and a Whiskey Lemonade! On deck for shows this month is Choke Up at O’Brien’s Pub April 3rd, Portland, OR’s Divers at O’Brien’s April 6th, and Swimmers (formally Emily’s Army) at Middle East Upstairs on April 12th.

Bishop & Rook Presents Rebuilder's 'Rock & Roll In America' Record Release Show

It's a Record Release Show ya'll! Ticket pre-orders are live now.

We're drunk on wine excitement to announce Bishop & Rook presents Rebuilder's Rock & Roll in America record release show featuring Choke Up, Bundles, Sundog and special guest WMBR 88.1 FM Late Risers' Club DJ, Mateo Williams.

It's a full house folks and pre-sale tickets are available now. And stream "The National Bohemian", the first single off the record, exclusively on Bishop And Rook after the jump.

Refused Comes to The Sinclair June 1st

Refuse comes to Cambridge 6.1.15

The Sinclair in Harvard Square announced that quintessential Swedish hardcore band, Refused, will be coming to town June 1st. Ticket pre-sale will be on sale Friday, April 3rd at 12:00PM EDT. Event information can be found on The Sinclair's website.

Do617 Pop-Up Record Shop April 18th

Free event! Things to do! PBR! Allston! Do617!

Hey vinyl junkies, here's a free event for you.

The fine folks at Do617 and Pabst Blue Ribbon have teamed up and bring the vinyl to you as they present the Pop-Up Record Shop, Saturday, April 18 at Brighton Music Hall!

Great Lakes USA, “Shaking Hands” Off Upcoming EP 'Stumblin’ Distance'

These guys... Stumlin' Distance is estimated to be released this June.

Check out the new track from Great Lakes USA, “Shaking Hands” off of the upcoming EP Stumblin’ Distance (Black Numbers), originally premiered on punktastic.com. Follow Great Lakes USA on Facebook and Twitter for additional announcements.

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The New Punk Is Coming...

The New Punk Is Coming...

Fuck yeah punk rock! (image credit)

Several local punk bands holding prime positions on our music radar are revealing that new music is in the works for 2015.

Great Lakes USA finally confirmed after years many months of hearsay that their next LP Stumbling Distance is in the works with a tentative release date of June.

The Black Cheers uploaded an ominous teaser video to their Facebook page yesterday.

And word on the street is Grenades in the Archives have some new jams on deck.

Get ready. Do you have new music you want to submit to Bishop & Rook? Learn how here.

Elder Homecoming Show with Leather Lung, SET & Worshipper

Wrapping up a month-long tour that stretched from Rhode Island to SXSW in support of their latest album Lore (released via Armageddon Shop), Providence's heavy psychedelic rock band Elder will play their homecoming show at TT the Bear’s in Central Square, Cambridge on Monday, March 30th. A 5-song record with tracks averaging a hypnotic 11:49, Lore is the band’s third full-length album, featuring the interplay of heaviness and melody which has become the hallmark of Elder’s sound.

Opening the night are stoner rock bands Leather Lung, SET (Worcester) and Worshipper, presented by Grayskull Booking.

The show is 18+, $10 advanced (buy here) / $14 day of and doors are at 8pm. Head to Bandcamp to purchase Lore now.

New Great Lakes USA Record Confirmed

Stumbling Distance due out June 1st, 2015.

Boston punks Great Lakes USA confirmed via Facebook this morning that their highly anticipated and long awaited follow up to 2012's Live Fast, Die Whenever is happening.

"We are stoked to announce we are once again working with Coffeebreath And Heartache (they will be handling vinyl) & Black Numbers (CD & Digital) to release our new EP, 'Stumbling Distance' on June 1st 2015!

This is the first collection of jams featuring Mike Przygoda shredding on every song and we could not be any more stoked about this.

You are all in for a treat."

Cheers! You can see Great Lakes USA with After The Fall (NY / Bridge Nine Records), Heartsounds (CA) and Tied To A Bear at O'Brien's Pub in Allston on May 12th.

WTF Radio 92.9 FM...

Tell us how you really feel... When you hear the word "spring", some might think beer gardens, others may revel in parking ban lifts, Radio 92.9 FM went for cleavage. This morning, Boston's alternative radio station that "plays more music and less blah blah blah" posted this picture on Twitter with the caption "Welcome back Spring!". Pure class and noted.

According to the station's bio, "Our music geeks are connecting Boston’s passionate music fans and keep you up to date with music news, concerts info, and chances to meet and hang out with the biggest artists in Alternative." And inappropriate, audience alienating, tasteless commentary.

Julius Earthling 'NFL Bliss' Record Release Show

It's a record release show ya'll!

Two bands we totally gushed about on Mutiny on the Microphone the other week are playing tonight FYI. Fight the windstorm and make your way to O'Brien's Pub in Allston for Julius Earthling's record release show. Stream the NFL Bliss EP in its entity on Bandcamp now.

Sharing the stage will be garage band Laika's Orbit, dreamy indie rockers Digital Prisoners of War and fuzz garage band Grave Ideas. The show is 21+ with valid ID, doors are at 8pm and is $7. Full event details here.

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The Stereo State - Just Kidding

Holyoke's The Stereo State have some bad news.

After announcing an indefinite hiatus after their FEST appearance in 2013 and a surprise resurgence a year later, Holyoke's The Stereo State was back in the game, scheduled to open for Banquets in Allston and play Montreal's notorious Pouzza Fest this year.

Unfortunately, the melodic punk band took to Facebook (again) tonight to break news of changing plans.

Per the band's Facebook page:

"Unfortunately we are not going to be able to play May 15th in Allston or head North for Pouzza Fest, sorry about that, we are very bummed! Thank you to @ryanagate and everyone at @pouzzafest for having us, we'll make it up later this year or next year! We do have a release to announce very soon, so stay tuned for that! In the meantime, I'm going to have my baby girl and we are continuing to write a killer fucking record!-Andy & TSS"

Which leads us to the question, #‎TSS2015‬?

Follow the band on Facebook for further details.

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The Stereo State is Back #TSS2015

Zip-Tie Handcuffs Premier Music Video for "Weird Being"

2015 Rock 'N' Roll Rumble participants, Zip-Tie Handcuffs, released another trippy video utilizing projections, this time for track "Weird Being" off of their 2014 LP Sundream, available to stream and purchase on Bandcamp now.

Zip-Tie Handcuffs will be battling it out along with Nate Leavitt Band, The Dirty Looks and Murcielago during night #5 (4/17) of the Rumble preliminaries at TT the Bear's in Central Square, Cambridge. Tickets are available now.

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2015 Rock ‘N’ Roll Rumble Preliminary Schedule
Zip-Tie Handcuffs Melts Your Face with “Psychotic Dance”

New England Bands Head to Skate And Surf Fest

Tickets available now. #RoadTrip

New Jersey’s Skate And Surf Fest 2015 lineup consists of an entertaining array of local, national and international punk rock bands including several from the New England area. This year, the multi-day event at Asbury Park Oceanfront will host headliners, The Dropkick Murphys (Born & Bred Records), as well as Big D and the Kids Table (Strictly Rude Records), Defeater (Epitaph/Bridge Nine), Rebuilder (Panic State) and Connecticut’s Sorority Noise (Top Shelf).

2015 Rock ‘N’ Roll Rumble Preliminary Schedule

Schedules for nights 1 - 6 of The Rock 'N' Roll Rumble have been announced! Which means we are now committed to a dinner rotation of Veggie Galaxy and Thelonious Monkfish this entire week. Individual tickets and the FULL BOAT 9-day passes are available via TT the Bear’s Ticketweb site. All shows are 18+. Follow the Rumble on Facebook and Twitter for additional updates.