Thursday, August 18, 2016

This Lineup Though - Warn the Duke Vinyl Release Show

See you at the show - O'Brien's Pub Saturday August 20th.

Pack up your summer vacation early and head to Allston this weekend. Brooklyn, NY's Warn the Duke (former members of Big D and The Kids Table and River City Rebels) will be in town on Saturday, August 20th at O'Brien's Pub to promote the vinyl release of their 2015 debut LP ‘Ghost Be Gone’: recorded, mixed, and mastered by Jay Maas at Getaway Studios and distributed by Wire Tap Records. In celebration of the vinyl tour, the band has released an animated music video for “Noreaster” (originally premiering on punkrocktheory.com).

Like drinking a big glass or red wine, the nostalgic sound of loud 90’s alt/rock and prolific punk gruff along with catchy choruses and bright guitar riffs give you the warm sensation of satisfaction. Standout tracks are “Coastline”, “Harry O’Donnell” and “Chicago Lights”.

Supporting the touring band and making this a completely stacked show are locals Dan Webb and the Spiders, Diablogato, and Bundles. This show is $10 // 21+ // event details here // see you there.

Ghost Be Gone’ is available to stream on Bandcamp, iTunes and Spotify. Vinyl can be purchased at the show and via Wire Tap Records (limited pressing of 200).





Related Stories:
Free Download. State Line Records: Boston's Burning Vol. 1

Wednesday, August 3, 2016

Beachy Keen – Riding Retro with Philly’s Queen of Jeans

Catch Queen of Jeans touring through town on August 6th.

Our hearts are aching over the vintage charm and carefree rhythm of Queen of Jeans’ S/T EP. It's essentially what we think opening a bottle of Polar's Unicorn Kisses sounds like.

For those of you who like Habibi / Shannon and the Clams / Colleen Green. Put on your oversized, rose-colored sunglasses, grab your favorite tall boy and hit play as you enjoy porch life with this swoon-worthy summer essential.

Ranging from wistful, ethereal harmonies to mod surf rock, the arrival of Philadelphia’s Queen of Jeans to the Boston area is very apropos. Listen to the band’s seductive sounds live on Saturday, August 6th at Lilypad with Bong Wish and The Heavies (event details) and Sunday, August 7th in Providence with PsychoTropics and Space Camp (event details).

Queen of Jeans’ is available for listen on SoundCloud and Spotify. 12” vinyl is available for purchase via Indiana DIY label Third Uncle Records for $15 with two color options: pink / baby blue split side and pink with baby blue splatter. Follow the band on Facebook and visit their official website for additional tour dates.


Monday, July 25, 2016

Record Premiere: Getting Our Zen on With Iron Elbows and 'Sanity Breath'

Record premiere! 'Sanity Breath' by Iron Elbows


Try this Zen Exercise on Your Way to Work.
Put in your earbuds in.
Click play on track “Epicurus”.
And just let the music walk with you.
Do you feel just the slightest bit more enlightened?



Iron Elbows is a Boston-based experimental guitar/synth brainchild of Derek Hixon (AKA Mint Pillow) and Zac Trainor (AKA Gold Must Die) formed in 2007. The pair combines guitar riffs and rhythms with atmospheric synths and mashed out sounds and minimalist sessions like standout track “Epicurus” on their sophomore album, and Bishop & Rook premiere, ‘Sanity Breath’.

“The name of the track was inspired by the Philosopher Epicurus,” Hixon tells Bishop & Rook. “Particularly with his teachings of ataraxia—peace and freedom from fear.”

Once both situated within the Boston area, Trainor relocated to North Carolina, resulting in a new, almost pen-pal approach to recording their second record.

“A lot of our songs, which are usually between 3-4 minutes, start off as a 20+ minute jams we did together. Recording in the same room is the desire, but it's just not our reality anymore,” Hixon explains of his partner’s relocation to NC. “We can only do the minimal now, so trading tracks is what we started doing which yields different results [than recording together]. You never know which way a track is going to turn when you hand it over and it's fun to hear how the other interpreted what you did. It's similar to the fold-in technique of creating poetry.”

In addition to Iron Elbows, the duo maintain passion projects including Hixon’s Visions of the Unexceed Boston music blog and podcast and Mint Pillow DJ nights, and Trainor’s music and visual art.

You can catch an all vinyl Mint Pillow DJ set this Thursday July 28th 9PM at State Park in Kendall Square, Cambridge (flyer below). Follow Iron Elbows on Facebook and visit the official websites of Visions of the Unexcued, and Zac Trainor for additional information. ‘Sanity Breathis available on Bandcamp for free (at a name your price donation).





Friday, July 15, 2016

Show Picks for July + August

Friends tell friends when there is a good show happening.

Looking for a good time? Perhaps you’re in the mood for new music, or cheap beer, or a place to hang with friends. Maybe you’re too broke to go on vacation and you blew through every available TV series on Netflix to the point where you’re wondering if your excessive abuse of the streaming service will render surcharges. #netflixshame Whatever your reason, here are some shows we’d go to this summer.


Thursday, July 14, 2016

Song Premiere: Choke Up “Hart” – Appearing on Disposable America’s 'SPECIAL INTEREST' Mixtape

Disposable America's 'SPECIAL INTEREST' out July 15th, pre-order now.

Celebratory fist pump. Bishop & Rook is pleased to premiere the new Choke Up track “Hart", recorded at Converse Rubber Tracks and off Disposable America's upcoming benefit mixtape. As expected, Choke Up continues to maintain rank as an exceptionally talented Boston band.

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Murcielago Moves On - Last Shows Announced

After 7 years, Murcielago ends their run. (image credit)


Portland, Maine rockers, Murcielago, have called it quits. The 2015 Rock 'n' Roll Rumble participants took to Facebook to announce the decision.

"Hi All,
We've decided to take a long bow after an excellent 7 year run. Thank You all who have come to our shows, bought our music and merchandise, and told your friends. We are grateful and humbled.
Many thanks to Nick Lamberto for getting us going, huge thanks to Benny Grotto and Mad Oak Studios for excellent work. Many thanks to the bands and promoters we've been lucky enough to work with during our time.

Thank You,
Murcielago"
May we always remember the times these veteran rockers blew our faces off with impressive 70's style riffs, hardrock power, and mesmerizing performances. We shall wear our Board of Maine shirt in respect.

You know you want one. Everyone wants one. (shop it)





Catch the band during their last few shows in Vermont and Maine.

  • July 22 @ Higher Ground in Burlingto, VT., with Scissorfight and Hey Zeus
  • July 30 @ Matrix Fest in Fort Lee, ME, with "too many awesome bands to recount"
  • August 6 @ Portland House of Music and Events in Portland with Eldemur Krimm and Pigboat

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

Tell All Your Friends. Taking Back Sundae Ice Cream Pop-up & DJ Night is Back

Eat your feelings.

Para-smore, 30 Seconds to Mars Bar, Pistachio at the Disco, Something Chocolate, MODEST MOOSE TRACKS! We’re getting off genre and you get the point. Taking Back Sundae: An Ice Cream Pop-up and DJ Night is making a return this summer. The “anti-social” event will take place at Great Scott in Allston on Friday, July 15th // 10PM // 21+ with valid ID // $5 at the door (price includes admission + cone). 

Featuring music spun by RTT Presents and ice cream courtesy of locally sourced, small batch company, The Parlor Ice Cream Co. Check the official Facebook event page for additional details.

Friday, July 8, 2016

How Many Instruments Does it Take to Make a Mr. Vertigo Record? Veteran Rockers Spill on the Value of Studio Time & Their 7th Release

Download 'Dreaming on the Left Side' for free.


Spin a recent Mr. Vertigo record and be prepared to hear a project that might include up to dozen people, about 20 instruments and roughly a decade of collaborative experience. The alt-rock band (existing in one form or another since 2002) will be celebrating the release of their 7th official record entitled ‘Dreaming on the Left SideFriday, July 8th at O'Brien's Pub in Allston.

New Noise from We Can All Be Sorry + Release Show Details

Celebrate with We Can All Be Sorry on July 21st.

Boston label, Eye Design Records, to release 'Weekend Sorry' by locals We Can All Be Sorry. The bedroom pop band’s newest recording will be available via cassette tape and digital download ($5 each) on the label’s site. As a preview, you can stream the first track off the new record, "Nowhere Us" now.

Continuing the band’s distinct wistful and off-kilter sound, 'Weekend Sorry' is a perfect record for muddled and mild summer porch life. We Can All Be Sorry will play their record release show on July 21st at Great Scott in Allston with Spook the Herd and Kiss Concert (details).  And head to Plough and Stars on July 31st for the next free ‘Know Your Scene’ event presented by Eye Design featuring Plastic Waves and Violet Intent (details).


WCABS Tour Dates:

7/2 Raleigh NC
7/3 Athens GA
7/4 Atlanta GA
7/5 Nashville TN
7/6 Bloomington IL
7/8 Chicago IL
7/10 NYC
7/12 Boston MA
7/15 New Haven CT
7/20 Providence RI
7/21 Allston MA
7/22 Washington DC


Thursday, July 7, 2016

Free Download. State Line Records: Boston's Burning Vol. 1

Free download your local music sampler here.

State Line Records has released an 18-track, local music compilation based on the Boston’s Burning semi-annual punk rock show series and includes contributions from artists such as Dan Webb & The Spiders, The Old Edison, Duck & Cover, Rebuilder, Diablogato and more.


Label founder Mark Lind (Ducky Boys, The Warning Shots) took to Facebook to announce the free download.


“Do you like Boston bands? Do you like discovering NEW Boston bands? Well, this FREE download comp is for you. I collected enough songs to complete two comps and then some. This is Boston's Burning Volume 1 on my label, State Line Records. You need to listen to it in full to really enjoy the flow of the various bands. Stream it. Download it and listen when you can. But if you hear any band that you really like then please support them by buying their proper albums or by seeing them play live. Rock n' roll music is dead and none of us sound like Kanye West. We need to spread the word to keep rock n' roll alive. So I'm doing my part. Will you do yours?”


'State Line Records Boston’s Burning Vol. 1' is available for free on Bandcamp.



Friday, June 17, 2016

Music Video: Air Traffic Controller “On The Wire”

Purchase 'Black Box' from Air Traffic Controller now.

Air Traffic Controller has released the newest music video associated with their 2016 ‘Black Box’ album. (We thoroughly enjoyed the band's previous music video for "The House" last fall). The audio/visual is for track “On The Wire”, originally premiering on Bullet Media and written and directed by Olivia Saperstein and Max Lapointe.

The video depicts a young woman who has had enough of her unhinged relationship and joins up with another spirited wonder on her adventure to experience life in the now. “On The Wire” evokes feelings of relief and freedom, spotted with the tinge of uncertainty as the two characters embark on whatever is to come next. 

Air Traffic Controller kicks off their summer tour next week, stopping in Lowell, MA on July 15th and Portsmouth, NH on August 6th. View the full tour dates.



Related Stories:
Air Traffic Controller Releases Music Video + Tour Dates

Friday, June 10, 2016

Earth Heart’s Debut Full-Length ‘Homesick’ Sounds Like Fun

Earth Heart. Can you dig it?

Varying degrees of delirious carnal lo-fi noise originating from the basements of Allston and perfected in the studios of Somerville/Cambridge, the debut full-length ‘Homesick’ by local act Earth Heart is one primal joyride we’ll keep on repeat this summer.

Homesick’ (out August 5th) is the 10-track polished successor of five DIY self-recorded, self-produced EPs; professionally recorded and mixed by Shaun Curran at Napoleon Complex in Somerville, MA and mastered by Nick Zampiello at New Alliance in Cambridge, MA.

Frontwoman Katie Coriander (vox/guitar) handles the expert task of capturing the genre’s dynamic persona both vocally and instrumentally.

While the first single and title track off the LP is certainly saturated in classic lo-fi distortion, it hardly represents the turbulent path this holistic project takes. Standout tracks: “Demons”, “NSA Song”, “Chicken And Rice”.

Catch Earth Heart at Out of The Blue Too Gallery in Cambridge on July 13th. For additional show and release information, follow the band on Facebook and purchase single “Homesick” on Bandcamp for $1 now.

Thursday, June 2, 2016

The Rayguns Got No Money and Are Playing O’Brien’s Pub June 7th

See The Rayguns at O'Brien's Pub in Allston on June 7th.

New music from punky outfit The Rayguns. Pimping out their second release ‘Live Forever’ (released March 2016) on their DIY label, Public Alley Records, the local quartet is gearing up to play a Boston-area venue near you this summer.

Another band to make the great Northeast tour of Jamaica Plain, Cambridge, Allston and Somerville, you can catch The Rayguns at O’Brien’s Pub on Tuesday, June 7th before they head up to the 3rd Annual Shuffle Fest in Bath, NH; a punk festival featuring a variety of acts, including acoustic artists, folk punk to hardcore punk, and jam bands. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own tents to camp out and thrash. (But, please pick up your trash).

Follow The Rayguns on Facebook for additional show information. ‘Live Forever’ was recorded/mixed/mastered by Richard Marr at Galaxy Park Studios and is available for purchase via digital download and cassette tape on Bandcamp. Those interested in submitting music to Public Alley Records can do so by emailing publicalleyrecords@gmail.com.






Monday, May 30, 2016

Song Premiere: The Michael Character Schools Us on Political Punk and Wants You to Get Over It


Quick vignettes and radical folk songs.(photo credit Michelle Lisbeth)


Google “The Michael Character” and expect to find featured reviews in prominent indie music blogs, a social calendar littered with gigs, an official Reddit band of the month nomination, and yourself with a serious case of early-stage FOMO. Referred to by journalists as “a prolific folk punker” and “(legitimate) activist”*, The Michael Character appears to be the greatest addition to folk punk that you never knew existed.

Monday, May 23, 2016

You Get a PorchFest and YOU Get a PorchFest – Quincy to Hold Their First Jam Session This June

Go out and meet ya faukin neighbahs kehd. Quincy gets social.


The next Boston-area city to participate in organized musical curb appeal is Quincy, holding their very first PorchFest on June 18th from 1P-5P in the Safford Park Wollaston neighborhood, accessible by the Wollaston T stop on the Redline.

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Rock Out With Your Cocktail Out Vol. XLV

It's homemade ya'll!

We heard lavender lemonade is a really good stress reliever…so we put vodka in it. The May Rock Out With Your Cocktail Out is spiked with bands playing shows around town including Eldridge Rodriguez at O’Brien’s Pub on May 21st, Weakened Friends playing their record release show on May 22nd at Great Scott, and Le Roxy Pro and Notches both playing on May 23rd at Great Scott and O’Brien’s Pub respectively. (we kept your show recommendations within stumbling distance local). #ROWYCO

Friday, May 6, 2016

"For Adam" - A Two-Night Local Music Showcase to Benefit Dog Days Adoption Event Inc.


'For Adam' is a two-night event in memory of musician Adam Haut (Civil Warblers / Matt & Adam) who passed away suddenly last summer from an undiagnosed heart condition. The showcase happens at Great Scott in Allston on Friday, May 6th and Saturday, May 7th, features 14 local bands and musicians, and benefits Dog Days Adoption Event Inc., a non-profit that assists small rescues and pounds to raise awareness of adoptable dogs by way of pop up events.

"We are beyond adequately expressing our gratitude for being chosen as the recipient of this great outpouring of love and joy, in memory of a young man who adored dogs, nature, music and his friends and family," the organization's Facebook page states. "Proceeds from this event will go to a fund started last year named "LETS GO" in honor of Adam, and used to pay for dog care expenses when owners can't afford them. Our deepest and most profound "thank you" to the event organizers for including us in this great honor and we wish you the greatest joy as you share memories and create new ones with friends by your side and Adam in your heart."


MAY 6 @ Great Scott - 9PM - 21+ Ticket Link | Event Link

Choke Up
Tied to a Bear
Great Lakes USA
Save Ends
Ken Valentine


MAY 7 @ Great Scott - 8PM - 21+ Ticket Link | Event Link

Matt Murphy
Piss Dogs
Pinecone Teeth
Shatner
Mic King
Radio control
The Alrighters
Erik Petersen of Mischief Brew
Jeff Rowe



Thursday, May 5, 2016

Deerhunter + Mini Dresses Kickoff Converse Rubber Tracks Live Series



This year’s first Converse Rubber Tracks Live show in Boston will feature rock veterans Deerhunter, with Somerville's Mini Dresses.

The all-ages event happens Wednesday, May 11th at The Sinclair in Harvard Square, Cambridge.

Voted the #1 best rock band right now by SPIN, Deerhunter has released seven albums to date throughout their decade-long career, gaining critical praise for their experimental sounds and compelling performances. The band hand-selected dream pop opening act Mini Dresses, who previously had the opportunity to record at the Converse Rubber Tracks recording studio in Boston, at no cost. 

Tickets to the free show are available by following this link.





Wednesday, April 27, 2016

A Night of High Energy Rock Awaits You at O'Brien's Pub on 4/29

Forever in our top 10. Catch The Darker Hues at O'Brien's Pub on 4/29/16.

One of Boston’s most underrated bands treading just beneath the radar is decade-long passion project, The Darker Hues. “Misrepresenting the Boston Music Scene Since 2006”, The Darker Hues has produced a handful of singles, two full-lengths, and provided their sound as local support for touring acts like Rough Francis and White Lung. With melodramatic melodies of American Football and grounded basslines of Fugazi, the Hues is a uniquely layered experience of aggressive 90’s post-hardcore and comprehensive indie undertones, bounded together with zealous lyrics. Presented with a loaded setlist and on-point stage presence, you’ll find yourself white-knuckling it through a Darker Hues’ performance and wondering where has this band been all your life.


On Friday, April 29th, The Darker Hues will be celebrating the release of their 2016 ‘Needed Loss’ album at O’Brien’s Pub with Laughing Stock, Rebuilder and Hospital Beds 8PM//$8//21+ (event details here). Follow the band on Facebook and listen to "She Was Covered in Scars and Good Intentions", the first track off of 'Needed Loss' below.



Monday, April 25, 2016

The Reckless Optimism of The Coward Flowers

Pop songs with a rock 'n' roll backbone. Listen to 'Jams and Jellies'.

Like walking through rooms of a very eclectic house, each door opens into a new vibe. From experimental reverb to sundown twang leading into driving alt-rock guitars, The Coward Flowers’Jams and Jellies’ is comprised of intricate song writing, taking the listener on a journey of emotions that influenced the 2016 record.

Friday, April 22, 2016

Kids Like You & Me Initiates ‘Rama Lama Ding Dong Fest’

For those of you who enjoy lo-fi, garage rock.

Boston based rock 'n' roll label , show curator, and fansite Kids Like You & Me is gearing up for their 3-night, 2-venue, 19-band large event. Rama Lama Ding Dong (April 28TH – 30TH) is a three day rock 'n' roll, slop 'n' bop music festival with an opening night at Club Bohemia and two showcases at the Middle East Upstairs in Central Square, Cambridge.

Saturday, April 16, 2016

The Organ Beats Give You a Taste of What is Yet to Come with the 'Only Human' EP



"[‘Only Human’] is just a little taste for our fans
to show them what we've been working on.”

The Organ Beats’ 3-song EP ‘Only Human’ is a satisfying dose of power pop. Focusing on quality vs. quantity, we get an energetic title track, a memorable ballad, plus a remastered version of “When We Were Young” for that nostalgic teenage love kick. “We went with the EP for now because we've been experimenting with recording on our own and had these songs in the bag,” the band tells Bishop & Rook. “We definitely plan on a full length in time. [‘Only Human’] is just a little taste for our fans to show them what we've been working on.” ‘Only Human’ was produced by Alex Fiorentino at Doghouse East Studios and Mastered by Nick Z. at New Alliance East.

Standout track for this teaser EP is “Crazy Eyes” with an insane three-and-a-half minutes of reverb capping off the seven minute song. We can only hope the live version is just as epic.


A music video for the title track accompanies the release and features the band experiencing a galactic fantasy before crashing landing in "Waltham, MA, Urth" (shot, directed, edited and animated by Tim Dennesen of Punchdance Inc. and originally premiering on BlankTV).

'Only Human' is available on Bandcamp for $3. You can also download the band's full discography for $17.55 (35% savings). Follow The Organ Beats on Facebook and visit the band's official website for additional release information and upcoming show announcements.


Monday, April 11, 2016

Is it Summer Yet? Today Junior Releases Two Free Surf / Garage Tracks

Snag your free downoad of Today Junior's latest singles.

It's no secret Today Junior puts on a fantastic live show. I feel like you should know this because there are plenty of opportunities to see them. Also, because we tell you... A lot.

As a follow up to their 2015 'Ride the Surf'' LP, Today Junior has dropped two singles at a complimentary "Name Your Price" cost on Bandcamp. "Leaving Easy" and "Blunt Breath" have the surf / garage sound you have come to expect from the trio, getting you ready for the summer, but more immediately, their set at Firebrand Saints in Kendall Square, Cambridge on April, 16th - part of dream pop band Guillermo Sexo's 'Eclipse' release show also featuring The Furniture and Jeff Beam Music. Full event details here. Follow Today Junior on Facebook and Twitter for even more show information.




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

Beware the Dangers of a Squid of Impending Doom - Guillermo Sexo Premiers Music Video for "Graffiti Sky"

Saturday, April 2, 2016

Rock Out With Your Cocktail Out Vol. XLIV

Treat yo self. Your fancy face deserves it. (image credit)

Current interests: Flipboard.com, the never ending search for the best bar pizza, and espresso martinis. Caffeine and alcohol never looked oh so fancy. Plus listen to our sparkling new April playlist featuring Abbie Barrett (playing the Rock & Roll Rumble preliminary night #4), The Ghost of Paul Revere (playing with Tigerman Whoa! at Great Scott on 4/7), and a bunch of new music from a bunch of punx.

Espresso Martini

1 oz cold espresso
1 1/2 oz vodka
1 1/2 oz Kahlua coffee liqueur
1 oz white creme de cacao
3 Coffee beans (for garnish)

Pour ingredients into shaker filled with ice, shake vigorously, and strain into chilled martini glass. Garnish with coffee beans. Best sipped during a ROWYCO playlist. Pinkies up.




Find a whole mess of cocktails and playlists on our archive page.

Thursday, March 24, 2016

“Allston Christmas” Goes Mainstream, Gets a Shorty Awards Nod

Marketing and the worst weekend ever for the win.

The Shorty Awards honor the best of social media by recognizing the influencers, brands and organizations on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Tumblr, Instagram, Snapchat, Vine and more. “Allston Christmas”, a marketing campaign produced by Hill Holliday for BFresh, was given a high-five by The Shorty Awards, getting the Bronze Honor for Best in Retail and E-Commerce.

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Radio On: Boston Scene Party Hosts a Free Music Workshop & Networking Event with After Party


Music networking group, Boston Scene Party, presents 'Radio On', a free format discussion with Boston broadcasters featuring a panel of the city’s most in-demand music radio talent including Anngelle Wood of Boston Emissions and DAve Crespo of WEMF Radio at the Middle East Corner in Cambridge on Wednesday, March 30th. Not just an open space for you to stand awkwardly in for a few hours, Boston Scene Party music networking events are designed to offer a panel of industry experts excited to talk shop, answer questions, and inspire the local scene.

During this event you can learn how these proprietors of sound:

►Act as liaisons between local music and the airwaves
►Understand the methods in which they discover new music
►Gain insight into the ever changing world of terrestrial and digital radio broadcasting
►PLUS we'll be giving away two Full Boat passes to the Rock & Roll Rumble 

The details:

FREE event
18+
Wednesday, March 30th // 6PM-8PM
Middle East (Corner) 480 Mass. Ave. Cambridge, MA
The after party:

But wait...there's more....

Stick around after the event for our Boston Scene Party After Party (hosted by Lysten Boston) with John Shakespear (Atlas Lab), Stephen MacDonald (The Okay Win) and Cameron Keiber (Eldridge Rodriguez). The after party is 18+ and costs $5. See full event details here.


Follow Boston Scene Party on FacebookTwitter and Instagram.

Monday, March 21, 2016

Cambridge BYOB Ordinance Starts March 31st


The City of Cambridge Bring Your Own Bag (BYOB) Ordinance takes effect March 31st, 2016 and affects retail establishments that provide a checkout bag to customers at the point of sale. Retail establishments such as grocery and convenience stores, pharmacies, restaurants, liquor stores, and other retailers must comply with this ordinance.

The purpose of the Ordinance is to reduce the use of disposable checkout bags by retail establishments. Under the ordinance, plastic bags with handles are prohibited. Any reusable, paper, or compostable bag with handles provided at the point of sale must charge a checkout bag charge minimum of $0.10/bag. Businesses must show this as the “Checkout Bag Charge” on the receipt and collect sales tax on each bag. Bags exempt from the Ordinance include produce bags, laundry, dry-cleaner and newspaper bags, and bags used to wrap meat or frozen foods.

Learn more at cambridgema.gov/byob.

Tuesday, March 15, 2016

2016 Rock & Rumble Preliminary Line Up + Ticket Information + Our Predictions



The Rock and Roll Rumble #classof2016 is getting ready to duke it out for the crown by way of six preliminary nights at ONCE Lounge and Ballroom (Somerville) beginning April 3rd. Announced earlier this week on Boston Emissions with Anngelle Wood, here are your line-ups.

If you choose to go to all six (recommended) consider the Six Pack Preliminary Pass. Or if you're the all or nothing / go big or go home type person, you will be wanting the Full Boat Pass which includes the six preliminary nights plus two semi-final nights (April 15th and 16th) and the main event, the final round on April 22nd.

Read on to sample each band and start taking bets making predictions.

Mercury on Mars Joins Ocelot Records

Grab your copy of 'Be The One' for free on Bandcamp now.

Mercury On Mars has joined up with Ocelot Records for their latest album due out this summer. The 2015 Rock ‘n’ Roll Rumble band is offering their 2014 release ‘Be The Onefor free on Bandcamp in celebration of the partnership.

Ocelot Records will be working with the alt-rock band to release their new album and to bring a back-catalog of albums into the future with streaming services such as Spotify, Apple, Amazon, Google, Youtube and more.

Mercury On Mars joins a growing list of acts on the Ocelot label including fellow 2015 Rumble band Psychic Dog, two current #classof2016 Rumblers, The Digs and Idle Pilot, and Boston Music Award winner DCDR. Discover more bands on the official label website. And follow Mercury on Mars and Ocelot Records on Facebook for additional information.

Upcoming Mercury on Mars Shows:
March 19th - Aeronaut Brewing Company, Somerville MA
April 29th - Jacque’s Underground, Boston MA



Related Stories:
2016 Rock & Rumble Preliminary Line Up + Ticket Information + Our Predictions
World Premiere: Listen to "Preach" Off Of The Digs' Debut LP 'Manic'
Video Premiere – Horse Mode “Jazz and IPAs”

Wednesday, March 9, 2016

Mass Hysteria - 93 Local Bands Contribute to the Terrible Masshole Mashup

Penalty Kill, Viva La Hop and Krill walk into a bar... Listen to the encompassing 'Masshole'.

Roughly a year in the making, NYC transplant mashup artist Terrible (AKA Max Schaffer) has put the finishing touches on his 20 minute mix comprised entirely of local music; 93 bands, 138 sources, and 1 cameo by Frank Oglesby (the voice of the T) to be exact.

Monday, March 7, 2016

The Field Effect Announced at Lizard Lounge

Surprise.

The Field Effect announces their return to Boston on March 26th during OldJack’s Last Saturdays at Lizard Lounge, Cambridge. This will be the band’s first hometown show in almost a year as they fill in for recent Rock 'n' Rumble selects Weekened Friends – who are now abiding by Rumble Rules.

See The Field Effect with Wild Sun and OldJack on March 26th // event details.

Follow the Rock ‘n’ Roll Rumble on Facebook for event information.



Friday, March 4, 2016

Rock Out With Your Cocktail Out Vol. XLIII

Sip Sip Play. Your March cocktail and playlist below.

Part cocktail, part GO TO THIS SHOW, March is hoppin' with music. At O'Brien's Pub in Allston, catch Adult Books (CA) on the 7th and local rockabilly band Diablogato on the 19th. Dreamy indie pop band SPORTS (OK) is at Great Scott on the 10th and New Hampshire's Fucko is at Firebrand Saints in Kendall Square on the 5th for their 'Dealing With the Weird' record release show. Plus a Blueberry Mint Fizz available all month long. Want more shows? Check out our flyer tab. Want this playlist and cocktail? Keep on reading.

Blueberry Mint Fizz

(Originally posted on FoodShouldTasteGood.com)
  • 12 blueberries
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 5 mint leaves
  • 1 oz gin
  • 1/2 cup gingerale
  • ice
  • lime wedge for garnish

Add blueberries, mint, and lime juice to a glass and muddle ingredients together. Then add gin and ice, and top it off with the ginger ale. Add lime wedge for garnish. Tastes good with with lime tortilla chips and this playlist.



Find more playlists and cocktails in our archive.

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

“Know Your Scene” For Free at Firebrand Saints

Free, monthly, ALL-AGES event. (poster created by Bryan Mastergeorge)

Eye Design, the curator of “Treat yo Self” and “Show Love” multimedia industry nights, is set to introduce a monthly discovery event entitled “Know Your Scene” at Firebrand Saints in Kendall Square, Cambridge. The free, ALL-AGES, event will feature two local bands as well as a complimentary custom poster created by a local artist and digital downloads from the participating musical acts.

The inaugural night takes place on Saturday, March 26th with 2015 Rock ‘n’ Roll Rumble winner Zip-Tie Handcuffs and Idiot Genes. Event details here.

“[Know Your Scene] is a chance for people to discover local bands and art for free, which hopefully leads to people following these artists and going to more of their shows,” explains Eye Design founder Ian McGregor.

Those interested in getting involved with “Know Your Scene” can email Ian at showlove@eyedesignma.com.

Details around the first three events have been released (see below). Follow Eye Design on Facebook and Twitter for additional event announcements including the anticipated Halloween and year-end NYE celebrations.

Firebrand Saints is located at 1 Broadway, directly across the street from the Kendall Square T stop, features free parking and kitchen open until 11PM.

Upcoming Know Your Scene Schedule:

Zip-Tie Handcuffs & Idiot Genes





April 30th
Lee Preston & the Ghetto Buddhas & Precious You




May 28th
Bundles & The Dazies


Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Stream Fucko's Debut LP 'Dealing With the Weird' + Vinyl Release Info

All heart, zero fuck(o)s. 'Dealing With the Weird' is raw, fun, and the efforts of hardwork.

We’ve known them since they were baby fuckos, feeling the feels and slinging miscellaneous merch at O’Brien’s Pub. Now they’re grown up and on a label that has been favoring the local punks in recent years. Freshly signed to New Jersey’s Black Numbers Records, Fucko will release their debut LP ‘Dealing With the Weird’ at Firebrand Saints in Kendall Square, Cambridge on March 5th. ($5 // 9PM // 18+), with friends Choke Up and Pleasure Gap, presented by Eye Design. Event Details.

The 11-track record is streaming in its entirety on New Noise Magazine. The sweet, sweet combination of Damone, The Breaders and Chumped, pour yourself a glass of treat-yo-self wine and press play. We super heart the mid-to-end section with “Wake Up”, “Sewn Seeds”, “Vladimore”, and “Buzz”.

You can pre-order ‘Dealing With the Weird’ on vinyl over at Black Records’ homebase now. Limited pressing (300 black, 200 purple, 30 test press). Follow Fucko on Facebook for additional information. See you at the show.


Trending Right Now