by Andrew Sacher

DOWNLOAD: Two Inch Astronaut - "Blood From A Loyal Hound" (MP3)

Two Inch Astronaut live in 2011 (photo by Ann Amrine)

Maryland rockers Two Inch Astronaut are set to release their debut full length, Bad Brother, on June 18 via Exploding In Sound Records, the label that gave us Speedy Ortiz (before they signed to Carpark), Pile, and more. And if you liked those bands, Two Inch Astronaut will be right up your alley as well. On the album's two singles, "Swol" and "Blood From a Loyal Hound," Two Inch Astronaut embrace similar stop-start dynamics to '90s post-hardcore wizards Shudder to Think, but they also have a knack for bashing out crunchy power pop melodies. "Blood From a Loyal Hound" is downloadable above, "Swol" is downloadable at bandcamp, and both tracks can be streamed below, along with the album art and tracklist.

Two Inch Astronaut are playing some shows this month and next ahead of the album's release date, including the previously announced Exploding In Sound showcase in Brooklyn during Northside (it's an unofficial show though) on June 15 at Big Snow with Speedy Ortiz, Pile, Grass Is Green, Fat History Month, and just about the rest of the Exploding In Sound roster.

Speedy Ortiz play a bunch of other shows too.

All dates are listed, along with those song streams, below...

Continue reading "Two Inch Astronaut releasing LP, playing shows (dates/MP3s)"

by Andrew Sacher

Speedy Ortiz at WBAR-B-Q in April (more by Amanda Hatfield)

As mentioned, Northampton, MA's Speedy Ortiz have signed to Carpark Records and will release their debut album, Major Arcana, on June 9 via their new label. The album perfects the formula Speedy Ortiz had on the Sports EP and "Ka-Prow!" 7" and tops both of those releases. That's immediately evident from the album's first single, "Tiger Tank," which starts out like the Speedy Ortiz we're familiar with, but by the chorus is bringing in melodic left-turns and powerful crashes that show how big of a force this band can really be. Listen to the song over at NPR.

As mentioned, Speedy Ortiz have a number of upcoming shows, including a few previously discussed NYC shows on May 17 at Silent Barn with Island Twins, Advaeta, Idiot Genes, and Lunchbox; Cake Shop on May 31 with two great Brooklyn bands Sleepies and Bennio Qwerty; and an unofficial Northside show on June 15 at Big Snow Buffalo Lodge.

The rest of the lineup for that Big Snow show has been announced and it includes Pile and Fat History Month (who just played NYC together), in addition to Two Inch Astronaut, Grass Is Green, Ovlov, Porches., and Hive Bent. The show is being presented by Exploding In Sound Records and Gimme Tinnitus.

Speedy were also since announced for a NYC Popfest show happening on June 1 at Public Assembly with Ringo Deathstarr, Sua, and Advaeta. Advance tickets for that show are on sale now. Popfest was supposed to be on both stages at Public Assembly, but with renovations all the other bands originally booked except Ringo Deathstarr were moved to The Bell House (more on that in a Popfest-specific post coming soon). Festival passes are still accepted.

Updated dates are listed below...

Continue reading "Speedy Ortiz release a song from new LP, playing w/ Ringo Deathstarr, Northside Fest w/ Pile & more (updated dates)"

by Andrew Sacher

DOWNLOAD: Fat History Month - "Bad History Month" (MP3)

Fat History Month will be releasing their sophomore full length, Bad History Month, on April Fool's Day (4/1) via Sophomore Lounge and Exploding In Sound Records. The album's title track recalls the quirk of late '90s and early aughts freak folk, but rocks with the raw edge and intentional sloppiness of Slanted & Enchanted-era Pavement. You can download that one above, or stream it, along with the album art and tracklist, below. Pre-orders are available at the band's bandcamp page or the Sophomore Lounge webstore.

As mentioned, the band will be heading out on tour with labelmates Pile this year. That tour hits NYC for the previously discussed show at Death by Audio on April 28. No advance tickets for that one.

A list of all dates, song stream, and album art and tracklist below...

Continue reading "Fat History Month announce new album (download a track)"

by Andrew Sacher

Boston indie rockers Pile released their newest album, Dripping, last year via Exploding In Sound Records. It's an impressive collection of wandering rock tunes led by some earnest nasally-turning-throaty vocals. If you missed it, you can stream the album its entirety and watch the video for its single, "Prom Song," below.

Pile's been playing some shows in their hometown area this month, and in February they'll head out on a short Northeast tour which hits NYC on February 23 at The Lab (224 Wyckoff Ave in Brooklyn) with Fax Holiday, Radiator King, and Beat Radio. It's an all ages show and admission is $5 at the door. After those dates end, they have a much longer tour in the works with their labelmates Fat History Month, which hits NYC on April 28 at Death by Audio.

Fat History Month will release their next album via Exploding In Sound Records this spring. They haven't revealed too much info about it, but they've got two of their demos on Exploding In Sound's 2012/2013 sampler, both of which have a '90s slacker rock thing going on. You can stream those tracks below.

A list of all dates, streams, and video below...

Continue reading "Pile touring with Fat History Month (dates, song streams)"

by Andrew Sacher

Boston punks Pile are set to release their new album, Dripping, on October 23 via Exploding In Sound. They've revealed the track, "Prom Song," from that album on their bandcamp, and we've got another, "Bump a Grape," in this post, which you can stream below. I might just have Titus Andronicus in my head because I've been listening to their album all week, but I'm definitely getting similar punk 'n' roll vibes from this new Pile track to Titus' stuff, And like Patrick Stickles, Pile frontman Rick Maguire yearns with a raw, nasally yet throaty voice.

Pile will be supporting the new record with a tour that hits NYC on October 20 at The Paper Box in Brooklyn during CMJ and then again on October 30 at Muchmore's.

A list of all tour dates and the song stream are below.

Continue reading "Pile releasing 'Dripping,' going on tour (dates & song stream)"

Merchandise at Mousetrap in Chicago, April 2012 (more by Jimmy Farabi)

You may have noticed the announcements of CMJ artists trickling out as of late (like Sub Pop's lineup), but now comes the official word from the fest on another batch of bands. Highilights include AraabMUZIK, UK acts Savages and Everything Eveything, Mr. Muthafuckin' eXquire, Cities Aviv, Ken Mode (playing with Pig Destroyer), Daughn Gibson (playing with Pissed Jeans), Local H, Slug Guts, Dune Rats, Royal Canoe, and Sleepies among many many others. A full listing of the second round of CMJ artists is below.

One of said surprises is Merchandise, who plays NYC tonight at WIERD (9/12). The show is first of THREE NYC dates for the band, who will also play 538 Johnson tomorrow (9/13) before hitting Saint Vitus on Friday (9/14, tickets).

A list of the second round of CMJ artists is below, along with updated Merchandise dates and a recent video.

Continue reading "CMJ announces second round of artists; Merchandise is here, catch them three times this week (tonight at WIERD)"