2015 Sets the Bar High for Local Music - B&R Looks Back At Our Favorite Records of This Year

May you get drunk on wine beer new music in the new year. (image credit)

The best part of our job is finding new, local music that rivals anything you're hearing on the radio today, and then getting to talk to the people who created it. Going beyond the press release, we ask the questions that deepen the meaning of the song, highlight the passion of the artist and recognize the growing talent of the New England music scene.

Not totally comprehensive, but a good representation of our favorites from this year, here are Bishop & Rook's top records of 2015 (in no particular order). 2016 is coming, click here for details on how you can submit music and written contributions to the Boston punk rock and indie music blog offering premium reviews, limit one per cocktail.

Artist: Twin Foxes

Record: S/T

Article: We Measure Twin Foxes' Emoness with Debut EP, Courtesy of Disposable America

Artist: Grenades in the Archives

Record: Dressed Up Like Armageddon

Article: All ‘Dressed Up Like Armageddon’ With No Place To Go - New Punk From Grenades in the Archives

Artist: Tied to a Bear

Record: Safe, Boring & Safe

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

Artist: Choke Up

Record: Black Coffee, Bad Habits

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

Artist: Salem Wolves

Record: (Series of singles)

Article: Refining The Formula – Salem Wolves Dish on Band Growth, New Projects and a BIG Announcement

Artist: Rebuilder

Record: Rock & Roll In America

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

Artist: Today Junior

Record: Ride the Surf

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

Artist: Mallcops

Record: The Funniest Joke You've Ever Told

Article: Sorry, Too Busy Feeling Feelings: Mallcops’ 'The Funniest Joke You've Ever Told' is an Addiction 

Artist: Bay Faction

Record: S/T

Article: Bay Faction Skips School to Sing About the Cues and Codes of Sex

Free Show: The Lowdown on 'Late Night on Lansdowne’ after The Throwdown

See these bands FOR FREE. (Follow Bishop & Rook on Instagram)

#ICYMI and have serious #FOMO, for those of you who won't be #FUBAR after the #MMB shows,  here is the lowdown on 'Late Night on Lansdowne', a FREE 2-night after party show at Bill's Bar (5 Lansdowne Street, Boston), presented by Mutiny on the Microphone and Radio BDC.

Sunday, December 27th

The Bonnets

Bundles

Special Guests - Warn the Duke

Monday, December 28th

Neutral Territory (former The Stereo State)
The Offseason

Special Guests - Diablogato

Doors at 11PM / music at 11:30PM.

21+ with valid ID.

FREE entrance based on capacity.
Facebook event link.

Related Stories:

Then After The Show, It's The After Party - ‘Late Night on Lansdowne’ December 27th+28th
The Diabolical DiabloGato - Debut Full-Length Available Now
Video Premier: Bundles - “Dead Reckoning”

The Diabolical DiabloGato - Debut Full-Length Available Now

Get your copy of Diablogato's debute full-length now.

Sweet and salty. Naughty and nice. Basement show and lounge act. Diablogato's debut S/T full-length is a proper 11-song catalog of punk rock / rockabilly with a custom, diabolical twist.


Established in 2014, Diablogato has already been stirring up interest as a premier band at The Boston Tattoo Convention, The New England Shake-Up Car Show, and 2015’s Awesome Day Fest, and recently topping the polls over at Boston Emissions. And if it’s one thing we know, when a rockabilly band is involved, you come for the music but stay for the performance. “Stage presence is a big part of putting on a good show,” says frontman Drew Indingaro (ex-Lost City Angels, Cradle to the Grave). “We try to be aware of that and hope that we entertain. If you come to a Diablogato show, you’ll definitely see Johnny Custom climbing all over his upright bass.”


The 2015 record, recorded by Jack Younger at Watch City Studios in Waltham, MA and mastered by Nick Z. at New Alliance East in Cambridge, MA, is now available for purchase as a CD via the band’s website.

While the band has tentative plans to release a 7” in the next year, East Coast tour dates are already being put on the books. Can’t wait? Catch them as the special guest during night #2 of  the ‘Late Night on Lansdowne Street’ FREE SHOW at Bill’s Bar on Monday, December 28th with The Offseason and Neutral Territory (former Stereo State), presented by Mutiny on the Microphone and Radio BDC. Event details here.

Follow the band on Facebook and Twitter for additional show information and stream a few pre-released tracks on Bandcamp now.

Related Stories:
Free Show: The Lowdown on 'Late Night on Lansdowne’
Then After The Show, It's The After Party - ‘Late Night on Lansdowne’ December 27th+28th

Then After The Show, It's The After Party - ‘Late Night on Lansdowne’ December 27th+28th

Because we know you'll be in the area...

These internet radio hosts have created a late night, local music party on Lansdowne Street just for you.

Oh, and it’s free.

“I don’t think it’s a choice to keep your passion going to be honest with you. It’s a weird thing, a force that pulls you in. And then it defines you, and you don’t even question it.”

Mutiny on the Microphone and RadioBDC have announced a free, 2-night event entitled ‘Late Night on Lansdowne’ featuring a nightly lineup of now trending bands along with special guests all happening at Bill’s Bar December 27th and 28th.

“With this year’s [Hometown Throwdown] theme being a throwback to The Rat, some people are talking about how the 'scene died’ when The Rat closed, or reminiscing about the past, thinking that our current set up just isn’t the same. I’d like to counter that argument with this showcase,” Mutiny on the Microphone founder and host Adam Blye explains.

“‘Late Night On Lansdowne’ pays homage to our experiences and excitement of discovering new music organically while attending shows. Back in the day you would get handed bags of swag after a show; flyers, pins, stickers, CDs of local bands of similar sound. Although that might not be the thing to do anymore, we can still connect listeners with music in a creative, natural way. It’s our job as curators to guide people to these bands.”

Both digital airwaves co-presenters are compromised of former terrestrial radio personal. With the fall of influencers like WBCN and WFNX, changing formats, shifting genres, closing clubs, and the looming fog of a bygone era in music, it’s easy to wonder how some people maintain their passion. “I don’t think it’s a choice to keep your passion going to be honest with you,” Blye confesses. “It’s a weird thing, a force that pulls you in. And then it defines you, and you don’t even question it.”

Participating 'Late Night On Lansdowne' bands are being announced daily, with night #1 already set to include The Bonnets (3 piece punkadelic band from Lyndonville, Vermont) and local favorites Bundles plus special guests yet to be revealed. The remaining bands for night #2 will be announced on the Facebook event page on December 10th and 11th. Both nights are FREE, 21+ with valid ID and entry is first come first served.

Follow Mutiny on the Microphone on Facebook and Twitter for additional information and take an interest in the event page to get automatic announcements, lineup details and more.

Lineup So Far:

December 27th
The Bonnets
Bundles
::Special Guests::

December 28th
::Band 1 announced December 10th::
::Band 2 announced December 11th::
::Special Guests::

Song Premiere: “A Girl From Quincy” by Art Thieves

'For Free!' will be available for free download on December 31st.

It is with our unwavering pleasure that we present to you “A Girl From Quincy” by Art Thieves.

Working on their material under the radar, Bishop & Rook caught Art Thieves earlier this year in their natural South Shore habitat (RIP Beachcomber) and gave our stamp of approval. It was the band’s on stage chemistry and thoroughly entertaining live set that later earn them a spot in the Boston Scene Party Showcase.

“A Girl From Quincy” is off the band’s debut 10-track record entitled ‘For Free!’, available as a free digital download on December 31st. Listen to a few per-released songs on Soundcloud now. See Art Thieves on February 13th at O'Brien’s Pub in Allston with Warn the Duke (NYC), The Warning Shots, and You Scoundrel. And follow the band on Facebook for additional release and show information.

Air Traffic Controller Releases Music Video + Tour Dates

See Air Traffic Controller at BMH on November 30th.

In the spirit of family holidays, here is an endearing, poppy video for you. Boston’s Air Traffic Controller releases the music video for “The House” off of the band’s next studio album (originally debuting on MTVU and written/directed by Michael Parks Randa and filmed on location in Randa's hometown of Sherborn, MA). “It's a true story about Dave [Munro] growing up in greater Boston, Brady Bunch style, and I'm sure it will bring a smile to your face.” It did. We also have the overwhelming urge to throw glitter. And Paris Peterson is our spirit animal. "The House” accompanies new songs “People Watching” and “On the Wire” – all of which have been featured on Spotify’s official New Music Tuesday playlist.

See ATC during their all ages show at Brighton Music Hall on Monday, November 30th with Jared & The Mill and Amy and the Engine – purchase tickets here.

Full Tour Dates:

11/27 - Catoctin Creek Distilling Co. - Purcellville, VA

11/28 - Jammin Java - Vienna, VA

11/29 - Knitting Factory - Brooklyn, NY

11/30 - Brighton Music Hall - Boston, MA

12/2 - The Cave - Toronto, ON

12/3 - Beachland Tavern - Cleveland, OH

12/5 - Beat Kitchen - Chicago, IL

12/6 - 7th St Entry - Minneapolis, MN

12/7 - The Riot Room - Kansas City, MO

12/8 - On Air - 89.9 WLCA St. Louis

12/8 - Old Rock House - St. Louis, MO

12/9 - Albert S George Youth Center - Barnesville, OH

Shop Local: Our List of Holiday Pop Up Markets

Shop at the Black Market Sunday, December 13th at the Cambridge Elks Lodge

Skip the mall and shop local. Here are is list of holiday pop up shopping events in the Boston area ranging from eccentric Etsy artists to bizarre bazaars:

Sorry, Too Busy Feeling Feelings: Mallcops’ 'The Funniest Joke You've Ever Told' is an Addiction

This is not abandonment. This is just your common sense. - "Ambulances" by Mallcops

"The lyrics always come first. 'The Funniest Joke You've Ever Told’ is the first part in a much larger story."

'The Funniest Joke You've Ever Told' is a record of monumental content. Put it on your iPod, listen to it on your way to work, and listen to it on your way home. Add it to your gym mix and run until your heart feels like it's about to explode. Listen to it when you're sober, and when you've had a few; and before you go to bed at night. Listen to it to feel something, to remember something, to regret something, and to justify something. Listen to it because Mallcops has perfectly articulated the most uncomfortable, awkward and emotionally vulnerable time in a relationship more than you ever could.

Video Premiere: Bundles - “Dead Reckoning”

Getting sounds in the Rubber Tracks studio. (image credit)

We’re excited to premier Bundles’ music video for “Dead Reckoning” off their soon-to-be-released record. The 2:26 video (created by John Schoeck and Mike Silva) highlights the band’s Converse Rubber Tracks experience back in August.

“We got to the studio around 11am and I think had finished basic tracking by 1pm and were out of there with a finished, mixed track by 5pm. The staff was super friendly and very easy to work with,” Bundles bassist Brain Jones recalls. The song was later re-mixed and mastered with the band’s producer, Dave Age (Favorite Atomic Hero) at his studio Union Digital.

“Dead Reckoning” is one of two tracks premiered by the band earlier this fall. Although talks have been initiated on how the record will be released, Bundles’ sophomore EP has yet to have an official release date. But, per Jones, the band would “love to chat” with anyone interested in working with the band.

See Bundles at ONCE in Somerville on November 20th and at the Quincy Sons of Italy for a benefit show on November 25th. Details below. Listen to a more in-depth recap of what went down in the Rubber Tracks studios via the band’s guest DJ episode on Mutiny on the Microphone podcast. Follow Bundles on Facebook and Twitter for additional show and release information.

Upcoming Shows:

November 20th at ONCE :: with Alarms, Garbage Cans of Fire

November 25th at Quincy Sons of Italy :: with Jesse Ahern, The Coalition, Alarms, Cactus Attack and Mike McColgan and Friends

Related Stories:
World Premier: Bundles' Streams 2 New Tracks – Exclusively on Mutiny on the Microphone

Crosley + vinylmnky Holiday Giveaway!

You could win it. You could win it all.

Vinyl junkies, gift yourself this holiday. Austin, TX based vinyl of the month club vinylmnky is giving away a world class C100 Crosley Turntable plus a 12 Month Vinyl Gift Membership (a $520 value).

This promotion runs through December 5, 2015, is 18+ and many will enter, only three (3) will win. No purchase necessary.


►CLICK HERE for full details and to enter the contest. 

PRIZE DETAILS:

12 Month Gift Membership:

• Breakthrough Record of the Month [BROTM]
• Custom Artist Add On with Each LP
• Album Review and Write Up
• Tribe Membership Discounts

Crosley C100 Turntable:

• Outfitted with upper level features including an S-shaped tone arm with an adjustable counterweight, adjustable strobe pitch control and built-in phono preamp.

vinylmnky passionately shares their love for new indie music through sending unique handpicked and curated vinyl albums from emerging or iconic artists that include custom add-ons decided on by the artists themselves. Previous highlighted artists include CHVRCHES, Beach House, Best Coast and Purity Ring. Follow vinylmnky on Twitter and Facebook.

The New Limits Release Live 'D.I.WHY' Recording

Recorded live in one take. It's like having a ska band in your house, but with a lot more elbow room.

Earlier this year, the 8-man Boston ska outfit The New Limits was invited to the WEMF studios to perform a set of new and old songs on the “D.I.WHY” segment, hosted by Andrew Lowery. The session resulted in a 5-song EP of one fluid, live recording that, in all honesty, sounds pretty damn good for an in-studio take and represents the integrity of The New Limits as a live act.

‘Live at WEMF’ is available on Bandcamp for free (at a name your price donation). While you're there, you can stream / purchase the band's debut EP 'Pressure Up' released in January of this year.

More than just the songs, D.I.WHY is about the process behind them and how music's better than your day job. Listen live Sundays from 2-4PM on WEMFRadio.com.

Track Listing

Pressure Up

Saturday Morning

Part of Me

Priceless

Transition

Bedroom Eyes' Sophomore Record ‘Honeysuckle’ Part of Midnight Werewolf Records’ “Triple Threat” Project

"...an exhilarating adrenaline rush and a neurological breakdown."

What is so versatile about the shoegaze genre is the heavy dependence on instrumental scores allows the listener to develop their own interpretation. Both dreamy and destructive, an exhilarating adrenaline rush and a neurological breakdown could be heard within one song.

A love child of dream pop and grunge rock with melodic vocals and driving dual guitars, Bedroom Eyes is as seductive and aggressive as you’d desire them to be with their 10-track second album ‘Honeysuckle’.

Stand out tracks: "Wild Sins", "Restless".

►Pre-order your copy now

'Honeysuckle' (available November 23rd) will be part of Midnight Werewolf Record's "Triple Threat" project - a series of cassette tape releases of local artists over the next few months. The tapes will have limited edition runs of 100, featuring handmade screened cases with the bands' individual cover art. Read more about the Triple Threat Project.

  HONEYSUCKLE from RJ Murphy on Vimeo.

About Midnight Werewolf Records:

Midnight Werewolf Records is a Boston based label releasing Boston bands on both vinyl and cassettes. It is run by Derek Desharnais and Chris Morrison. We try to provide you with what we believe to be the best upcoming local artists in the city. We range all over in genres from grunge / punk / doom / math and never narrowing it down. Keeping it real to our DIY roots we offer a unique range of homemade covers for our limited runs of tapes and can even provide artwork.


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

Rock Out With Your Cocktail Out Vol. XLI

Rock Out With Your Cocktail Out Volume too deep into roman numerals that we don't even know anymore. It's number 41. We found new stuff from Donna Bummer, Mallcops (playing Out of the Blue Too on November 11th), Beach Slang (in town at Great Scott November 24th), Weekened Friends (playing The Shelia Divine record release show at The Sinclair November 25th) and a Golden Ale Beer Cocktail courtesy of The Beeroness.

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)

It’s a Brenefit Show – Benefit Show for Trophy Lungs’ Drummer Brendan Guerin

Intimate space, burgers, beers, punk rock and unisex bathrooms.

Hey kids, let’s go to a benefit show. Before you start thinking “Monday night, SMH”, understand Charlie's Kitchen ONLY hosts live music on Monday nights, and it’s a pretty damn awesome time.

One day before Boston punks, Trophy Lungs, returned from tour, drummer Brendan Guerin received news that his apartment in Jamaica Plain (that he moved into less than a month ago) caught on fire. Although everyone made it out okay, water and structural damage rendered the apartment unstable and emergency relocation was a must.

The scene came together and to form the Brenefit Show at Charlie’s Kitchen (10 Eliot Street, Harvard Square, Cambridge) featuring Trophy Lungs, Save Ends, Fucko and Rebuilder (essentially, it's an O'Brien's show, but at Charlie's). The evening also serves as a send of for some bands heading to FEST14. Charlie’s Kitchen is 21+ // $5 cover // 8PM // Facebook event link. Additional donations accepted throughout the night. Every dollar that comes through the door goes directly to helping Bren and his girlfriend Kerri find a new place/pay outrageous moving fees.

Related Stories:
Trophy Lungs Premier Music Video for “Bathroom Graffiti”

6 Nights of Halloween! Growing Up Spooky! + Trick or Treat Yo Self at Firebrand Saints

Eat, drink and be spooked. 5 nights of Halloween at Firebrand Saints.

Firebrand Saints restaurant and bar serving up New American fare and Eye Design will be enhancing your entire Halloween week leading up to the big day with audio and visual treats. 'Growing Up Spooky' is a week long event featuring horror movies from the 60's to present day. Playlist with spooky songs from each decade will accompany the films. Plus a special 'Trick or Treat Yo Self' on Halloween night featuring some of your favorite local bands covering some of your favorite mainstream bands.

Books n’ Brews Inaugural Meeting (Free Admission, All Ages) 10/15

Ernest Hemingway, let's discuss.

It’s like a suburban wine book club, but hipper. The first ever Books n’ Brews (reading and drinking) club will be in session on Thursday, October 15th, 8PM at Aeronaut Brewing Company (14 Tyler St., Somerville). The meet up is free, all ages (21+ with valid ID to drink), and provides a space for people to discuss selected short stories. The group kicks things off with "The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber", by notorious drinker and cat owner, and therefore totally relatable, Ernest Hemingway.

Event organizer, Dan McMahon (Lesser Knowns) provides the deets below and via the official Facebook event page:

Interested in short stories? How about drinking beer at a cool local brewery?

What if you could discuss short stories WHILE drinking beer at a cool local brewery? Forward-thinking, I know, but it has been made possible thanks to Andy Visser, Aeronaut Brewing Company and myself.

Come on down to Aeronaut, enjoy a beer and discuss our first installment of Books n' Brews, an open discussion centered around short stories.

This month's selection is "The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber", by Ernest Hemingway. Hemingway enjoyed getting his drink on, so we thought he was a fitting choice for this setting.

If you're a hip online type, you can read the entire story 23-page here.

If you have a hard-copy of the story, you're more than welcome to bring it along. If you're feeling really ambitious, you can also grab it at a fine local bookstore (yes, those still exist!). In our humble opinions, Raven Used Books would be a good place to start.

ALL AGES allowed to participate in the discussion; 21+ to drink, so don't forget your IDs with those amazing DMV photos!

Kurt von Stetten Plays All of the Instruments in Music Video for “Spanish Ship” Off ‘Bon Fortuna’, Out Now

Grab your digital copy of 'Bon Fortuna' now.

Kurt von Stetten’s 10th solo album, ‘Bon Fortuna’, is now available via Static Motor Recordings as a digital download for $7. Watch the music video for first track “Spanish Ships” below. Since 2006 von Stetten has released a full-length album every year on which he plays every instrument.

Related Stories:

10 for 10 – Kurt von Stetten Streams First Track Off Upcoming 10th Solo Release ‘Bon Fortuna’

Kurt von Stetten's 9th Release, 'Animals'

Checkin' In With The Stereo State

Holyoke's The Stereo State has been quiet - so we checked in on them.

You know what we were thinking? What’s The Stereo State up to? So we checked in on them.

Here’s what we know so far:

• October 2013 – The Stereo State plays FEST12
• November 2013 – The Stereo State announces “indefinite hiatus”
• November 2014 – The Stereo State is back ya’ll! Band announces surprise resurgence
• March 2015 – Rut roh, The Stereo State cancels local show and tour to Pouzza Fest
• May 2015 – The Stereo State checks in with fans, is still writing but “very excited” about new songs
• June 2015 - The Stereo State takes a break from writing; turns to Twitter for answers 

Latest update:

We’ll keep you posted on additional Stereo State news. #‎TSS2015 #moeslipons forever.

Related Stories:
The Stereo State is Back #TSS2015
The Stereo State - Just Kidding

Born Without Bones Acoustic Video + Show Dates

Born Without Bones' frontman Scott Ayotte recently worked with Table Three Media to produce a music video of an acoustic version of “Rough Terrain” off the band’s 2013 LP ‘Baby’ (Animal Style Records). The band is currently on their own fall tour, with a homecoming show on 10/17 in Worcester, but has already announced they have picked up a few east coast dates on the Dead Leaves and PINE fall tour in November, including 11/14 at The Democracy Center (see details above). Follow Born Without Bones on Facebook for additional show information.

Table Three Media is a media production company comprised of talented individuals, each with experience in various branches of the media arts including photography, video, printmaking, graphic design, web design and social media marketing. The culminating point of this organization is to utilize creative collaboration to efficiently provide artists in the music industry with the resources they need to produce album packaging, promotional photo shoots, music videos, social media bases, and general press kits for media advancement. In short, they make awesome things with awesome people. Holla at em.

Related Stories:
Born Without Bones – This is a Born Without Bones Cover

Trophy Lungs Premier Music Video for “Bathroom Graffiti”

Trophy Lungs premiered the music video for “Bathroom Graffiti” off their debut full-length ‘Day Jobs’ on Absolute Punk today.

“I'm crazy excited for this video to come out. We had the chance to invite some of our friends out and pay tribute to people in their lives who've passed away”, guitarist/singer Kevin Bogart told Bishop & Rook back in August. “I'm super thankful for everyone who was a part of it.”

Purchase ‘Day Jobs’ via Antique Records now. Follow the band on Facebook for upcoming show information.

Related Stories:
Trophy Lungs Set to Debut-Full Length ‘Day Jobs’ this September

Bay Faction Skips School to Sing About the Cues and Codes of Sex

College kids singin' bout college kid stuff.

“I guess I never really knew how cold this house could get
without the alcohol and people helping me forget.”
– Jasper Wildlife Assoc.

Advancing past the early hurdles of “oh oh ohs” and the trite line “that sound that sound my favorite sound”, both of which are rudimentary content killers, Bay Faction’s S/T (released 9/29/15) gains confidence and opens up to reveal a smooth and clean narration of reactions to emotional situations. By the end, you’re wanting more.

“[The album] concept is an observation of the culture surrounding our generation,” Bay Faction frontman James McDermott tells Bishop & Rook. “Primarily sex, sexuality and the codes and cues associated with the identification that comes with each.” The Boston-based trio is compromised of students currently taking time off from school to pursue the band and an upcoming tour to promote their debut LP. The tour kicks off via rock n' roll halfway house Top Hat Factory (ask a punk) on October 9th and ends at The Red Room Cafe 939 on November 20th.

An indie rock band with jazz influences, Bay Faction’s sound could play nicely with locals Horse Mode ‘ (Ocelot Records) or Sports..

'Bay Faction' is available as a free digital download via Bandcamp. CDs and vinyl available via Counter Intuitive Records. 12" vinyl is available in a limited run of 250 black and 250 white. Follow Bay Faction on Facebook for additional show information.

Standout tracks: (4) Coyote, (6) Beach Book, (8) Jasper Wildlife Assoc.

Full track listing:

1. Bloody Nose
2. Captive Cow
3. Cutter
4. Coyote
5. Sasquatch .22
6. Beach Book
7. Casting Couch
8. Jasper Wildlife Association

OC45 Tour Kickoff Show at Charlie's Kitchen 10/5

Beer, burgers, punx, repeat.

Boston DIY thrash punks OC45 are coming to a city near you, but first beer. 4 shows into their long-ass 2-month tour to support new EP 'Burn It' (which you can buy on Bandcamp for $4), OC45 will celebrate a hometown send off at Charlie's Kitchen in Harvard Square, Cambridge on Monday 10/5 with Grenades in the Archives and Lowell natives Pet Sounds and War Nerves. The U.S. trek that takes the band to Florida during FEST and out west to Texas, will eventually end back in Boston on November 21st.

Monday's show is 9PM // 21+ // $5. Official Facebook event link. Grab Grenades in the Archives, Pet Sounds and War Nerves music for free now.

Eridanos Tattoo & Gallery ‘Black Mass’ Opening Reception 10/3

A collective installation with a flare for the macabre, dark art and surrealism.

Eridanos Tattoo & Gallery will celebrate its two year anniversary with 'Black Mass' - opening reception happening on Saturday, October 3rd from 8PM-11PM.

Black Mass is a collective installation showcasing a variety of multimedia artists all over America with a flare for the macabre, dark art and surrealism.

Dropkick Murphys Play Final FINAL (we mean it this time) Beachcomber Show

Hometown heroes Dropkick Murphys announced a return to Quincy, MA to play (yet another) final Beachcomber Show. Rumored forever ago to be closing its doors, the longtime beachfront divebar on Quincy Shore Drive finally confirmed back in August that the 56-year old establishment would cease to exist come the fall. Since then, at least three farewell 'comber shows have been scheduled.

The Dropkicks say:

"We are proud to announce that we will be performing a special show in honor of the closing of the world famous Beachcomber - Quincy in Quincy, Mass. The owners, the McGettrick family, are lifelong friends of Ken’s, and we are honored to be playing the final show there. Only 250 tix will be on sale. Here’s how you can get tickets: 150 tickets will be available online, starting at NOON TOMORROW. 100 tickets will be on sale at the Beachcomber starting at NOON SATURDAY. You can purchase a maximum of 2 tickets. The times for Saturday night are as follows: Doors 7pm - Show 9pm."

Tickets go on sale 12noon Friday 10/2/15. Ticket Link.
The Beachcomber is located at 797 Quincy Shore Drive, Quincy, MA.