Howard Announce New Album, Together Alone, Out September 14th on Fashion People; Watch Video For First Single, “Your Honor”
https://youtu.be/JXRHCs5ZZms
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Howard Announce New Album, Together Alone, Out September 14th on Fashion People; Watch Video For First Single, “Your Honor”
https://youtu.be/JXRHCs5ZZms
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Opening with something that sounds like a song you’d hear on the tape deck of one of those Blade Runner flying cars, Flasher‘s debut full-length album, Constant Image, is strongly self-assured post-punk. That opening track, “Go,” encourages you to “suck it up” and get ready for a fast ride.
“Pressure” builds with its namesake until the chorus, and even then it doesn’t let up too much. Daniel Saperstein‘s bass seems like it’s all over the place, but he grounds the tune like metal stakes into circus tent loops. I like how Saperstein’s vocals blend with those of Emma Baker (drums) and Taylor Mulitz (guitar) on “Sun Come and Golden.” The whole track has a brightness to it, but it doesn’t ignore the shadows caused. “Material” raises the attitude of the record, as Mulitz’s vocals border on snotty punk and throw down the right amount of tongue-in-cheek sass.
Mulitz’s guitar buzzes like a green hornet on “XYZ.” It’s one of the hottest cuts on the record as Flasher sing about self-introspection and the expectations of their generation and the ones before and after them. As good as it is, “Who’s Got Time?” is even better. Saperstein unloads on it. It has a rough urgency and is yet highly danceable. “Skim Milk” was their first single, and it’s easy to hear why they chose it. Mulitz’s guitar is precise and fuzzy when it needs to be, Baker keeps time and thrashes when she needs to, and Saperstein keeps up his serial killing of bass grooves. Their triple vocals weave together well and it’s pretty much everything you want in a post-punk song.
There’s a neat piano riff underlining “Harsh Light” while Mulitz sings, “Every corner that you turn, you never learn.” Good grief, can’t we all relate to that at times? “Punching Up” has a bit of a punch-drunk beat to it, with Baker providing co-lead vocals and a Pixies-like rhythm. The Pixies influence is thick on the entire track with its back-and-forth bouncing between soothing guitars and heavy distortion. “Business Unusual” would be a great name for a TV show or comic book, but it’s instead about a “man, now a boy in blue, this whole world’s got it out for you.” It also throws in some saxophone (a welcome addition to any post-punk record) with the quirky guitars and the repeated question from Flasher – “What’s the worst thing you’ve ever done?”
It’s the last lyric of the album. Are they asking us to reflect and perhaps realize it isn’t that bad? Are they asking us to forgive ourselves? The name of the album is, after all, Constant Image. We all constantly project different images of ourselves, and often to cover up what we think are horrible flaws but are usually things about which no one cares. Most of the things we worry about never happen. Flasher want us to know this, I think. We should thank them for the reminder. You can do it by buying this record.
Keep your mind open.
[Who’s got time to subscribe. You do.]
Thanks to all who listened to my show on WSND last night. My nephew, Cody (AKA C-Hav) was my guest, and he picked out some of the songs. Here’s our set list:
I’m back on air on June 13th at midnight. Give me a listen if you’re up late.
Keep your mind open.
[Don’t forget to subscribe before you go.]
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Future Me Hates Me Out August 10th On Carpark Records

[Photo by Mason Fairey]
All four members of The Beths studied jazz at university, resulting in a toolkit of deft instrumental chops and tricked-out arrangements that operate on a level rarely found in guitar-pop. The Beths’ guitarist and studio guru Jonathan Pearce (whose other acts as producer include recent Captured Tracks’ signing Wax Chattels) brings it all home with an approach that’s equal parts seasoned perfectionist and D.I.Y.
The Beths recently toured Europe and will begin a U.S. run next week at Alphaville in Brooklyn, NY. These early shows in support of Future Me Hates Me mark their first time ever playing outside of New Zealand and Australia. A full list of dates is below.

[Future Me Hates Me artwork]
Let’s face it, not all punk rock ages well. This isn’t the case with the Damned, however (and most classic punk bands, actually.). Their newest album, Evil Spirits, is a fine return for them with tracks written by multiple members of the band.
Starting with the slightly creepy “Standing on the Edge of Tomorrow,” lead singer David Vanian (whose voice only seems to have improved with age) pleads with “this dystopian generation” to fix things for future generations before it’s too late for them. Guitarist Captain Sensible‘s riffs blend into the sound of passing fighter jets by the end of it. “Devil in Disguise” has a bass heavy groove and barely disguised lyrics (again, masterfully sung by Vanian) about current political leaders (i.e., “Don’t understate the state we’re in. Don’t misconstrue my sideways grin, ‘cos you’re the one that let me in.” / “As you build your walls and empires fall, it seems the truth doesn’t matter anymore.”). “We’re So Nice,” written by the Captain, is a punk anthem with a slick beat by Pinch and lyrics about being careful not to fall into complacency.
In case you were doubting the Damned have opinions on the current political landscape, look no further than “Look Left.” It’s almost a gothic ballad as Vanian sings, “Subterfuge and fantasy played only to ignite. While everybody’s looking left, what the hell is happening right?” Keyboardist Monty Oxymoron‘s work on the track is subtle but crucial. “Evil Spirits” is the kind of song Kaiser Chiefs want to write on that crushing rock album in the back of their heads. Capt. Sensible shreds on it and his lyrics convey a bit of “Meet the old boss, same as the new boss” aesthetic. Oxymoron also gets to go wonderfully bonkers by the end of it.
It’s easy to forget that the Damned started as a goth-punk band, but “Shadow Evocation” will remind you of their roots. Vanian sings about ghosts, lurking in the night, and the devil chasing him towards death. Capt. Sensible dives into the realm of conspiracy theory with “Sonar Deceit” as Vanian sings Sensible’s lyrics about sea fish swimming into fresh water rivers, whales dying on shores, dolphins going mad, and submarines doing nefarious things. “Procrastination” encourages all of us to achieve our dreams while we still have time (“I’d like to see the pyramids at this time of the year, but never quite get round to it and end up staying here.”).
“The Daily Liar” is a plea for truth in news and for someone, anyone to cut through the “smoke and mirrors” of the 24-hour news cycle. “I’m drowning in a raging sea of words,” Vanian sings. Aren’t we all? The closer, “I Don’t Care,” is a great companion to “The Daily Liar,” as Vanian admits all the white noise of mass media and political mudslinging has left him apathetic about all of it. It starts with sad piano by Oxymoron and almost fades out before the whole band rushes in to shake you awake.
It’s a good return from these legends, who are still fiery live as well. It’s a wake-up call, and a welcome one.
Keep your mind open.
[I’m on the edge of my seat waiting for you to subscribe.]
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“An evolutionary step forward for their sound.” – Metal Hammer
“A woozy wall of Afrobeat inspired fuzzbox riff worship and pounding circular rhythmic power, Here Lies Man connect the stoner rock underground straight to downtown Lagos.” – The Quietus
“This is a band ahead of their time.” — The Obelisk
Los Angeles quintet Here Lies Man share a new single from their forthcoming highly anticipated sophomore album today via The Obelisk. Hear and share “Taking The Blame” HERE and at Bandcamp and YouTube. The album, You Will Know Nothing will be released June 15th via RidingEasy Records.
Earlier in the month, the band released “That Much Closer To Nothing” via YouTube. Back in March, the band dropped the first song, “Fighting” via YouTube.
Here Lies Man play the prestigious Primavera Sound festival in Barcelona, Spain tomorrow before hitting the road with Earthless in June. Later in Fall, the band hits the massive Desert Daze festival in Southern California. Please see current dates below.
Here Lies Man took the music world by storm in 2017 with their self-titled debut positing the intriguing hypothesis: What if Black Sabbath played Afrobeat?
Rough Trade named Here Lies Man in their prestigious Top 10 Albums of 2017. BBC 6 & Classic Rock Magazine deemed it among the year’s best, as well as countless other press outlets singing its praises.
This June, the L.A. band comprised of Antibalas members quickly follow their auspicious debut with the even more thoroughly realized album You Will Know Nothing. Its 11 tracks expand upon the band’s exploration of heavy riff-based rock and psych within the ancient rhythmic formula of the clave.
“We’re very conscious of how the rhythms service the riffs,” explains founder and vocalist/guitarist/multi-
Sonically, on You Will Know Nothing the dynamic range is thicker, crisper and more powerful. It glistens as much as it blasts. The songs are even catchier, more anthemic, and the production reflects that of a band truly come into its own. Lyrically, it’s an equally more conceptualized effort that reflects upon states of being and consciousness – a driving force that carries throughout the words and moods of all of the band’s releases, interconnected to their trancelike music. Here Lies Man have honed their sound and their focus, and soon, you will truly know Nothing.
“We wanted to go deeper with the sonic experience,” says Garcia. “Even though it sounds more hi-fi than the first record, it was important that it didn’t sound too polished.”
While You Will Know Nothing certainly maintains its gritty grooves, there’s an interesting conceptual mathematics to the entire proceedings. “There are interludes between each song that are 2/3 to 3/4 of the tempo of the previous song,” Garcia says. “The reason it breaks down to 2 over 3 or 3 over 4 is that everything in the music rhythmically corresponds to a set of mathematical algorithms known as the clave. The clave is an ancient organizing rhythmic principle developed in Africa.”
“We dove deep into the texture of the music, beyond the groove and the riff,” says HLM cofounder and drummer Geoff Mann (former Antibalas drummer and son of jazz musician Herbie Mann.) “Although something might sound like one instrument, there are subtle layers shifting through. It’s definitely a headphone album.”
Garcia and Mann recorded the album much like they did the debut, at their own L.A. studio on a Tascam 388 8-track tape machine. Congas were later recorded by percussionists Richard Panta and Reinaldo DeJesus. Then, Garcia went to NY to record interludes with former Antibalas keyboardist Victor Axelrod. Mixing took the most time in order to find the proper sonic space for each layer of musical detail, with first album engineer Jeremy Page mixing the drums and the band tackling the remainder while also juggling a hectic touring schedule.
Here Lies Man has already spent much of early 2018 on tour, with dates supporting Antibalas and Fu Manchu as well as a headlining trek through the EU & UK. Many summer festival dates and headline tours await later in the year as Here Lies Man continues its infectious charge onward.
You Will Know Nothing will be available on LP, CD and download on June 15th, 2018 via RidingEasy Records.
HERE LIES MAN LIVE 2018:
05/31 Barcelona, ES @ Primavera Sound Festival
06/02 Dudingen, CH @ Bad Bonn Kilbi
06/05 Asheville, NC @ Mothlight *
06/06 Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade *
06/07 Spartansburg, SC @ Ground Zero *
06/08 Orlando, FL @ Wills Pub *
06/09 Tallahassee, FL @ The Wilbury *
06/10 Baton Rouge, LA @ Spanish Moon *
06/12 Houston, TX @ White Oak Upstairs *
06/13 Austin, TX @ Barracuda *
06/14 Ft Worth, TX @ Ridgela Room *
06/15 Memphis, TN @ Growlers *
06/26 Seattle, WA @ Nectar Lounge
06/27 Bellingham, WA @ The Shakedown
06/28 Vancouver, BC @ Fox Cabaret
06/29 Portland, OR @ Star Theater
06/30 Grant’s Pass, OR @ The Haul
07/01 Chico, CA @ Naked Lounge
07/02 San Francisco, CA @ The Chapel
07/05 Los Angeles, CA @ Resident DTLA
08/24 Hudson Valley, NY @ Huichica Festival
08/31 Los Angeles, CA @ Levitt Pavillion (MacArthur Park)
10/12-14 Lake Perris, CA @ Desert Daze 2018
* w/ Earthless
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Artist: Here Lies Man
Album: You Will Know Nothing
Label: RidingEasy Records Release Date: June 15th, 2018
01. Animal Noises
02. Summon Fire 03. Blindness 04. That Much Closer 05. Hell (Wooly Tail) 06. Voices At The Window 07. Taking the Blame
08. Fighting
09. Floating On Water 10. Memory Games
11. You Ought To Know
On The Web: Keep your mind open.
[You’ll know plenty about music when you subscribe.]
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As usual, Chicago’s annual Riot Fest is the festival Lollapalooza used to be and now dreams of being. Also as usual, the Riot Fest lineup is impressive. This first wave announcement packs some wallops. Beck, Interpol, Cypress Hill, Bad Religion, Clutch, Digable Planets, Gary Numan, Killing Joke, Wolfmother, and Bully are all worth your time. Tickets are on sale, and layaway options are available, so don’t wait until the second wave announcement if you want to get in on this.
Keep your mind open.
[It’d be a riot if you subscribed.]
July/August North American Tour Announced
Endless Scroll Out July 6th On What’s Your Rupture?

Love Hustler’s Adam Rudolph and Matt Cashdollar announced the official release of their single “Sinderella” with San Francisco’s Jumpsuit Records.
“We feel very fortunate to be a part of the Jumpsuit Records family. The label has proven to be driven by such a positive nature, we jumped at the opportunity to add to the vibe.” said Adam Rudolph, one half of the electronic band Love Hustler.
FIRST INDEPENDENT LABEL RELEASE
After two self-releases, Love Hustler set out to procure distribution in markets previously untapped. Love Hustler, an emerging electronic music duo, recently entered into a contract with Jumpsuit Records for the release of their new single “Sinderella”, available for purchase/download Tuesday, June 5th on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon and more. The debut release of with Jumpsuit Records will ultimately introduce the band to the growing audience commanded by label founder David Sugalski (AKA The Polish Ambassador) as well as the diverse audiences of all Jumpsuit Records artists.
“We plan to grow with the label,” said Matt Cashdollar, of Love Hustler. “Jumpsuit is making waves in the industry on many levels.”
“SINDERELLA” AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD 6/5/2018
Formed in 2009, Love Hustler’s Adam Rudolph and Matt Cashdollar have created a live dance music experience merging analog and digital instruments in a live format. From synth pop styles to downtempo funk, the LH brand of electronic music is one to keep your eyes and ears on.
Keep your mind open.
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