Bundles - S/T EP

The S/T debut EP from Boston's indie rock trio, Bundles, available now.

Maybe it’s my long-standing fondness for Jetavana Grove, but Bundles’ debut S/T EP is quickly moving up the submission food chain to becoming a top favorite for 2014.

Emerging from just below the radar at an accelerated pace, the Boston indie rock trio has played their first show, racked up appearances at several venues including The Cantab, O’Brien’s and Great Scott, and released a 4-song 7”, all within what seems to be a five month period.

But it was a strategic matter. Taking shape in the fall of 2013, Bundles quietly developed their sound before pressing a record and playing a sold out release show. After a lineup change earlier this year, bassist Brian Jones explains, “We decided it was time to record and hit the ground running. This whole thing was a long time coming. It just seems that things are starting to come together now.”

With lyrics so intensely fanatical that they're sung at a partially inaudible level, Bundles mirrors the feverish and desperate pleas of The Lawrence Arms. Painting a picture of a habitually plagued protagonist and representing the underdog endeavor with energetic and infectious live shows. Also, this mustache.

Rightfully hitting their stride, Bundles plans to continue writing and potentially release another EP in 2015. In the meantime, you can and should see them rock out at O'Brien's Pub in Allston on November 23rd with Astpai (Austria) and Art Thieves, and purchase their S/T 7" (available in coke bottle clear, white and black vinyl, limited to 300) on Bandcamp today. Follow Bundles on Facebook for additional show dates and release information.

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.

Saves the Day Announce 'Through Being Cool' Fall Tour

Listen to 'Through Being Cool' in its entirety after the break to further your complete
and utter mental breakdown over this news.

Saves the Day took to Facebook Thursday afternoon to announce details surrounding their upcoming fall tour, confirming that every twenty-something and thirty-something's collective dream has just come true. Saves the Day will be celebrating Through Being Cool's 15th birthday by playing their hit record (ranked one of the top 10 most influential albums of 1999 by Alternative Press) in its entirety at The Palladium (Worcester) on November 30th along with Say Anything performing Is a Real Boy and Reggie and the Full Effect singing songs off of Under the Tray. Additional tour dates can be found on the official Saves the Day website.

Tickets go on sale Wednesday, September 10th.

Rock Out With Your Cocktail Out Vol. XXVII

Welcome Freshmen! Here's a drink, and some music, and a bunch of shows you should go to.

Man I'm going to miss the abundance of parking I've grown accustom to over the past few months, but if it means more kids in the clubs, then by all means, move right on in. While you're screwing together your MALMS or BESTÅS or whatever other IKEA item you inevitably will toss after the school year, take a break now and then for a glass of hard apple cider sangria and a new music playlist.