Hot Tracks: Ledisi + Neville Brothers, Elf Power, and Von Tramps Rock Our World

Cyril Neville and Ledisi recording 'Knockin'' - Courtesy

Petaluma Records released the official video for “Knockin’” featuring Ledisi, George Porter Jr, Ian Neville, Cyril Neville and Ivan Neville. 

The new recording is the sixth single unveiled from the upcoming soundtrack release Take Me To The River: New Orleans. The music video for “Knockin’” features footage taken from the forthcoming feature documentary film Take Me To The River: New Orleans, which celebrates the musical history, heritage, legacy, culture, and influence of New Orleans and Louisiana.

The album and film feature new recordings from The Neville Brothers, PJ Morton, Big Freedia, G-Eazy, Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah, Snoop Dogg, Dumpstaphunk, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, William Bell, Ani DiFranco, Donald Harrison, Galactic, the late Dr. John, and many more. A Take Me To The River: All Stars tour is also set for this May, and select musicians featured in the project will perform at music venues across the country.

On April 29, 2022, the Take Me To The River: New Orleans soundtrack will be released digitally, with a CD and deluxe vinyl set to follow later in May. The documentary Take Me To The River: New Orleans will open exclusively at The Broad Theater in New Orleans on April 22, and will then continue to roll out in select theaters nationwide.

Take Me To The River: All Stars Tour:

5/5/22 – New Orleans, LA – House of Blues New Orleans
5/10/22 – Chicago, IL – City Winery
5/11/22 – Philadelphia PA – Ardmore Music Hall
5/12/22 – Brooklyn NY – Brooklyn Bowl
5/13/22 – St. Louis MO – The Grandel
5/18/22 – Nashville TN – Brooklyn Bowl

Elf Power to Release ‘Artificial Countrysides’

Athens, Georgia-based psychedelic folk band Elf Power announced their first new album in more than five years, Artificial Countrysides. The album will be released on July 15 and marks their first release for Yep Rec Records. 

The band has released the official video for the album’s first single “Undigested Parts,” which was filmed by Alex Pfannkuche at the Orange Twin Conservation Community stage and features Robert Schneider of The Apples In Stereo as the lone audience member. 

Artificial Countrysides is now available for pre-order and the band has announced a summer tour that will make stops in Chicago, Philadelphia, New York, Atlanta and more. Find a full list of tour dates below or at elfpower.com.

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Bits in Pockets Shares ‘Halfway Through An Episode’

Turkish alternative-rock band Bits in Pockets share their latest single and video “Halfway Through An Episode” – watch/share via YouTube. “Halfway Through An Episode” is the opening track on their debut EP, The Bits due April 29 via MMY Records.

Ata Tuna’s bassline was conceived in the depths of night at his Edinburgh apartment, “Halfway Through An Episode” paints a universally resonant picture of fleeting yet formative, booze-fueled could’ve-beens. “It’s basically just the story of me going to a pub in Bethnal Green and just having a ball,” vocalist Emre Arduman explained. “I just wrote it as it occurred, like the whole event.”

https://bitsinpockets.bandcamp.com/

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SPICE Releases ‘Recovery’ off Album ‘Viv’

Viv the second LP by California rock n roll unit SPICE— expands their palette of damaged anthems and addiction poetics with a more bristling, visceral sound, distilled from years in the trenches of bands, break-ups, and breakdowns.

Album opener “Recovery” captures SPICE at their stormy, weathered best, booming drums and East Bay riffs skidding out in a rockslide of rapture, regret, and bruised melody (“You sacrifice perfect days to laugh through the night / you have to get out of bed / and it’s hard / and it’s hard / it’s so hard to admit”).  The single premieres today alongside a music video.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON SPICE, VISIT:

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The Feelings Parade Evoke Warmth with New Track ‘Loose Boards’

San Francisco based folk-duo, The Feelings Parade have released their warm and lyrically rich single, “Loose Boards” today alongside the lyric video.

The track integrates self-reflection and comparison which successfully juxtaposes the lighter atmosphere of this otherwise upbeat, happy song. These contrasting notions become much more palpable to their audience, and truly capture the psychology behind what makes us deeply human. 

In discussing the song, both singer-songwriters, Scott Ferreter and Morgan Bolender said, “We discovered that we were both complicit in our more hurtful dynamics, and that we both played into some patterns that previously had just looked like insecurities on Morgan’s part…It’s an important conversation because, in so many ways, our society blames and judges those who express pain but rarely turns attention toward the causes of that pain.”

“One of the most memorable shows we ever played was in Santa Cruz on a hillside farm, after listening to the audiobook ‘Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment Theory’ on the drive over, and then, processing our dysfunction in real-time on stage. That level of vulnerability both tested our relationship and became a central part of what The Feelings Parade is known for,” they said.

SNUFF Puts Punk in Its Place with ‘Crepuscolo Dorato’

Check out Snuff, a punk band for the millennium, who say they are making music for music’s sake and that’s something we support. SNUFF says they are completely independent and self-sustaining and are derived from the sharply dressed hoochie coochie blues and soul gentlemen of Chicago and Detroit.

Duncan Redmonds is a storyteller and observer following on from the British folk tradition of Richard Thompson and Martin Carthy set to a punk motown beat that is revered in certain circles but misunderstood in polite society. Raucous songs of modern folk tales.

https://snuffband.com

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Jeanines Shares ‘Who’s In The Dark’

Jeanines are sharing “Who’s In The Dark,” the final single from their forthcoming Slumberland Records LP, Don’t Wait For A Sign. Jeanines’ Don’t Wait For A Sign is due April 22nd via Slumberland Records. You can pre-order the album here. In case you missed them, check out the previous singles “Don’t Wait For A Sign” & “Any Day Now.”

Jeanines began in Ridgewood, Queens, in the mid 2010s when Alicia Jeanine started writing songs as a way to deal with a stressful work situation. Drawing on the classical music background of her youth, Alicia’s songs are a bracing brand of indiepop touched by the melancholy, complex melodies of those early influences.

Alicia soon began working with her friend, musical polymath Jed Smith, and together they crafted the set of songs that would become the band’s 2019 self-titled debut. Alicia’s songs, brought to life by the exceptional arrangement and production courtesy of Jed’s encyclopedic pop knowledge, marked the album as one of the best indiepop debuts in years, garnering attention from well beyond the international pop underground.

The Von Tramps are Back with ‘GO’ Album

Following the successes of their first full length record 2018 “The Future is Female” and the 2019 follow-up EP “Sun’s Out: Strung Out!” The Von Tramps are back with GO, a brand-new concept album explored in 12 explosive tracks. With powerhouse vocals by Jenna Enemy, screaming guitars by Chelsea Oxborough, and thunderous bass by Krissandra Anfinson – The Von Tramps’ GO is a true original.

GO was recorded and mixed in Fort Collins, CO by acclaimed producer Dustin Phillips, and mastered in Minneapolis, MN by Bruce Templeton of Microphonic Mastering. The Von Tramps’ iconic rude and riot grrl blended sound paired with anthemic lyrics makes “GO” the breakout album of next year.

“’GO’ is all about momentum,” said Jenna Enemy. “Coming out of the pandemic, all we could think about was how far we could go, when we could go. By being forced into a break from our everyday lives we were also forced to reflect on it; and ultimately found the mundane can trap your soul, if you’re not careful. We hope ‘GO’ inspires future listeners to break through these pressures in order to find a more honest version of life lived fully and creatively.”

GO is out now on SBÄM Records. Furthermore, The Von Tramps will go on their first Europe tours in 2022 – with Buster Shuffle in spring and with Snuff in fall.

Stream ‘GO” on all DSPs here: https://bfan.link/tvt-go

Vinyl: https://bit.ly/thevontramps_vinyl

Dead Posey Drops ‘Can’t Take Me Down’

“Can’t Take Me Down” is the third single from Dead Posey’s upcoming album due out later this year. The rock duo have also announced their new tour dates with Little Miss Nasty and Theory of a Deadman and their upcoming performance at the popular Download Festival in Derby, UK. 

Starting in May, Dead Posey will hit the road with Little Miss Nasty for an eight date west coast run. The band then flys over to the U.K. in June for two dates with Theory of a Deadman in London and Glasgow. Finally, Dead Posey will culminate their European tour with a performance at the popular Download Festival on June 12, 2022 at Donington Park in Derby, UK which features acts such as KISS, Biffy Clyro, The Pretty Reckless, Distillers, Lacuna Coil, Spiritbox, Ayron Jones, and more.

Connect With Dead Posey

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deadposey/

Website: http://www.deadposey.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deadposey/

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/deadposey

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dead_posey

 

onelinedrawing, AKA Jonah Matranga to Release ‘Tenderwild’

onelinedrawing (Jonah Matranga) has announced the new album Tenderwild, out June 24th via Iodine Recordings. Listen to the recently released title track here.

Tenderwild marks the return of onelinedrawing, which is the first time since 2004’s The Volunteers that Jonah has used the moniker. Contrasting between guitar driven rock songs and heartfelt intense ballads, Tenderwild is a collection of some of the best songs Jonah has ever written.

Throughout his long career, he has always written from the heart and performed in an intimate way that few others have accomplished like he has, after playing almost 4,000 shows. Jonah’s performance as onelinedrawing has always been about connecting with fans in an intimate setting, where he often performed with only his guitar and his R2D2 sidekick.

Ville Valo Goes Solo with ‘Loveletting’

Finnish Love Metal pioneer, Ville Valo has released new single, “Loveletting,” on April 8 under the VV banner. “Loveletting” is taken from VV‘s forthcoming debut album Neon Noir.

He explains, “As fun as the funeral rites for HIM were, it took me more than a few moons to lick my wounds in the shadow of the Heartagram and come up with an excuse to strum and hum again. Eventually, I decided to put a leash on my beloved black dog and we started howling together instead of barking at each other. That’s how ‘Loveletting’ was born.”

VV’s debut album Neon Noir is scheduled for release in early 2023; belonging to the same forlorn world of woe and whimsy once conceived and governed by Valo in HIM, VV arrives with additional nuanced notes of a fine aged Cabernet.

Valo adds, “Artistically speaking, the main difference between HIM and VV is the extra line in the Heartagram, but what an exquisite line it is! It’s the Mamas and the Papas dressed up as Metallica on their way to a Halloween bash at the Studio 54, and now who wouldn’t want to witness that?”

Upchuck Regurgitates Palatable Track ‘Night Calls’

Since 2018, Atlanta five-piece Upchuck has quickly risen up to become one of the most vibrant and creative post-punk outfits the city has birthed in decades.  Over the last four years, the group has earned a reputation mainly through its fiery and energetic live shows. Their latest single, “Night Calls,” absolutely captures the unmistakable silent, musical telepathy as well as the familial vibes that bind Upchuck together, yielding songs that are far greater than the sum of their parts.

Night Calls” is the first track to surface in an ongoing singles series from Suicide Squeeze Records titled Pinks & Purples.  The track blends elliptical punk rhythms, tumbling drums, and angular pop melodies that show off another side of Upchuck’s sound. “Night Calls‘” instrumental arrangements were written by lead guitarist Mikey and vocalist KT wrote the lyrics— without any communication about what either one of them had in mind.  “I wrote the song during a time when I was going through some shit,” KT said.

Civil War to Drop ‘Invaders’ in June

Swedish historical power metal force CIVIL WAR – founded by former members of Sabaton – returns with 10 new wartime anthems on their new album, Invaders, out via Napalm Records on June 17, 2022. Detailing harrowing stories of sorrow and tales of turbulent triumph from around the globe, as well as human nature itself, the album marks the band’s first with masterful frontman Kelly Sundown Carpenter and formidable shredder Thobbe Englund (ex-Sabaton). 

Invaders grips with riveting accounts, ranging from Viking invasions and the greed of powerful nations to legendary Native American battles and magical Arthurian fantasy – all amid a profusion of enthrallingly dynamic vocals, epic soundscapes and impressive, technical instrumentals.

In celebration of this announcement, CIVIL WAR have delivered the first single and title track off of Invaders. The song “Invaders” is a powerful anthem with intense riffs and an epic chorus, telling of the legendary Native American victory at the Battle of the Wabash. With the track, CIVIL WAR gives a first taste of what new and returning listeners can expect from the new album. Stay tuned!

CIVIL WAR online:

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The Suffers Delight with Third Album ‘It Starts With Love’

Gulf Coast soul band The Suffers announced their third studio album It Starts With Love will be released on June 3 via Missing Piece Records. The Houston-based band shared the official video for their album opener “Don’t Bother Me,” an electrifying declaration of independence and empowerment. Crafted in collaboration with Swedish writer/producer and longtime friend Johan Karlberg, the new single sets the stage for an album that refuses to back down from any challenge. It Starts With Love is now available for pre-order.

“I received the original demo for ‘Don’t Bother Me’ in 2015 from my old friend and producer, Johan Karlberg,” shares frontwoman Kam Franklin. “Even though we loved the song from the start, it would be another four years before the band finally stepped into a studio to record it. We knocked it out over the course of two-and-a-half days at Argyle Studios in North Texas, with Jason Burt and Matt Pence, after a long summer of messing around with it in between tours and during soundchecks. I can honestly say that bringing this song to the finish line has been one of the honors of my career so far.

The Suffers:

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SINE to Release 5-Song EP ‘Mantis 1’

Austin, Texas-based, dark electronic phenom, SINE announce the release of their new 5 song EP, Mantis 1, the first in a trilogy of EPs, “Mantis 1, 2 & 3”. Mantis 1 will be released by Austin-based record label eMERGENCY heARTS with a street date of May 6, 2022.

Mantis 1 was produced by SINE founder, Rona Rougeheart in collaboration with esteemed audio engineer Charles Godfrey at Scary American Studio in Austin, TX. Godfrey, in his two decade plus career, has been engineer/producer on over 75 recordings, including the Yeah Yeah Yeahs’, It’s Blitz! and Mosquito, The Black Angels Indigo Meadow, and notable work for…Trail of Dead, SWANS, among so many more.

“Attack”, the first track and single from Mantis 1 opens with a seductive synth line, powered by a smooth, danceable beat, and a compelling vocal take by SINE vocalist Rona Rougeheart. The deep underlying rhythms and moody atmosphere is reminiscent at times of legendary trip-hop pioneers Massive Attack and Tricky.