VUNDABAR / IDIOT GENES / BRAZIL @ GREAT SCOTT

Indie/surf band Vundabar is throwing a "goodbye" show with grunge rockers Idiot Genes (Eye Design Records) and experimental outfit Brazil on October 8th at Great Scott, Allston before they head off to Europe for a month-long tour.
They made a video about it.

The Offseason / Losing Streak Split

Pre-order your copy via Barrett Records now.

New music from Boston’s pop punkers The Offseason! Barrett Records (Ann Arbor, MI) will release a six-song split 10” with The Offseason and New Jersey’s Losing Streak later this fall. Pre-orders are available now for Transparent Electric Blue (limited to 125) and Transparent Kelly Green (limited to 125) vinyl. One lucky pre-orderer will receive a test press. Stream two tracks on Bandcamp now and head over to the Barrett Records site for purchasing details and other information.

Rock Out With Your Cocktail Out Vol. XXVIII

You're Not My Real Dad cocktail, garnished with a cigarette (image credit)

We went to Portland, Oregon and all I got was an ironic, thrift store t-shirt. Portland is exactly what I think a town would be like if it were run by children. Every restaurant serves pizza, burgers and macaroni and cheese. If it’s at all possible to put a car seat on a unicycle, someone in Portland will do it first. A ridiculous, pretentious town were people say idiotic things like “I’m pretty religious about cassette tapes” and homelessness is the final stage of hipster. Needless to say, you’re better off staying in Seattle.

But if you must visit, check out the Sapphire Hotel for a “You’re Not My Real Dad” cocktail. A cerveza that up until recently, was garnished with a cigarette. Turns out you legally cannot do that. Or you can just grab the recipe after the jump, turn on Portlandia and rock out to the October playlist featuring Weird Womb, LVL UP, Black Beach and No Bails.

Chaparrals' LP Release Show: Local Music, Local Food, Local Beer, No Cover

Local music, local food, local beer, no cover.

Local music, a food truck, a brewery and no cover. We could just stop there, but we'll also throw in a record release for good measure. On September 26th, indie band, Chaparrals, will be celebrating the release of their debut LP, Elpis, with Soft Pyramids and Kirk Swan Music (LA) at Aeronaut Brewing Company in Somerville.

Food will be available from Pennypackers Food Truck (specializing in Porchetta, sandwiches, house made sausages, soups, and salads) all night for purchase.

5:00pm - 11:00pm (Music from 8:00pm - 11:00p). Additional details can be found on the official Facebook event page. Snag a free download from Chaparrals and Soft Pyramids below and be on the look out for Soft Pyramids' record release show for Fossils of the Free World  October 3rd at Lilypad.

Boston Ska (dot) net Presents 'Get It Together, a Ska and Punk Night'

A night of local ska and punk September 22nd in Allston.

Wagering they have a better alternative to your typical Monday night, Boston Ska (dot) net is presenting Get It Together!, a ska and punk night at O’Brien’s Pub (Allston) on Monday, September 22nd.

“Here at Boston Ska (dot) net, we think a lot about community: communities of musicians, communities of show-goers, the larger Boston music scene and our smaller ska scene. We set out to help build that community by promoting bands, telling stories, and keeping folks informed about shows in the area. We like to think we’re doing an okay job of that but we know we can do more.”

The line up for your better than average Monday evening includes:

The Pomps
The Srew-Ups (RI)
Meracula

And more TBA, MCed by Boston Ska’s Jacob Wake Up! (8p/21+/$5). Horns and righteousness and good vibes to be had. Details surrounding Get It Together! can be found on the official event Facebook page. Follow Boston Ska for additional shows and local ska music news.

Rebuilder "Punkin' Spice Tour" This Fall

Hey ladies, Rebuilder is going on tour.

Always keeping it classy, Boston’s gnarly rock band, Rebuilder, has announced they will be hitting the road mid-October during the eleven-show, East Cost/Midwest "Punkin' Spice Tour" to promote their first full length record due out in early 2015. The soon-to-be released record will be recorded at Getaway Recording with Jay Maas (Defeater) and released by Panic State Records (NJ). The tour kicks off in Burlington, VT, crosses into Canada and ends in Baltimore, MD during the Feed the Scene Birthday Show with The Dead Milkmen, before playing their homecoming show at historic O'Brien's Pub in scenic Allston.

In lieu of a Kickstarter campaign to fund the new recording, people are encouraged to purchase merchandise that includes strategically placed Bill Murrays and Bill Cosbys, via Rebuilder’s Bandcamp page. Donations can also be made to refuserethinkrebuild@gmail.com via PayPal.

The 2014 Rock N Roll Rumble alumni's 2013 S/T EP and Rebuilder Christmas EP can be downloaded for free (at a name your price donation) on Bandcamp now. Follow Rebuilder on Facebook and Twitter for additional show and release information.

Listen to Rebuilder live on Boston Emissions with Anngelle Wood (9/14/14).

Tour Dates

October 16 242 Main Street Burlington, VT
October 17 Atomic Cafe, Montreal, QC, Canada
October 18 Hard Luck Bar Toronto, ON, Canada
October 19 Small’s Hamtramck, MI
October 20 Reggie’s Chicago, IL
October 21 Candlekeep House Cleveland, OH
October 22 TBA Pittsburgh, PA
October 23 House show Richmond, VA
October 24 The Hook Up Virginia Beach, VA
October 25 Metro Gallery Baltimore, MD w/ The Dead Milkmen
October 30 O’Brien’s Allston, MA

Treat Yo Self: Creative Industry Night & Onslo Tape Release Party & Free Nachos

All of this awesomeness happens 9.29 at Charlie's Kitchen.

Do we have a night for you?! A jam-packed event is packing into our jam, Charlie’s Kitchen, on Monday, September 29th. The first Treat Yo Self! to be held at the Harvard Square rocker bar (that serves excellent sangria), will feature live music from Sneeze, Onslo (Eye Design Records) and Zip-Tie Handcuffs. You know, that band that melted your face last week? Art from Brian Barresi Art (creator of this snazzy flyer), Kristina Denis Artwork, A RAFFLE because why not, and will celebrate the release Onslo’s S/T album, available on cassette tape at the show.

If you’re unreasonably hard to please that’s not enough, Charlie’s will be offering FREE nachos with a purchase of a beer. It sounded too good to be true, so we double checked. It's true.

We suggest you get there early for so many reasons, a major one being the max capacity of this room is 83 people. Fact. The second is probably, definitely free nachos. Show starts at 9pm, $5, 21+. Get full details on the official Facebook event page.

RAFFLE DETAILS!

You could win:

• Artwork
• Merch from each band
• 2 tickets to an upcoming show at O'Brien's Pub
• 2 tickets to the next Treat Yo Self!

Getting Personal with Promotions: A Boston Music Media Event

Join us for our next Boston Music Media Networking Event

We're excited to announce the second installment of Boston Music Media Networking with "Getting Personal with Promotions" on September 23rd at Middlesex Lounge, Central Square, Cambridge.

Discover how promotional organizations from the Boston area help bands grow in popularity by public relations, brand management, and distribution.

A panel of guest contributors from Midriff Records, Pirate! and Last Dance Productions will discuss the importance of business ethics, maintaining an artist/client balance, and how media outlets (like us) play an important role in growing/maintaining a band's audience as well as reputation and character. We'll open the floor to questions and have some networking time so you can meet other like-minded people in the industry! Don't forget your business cards.

This FREE event is open to all music media folks including but not limited to bloggers, podcasters, journalists, promoters and label/PR managers.

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.

Weird Womb – 'Laziness' EP

Get Weird with Brooklyn's Weird Womb and their upcoming EP Laziness.

There’s no hand holding. There’s no foreplay. There’s just raw, dirty, grunge rock and roll…and I like it.

Midriff Records houses an eclectic bunch of artists, representing an astonishing 12% of the participating acts in this year’s Rock N Roll Rumble, including the spectacle that is Gondoliers. This month, the independent boutique label announced the addition of an equally vexatious band, Weird Womb (Brooklyn, NY) to its roster.

#BandcampRoulette

It's like a mystery grab bag. A free mystery grab bag.

This is a free demo by a Philadelphia pop punk quartet called Moto Surf. It was released yesterday. It was performed by a band that has zero internet presence and recorded at a studio that still hasn’t built a website. Now you know as much as I do.

Play Bandcamp Roulette.

The New Warden – 'Lightspeedugly'

Download Lightspeedugly by The New Warden for free.

The New Warden played a show that didn’t include Trophy Lungs on the bill. They also released a new 4-song EP. I don’t know, I thought both were newsworthy.

After a productive weekend of drinking and playing music, the Boston pop punkers have announced the release of their 4-song EP Lightspeedugly via Death to False Hope Records. Recorded in 2013, Lightspeedugly is the follow up to The New Warden’s 2012 record, Still Life.

Head over to Death to False Hope Records to stream and download Lightspeedugly now. Follow The New Warden on Facebook for additional show dates.

The Life Electric at Great Scott August 28th

Grab your free download of  The Life Electric's "Gone, Gone, Gone" before it's gone.

On Thursday, August 28th at Great Scott, Allston, Boston's electro-pop rock band and 2014 Rock N Roll Rumble alumn, The Life Electric, will take the stage with The Static Dynamic and Brent Battey's (The Wondas) new project, Le Roxy Pro.

Having opened for the likes of Neon Trees, Crash Kings and Marcy Playground under their collective belt, The Life Electric have set out for the ultimate goal in 2014: to make an epically catchy, inspired, and maybe a little weird full-length record. In anticipation for said record, you can download their 2014 single "Gone, Gone, Gone" (Zippah Records) for free now.

Advanced tickets for this $8/18+ show can be purchased online, and additional event details could/should/would be available on the official Facebook event page. 

Show flyer design by Nicole Anguish of Daykamp Creative.

Close Out Your Summer With "Gwen Stacy"

Stream single "Gwen Stacy" on Bandcamp today.

If the Cure could collaborate with Arctic Monkeys, “Gwen Stacy” would be that posh and electric love child. The single off of A-C-K by Burlington, VT singer-songwriter and frontman for folk rock outfit Bandleader, Patrick McCormack, is on point with a sleek and sophisticated sound, fitting for roof top cocktail parties to backyard barbeques, available pre-release for your listening pleasures, and an ideal addition to your vacation outro playlist.

F*ckfest 2014 - Local Music Showcase

F*ckfest - Ending summer with a bang August 23rd.

Join Park Slug and RTT Presents on August 23rd for an all-day / all-night BBQ and party at the legendary O’Brien’s Pub in Allston. F*ckfest is a 21+ event with a $10-15 sliding scale, cost includes food. The music starts at 3:15pm and features some of our favorites like Wrong Body and Ghost Thrower, Rock N Roll Rumble Class of 2014 members Harris Hawk and Z*L, and topped off with a headlining performance by Faces in the Floor (rumored to be their last show). Get all the details from the official Facebook event page.

The Cardboard Swords - O'Brien's Pub 8/14/14

Check out Grand Rapids' emo band, The Cardboard Swords at O'Brien's Pub 8/14.

Feel feelings and score that perfect year book quote at O’Brien’s Pub on Thursday, August 14th when The Cardboard Swords roll into town.

Emerging from the Grand Rapids, Michigan DIY scene, this newish three-piece is all pining and poetry with the 2014 Remnants EP. Influenced by Taking Back Sunday and Death Cab For Cutie, this Midwestern band presents a less abrasive range of passive aggressive reflections.

When they’re not writing lines like “Life may or may not be about finding true love, but it’s certainly not about begging for it from someone,” that appears in the spoken word interlude of “Flannel”, The Cardboard Swords are advocates for the do it yourself and do it together local scenes like Do-It-Together Grand Rapids, an open collective dedicated to supporting the local cultural scene of the city and the greater artistic community by propagating, promoting, and engaging the public with performances - Musical and Otherwise - In the context of house shows and small DIY/DIT venues. A cause that any conscious Allston/Boston scene supporter can respect.

Dudes singing about girls gets me every time. If you’re riding the emo wave with bands like Old Gray, Hotelier and Somos, you’ll enjoy The Cardboard Swords.

See The Cardboard Swords along with band BFFs Moses (MI), Loud Clappers and Antennae Wedding at O'Brien's Pub, Allston, August 14th ($7/21+/event details).

Remnants is available for purchase $3 or more on Bandcamp now. Follow The Cardboard Swords on Facebook and Twitter and learn more about them and the Do It Together Grand Rapids scene by listening to the band's guest spot on West Michigan Indie podcast.

An Easy Breezy Night With Spirit Kid And Friends

Retro pop singer Spirit Kid is leaving Boston for the land of eternal sunshine. Before he peaces out to California, see Spirit Kid tonight during the 'See Ya Later Tour' with equally retro pop band Beach Toys and spooky surf rockers Beware the Dangers of a Ghost Scorpion during this edition of Rad Castle Presents at Zuzu in Central Square (21+/free/event details). A cold beer on a warm night with summer-loving music sounds pretty groovy to us. Get amped up for this evening’s show by watching Spirit Kid’s new video for “Severance”. Fun fact, we live (lived?) on the same street.

Nearly 80 Boston Bands to Play Pipeline!'s '50 Years of Boston Rock' Festival

Close to 80 reunited Boston-area bands sign on for Pipeline's 50 Years of Rock Festival (image credit)

“Did you get the ridiculous email about the thing Bob has put together for the fall?” Pipeline! DJ Jeff Breeze asked me. Indeed I did.

An event designed to blow all of these all-day festivals out of the water, and an undertaking even the current station staff can hardly believe, WMBR’s local live music show Pipeline!, will celebrate its 25th anniversary with 13 shows featuring close to 80 reunited Boston-area bands performing at 5 venues for over 5 weekends.

It’s safe to say you’ll have at least one show to go to this fall.

NERVOUS Releases a Track-A-Day from New Record

For the next nine days, NERVOUS will provide new music for your ears.

It’s going to be a NERVOUS next few days. The Boston indie rockers announced last week they will be releasing a track-a-day off their latest record Decode beginning Monday, August 4th.

“Everything is different in music these days so I was trying something different or at least not as common,” states Addam Zaino (guitar/vocals).

The 9-track record, featuring new and re-recorded songs, is the first “real” release following a batch of EPs and demos made available by the band in earlier years.

Zaino, who is already finishing up the band’s next EP, hopes to host a record release show later in the year. In the meantime, you can follow along in the excitement the reveal by tuning into Facebook and Bandcamp each day for a new announcement, or download your copy for free today.

Free Ghost Thrower Starter Kit

Local indie rock outfit, Ghost Thrower, has released the Ghost Thrower Starter Kit - a collection of nine tracks from six releases, available for free (at a name your price donation) on Bandcamp. You can catch Ghost Thrower live during F*ckfest at O'Brien's Pub (presented by RTT Presents and Park Slug) in scenic Allston, MA on August 23rd.

Download your copy of the Ghost Thrower Starter Kit now. If you like what you hear, full versions of sampled albums can also be purchased via Bandcamp.

Pretty & Nice Announce Indefinite Hiatus After New Release

After 9 years, Pretty & Nice go on indefinite hiatus (image credit)

On the coattails of the band’s recent single release, Boston’s indie / electro pop band Pretty & Nice took to Facebook and Instagram yesterday afternoon to announce an indefinite hiatus. [More details after the jump]

Rock Out With Your Cocktail Out Vol. XXVI

Salted Watermelon Frosty - Pairs well with fresh music and another Salted Watermelon Frosty (image credit)

It's August 1st. It's a Friday. Leave your job, right now. Go to the store. Buy all the ingredients to make a Salted Watermelon Frosty, press play on your Spotify app, and give yourself a long weekend because summer is almost over and you need to enjoy this shit before you start making beer fridges out of snowbanks again. New music from Free Pizza, Sneeze, Paws, Pup and more in this volume of Rock Out With Your Cocktail Out.

Announcing the 2nd Annual Punk N Roll BBQ

Happening 8/3. All proceeds go to Rawkstars Inc., purchase your tickets now.

Do you like punk? Do you like BBQ? Do you like special announcements?!

Bishop And Rook is proud to announce the 2nd Annual Punk N Roll BBQ and Fundraiser!

Local boutique label, Ocelot Records (formally Boston Bloghead), will continue the trend of all-day punk rock music and good food at Allston’s O’Brien’s Pub Sunday, August 3rd with performances by The Down and Outs, Zip-Tie Handcuffs, A Minor Revolution, Dead Cats Dead Rats and more.

The Young Leaves Lose Their Bassist

The Young Leaves (from left) Rico (drums), Christopher (vocals/guitar), Lindsey (bass)

After a whirlwind season of releasing a record, touring, and growing support in their local scene, Holliston based distorted indie pop band The Young Leaves took to Facebook this morning to announced the departure of bassist Lindsey Nogueira.

"Hi. So as of yesterday, Lindsey is no longer in The Young Leaves. She's an excellent musician, great person, and the departure was COMPLETELY amicable. Lindsey rules and we'll always love her. With that said, we are continuing on as a 2-piece. I have an elaborate and weird rig being made right now so I can play bass and guitar simultaneously and it's going to get dumb...a good dumb. Anyway, thanks for being awesome everyone. See you in the pit."

Frontman Christopher Chaisson, who has lamented over previous bassist rotations in a 2012 article and who is credited for guitar and bass on their most recent record Alive and Well (Baldy Longhair Records), will take over both instruments for the time being. The Young Leaves are scheduled to play punk rock festival-extraordinaire FEST 13 in Gainesville, FL later this year.

Alive and Well can be purchased in digital format and on vinyl at Baldy Longhair Records online store.

Trophy Lungs Announce August Midwest Tour

Boston’s Trophy Lungs (Death To False Hope Records, Drink Or Die Records) will embark on a Midwest tour this August to promote their latest EP No Judgement. The tour kicks off in Florence, MA on August 9th, hitting states like Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin along the way, and wrapping up with a proper homecoming show at O’Brien’s Pub in Allston on August 22nd with Great Lakes USA (Black Numbers / Boston punks with hearts on their sleeves) and Sad And French (Black Numbers / Not French, not from France. From NY and a damn good band). Follow Trophy Lungs on Facebook for tour updates.

Full Tour Dates

Aug 9th - Florence, MA
Dog Day Fest II w/ Banquets, Placeholder, Choke Up.

Aug 10th - Buffalo, NY
Bird House w/ Blackbird Raum

Aug 11th - Cincinnati, OH
Chambers House w/ Lockland Breaks

Aug 12th - Chicago, IL
Fireside w/ Tens, Dog & Wolf

Aug 13th - Indianapolis, IL
Hoosier Dome

Aug 14th - Iowa City, IA
Public Space One w/ Rational Anthem

Aug 15th - Minneapolis, MN
Eagles Club w/ The Turkletons, Drones

Aug 16th - Milwaukee, WI
Bremen Cafe

Aug 17th - Lansing, MI
GTG House w/ Red Teeth

Aug 18th - Cleveland, OH
Candlekeep House w/ Old Souls

Aug 19th - Pittsburgh, PA
Mr Roboto Project w/ Peeple Watching, Scrap Kids

Aug 20th - Philadelphia, PA
TBA

Aug 21st - Long Island, NY
Brew Haus w/ Remnants

Aug 22nd - Boston, MA
O'Brien's w/ Great Lakes USA, Sad And French

OTP "Worth The Weight" 7" Record Release Show

Hey kids, how about a free record release show?

Boston folk/punk band OTP will be celebrating the release of their 7” entitled Worth The Weight with a free, 21+ record release show at The Lilypad in Cambridge on Friday, August 1st along with The Lousy Instruments. See full details on the official Facebook event page.

The 4-song EP is the band's fourth album. When we talked to OTP back in the fall of 2013, they foresaw the 7" as a bit punchier than their previous work. “Distortion has become a big part of OTP's vocabulary,” confirms frontman Colin Garrity on the latest songs. Worth The Weight will have a sister album entitled Worth The Wait (we see what you did there), however with a lineup change and releases trending towards EPs rather than full-lengths, OTP is still in the decision making process for their next record, tentatively scheduled for later this year.

Worth The Weight is available to stream now on Bandcamp and will be available for purchase online and in stores in August. In the mean time, you can grab a free download of their recently released punk cover of Elliot Smith’s “Twilight”, on Bandcamp today.

FREE Boston Scene Support Networking Event

Do you like American music? I like American music. Swing by The Middlesex Lounge at 315 Mass Ave. in Cambridge on Tuesday, July 29th between 7p-9p to put a face with the name of our local scene supporters. A FREE meet and greet networking event for local scene supporters, bloggers, podcasters, journalists and promoters. It's about time.

7p-8p networking

8p-9p discuss collaborating opportunities, organizing a network and ways to grow your organization and the scene

If tickets sell out, add your name to the waitlist - additional spots will be released closer to the event date.

During the event, if you're having a too good to be true time, please remember to tag our gracious venue host @middlesexlounge on Twitter. This meet and greet is brought to you by Adam of Mutiny on the Microphone and Kristin of Bishop And Rook.

Save Ends Makes a Music Video - Gets Abducted By Aliens - Goes On Tour

When in doubt, cower in fear. Boston's pop punk / emo sweethearts Save Ends have released a video for track "Song of Susannah" off of their 2013 Warm Hearts, Cold Hands LP (Tiny Engines). The video, which depicts the end of the world for the band by way of Boston Costume rentals, kicks off their four-day tour with Cassavetes (PA / Black Numbers), including stops at AS220 in Providence, RI on July 24th and O'Brien's Pub in Allston on July 25th. (full tour dates)

Warm Hearts, Cold Hands can be purchased on vinyl or in digital format at Tiny Engines.

We're Nominated for The Boston A-List Best Local Blog - Vote for Us!

Oh hey hey now. We managed get ourselves nominated for the 2014 Boston A-List Best Local Blog. We're honored that late nights, cheap beer, and an endless supply of earplugs could result in such recognition. What can we say, we do it for the scene.

Show us your love and vote for Bishop And Rook - Best Local Blog. Because...music and kittens. Hurry, voting ends August 1st.

Design WMBR’s Fundraising Swag

2013 30th anniversary Breakfast of Champions T-shirt design.

Calling all artists - local college / community / OUR FAVORITE radio station 88.1FM WMBR is in search of designs for this year’s fundraising swag.

WMBR, situated on the campus of MIT in Cambridge, is a 100% volunteer station with no paid staff. “This is rare - even among other local college and public stations. Our only sources of income are listener donations and a small stipend from MIT,” states the station’s Facebook page.

Each November, WMBR hosts a week-long fundraising drive to replenish their capital budget and keep the station on air for another year, typically offering various WMBR-branded premiums such as T-shirts and bumper stickers to donors.

“Each year we choose different designs for these premiums, which is where you come in! We are reaching out to the local artist community for logos or other images. While we can't provide cash payment, any designers whose images we use will receive publicity via on-air mentions and on our website, as well as ample samples of their work on the actual premiums. In addition, you'll be helping out one of the premiere radio stations in the region.”

Interested artists can respond by Friday, August 22nd to premiums@wmbr.org with a jpeg or link to a proposed design. Rough drafts are welcome if accompanied by examples of other finished work.

Check out examples of previously used artwork 

Tune into 88.1 first on your FM dial or listen online for an array of excellent radio shows including the all local music segment Pipeline with DJ Jeff Breeze Sundays 8p-10p.

#BandcampRoulette

Ermahgerd, so close yet so far away. While the UK rockabilly band, The Blackout Bombs, may be out of reach give or take 3,309 miles, you can download their 2014 Band From the Pub EP on Bandcamp for ~$3.42 in American dollars.

Play Bandcamp Roulette.

WE WANT THE AIRWAVES: The WFNX Story

On the second anniversary of Boston's 101.7FM WFNX alternative rock radio station going off the air, independent filmmaker Jason Steeves releases his 1:25 documentary of the rise and fall of the legendary media outlet, for free on Vimeo.

It will always be Hazy. Hot. And Henry in our hearts.

WE WANT THE AIRWAVES: The WFNX Story from Jason Steeves on Vimeo 

Originally posted on Vanyaland.

Foreign Tongues - Big Drag

Local indie rockers Foriegn Tongues release new single "Big Drag" off of the upcoming split EP with Felix Culpa (out 8.12.14) on No Sleep Records. Pre-order your copy now (available in digital format and on cloudy clear vinyl). See them perform their murky melancholy set live August 4th at Midway Cafe in Jamaica Plain with Lilith, Notches and Ghosts of Sailors at Sea.

Originally reported on www.altpress.com.

Fifth Annual StarlabFest Music & Arts Festival

StarlabFest is a Rock and Roll, Film, Comedy, Cookout, Flea Market Party, and it’s happening Saturday, July 19th from 10a-9p in Somerville. This year's event will take place at two locations; 32 Prospect St. (the old Starlab studio where the rocking and the rolling will commence on two stages) and 453 Somerville Ave. (the new, current Starlab Studios showcasing comedy, film and art show). It is a short, half-mile walk straight through Union Square between locations.

A flea market organized by Somerville's High Energy Vintage will be available at both locations. Admission is $10, all ages welcome, 21+ with valid ID to drink. Advanced tickets can be purchased online. Visit www.starlabstudios.com and the official Facebook event page for more information.

32 PROSPECT ST.
(PARKING LOT)
12PM-9PM
ROCK AND ROLL SHOW

BEWARE THE DANGERS OF A GHOST SCORPION! 8-8:45
BLINDERS 7:30-8
ABADABAD 7-7:30
NICE GUYS 6:30-7
LUNGLUST 6-6:30
BOOGIE BOY METAL MOUTH 5:30-6
STEPHEN KONRADS & THE ETERNALS 5-5:30
THE DAZIES 4:30-5
ANIMAL MOTHER 4-4:30
CONGRATULATIONS 3:30-4
FUTURE SPA 3-3:30
THE SUN LIONS 2:30-3:00

Other Location Details
FREE BURGERS, HOT DOGS AND VEGGIE OPTIONS
plus
FREE TREATS FROM LOCAL VENDORS
and
$3 NARRAGANSETT TALL-BOYS

♜

453 SOMERVILLE AVE.
10AM-6PM
COMEDY, FILM AND ARTS SHOW

Comedy Block:
MYQ KAPLAN (featured on Conan, The Late Show, Comedy Central Presents) 5-6
DAN BOULGER (featured on The Late Show) 4:30-5
STEVE MACONE 4-4:30
with support from
SAM IKE, CAM MacNEIL & RYAN DONAHUE 3-4

Short Films by:
PAUL VILLANOVA
TIM BIERBAUM
PADRICK RITCH
ELLIOT KAFFEE
JIM DANDEE
ANTHONY KNASAS
KEVIN REUNING
Playing at 11:30AM and 2PM

Visual Arts Show featuring:
HEATHER SEELEY
MARS JUPITER
LEEANNE DAVIGNION
EQM

Craigslist Rental Listings - The Downfall of Humanity

Craigslist - A place where real estate agents give zero fucks and you can't do anything about it.

When perusing Craigslist for quality living spaces in a city saturated with college students who harbor the same level of expectations for their apartments as they do their beer and employed thirty-somethings that find themselves tumbling into the cavernous gap that was the middle class – renting in the Boston area proves to be a challenge. Thank goodness we have the expert guidance of trustworthy real estate agents who specialize in rentals. Imagine a world without their sophisticated insider knowledge, helpful photography and honesty.

There has to be a special place in hell for these people. Aside for my interest in the proper use of the English language and taking pride in one's work, just as a self respecting human being alone, I feel extremely compelled to form a taskforce to bring down these wordsmiths who say things like “pristine and elegant” to describe a rusty bathroom last updated in 1978, assume i can look past the absolute squaller their photographs communicate to see the "unique craftsman details", and for being the completely inconsiderate and unprofessional asshole who uses a term like “buttrageous” to entice me into a sale. The following are real Craiglist listings that got me real riled up.

First Annual JP Porchfest

The 1st Annual JP Porchfest happens July 19th with after party at The Milky Way.

As reported by The Boston Compass (it’s free, go get one), Jamaica Plain will be hosting the very first JP Porchfest Saturday, July 19th from 12 noon to 4p, with a Portchfest After Party at the Milky Way (4:30p-8p) with $5 all you can eat pizza.

The JP Porchfest features over 55 bands performing on over 30 porches throughout the neighborhood. Organized by Marie Ghitman and Mindy Fried, this free, all-volunteer event celebrates JP’s creative talent and diversity, using music as a vehicle to weave the community together.

“We were inspired by Porchfest events around the country, especially nearby Somerville, which has held a Porchfest for several years,” said Ghitman.

“We are thrilled and amazed at the overwhelming response from the community, including musicians of all genres, and the many people who have offered their porches to musicians,” commented Fried. “The energy is positive and we are certain that this is the first of many JP Porchfests.”

Visit the official JP Porchfest website for map, schedule and artist information, and check out their Facebook page to get all social with the event.