Gary Wilson – Let’s Go to Outer Space

It’s a bit surprising that experimental psych-lounge musician Gary Wilson has taken so long to release an album entitled Let’s Go to Outer Space because I’m fairly certain Mr. Wilson is from Saturn or perhaps somewhere outside this solar system.

The album opens with “Back to Where I Belong” and Wilson boldly proclaiming that he met an alien at a bus stop in Johnson City and they then walked all the way to his hometown of Endicott in the rain.  Theremin rolls all around the track as Wilson tells her she’s the prettiest girl from outer space, meaning he’s met others (which shouldn’t surprise anyone).  She offers to take him back with her, but he stays.

“Gary Kissed a Mannequin” is self-explanatory as Wilson falls in love with a mannequin who looks like the girl next door and takes her out to talk to the trees and dance all night long.  It’s quite possible that his encounter with an alien beauty drove him mad.  “Lost in a Mystery” is a song with a familiar theme on Wilson’s records – loneliness.  The song’s peppy keyboards and jazz lounge beats (and more Theremin!) can’t conceal Wilson’s confusion about why his alien girl left (“I want to cry.  I don’t know just why.  You took my heart and ran away.  I’m gonna save my heartache for another day.”).

“Gary Feels Cool” has the never-ending optimism you also find on Wilson’s records.  He’s never completely out of the dating game, despite his many setbacks.  His keyboard solo emphasizes his confident swagger.  He’s just as cool when he dreams of a lovely lady in “You’re the Girl from a Magazine.”  He can’t name her or the magazine.  He just knows she’s pretty and famous for something.  It’s not a sleazy song either.  Wilson just wants to take this pretty girl for a nice walk.

Wilson admits his story is “insane” in “She’s the Girl from Mars,” but he’s so sincere (and his quirky synths are so fun) that you can’t help but believe him.  “Let’s Go on a Walk Tonight” is another plea from Wilson to his Martian girlfriend to stroll with him through Endicott and beyond.  It’s a toe-tapper that you can’t get out of your head for a while after hearing it.

The song’s beats and even the “la la la” chorus continues in “I’m Not Ashamed of You,” as Wilson’s keyboards sound more like a harpsichord.  Wilson has no fear of walking around with an alien, even as others around him are running away in terror.  He’s finally found love, and everyone should be envying him.

The honeymoon ends, however, when we get to “I Want to Cry.”  Everything had been going so well that Wilson even took his outer space lover to his high school reunion, but yet he still wants to weep.  Is it from joy or misery?  It can’t be from his sweet electric piano solo, that’s for sure.

“Let’s Go to Mars” is simple, yet catchy with Wilson singing another song about marrying his Martian girlfriend in front of his hometown pals and then driving her in his new car out of orbit.  He can’t find love on Earth, so will he find it on another planet?

Probably not, if “My Beautiful Wife Walked Away” is any indication.  Wilson has been dumped yet again.  “I don’t know just what do.  I just wanna be with you,” he sings.  Finding a lasting love is an eternal quest for Wilson, and things beyond his control or understanding always seem to screw it up for him.  On “My Pretty Little Space Girl,” Wilson laments the departure of his alien beauty who never plans to return.  “All things gotta come to an end,” Wilson tells us.  That includes his quest, by the way.  It might not have ended with a woman from another planet, but Wilson will find someone someday.

Keep your mind open.

[Updates sent through outer space to your e-mail inbox when you subscribe!]

Omni release new single and huge list of tour dates.

OMNI SHARE VIDEO FOR NEW SINGLE “SOUTHBOUND STATION“, ANNOUNCE US TOUR DATES

MULTI-TASK OUT 9/22 ON TROUBLE IN MIND

Today, Atlanta-based trio, Omni share a video for their new single – and album opener – “Southbound Station.” This comes to us off their forthcoming sophomore record Multi-task (out 9/22 on Trouble in Mind).  The band had previously shared the song “Equestrian,” perhaps their catchiest song to date. Sonically, “Southbound Station” is just as acrobatic a song as “Equestrian,” full of bounce, tension and release, with melodies seemingly developing out of thin air. The FADER premiered the video today. Here’s what the band had to say about the track:

‘Southbound Station’ is a song about being young in Atlanta, barely aware of anything beyond your immediate surroundings. There was always a sense of urgency to make it to the next destination where there may be a lover or a house show to attend. Years disappeared into the drunken void as I got to know the city—a charming yet challenging experience at the same time. 

Omni’s underlying seductive sophistication creates an aura of romance that many post-punk bands dare not tread, and Omni pulls it off with grace & style.  Their minimalist funk-fused agit-pop whirrs while simultaneously creating an album that is awash in the excitement of new love, or fleeting attraction. As performers, the band deliver this excitement and romance live, and have just announced new US tour dates. If you want an idea of what you’re in store for, watch a video of the band performing in France here.

“[‘Southbound Station’] is a perfect little post-punk jam for a late-evening walk through the city, when your mind is racing with possibilities.” – The FADER 

WATCH “SOUTHBOUND STATION”
https://youtu.be/UmuksS9xLwA

LISTEN TO “EQUESTRIAN”
http://bit.ly/2uqHRQu

OMNI TOUR DATES (new dates in bold)
Thu. Aug. 31 – Amsterdam, NL @ OT301
Fri. Sep. 1 – Larmar Tree Gardens, UK @ End of the Road Festival
Sat. Sep. 2 – Manchester, UK @ Strange Waves Festival
Sun. Sep. 3 – Bristol, UK @ Louisiana
Mon. Sep. 4 – Paris, FR @ Point Ephemere
Tue. Sep. 5 – Toulouse, FR @ Pavilion Sauvage
Wed. Sep. 6 – Madrid, ES @ Sirocco
Thu. Sep. 7 – Santiago De Compostela, ES @ WOS
Fri. Sep. 8 – Barcelona, ES @ Altaveu
Sat. Sep. 9 – Marseille, FR @ L’Emeobineuse
Mon. Sep. 11 – Basle, CH @ Renee
Wed. Sep. 13 – Zurich, CH @ Katakombe @ Sender
Thu. Sep. 14 – Bologne, IT @ Freakout
Fri. Sep. 15 – Lyon, FR @ Le Sonic
Sat. Sep. 16 – Orleans, FR @ Hop Hop
Sun. Sep. 17 – Lille, FR @ DIY
Mon. Sep. 18 – London, UK @ Moth Club
Tue. Sep. 19 – Birmingham, UK @ Hare & Hounds
Wed. Sep. 20 – Dublin, IRE @ Whealan’s
Thu. Sep. 21– Glasgow, UK @ Hug & Pint
Fri. Sep. 22 – Liverpool, UK @ Liverpool Psychfest
Sat. Sep. 23 – Brighton, UK @ Sticky Mike’s Frog Bar
Tue. Oct. 17 – Nashville, TN @ The End
Wed. Oct. 18 – New Orleans, LA @ Santos
Thu. Oct. 19 – Austin, TX @ Hotel Vegas
Fri. Oct. 20 – San Antonio, TX @ Paper Tiger
Sat. Oct. 21 – El Paso, TX @ Monarch
Sun. Oct. 22 – Phoenix, AZ @ The Rebel Lounge
Mon. Oct. 23 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Moroccan Lounge
Tue. Oct. 24 – San Francisco, CA @ Hemlock Tavern
Fri. Oct. 27 – Portland, OR @ High Water Mark Lounge
Sat. Oct. 28 – Seattle, WA @ The Central Saloon
Sun. Oct. 29 – Vancouver, BC @ Astoria
Mon. Oct. 30 – Spokane, WA @ Baby Bar
Tue. Oct. 31 – Missoula, MT @ Zootown Arts Community Center
Thu. Nov. 2 – Fargo, ND @ The Aquarium
Fri. Nov. 3 – Minneapolis, MN @ 7th Street Entry
Sun. Nov. 5 – Chicago, IL @ Empty Bottle
Tue. Nov. 7 – Bloomington, IN @ The Bishop Bar
Wed. Nov. 8 – Columbus, OH @ Ace of Cups
Thu. Nov. 9 – Toronto, ON @ Smiling Buddha
Fri. Nov. 10 – Montreal, QC @ Brasserie Beaubien
Sat. Nov. 11 – Somerville, MA @ Boston Hassel Fest (Once Lounge)
Mon. Nov. 13 – Brooklyn, NY @ Baby’s All Right
Tue. Nov. 14 – Philadelphia, PA @ PhilaMOCA
Thu. Nov. 16 – Richmond, VA @ Strange Matter
Fri. Nov. 17 – Raleigh, NC @ Kings Barcade

PRAISE FOR “EQUESTRIAN”

“Its spry, stair-climbing melody comes off like a jittery call to arms, with bass and guitar bouncing and aligning like magnets. The addition of a rising synth gives the tune a triumphant tone, not far from Devo’s most anthemic moments.” – NPR Music

“With a steady lo-fi pulse, the act layers gritty guitars into a outpouring of analog warmth. Each element feels essential to the build of a tight-knit mid-tempo groove as singer Philip Frobos oscillates between a disaffected croon and the yelps and shouts of high-energy punk.” – SPIN

“The bubbling bassline and cool, taunting vocals on “Equestrian” make for a self-destructive lo-fi dance party” – Stereogum

“‘Equestrian’ picks up with more Verlaine-veined guitar lines nestled atop a skittering drum beat. They lean into progress with some synth strains to back the track up, pouring on a glaze of synth-punk that doesn’t dominate, but pays reverence to their brand of ’70s gods as the track progresses.” – Raven Sings The Blues

Hi-res images/album art – http://pitchperfectpr.com/omni/

Pre-order Physical – http://www.troubleinmindrecs.com/omni-multi-task/
Pre-order Digital – http://apple.co/2sWcrT6

Omni Online:
https://www.facebook.com/omniatl
https://www.instagram.com/omnideluxe/
https://soundcloud.com/omni-band
http://www.troubleinmindrecs.com/
http://pitchperfectpr.com/

Protomartyr share new single, “My Children,” and tour dates.

PROTOMARTYR SHARE NEW SONG “MY CHILDREN”

ANNOUNCE BROOKLYN HEADLINE SHOW ON SEPT. 13TH

RELATIVES IN DESCENT OUT SEPT. 29TH ON DOMINO

photo credit: Daniel Topete
Today, Protomartyr share “My Children,” the second single off their forthcoming album Relatives In Descent (out 9/29 on Domino). A song about legacy, about what we pass on to those that come after us, ‘My Children’ is an urgent follow up to the first single, the gloriously epic “A Private Understanding.”
LISTEN TO “MY CHILDREN”
Youtube: http://smarturl.it/MyChildren
Streaming: http://smarturl.it/MyChildrenStrm

Protomartyr have announced worldwide tour dates in support of the album, including a hometown album release party on the Detroit Princess, a 4-level historical cruise ship. The party, which will feature performances from Protomartyr, Adult, Metz, Tyvek, and Preoccupations, also includes a scenic cruise. Tickets available here.

Additionally, Protomartyr have announced another New York headline show, at St. Vitus in Brooklyn on Wednesday September 13th. This more intimate affair will give NY fans a chance to see the band before their Music Hall of Williamsburg show on Oct. 28th. Tickets will be on sale Friday, August 18th.

Anxiety about the precarious nature of reality is a recurring thread on Protomartyr’s 4th full-length and Domino debut. Though not a concept album, it presents twelve variations on a theme: the unknowable nature of truth, and the existential dread that often accompanies that unknowing. After months of rehearsal, the band decamped to Los Angeles for two weeks in March of 2017, to record with Sonny DiPerri (Animal Collective, Dirty Projectors), who co-produced the record and helped capture the band’s long-simmering vision for something more complex, but no less visceral.

Previously shared track “A Private Understanding” is the album’s opening statement and a wellspring from which the following eleven songs flow. At once beautiful and brutal, it mutates from drum-led oddity to unlikely anthem, with some of Casey’s most potent lyrical work at its center.

PRAISE FOR “A PRIVATE UNDERSTANDING”

“There is an entire short story’s worth of action here, but this sentence turns it into something else — a frozen pose, a single moment we can gaze at indefinitely.” – The New York Times Magazine

“‘A Private Understanding’ is another Protomartyr song that rewards repeat listens—to sit with its poetry and tease out its generous hooks” – Pitchfork

“Frontman Joe Casey’s brand of dour, erudite charisma has never been more engaging, with allusions to Stalin and the beliefs of the Greek philosopher Heraclitus sitting next to pained, direct outbursts (“she’s just trying to reach you,” Casey sings over and over as the guitars build into a typhoon at the end).” – Noisey

“A five-minute slow-simmer that captures Protomartyr at their most unsettling and their most accessible.” – Stereogum

“Over an off-kilter drumbeat, bellower-in-chief Joe Casey gives a vision of America in 2017–’this age of blasting trumpets, paradise for fools’–before heading into murkier waters.” – SPIN

Watch the video for ‘A Private Understanding’ here.
Stream ‘A Private Understanding’ here.

Protomartyr will tour the US in September and head to Europe in November including a string of UK dates.
PROTOMARTYR TOUR DATES
Wed. Sep. 6 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Cattivo w/ Melkbelly
Thu-Sep. 7 – Baltimore, MD @ Metro Gallery w/ Melkbelly
Fri. Sep 8 – Raleigh, NC @ Hopscotch Festival
Sat. Sep. 9 – Asheville, NC @ Mothlight w/ Melkbelly
Sun. Sep. 10 – Cincinnati, OH @ Northside Yacht Club w/ Melkbelly
Wed. Sep. 13 – Brooklyn, NY @ St. Vitus
Thu. Sep. 14 – Cambridge, MA @ Middle East Downstairs w/ John Maus
Fri. Sep. 15 – Jersey City, NJ @ Monty Hall w/ the Gotobeds
Sat. Sep. 16 – Hudson, NY @ Basilica Soundscape
Sun. Sep. 17 – Cleveland, OH @ Mahall’s w/ John Maus
Fri. Sep. 22 – Detroit, MI @ Detroit Princess Riverboat w/ METZ, Preoccupations, ADULT., Tyvek
Sat. Sep. 30 – Long Beach, CA @ Music Tastes Good
Sun. Oct. 8 – Chicago, IL @ Lincoln Hall w/ Failed Flowers
Mon. Oct. 9 – Minneapolis, MN @ Turf Club w/ Failed Flowers
Thu. Oct. 12  – Seattle, WA @ Chop Suey w/ Hurry Up
Fri. Oct. 13 – Portland, OR @ Doug Fir w/ Hurry Up
Sat. Oct. 14 – Eugene, OR @ Hi Fi Music Hall w/ Hurry Up
Sun. Oct. 15 – San Francisco, CA @ Great American Music Hall w/ Lars Finberg
Tue. Oct. 17 – Phoenix, AZ @ Rebel Lounge w/ Lars Finberg
Thu. Oct. 19 – San Antonio, TX @ Paper Tiger w/ Flasher
Fri. Oct. 20 – Austin, TX @ Barracuda, TX w/ Flasher
Sat. Oct. 21 – Dallas, TX @ Dada w/ Flasher
Sun. Oct. 22 – Houston, TX @ Secret Group w/ Flasher
Tue. Oct. 24 – Atlanta, GA @ the Earl w/ Flasher
Wed. Oct. 25 – Charlotte, NC @ Neighborhood Theatre w/ Flasher
Thu. Oct. 26 – Washington, DC @ Rock n Roll Hotel w/ Flasher
Fri. Oct. 27 – Philadelphia, PA @ Boot & Saddle w/ Flasher
Sat. Oct. 28 – Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg w/ Flasher
Thu. Nov. 2 – Prague, CZ @ Futurum w/ METZ
Fri. Nov. 3 – Wroclaw, PL @ Klub Firlej w/ METZ
Sat. Nov. 4 – Warsaw, PL @ Klub Hydrozagadka w/ METZ
Mon. Nov. 6 – Berlin, DE @ Bi Nuu w/ METZ
Tue. Nov. 7 – Copenhagen, DK @ Loppen w/ METZ
Wed. Nov. 8 – Hamburg, DE @ Knust w/ METZ
Thu. Nov. 9 – Groningen, NL @ Vera
Fri. Nov. 10 – Utrecht, NL @ Le Guess Who?
Sat. Nov. 11 – Rotterdam, NL @ Rotown
Sun. Nov. 12 – Brighton, UK @ The Haunt w/ Sauna Youth
Tue. Nov. 14 – London, UK @ Dome Tufnell Park w/ Sauna Youth
Wed. Nov. 15 – Manchester, UK @ Deaf Institute w/ Sauna Youth
Thu. Nov. 16 – Newcastle, UK @ The Cluny w/ Sauna Youth
Fri. Nov. 17 – Glasgow, UK @ CCA w/ Sauna Youth
Sat. Nov. 18 – Dublin, IE @ Whelan’s w/ Sauna Youth
Sun. Nov. 19 – Leeds, UK @ Brudenell Social Club w/ Sauna Youth
Tue. Nov. 21 – Brussels, BE @ Rotonde w/ Heimat
Wed. Nov. 22 – Tourcoing, FR @ Le Grand Mix w/ Heimat
Thu. Nov. 23 – Nantes, FR @ Pole Etudiant w/ Heimat
Fri. Nov. 24 – Angouleme, FR @ La Nef
Sat. Nov. 25 – Paris, FR @ La Maroquinerie w/ Heimat

Relatives In Descent is available to pre-order now on limited edition purple/white starburst vinyl, CD, and digital download:

Domino Mart pre-order: http://smarturl.it/RIDMart
iTunes pre-order: http://smarturl.it/RIDDownload

Protomartyr Online:
https://www.facebook.com/protomartyr
https://soundcloud.com/protomartyr
http://pitchperfectpr.com/protomartyr/
https://protomartyr.bandcamp.com/
http://www.dominorecordco.us/artists/protomartyr/

Live: The New Pornographers and Ought – Kalamazoo, MI – August 17, 2017

The last time I saw the New Pornographers live was in 2007 at Chicago’s Metro.   Lead singer Carl Newman commented during the show about a strong thunderstorm happening outside during the gig, and you could hear thunder between songs now and then.  It was a great show, and my wife and got back to our hotel room still buzzing from it.  I noticed I had a voicemail from work, so I listened.  The storm that had rolled through Chicago during the show had become a tornado by the time it reached our hometown.  Nearly every home on the southeast side of town had either been destroyed or damaged.  A factory and a convenience store were wiped off the face of the Earth.  Amazingly, no one was injured.  Our house was fine, but we returned home early the next day to help with the rebuilding and cleaning efforts.

Thankfully, the only thing dire that happened during my second time seeing the New Pornographers was that the brewery in which they played, Bell’s in Kalamazoo, didn’t serve cider, radlers, or even their own root beer.

Ought

Unfortunately, I missed nearly all of opening band Ought‘s set.  I walked in during their last song (Thanks, Google Maps, for directions that were fine until the last two steps of the journey.), which sounded like some good shoegaze.  I need to check out their material.

The New Pornographers opening with “Moves.”

The New Pornographers came out sharp and quick with crowd favorites like “High Ticket Attractions,” “The Laws Have Changed,” and “Sing Me Spanish Techno.”  They sounded great.  They haven’t lost anything in ten years.  In fact, the additions of more electro touches from keyboardist Blaine Thurier and keyboardist / co-vocalist Kathryn Calder and violin and vocals from Simi Stone bring the band a new brightness.

Joe Seiders on drums and Simi Stone on violin and co-vocals.
John Collins on bass and Kathryn Calder on keyboards and co-vocals.
L-R: Blaine Thurier on keys, lead guitarist Todd Fancey, and lead vocalist and co-guitarist Carl Newman.

“Whiteout Conditions,” the title track of their new record, sounds even better live, and I was delighted to hear “Dancehall Domine” from Brill Bruisers live for the first time (They nailed it, by the way.).  The show cruised along well until a string broke on John Collins‘ bass and the band had a brief on-stage break while Mr. Collins worked some magic and had his axe swinging again in moments.  They were soon they were back to a fine rendition of “Adventures in Solitude.”

Broken bass string break.

The encore included “Challengers,” “Brill Bruisers,” “The Slow Descent in Alcoholism” (which I found funny considering they were playing in a brewery), and a rousing version of “The Bleeding Heart Show” that had us all cheering.

“Challengers”

It was a fun night, and much needed by all.  It’s no secret that depression and the 2016 presidential election fueled much of Newman’s songwriting for Whiteout Conditions, so the crisp sound, fun vibe, and power pop the New Pornographers brought were, for one night at least, an escape from the miasma of news, Tweets, rumors, and anger.

Keep your mind open.

 

Yumi Zouma release new single, “Depths (Pt. 1).”

Yumi Zouma Share New Single “Depths (Pt. I)”
Listen Here

Willowbank Out October 6th On Cascine

Catch Them On Tour This October;
European Dates Added

Photo by Aaron Lee

“it’s Perfect Pop” – NPR Music

Earlier this month Yumi Zouma announced their new album, Willowbank, coming out October 6th on Cascine. Along with the announcement, they shared lead single “December.” Today, they’re following up with another new single, “Depths (Pt. I),” premiering via Gorilla vs. Bear.

Charlie Ryder from the band comments, “‘Depths’ is a song about life, love and temporary loss, and all the little moments in between that drag us to the edge of our existences. The people that take your crazy and run with it, turning life upside down in the process, with no regard for the consequences when they forget about you for the day. In parallel, the song explores the ways that we hopelessly fight against this process, as we try to cling onto reality and our sense of self, when really, we should all be letting go before it’s too late.”

Listen To Yumi Zouma’s “Depths (Pt. I)”:
https://soundcloud.com/cascine/yumi-zouma-depths-pt-i
 
Limited edition Willowbank 12″s are pressed on baby blue vinyl and include sheet music for album highlight “Carnation” printed on premium cotton paper. Select limited edition LPs will also include hidden entry tickets to invite-only release parties in New York City and Los Angeles, featuring live and DJ sets from the band.

For the making of Willowbank, the members of Yumi Zouma settled on a plan to head home for the New Zealand summer. To complete what would become their first significant work written and recorded entirely in their home country, they rented a studio in Christchurch’s semi-demolished CBD, on one of the few remaining blocks that still characterizes the city from before it was destroyed by a series of earthquakes.

Guitarist, keyboard player and vocalist Josh Burgess says, “It was as though there was a brief pause in all of our lives and we finally felt like a band from New Zealand. We were on home turf and creating from a place that felt fundamentally natural.” That sensation was further underscored by Willowbank’s recording sessions falling over the cherished holiday season, during which the Yumis were surrounded by family. Burgess credits some of the small, often mundane Kiwi traditions of the time for influencing their mindset. “New Zealand has a distinct feel from Christmas to the end of January. Things shut down. It has a calming presence, it’s very peaceful.” That sense of holiday can be heard on lead single “December” where the melodies float and stir themselves into a series of swelling refrains that culminate in horns and handclaps.

When you know it’s there, the feeling of rootedness is undeniable on Willowbank. Being connected to their origins on the bottom of the earth allowed the band’s members, Charlie Ryder, Josh Burgess, Christie Simpson and Sam Perry to craft another essential chapter in the Yumi Zouma storybook.

Listen To Yumi Zouma’s “Depths (Pt. I)”:
https://soundcloud.com/cascine/yumi-zouma-depths-pt-i

Listen To “December”:
https://soundcloud.com/cascine/yumi-zouma-december

Yumi Zouma Tour Dates:
Fri. Oct. 6 – London, UK @ Omeara
Sun. Oct. 8 – Brighton, UK @ The Joker
Mon. Oct. 9 – Paris, FR @ L’Espace B
Wed. Oct. 11 – Copenhagen, DK @ VEGA Musikkens Hus – Ideal Bar
Thu. Oct. 12 – Stockholm, SE @ Debaser
Sun. Oct. 15 – Amsterdam, NL @ Sugarfactory
Wed. Oct. 18 – Los Angeles, CA @ Bootleg Theater*
Thu. Oct. 19 – San Francisco, CA @ Rickshaw Stop*
Fri. Oct. 20 – Portland, OR @ Mississippi Studios*
Sat. Oct. 21 – Seattle, WA @ Barboza*
Mon. Oct. 23 – Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brenda’s
Tue. Oct. 24 – Washington, DC @ U Street Music Hall
Wed. Oct. 25 – New York, NY @ Le Poisson Rouge
Thu. Oct. 26 – Boston, MA @ Lilypad
Fri. Oct. 27 – Montreal, QC @ Bar Le Ritz
Sat. Oct. 28 – Toronto, ON @ Smiling Buddha

*w/ Chad Valley

Pre-order Willowbank:
Spotify – http://bit.ly/willowbank-spotify
iTunes – http://bit.ly/willowbank-itunes
Cascine – http://bit.ly/willowbank-vinyl
Bandcamp – https://yumizouma.bandcamp.com/
Linkfire –
https://lnk.to/willowbank
 

Goodbye Honolulu release new single, “Back to Me,” from upcoming EP.

GOODBYE HONOLULU (Toronto Garage Pop)
– Share new single “Back To Me
No Honey EP out September 01, 2017 via Fried Records
View this email in your browser
Goodbye-Honolulu_L-R_Jacob-Switzer_Emmett-Webb_Max-Bornstein_Fox-Martindale

Goodbye Honolulu – No Honey
(out September 01 via Fried Records)

Share new track “Back To Me” – SoundCloud // Clash

Band Quote
“Back To Me stemmed from when I [Jacob] first started getting panic attacks and I was feeling super whack and would do anything to get back to feeling normal again. And then we wrote a song about it. That’s it basically. Trying to get back to yourself.” – Goodbye Honolulu

PRAISE FOR GOODBYE HONOLULU

“Just about containing their feral energy, the lo-fi production is allied to some serious pop hooks, and only the most righteous of riffs.”
Clash

“Featuring a slight stoner vibe — a perfect companion to the laid-back guitar jangling of the tune.”
The 405

“Toronto’s Goodbye Honolulu may fall into the “slacker rock” category, but they’re hard workers when it comes to churning out new tunes.”
Exclaim!

No Honey EP out September 01, 2017 via Fried Records, produced by Mike Turner (Our Lady Peace).

RIYL – The Black Lips, Ty Segall, New Swears, Cage the Elephant, Beck

We all know how these band biographies go, right? Friends meet in high school, start jamming, form band in parents’ garage and everyone lives happily ever after.

Well Goodbye Honolulu DID meet in high school but they didn’t just form one band. They formed 5 individual projects and started their own record label while still in school, the 100% local Toronto label Fried Records. While other kids were cramming for exams or wasting away playing video games, the Goodbye Honolulu boys were busy playing in bars (attempting to sneak their underage friends in), honing their live skills, writing songs and self releasing multiple albums a year.

These teenage years were laying the foundations and as they hit their 20s Emmett, Jacob, Fox and Max decided to join forces and focus their song-writing and energy to one project, say “hello” to Goodbye Honolulu.

Goodbye Honolulu, evoke a 90s slacker vibe mixing vintage garage rock n roll history with modern elements, it’s not exactly pop and it’s not exactly punk.

Goodbye Honolulu is best known for their live shows and in best form when every member is screaming their heads off with shout along choruses. Whether it’s Emmett’s fuzz-layered guitar, Jacob’s gnarly vocals, Fox’s Bowie-inspired vocal inflections or Max beating his drum kit to death, Goodbye Honolulu make their audience the VIP guests to their rock n roll party.

Highlights of Goodbye Honolulu’s ride so far include a USA tour supporting their pals Hinds and releasing their debut album Heavy Gold in 2016.

Goodbye Honolulu
Emmett Webb (Guitar/Bass/Vocals)
Fox Martindale (Guitar/Vocals)
Jacob Switzer (Guitar/Bass/Vocals)
Max Bornstein (Drums)

Tour Dates:
August 31 – Roachella, Smiling Buddha, Toronto ON (Record Release)
September 07 – Trent University, Peterborough ON
October 18 – The Warehouse, St Catharines ON*
October 19 – Divan Orange, Montreal QC*
October 20 – Pressed, Ottawa ON*
*w/ Billy Moon

Goodbye Honolulu – No Honey (Fried Records)
Release Date: September 01, 2017
Pre-Order: https://goodbyehonolulu.bandcamp.com/

Goodbye Honolulu Links
Official: http://www.goodbyehonolulu.com/
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/goodbye-honolulu
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoodbyeHonolulu/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodbyehonolulu/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/goodbyehonolulu

New Pornographers release new video and N. American tour dates into October.

THE NEW PORNOGRAPHERS DEBUT NEW VIDEO FOR “WHITEOUT CONDITIONS”

NEW RECORD WHITEOUT CONDITIONS OUT NOW ON COLLECTED WORKS RECORDS

WORLD TOUR CONTINUES THROUGH FALL

Critically acclaimed supergroup The New Pornographers debut a new video for the track “Whiteout Conditions” from their critically acclaimed album of the same name; watch/share the video at https://youtu.be/v2XvW38UKEI. Of the video, director Kevan Funk explains, “I wanted to tell a set of stories featuring characters who could act as conduits to explore that tension, each of them repressing some sort of tormenting emotion (guilt, shame, self-loathing) that they haven’t been able to reconcile internally. The facade of the mall, with its surreal fantasy elements, provided an effective metaphorical backdrop.”

Earlier this summer the band performed the song on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

Whiteout Conditions— the first release on the band’s own Collected Works Records imprint in partnership with Concord Records— continues to receive critical praise:

“Pure, blissfully irresistible power pop…the band would be forgiven for receding into legacy-act status at some point. Instead, its catalog just gets more formidable: now seven albums strong, with as little patience for filler as ever.’”
NPR Music

“The New Pornographers’ seventh album is a peppy team effort, rich with new wave synths and closely blended harmonies…this, plus a singularly bright and skipping tempo, creates an almost forcibly energetic mix.” –Pitchfork

“…uplifting three-to-four-minute indie-pop numbers, imbued with lush vocals.” –Rolling Stone

“A.C. Newman and Neko Case don’t miss a beat; Whiteout Conditions provides another dose of power-pop with quirky synth accents from a collective that hasn’t faltered yet this century.” –New York Magazine

“Expect flawless harmonies, precisely arranged power pop, and more Neko Case vocal wizardry than any mere human deserves to hear in one lifetime.” –Cosmopolitan

“A parade of hook-laden songs.”
Whiteout Conditions [is] a characteristically punchy and catchy LP with more than a few jams set to become worthy contenders in the New Pornos’ canon.” –Stereogum

“loud, infectious, and energetic—classic New Pornographers” –Entertainment Weekly

“power-pop phenoms” –Vice Noisey

Whiteout Conditions contains some of The New Pornographers’ most interesting musical ideas.” –The Onion’s A.V. Club

“It is Newman’s steady creative hand and brilliant understanding of pop music’s beating human heart that once again win the day on Whiteout Conditions…a typically neat package that sits comfortably and appropriately in one of rock’s greatest band catalogs. 9 (out of 10)” – Magnet

“More than ever before, the Pornos feel like a legitimate band rather than an all-star union.” –Relix

“Finest yet from Carl Newman, Neko Case et al. 4 stars (out of 5)” –MoJo

Whiteout Conditions made its Billboard debut at #2 on the Alternative Albums Chart, #13 on the Current Album Chart and #35 on the Top 200. Additionally, the album hit #6 on Billboard’s AAA Radio Chart. The band’s world tour in support of the new album continues this summer and fall, including shows with Born Ruffians in select cities. Tickets for all headlining U.S. shows include a free download of the new album; see below for a list of dates.

Of writing the new record, founder and frontman A.C. Newman notes that, “At the beginning of this record, there was some thinking that we wanted it to be like a Krautrock Fifth Dimension. Of course, our mutated idea of what Krautrock is probably doesn’t sound like Krautrock at all. But we were thinking: Let’s try and rock in a different way.” Newman recently discussed the new record and the band’s 18-year career in a pair of Salon Talks here, here and here.

Since their debut in 2000, The New Pornographers have released six studio albums including their most recent, Brill Bruisers, hailed as an “exuberant, synthpop-infused set” by Rolling Stone, “infectious” by Harper’s Bazaar and “the grand and purposeful hookfest that you would hope these guys would come back with” by Stereogum. Pitchfork went on to note that “with the futurist sound of Brill Bruisers, the whole band embraces a more electric version of itself—bulked-up in chrome-plated armor, firing on all cylinders, and ready to steamroll anything in its path.” The band celebrated the release with a special NPR Music “First Listen Live” concert at the legendary Brill Building, and performed songs from the album on both “Conan” and the “Late Show with David Letterman.”

For more information, please contact Joe Cohen, Krista Williams or Carla Sacks at Sacks & Co., 212.741.1000.

THE NEW PORNOGRAPHERS, WHITEOUT CONDITIONS
1. Play Money
2. Whiteout Conditions
3. High Ticket Attractions
4. This is the World of the Theater
5. Darling Shade
6. Second Sleep
7. Colosseums
8. We’ve Been Here Before
9. Juke
10. Clockwise
11. Avalanche Alley

THE NEW PORNOGRAPHERS LIVE
†with Born Ruffians


August 17 /// Kalamazoo, MI /// Bell’s Beer Garden
August 18 /// Madison, WI /// Majestic Theater
August 19 /// Omaha, NE /// MAHA Music Festival
August 25 /// Mexico City, MX /// Pabellon Cuervo
September 23 /// Cincinnati, OH /// Midpoint Music Festival
September 28 /// Victoria, BC /// Sugar Nightclub†
September 29 /// Vancouver, BC /// Commodore Ballroom†
September 30 /// Kelowna, BC /// Kelowna Community Theatre†
October 1 /// Nelson, BC /// Spiritbar at the Hume Hotel†
October 2 /// Calgary, AB /// MacEwan Hall†
October 4 /// Edmonton, AB /// Winspear Centre†
October 5 /// Saskatoon, SK /// O’Brians Event Centre†
October 6 /// Regina, SK /// The Exchange†
October 7 /// Winnipeg, MB /// Burton Cummings Theatre†
October 9 /// Detroit, MI /// Crofoot Ballroom†
October 10 /// Cleveland, OH /// Beachland Ballroom
October 11 /// London, ON /// London Music Hall†
October 12 /// Ottawa, ON /// Bronson Centre Theatre†
October 13 /// Montreal, QC /// Corona Theatre†
October 14 /// Toronto, ON /// Massey Hall†

www.thenewpornographers.com

Keep your mind open.

Sisters of Your Sunshine Vapor’s new album, “Lavender Blood,” due October 27th.

Detroit psych-rock trio Sisters of Your Sunshine Vapor have announced the release date of their new album, Lavender BloodBandcamp page – October 27, 2017.  You can pre-order the album now and even hear one track, “Milky Water Jesus,” on their Bandcamp page.

The album was at least partially inspired by a trip the band took to Greece during which their plane depressurized during the descent.  The plane landed safely once pressure was stabilized, but an experience like that certainly changes your perspective on things.  Two of the album’s tracks are “Die Die Die” and “Sky Greece,” so it will be interesting to hear the music inspired by their near-death experience.

SOYSV also plan to tour to support the album, starting with shows in the Midwest and Canada.  Keep your eyes peeled for them.  They always put on a great set.

Keep your mind open.

ORB’s new album is due October 9th, but you can hear the first single now.

ORB ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM, NATURALITY, OUT 10/6 ON CASTLE FACE

LISTEN TO “YOU ARE RIGHT

An exciting development from under strange Australian lab-lights: ORB have respawned from last year’s Birth with a further mutated slab of paranoid heavy shred, Naturality, out 10/6 on Castle Face (Flightless in Australia). They bring the dread with a kinetic muscularity and a pleasantly evolving synthetic strangeness, as if having eaten of the wrong part of the garden, familiar things start to seem less so. The effects of these spores on your modern brain, already clogged with a steady drip of zips and zooms, are freshly heard and confusing. ORB are young and fleet-fingered, and certainly know their way around a riff, but they bring everything into an almost alien clarity both blunted and futuristic.  ORB, you see, have ripened quite radically, one can only think at an accelerated pace upon their travels with King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard, and Naturality finds them sprouting new appendages and clawing at their enclosures. This is potent stuff, be careful. Listen to the first single, “You Are Right.”

“YOU ARE RIGHT” STREAM
https://youtu.be/cQymyuYSSlQ

PRE-ORDER NATURALITY
https://midheaven.com/item/naturality-by-orb

NATURALITY TRACKLISTING
1. Hazlewart
2. A Man In The Sand
3. You Are Right
4. O.R.B.
5. Immortal Tortoise
6. Motherbrain
7. Flying Sorcerer
8. Rainbow’s End

ORB Online:
https://soundcloud.com/orb-9
https://orband.bandcamp.com
https://www.facebook.com/ORB-475112932588695/

The Orwells announce new tour dates and releases video for “Vacation.”

THE ORWELLS SHARE NEW VIDEO FOR “VACATION”,
TOUR WITH WEEZER & PIXIES THIS FALL

TERRIBLE HUMAN BEINGS OUT NOW ON CANVASBACK MUSIC

Today, The Orwells share their video for “Vacation,” from their recently released album Terrible Human Beings (Canvasback Music). Coming off some big shows in the US and Europe, including Governor’s Ball, Bonnaroo, and a Barclaycard British Summer Time show with Green Day in London’s Hyde Park, the Chicago five-some continue to bring their electrifying performances to audiences on both sides of the pond. This fall will see the band joining up with Weezer and Pixies (whose frontman they honored on their recent record with the song “Black Francis”).  The boys were also the subjects of an in-depth and illuminating multi-media profile by The Washington Post. If you missed it, you can read it here.
WATCH “VACATION” VIDEO
https://youtu.be/9cLa9ZZgLTc

ORWELLS TOUR DATES:
Sat. Aug. 19 – St. Louis, MO @ Jefferson Barracks State Park
Thu. Aug. 24 – Charleville-Mézières, FR @ Cabaret Vert
Fri. Aug. 25 – Reading, UK @ Reading Festival
Sat. Aug. 26 – Leeds, UK @ Leeds Festival
Sun. Aug. 27 – Newcastle upon Tyne, UK @ The Cluny
Mon. Aug. 28 – Nottingham, UK @ Bodega
Tue. Aug. 29 – Sheffield, UK @ The Leadmill
Wed. Aug. 30 – Cardiff, UK @ Clwb ifor Bach
Fri. Sept. 1 – Vlieland Island, NL @ Into The Great Wide Open
Sat. Sept. 2 – Masstricht, NL @ Muziekgieterij
Fri. Sept. 8 – Dana Point, CA @ Ohana Music and Arts Festival
Sun. Sept. 17 – Chicago, IL @ Riot Fest
Sun. Oct. 15 – Berlin, DL @ Columbiahalle w/ Weezer
Mon. Oct. 16 – Cologne, DL @ E-Werk w/ Weezer
Wed. Oct. 18 – Brussels, BE @ Ancienne Belgique w/ Weezer
Thu. Oct. 19 – Paris, FR @ Olympia w/ Weezer
Sat. Oct. 21 – Tilburg, NL @ 013 w/ Weezer
Mon. Oct. 23  – Leeds, UK @ O2 Academy Leeds w/ Weezer
Tue. Oct. 24 – Glasgow, UK @ O2 Academy Glasgow w/ Weezer
Wed. Oct. 25 – Manchester, UK @ O2 Academy Manchester w/ Weezer
Fri. Oct. 27 – Birmingham, UK @ O2 Academy Birmingham w/ Weezer
Sat. Oct. 28 – London, UK @ SSE Arena, Wembley w/ Weezer
Thu. Nov. 30 – Portland, OR @ Roseland Theater w/ Pixies
Fri. Dec. 1 – Portland, OR @ Roseland Theater w/ Pixies
Sun. Dec. 3 – Seattle, WA @ The Paramount Theatre w/ Pixies
Mon. Dec. 4 – Vancouver, BC @ Queen Elizabeth Theatre w/ Pixies