Your Friends Fest - Community Music & Arts Event Happens August 1st

Over 30 sponsors, 5 bands and a whole mess of tabling businesses. Get full details here.

On August 1st, your current friends, future friends, casual acquaintances and fellow Boston music scene supporters will be at the inaugural Your Friends Fest at Cuisine en Locale, 156 Highland Ave., Somerville. Orchestrated by the offbeat artist and frontman of local garage band Psychic Dog, Dug McCormack, the event oozes excitement, zest and the promise of a good time.

Music Video: Bellwire "Time Out"

Download 'Time Out' for free (at a name your price donation) now.

Boston garage/powerpop band Bellwire demonstrates their reckless use of scissors in the newest music video "Time Out", produced by Ben Bocko.

The single is the second track to be released off their future full-length, due out spring of 2016, produced by Elio DeLuca (Titus Andronicus, Hallelujah the Hills) and supported by Spark and Fizz Records. The LP is a follow up to February’s ‘Following the Plan’ 7”, available for purchase on Bandcamp now.

Bellwire will set out on tour, presumably to be filled with ‘spazz and jangle’, this October and again next spring, but before all that, you can catch them at PA’s Lounge on July 23rd (event details) and O’Brien’s Pub August 28th plus snag your copy of "Time Out" for free. 

Bent Shapes & Aloud Play Emerson's BLACK BOX SOUNDS July 24th

See Bent Shapes July 24th. Tickets available now.

ArtsEmerson, under the leadership of Polly Carl, David Dower, and David Howse, announces BLACK BOX SOUNDS, the continuation of the successful live music concert series that previously featured the likes of Tigerman WOAH, Faces on Film and Sidewalk Driver, under a new name, with new concerts that will extend through the next year. The first of which is Friday, July 24, 2015 featuring Bent Shapes, Aloud, and Tommy Palmer (of Babydriver) at the Jackie Liebergott Black Box Theatre at the Emerson/Paramount Center, located at 559 Washington Street, Boston.

Tickets are $12 and can be purchases online.

Vanyaland's V:List Limits Your Excuses - Easier Than Ever To Find Local Show Information

Vanyaland introduces the V:List Interactive Event Guide.

Vanyaland just limited your excuses by making it easier than ever to find local show information. The premiere Boston music blog introduced the V:List, Vanyaland’s Guide To Events Around Town, yesterday with a kickoff giveaway to three choice events. Fort Lean at T.T. The Bear’s Place on July 8; Kingsley Flood’s Rock And Blues Cruise around Boston Harbor on July 12; and Boston Magazine’s BestFest at City Hall on July 21.

"The V:List [is] a sharpened look at what’s going on around Boston, reflective of the sights and sounds we cover here in the digital pages of Vanyaland. Our events guide serves two major purposes: To keep you in the loop on relevant artists playing around town, both touring acts and the best of New England, across a wealth of local venues and stages; and to give you, the artist, promoter, or tastemaker, a forum to hype your own upcoming events.," states the website.

Customizable to your musical tastes and open to public submissions, The V:List is built to organize and promote music events happening in and around the city. Hop on over to Vanyaland now to test it out and for a chance to enter and win tickets.

Grotesque, Self-Pity and Rot – Lady Bones’ Debut LP is Ugly Pop

Follow the ugly-poppers down the path, but allow me to forewarn you—
there are vicious surprises lurking in the dark.

That clichéd phrase, “never judge a book by its cover” comes to mind quickly at first glance of Lady Bones' debut full-length album ‘Dying’ (Midnight Werewolf Records). The spooky album cover, the collection of songs with titles like “Nest”, “Wet”, “Dead Dogs”, and “Amen Dead Friend” all create a bleak and abrasive aesthetic character.

Yet amidst all the grime, hate, and chaos, I'll be damned if there isn’t still a share of whistle-friendly choruses buried in the songs like diamonds in a tar pit.

Zerobot Announces 12th-To-Last TT's Spectacular

Zerobot frontman Mick Greenwood took to YouTube to announce the 12th-To-Last show at TT the Bear's, featuring Zerobot, Await Rescue, The Rationales and The Susan Constant, happening July 14th. Watch for the cameo at the end.

Tickets are $8 in advanced (ticket link) and $12. Full details can be found on the official Facebook event page.

Rock Out With Your Cocktail Out Vol. XXXVII

Set your Fourth of July party on FIRE with Fireball Whisky and our new playlist.

Guys! It's Rock Out With Your Cocktail Out's 3rd birthday! We've been supplying you with drinks and playlists since 2012. To celebrate, treat yourself to a staycation and head to a local club this month to see the likes of Catch 22 with Rebuilder at Brighton Music Hall on July 17th (tickets) and Beach Slang with Choke Up and Bundles at Great Scott July 22nd (tickets). Or just camp out on your couch and order the newest Great Lakes USA record, ‘Stumbling Distance’ on limited edition vinyl. Regardless of your plans, you should most definitely be drinking a Cherry Tree Fireball and listening to the July Spotify playlist.

Free Music - Today Junior Releases Two Tracks in Anticipation for “Ride The Surf”

Listen and download your copy of "Ride the Surf" & "Daydrifter" now.

Surfy indie rock outfit Today Junior has been diligently working on their first studio album, ‘Ride the Surf’, for the past year. As the band prepares for its release with a show slated for August 3rd at Middle East Upstairs with Fantastic Liars, Peachpit and Rye Pines, they have provided two teaser singles for free download on Bandcamp now.

Follow the band on Facebook and Twitter for release information and see them live this summer in Providence, RI, Somerville and Cambridge.

The I Want You 'Coast' EP Release Party

Nothing says party like a late night party.

 

This Saturday, June 27th, Eye Design and Firebrand Saints present The I Want You 'Coast' EP Record Release Party with Hands and Knees, The Four Point Restraints and 2015 Rock 'n' Roll Rumble participant Psychic Dog.

$5//9:30PM//21+ (full event details)

Check out the new music video for title track "Coast" below (which, if you are fond of the most recent Spoon stuff, this will be your jam), premiered earlier this week on Vanyaland.

Boston Scene Party Presents "Off The Record (Store)" - Boston Music Networking Event

Come hang with Bishop & Rook during Boston Scene Party's free music networking event.

Boston music blog network, Boston Scene Party, is hosting another free music mingle and learn event on July 8th at O'Brien's Pub in Allston.

All ages (21+ w/ valid ID to drink)

Free - Please RSVP by 7/5/15 in order to be added to the packet o' contacts provided at the event.

Open to any and all individuals interested in Boston music, these networking events are designed to introduce, integrate and educate.

'Off the Record (Store)' features a panel discussion with record store owners in Greater Boston covering topics including:

• The history of record stores in America and how the resurgence of vinyl and boutique labels has affected stores today.
• Avenues of revenue record stores have turned to in order to keep themselves infused with the community and music industry.
• How musicians can work with local stores to create a mutually beneficial relationship.

Schedule:

• Doors at 6pm
• 6p - 7p - Networking
• 7p - 8p - Featured topic
• 8p - Stick around for live music from Spitting Black, Damien The Cat, A Raven Among Doves and It Destroys And Kills, presented by Grayskull Booking.

No Sore Losers – Rumble Bands Rock On at O’Brien’s Pub

There's no crying in rock and roll. Rumble punks play O'Brien's on June 26th.

They lost the Rock ‘n’ Roll Rumble but they still like each other. 2015 Rumble participants Duck & Cover, Dan Webb and the Spiders and The Warning Shots will play with Broken Stereo (Paul Russo of Pinkerton Thugs) at O’Brien’s Pub in Allston on Friday, June 26th.

Rocking on after the Rumble, Duck & Cover is headed into the studio to record in late July, Dan Webb and the Spiders have released their latest record ‘Perfect Problem’ (Gunner Records) on vinyl, which will be available for purchase at the show, and The Warning Shots were recently announced as local support for the upcoming Stiff Little Fingers show at The Sinclair on July 12th. 

Friday's event is 21+, $8, 8PM doors. Full event details here.

Related Stories:
Introducing the Class of the 2015 Rock ‘n’ Roll Rumble

Burglary Years Debut LP ‘100 Roses’ Record Release Show Announced

Disposable America recently announced that indie rock / dream pop band Burglary Years is set to release their debut LP ‘100 Roses’ digitally and on cassette tape this July. To celebrate, a record release show is scheduled at The Democracy Center in Harvard Square on July 17th with synth pop band Teenender, the one-man drum extravaganza that has been recently blowing everyone away, Chrome Over Brass, and 2014 Boston Music Awards "Punk Artist of the Year", the band that makes you feel feelings, The Hotelier. All of the yeses.

The show has a $5-10 donation and is all ages.

► Stream the first single “Hatch” on Absolute Punk now. Vinyl pressing of ‘100 Roses’ to be released late 2015 on Dog Knights Productions (UK) & Signal Fire Press.

Disposable America is a record label, zine publisher and button maker located in Allston, Massachusetts.

Z*L Calls It Quits

Midriff Records announced today via Facebook that fuzz rock band and 2014 Rock 'N' Roll Rumble participant Z*L has called it quits.

"It is with great displeasure and a tear in our eye that we announce that the great ZL has called it quits. We'll update you on any future projects of its members. RIP Z*L."

 Digital download of Z*L's S/T full-length is available for purchase via Midriff's website.

Kids Like You & Me's 6th Anniversary Party July 1st

Party on with Kids Like You And Me July 1st at Middle East Up.

The creators of local music blog, Kids Like You And Me (KLYAM), are celebrating their 6th anniversary with a birthday bash at Middle East Upstairs on Wednesday, July 1st featuring The Barbazons, Nice Guys, G. Gordon Gritty and Providence's Atlantic Thrills. We discuss what one can learn after kicking around the Boston music scene for 6 years, how KLYAM released their first record and the best time to pee at a house show.

'Disorderly Presence' Is Not Far From Insubordination's Role In The Scene

See Insubordination with DCDR, Tenafly Vipers and Outer Stylie 6/18 at O'Brien's Pub.

In a way, the title of Insubordination's new album, 'Disorderly Presence' (Angry Pirate Records), could accurately describe not their place in modern society but in the punk rock community as well.

Choke Up Tour Kick Off Featuring Save Ends, Foreign Tongues, Old Days

Get your tickets for Choke Up's summer tour kickoff show.

Post-hardcore punk band Choke Up kicks off their 10-stop Summer tour with an evening of musical entertainment at O'Brien's Pub in Allston on Friday, June 19th with friends Save Ends, Foreign Tongues and newish band Old Days.

Rumored to have the potential to sell out, you can buy your tickets in advanced here. 21+, $8, 8PM doors. Want to know about more shows in the area? Visit our show flyer page.

This tour supports the band's debut LP 'Black Coffee, Bad Habits' on Black Numbers Records, available for purchase now. And check out the new music video for track "Woke Up Drunk" below.

Choke Up - Woke Up Drunk from Mason Marino on Vimeo.

Related Stories:

Choke Up Announces Summer Tour

Choke Up's Debut LP Leaves Us Speechless - Pre-order 'Black Coffee, Bad Habits'

Local Bands Contribute to Jawbreaker Tribute Album

How Vancouver's Hawking Survived a Horrific Car Crash & What Other Bands Can Learn From Them

Catch Hawking at TT the Bear's Monday, June 15th.

Roughly a year and a half ago, Vancouver indie rock band Hawking (formally Tommy Alto) experienced a horrific car crash. With a lineup change, a repositioned musical path and some significant life experiences, the quartet is back on a massive 3-month North America tour, supporting the upcoming release of their S/T EP (pre-order here) and stopping at TT the Bear’s tonight (6/15) with local support from I/O, Today Junior and Speed Trials. 18+, $8, 9PM showtime (Facebook event page).

With stories of van crashes littering the pages of music websites annually, we talked with vocalist and guitarist Tom Vanderkam about his experience and what advice he can provide to other touring bands.

A Midsummer Night's Dance Party. The Pill Returns For A Reunion Weekend

Dance your heart out Boston. The Pill returns for a reunion weekend.

Big news. Huge news you guys. The Pill Boston, the city's finest indie dance party, returns this summer for two nights of modern indie bliss. Rejoice in the resurrection Friday, August 14th as DJ Ken & Michael V spin the best in Britpop and beyond, then stick around for a rare Saturday session, August 15th, as The Sons & Heirs (A Tribute to The Smiths & Morrissey) take the Great Scott stage. Dress to impress.

Ticket info to come. RSVP to the Facebook event page to get update notifications.

Related Stories:
The Pill Turns The Lights On For Good

The Underground Railroad to Candyland AND Toys That Kill Come to Allston

June 21st and 22nd at O'Brien's Pub. Tickets available now.

Humble, local music hub, O’Brien’s Pub, has some excellent news. The Underground Railroad to Candyland AND Toys That Kill will be playing back to back nights in Allston Rock City’s premier dive bar venue thanks to the mad booking skills of Ryan Agate.

Enter To Win Tickets to See Coliseum at Middle East Upstairs

Win a pair of tickets to see Coliseum! Details below.

Touring relentlessly, producing a series of full-lengths, EPs and splits, and continuously refining their sound over the last decade, Coliseum (Deathwish Records) is out on tour, supporting their fifth LP, ‘Anxiety’s Kiss’. A 10-track record that embodies the expansive life journey of a twelve-year-old band, 'Anxiety's Kiss' leans heavily on the post-hardcore, melodic side of Coliseum's sonic magnitude; standout tracks "Drums & Amplifiers", "Comedown" and "Escape Yr Skull".

The Louisville, KY punk band will stop in Boston on Monday, June 15th to play Middle East Upstairs with Child Bite, Chrome Over Brass and Raw Blow, presented by Wormwood Joint. 18+ with valid ID, $10 advanced / $12 day off, 8PM doors. View full event details.

And we have a pair of tickets to giveaway!

How do I win tickets?!

► This contest is closed. Congrats to our winner Cody!

Can’t wait? Don’t want to chance it? You can purchase tickets now. Stream ‘Anxiety’s Kiss’ on Bandcamp and purchase the record on vinyl and CD via Deathwish Records.

Rebuiler’s Debut LP, How ‘Allston Christmas’ Influenced Album Art & What Exactly Is ‘Gnarly Rock’

Get your copy of 'Rock & Roll In America' today.

2014 Rock ‘n’ Roll Rumble participant and Boston Music Award nominee for ‘Punk Artist of the Year’, Rebuilder rips open the preconceived stitches of punk rock to deliver their expansive, mature, and complex sophomore album, ‘Rock & Roll In America’. Their debut full-length on Panic State Records, “RNRIA” reinvents the self-proclaimed gnarly rock band’s sonic footprint, transcending the traditional three chord punk progression and showcasing the evolution of the band’s collaborative writing styles. Passionate, stirring and with a ‘never say die’ attitude in the same vein as Frank Turner or Against Me, Rebuilder’s live shows are packed with the resilient emotion of DIY music inspired by the honest truth, the instinctual reaction and the second wind that holds you back from the brink of exhaustion.

We sat down with the band to talk about their debut full-length, how Allston Christmas shaped the concept behind ‘Rock & Roll In America’ and hashed out the definition of ‘gnarly rock’.

[EXCLUSIVE LISTEN] Darklands Premiere “Barton” Off Upcoming EP ‘St. Thaddeus’

New music out of Rhode Island. Darklands premier "Barton" on Bishop & Rook.

Providence, RI’s Darklands channels Smashing Pumpkins, Dinosaur Jr. and Silversun Pickups with their upcoming grungy, distorted, poppy 5-song EP, ‘St. Thaddeus’ (New England Standard Records).

“You could put us somewhere between emo, shoegaze and grunge pop (new gaze?),” explains bassist David Marcotte.

Like a teenage romance, ‘St. Thaddeus’ is primarily thoughtful, climaxes early with “So Negative” and leans heavily on drawn out emotions, finishing with an emorific 7:45 minute track, “Hope”, complete with the lyrics “You're not enough...I wouldn't die for you. I wouldn't die for me, too.”

‘St. Thaddeus’ is due out late June, and will be available on cassette and as a digital download, with a potential vinyl option to follow. Check out the exclusive premier of “Barton”, streaming on Bishop & Rook below. Follow Darklands on Facebook for show and release information. And listen to the album's previously released tracks "So Negative" and "Green" on Bandcamp.

Upcoming Shows:
June 13th: No Problemo, New Bedford w/ Holy Hands, Glass Floor
June 19th: DV8, Providence w/ You Blew It, Twin Foxes
June 26th: Dusk, Providence w/ Feedback Psychosis, Tape Eater, Bangladeafy, Mis(s)invader
July 20th: Psychic Readings, Providence w/ Burglary Years, Hemingway, Holy Hands

Rock Out With Your Cocktail Out Vol. XXXVI

We're sweet on you. So here's new music and Jack's Honey Lemonade.

 Now serving your June Rock Out With Your Cocktail Out playlist with a complementary Jack's Honey Lemonade recipe. This month we have new music from New England artists like Portland, ME's The Restless Atlantic and Providence, RI's Glenn Robinson. Plus music from touring bands about to hit Boston including Coliseum (at Middle East Upstairs 6/15) and Benny The Jet Rodriguez (at O'Brien's Pub on 6/21). Oh and Jack Daniels is in the building! What What?!

Converse Rubber Tracks Contest: Enter to Win a Chance to Record at One of Twelve Iconic Studios

Register for your chance to win. Deadline is 6/24/15.

Converse Rubber Tracks is providing emerging artists, bands, and musicians of all genres the rare opportunity to record at the some of the most iconic recording studios across the globe.

Tied To A Bear's Debut LP ‘Safe, Boring & Safe’ & Record Release Show Announcement

Download your copy of 'Safe, Boring & Safe' now.

To us, Tied To A Bear has been some sort of scene folklore. Jeff Rowe has a new band. It features Harley Cox (Choke Up) on drums. They have no internet identity so you’re just going to have to go to a show to see them. Which we did. More than once. (that one time) (that other time). And now you can hear them for yourself with the release of their debut LP and a limited time free download.

DCDR and a "Savage Array of Artists" Take Over O'Brien's Pub This June

Join DCDR and this "savage array of artist" at O'Brien;s Pub every Thursday this June.

DCDR is heading into the summer full force as the band gathers together a savage array of artist to join them on stage for a 4-night residency at O’Brien’s Pub in Allston, presented by RTT Presents and Ocelot Records.

Mean Creek Final Show with Soul Asylum & Meat Puppets

A band that managed to capture the bitter emotions of quintessential life moments and bake them into the perfect soundtrack for a long summer’s night drive of contemplation, reflection and reckless adventure, Boston’s Mean Creek will say ‘goodbye’ during their farewell show at The Middle East Downstairs on June 25th with Soul Asylum and Meat Puppets.

Listen to the final release of Mean Creek, “Forgotten Streets” below.

The farewell show is 18+, $22 in advance, $25 day of, doors at 8PM. Buy your tickets online now.

The Greatest Thing You’ve Never Seen – US Air Guitar Championships Qualifier Round Comes to Boston

"Make Air Not War" - Register for the Boston qualifier round of the US Air Guitar Championships.

Do you have what it takes to be a professional air guitarist? (per the video below, it apparently takes zero guitar and zero fucks). The event that is part miming, part music (mimesic?), The US Air Guitar Championships qualifier round returns to TT the Bear’s on Saturday, June 6th. Competitors edit a 60 second track to shred to during the first round. Top 5 from round 1 make it to the second round where they will shred to an edit they have never heard. The top 3 entertainers of the night will move onto the semi-finals. The event includes a special halftime performance by acoustic comedy dudes The Daley Grimes. You must be 18+ to register.

Register online.

Doors are at 5:30PM, $10, ticket link, Facebook event link.

The holistic event includes qualifying rounds in 23 cities, regional conference semi-finals, wildcard playoffs and national finals being held in the nation's biggest exporter of air guitars, Portland, OR. The winner of the National US Championships jetsets to the World Air Guitar Championships, held in Oulu, Finland.

Matt "Airistotle" Burns (NY) holds the 2014 National Air Guitar Champ title. He also holds the 2012 National Champion title, the 2011 New York Champion title and a 2010 Dark Horse Wild Card title. His signature song is My Chemical Romance's “Dead!” and sources confirm his mom is proud. Press play below to see Mr. Airistotle thrash around the stage like a skinny punk rock pixie boy, doing things only someone with an invisible guitar could do.

For more information, visit www.usairguitar.com

Scruffy the Cat Announced as Part of TT the Bear's Farewell Blowout Showcase

1980’s staple rock ‘n’ roll Boston band Scruffy the Cat has been announced for final night of TT the Bear’s 8-night Farewell Blowout showcase on July 25th. Tickets to be released soon. Event details. Visit TT's concert calendar for up-to-date show information.

Scruffy the Cat played out from 1984 through 1990. The band reunited in 2011 for a few shows in the Boston area, with the initial show being arranged as a benefit concert for cancer-stricken lead singer, Charlie Chesterman*. Chesterman passed away in November of 2013 after losing his battle with colon cancer, he was 53.

* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scruffy_The_Cat

Regina Pizzeria Parent Company Files For Bankruptcy

Historic Regina Pizzerias files for bankruptcy (image credit)

Earlier this afternoon, Boston Globe* dropped a bomb that Regina Pizzeria parent company (Boston Restaurant Associates Inc.) filed for bankruptcy in federal court Wednesday (5/20).

In addition to 17 Regina Pizzerias, including the historic North End location (established in 1926), Boston Restaurant Associates also owns two Polcari’s Italian Restaurant locations in Saugus and Woburn.

The decision was said to have been made based on changes in sales, high leases and operating costs.

It is reported that the Regina Pizzeria locations in Allston and at the Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut are operated by other companies that license the Regina name, and are not expected to be affected by the bankruptcy.

Read the full story at www.bostonglobe.com

*Originally reported by Dan Adams

Pre-order The First Vinyl Pressing of Old Gray's 2011 Demo + June Tour Dates

Pre-order the first vinyl release of Old Gray's 2011 Demo.

Bad Timing Records, in conjunction with Cam Boucher's (Old Gray / Sorority Noise) new label, Flower Girl Records, will release the first vinyl pressing of Old Gray’s '2011 Demo'. Like the previous vinyl release of‘Do I Dare Disturb the Universe’, Demo is a one-sided 12" with a screen-printed B-side. Limited to 200 Blue w/ White Splatter and 300 Blue. Pre-orders are now available.

The release date is June 30th. Vinyl will be shipping slightly after that date. All vinyl purchases come with a digital download -- if you want only a digital download, find that over at Bandcamp.

And for the super savvy shopper, there is an Old Gray Demo + Somos / Sorority Noise split bundle offer.

Old Gray will be hitting the road for a quick Northeast tour this June, coming to The Middle East Upstairs on June 28th with Milo, Clique and Yeehaw! (presented by Bowery Boston). All ages, 7PM doors, $10 advanced/$12 day of, ticket link.

Full Tour Dates

June 24 | Asbury Park, NJ | Asbury Lanes
June 25 | Philadelphia, PA | Philamoca
June 26 | New York, NY | Silent Barn
June 27 | New York, NY | Riis Park Beach Bazaar (Matinee)
June 27 | Hamden, CT | The Space
June 28 | Cambridge, MA | Middle East Upstairs




Related Stories:
Old Gray "Do I Dare Disturb The Universe" Released at 5PM Today

The Restless Atlantic - 'Chasm'

‘Chasm’ is a 9-track modern-day melodic rock record strung together by the sincere efforts of a young band.

You could name drop for days if you were to attempt to compare ‘Chasm’, the debut LP from The Restless Atlantic, to a similar sounding record. And that’s not necessarily a terrible thing. The Portland, Maine quartet demonstrates their influences from classic rock to grinding mid-era screamo, with a sprinkle of nostalgic 90’s emo to ground their driving sound.

#BandcampRoulette – Your American Math

Bandcamp Roulette, the radio edition.

That time when you turned on the radio to catch the bridge of a song you’ve never heard before. Shazam could not help you, the internet vaguely knew what you were talking about, but your perseverance uncovered one, lonely and borderline defunct MySpace page. With just two tracks to entertain your new obsession, your success was bittersweet and you began to mentally sift through your list of college radio station connections who could possibly burn a copy of your new favorite record of songs you haven’t listened to yet.

Athens, Georgia 5-piecee Your American Math made a record 'Motors Into The Drink' in 2003. That record has a 10:04 song called “Annual Headache Drive”. 88.1FM WMBR has been playing it sporadically since its release date twelve years ago. And we now know what love is.

“Your American Math delve into Radiohead tunefulness as much as they do the Slint workouts. Intermittent traces of Omaha folk are juxtaposed with the jazzy weirdness of Karate…On a track like the stunning, exhausting "Annual Headache Drive," the band's careful craftsmanship truly pays off,” Stein Haukland – www.ink19.com

  anual headache drive from your american math on Myspace.

First Batch of Bands Announced for the 2015 Boston Fuzzstival

We're getting that fuzzy feeling again.

Illegally Blind took to the internets to announce the initial Boston Fuzzstival 2015 lineup late yesterday.

The three-day festival (August 6-8 at The Middle East) features some of the best bands in the region that make psychedelic/fuzz/garage/surf rock noise including 2015 Rock 'n' Roll Rumble champions Zip Tie Handcuffs.

Line Up (so far)

DrugRug
Bloodshot BILL
CREATUROS
Ghost Box Orchestra
The Barbazons (formally The Fagettes)
Littlefoot
Herbcraft
The TeleVibes
The Mystery Lights
NICE GUYS
Beware the Dangers of a Ghost Scorpion!
Zip-Tie Handcuffs
GYMSHORTS
Blinders
Wakes
Mini Dresses
Midriffs
Soft Eyes

Schedules and additional bands TBD. Visit the official Facebook event page for full details.

Big Time Kill Amps Up Devo's "Girl U Want"

We put synth in yo' synth.

Oh hai you guys, another cover from a local band. Earlier this week we listened to Pulitzer Prize Fighter’s cover of The Postal Service’s “Such Great Heights” and Save End’s rendition of  Jawbreaker’s “Oyster”. Today we’re digging the electro-industrial interpretation of Devo’s “Girl U Want” from noisy synth-fueled rock band Big Time Kill released earlier this year. Look for their debut EP out this summer.

Related Stories:
Pulitzer Prize Fighter Covers "Such Great Heights" - Free Bandcamp Download
Local Bands Contribute to Jawbreaker Tribute Album

Ghost Thrower Premiers New Track "Oranges"

Ghost Thrower premiers "Oranges" off of the upcoming record "Batsy" out this Friday, May 15th. Stream the the track below.

Local Bands Contribute to Jawbreaker Tribute Album

Michigan Indie label, Save Your Generation Records, has done a whole mess of leg work to create “What’s The Score”, a Jawbreaker tribute album. The 12-track record is available as a digital download to be released June 23rd and as a limited edition vinyl record (200) estimated to ship out July 28th. Pre-orders available now.

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.

Related Stories:

Pulitzer Prize Fighter Releases New Single "Lies" Off Upcoming EP
Pulitzer Prize Fighter Wins with Debut EP
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.