Choke Up Stripped Down - Post Hardcore Punk Goes Acoustic

Choke Up gets unplugged, makes us feel feelings.

Choke Up has announced the pending series release of acoustic versions of their infamous post hardcore songs. The first video was put out earlier this week, a stripped down version of “Wildflower” off their 2015 LP ‘Black Coffee, Bad Habits’.

Fans of the band may have already figured out that Choke Up unplugged is a valuable listening experience with a number of acoustic tracks on the 2013 EP ‘Pilot Passenger / Joaquin Murietta’ and ‘Black Coffee, Bad Habits’’ ending track “Dry Out”.

Lifting the veil of the intense audio assault of a typical live show, and taking a page from the band’s early years of living room sets, these acoustic versions highlight the poetic beauty and intuitive writing skills that contribute to the faultless foundation of a Choke Up song.

You can see Choke Up live and loud at O'Brien's Pub this Sunday, November 8th with After the Fall (NY), Raw Blow and Youth Funeral. 18+ // 8PM // $8. Event details.

  Choke Up | Wildflower | Format Audio Sessions from Mason Marino on Vimeo.

Fresh Listen: “Washout” – Donna Bummer

New band. New music. Free download.

Donna Bummer (members of Grandview and The Dirty Looks) is the latest band to emerge from the basements of Lowell, MA. Here for you is a new listen, “Washout”, is available for free download (at a name your price donation) on Bandcamp. “We're currently writing full force, hoping to have something out before summer to tour on,” Devin LaRocque tells Bishop & Rook.

You can catch Donna Bummer at UnchARTed in Lowell on November 5th with Worried Well (ME), Western Education and Weakened Friends (Annie Hoffman of The Field Effect’s newish band). Full event details here.

World Premiere: Listen to "Preach" Off Of The Digs' Debut LP 'Manic'

First, we want you to put your hands on either side of your head. Good? Doing it? Okay. Because your face might get rocked off and we don’t want any messy accidents.

Bishop & Rook is pleased to share, for the first time ever, "Preach" off The Digs' debut LP, 'Manic' (Ocelot Records). The Midway Cafe will play host to their record release show on November 21st, featuring Trophy Lungs, The American Myth (PA) and OC45 (homecoming show). Event details here. 'Manic' will be available on digital, CD, vinyl and limited edition cassette tape.

Swing by Bandcamp to hear a selection of pre-released tracks and follow the band on Facebook for additional show information.

The 11-track album written by the band’s members, Jeff Demas (guitar/vocals/lead song writer), Andrew Dedousis (bass/vocals) and Steve Knowles (drums/vocals), takes the music outside of the traditional “rock ‘n’ roll” or “punk rock” genres, and instead melds the two into the groups auditory-vision that is 'Manic', in the fullest sense. The album takes hints from bands such as Face to Face, Green Day, and The Kinks, all whose instrumental styles can be heard in the mix and brought out even clearer through the fantastic Mastering of Nick Zampiello at New Alliance East Mastering (Cambridge MA).

Today Junior’s Sound Gets Ocean-soaked And Sunburnt in Ride The Surf

Get nostalgic for the summer sun and Ride The Surf with Today Junior.

Obviously, we’ve all heard of the infamous sophomore slump. Even with bands who never really made a splash, the second album is always perceived as the most difficult to record for reasons spanning from unreasonably high expectations to production time crunches.

But sometimes the band finds its signature sound during round two and the sophomore hits the mark that the debut was initially aiming for. While Today Junior’s What’s The Skinny (2013) is surrounded by more of an indie rock air, 2015’s Ride The Surf bathes completely in the salty breeze of the ocean.

Maas No Mas - Jay Maas Leaves Defeater

Defeater made a big announcement via social media tonight.

Per the band's Facebook page:

"Over the weekend it was decided to move forward as a band without the participation of Jay Maas due to personal & creative differences. All scheduled Defeater shows and tours will go on as planned and we wish Jay luck in his future endeavors. Thank you"

Their Wikipedia page has already been updated.

The band recently wrapped up their U.S. fall tour that ended with a sold out Middle East Downstairs show and will embark on a European tour next month. Maas owns and operates Getaway Recording in Haverhill, MA and has worked with local bands such as Rebuilder, Trophy Lungs and most recently, Somos.

Bishop & Rook Co-Hosts Mutiny on the Microphone Because...I'm Not Quite Sure Why Slash Was Promised Wine

We podcasted with Mutiny on the Microphone. Am I doing this right?

Bishop And Rook guest DJed co-hosted on Mutiny on the Microphone New England podcast because...I'm not quite sure why / was promised wine. Sorry in advance. Our opinion on Portland, OR, Brenefit shows, Ernest Hemingway, scene rants and raves and new music. Follow MOTM on Facebook and Twitter for local music news and additional podcasts. And head to Mutiny's website for more details.

 

On a mobile device? Click here to listen!

October 15th Playlist:

Trophy Lungs – Bathroom Graffiti
Lesser Knowns – What You Wanna Do
Courters – Loose Lips
The Digs – Gunslinger
Kitner – Your Memory
New Legs – Ignore Your Nature
Marriage Material – Fresh Air
Bandleader – Satisfy Your Heart
Bay Faction – Jasper Wildlife Association


Related Stories:
Bishop And Rook Guest DJs the 'Break Out Bands of 2014' Podcast For Mutiny on the Microphone
Bishop And Rook Returns to Mutiny on the Microphone (for some reason)