Tour Update: COIN
Photos taken by Chapin Patel and edited by Makenna Magdaleno-Mague
Dreamers // Bottlerock 2017 Aftershow
We had the chance to cover Dreamers at their Bottlerock 2017 After Show in Napa Valley - here's a short video reacap from the show, and a full gallery below!
Dreamers at Silo's, Napa Valley // May 26th, 2017 // Bottlerock 2017
Discover: Flor
flor
come out. you're hiding // review by Karen Rudd
It’s been a long time coming but Flor has finally released their debut album.
come out. you’re hiding features 10 tracks including previously released singles, as well as new songs. The album also contains remastered songs to bring a new feel. Flor mixes indie rock feels with synth pop to create addictive and catchy tunes. The album has an electronic tune but the sounds of guitars and drums aren’t lost in the music. Especially the drums as they are highlighted in almost every song.
The album starts off with guarded which just sounds dreamy. It includes innocent and pure lyrics with a contrasting beat, especially in the chorus. You are hit with beating percussion, yet somehow, it blends in perfectly amongst the soft vocals. The songs all seem to follow a pattern of having more percussion focused in the chorus or bridge.
Hold On was the band's first single leading to the album release. It maintained their sound and gave fans a tease into what the album was going to be. It follows their trend of having innocent lyrics matched with strong percussion. This is personally my favorite song because of the bridge. The vocals go softer and more synth is brought in.
Ending the album is their song overbehind, which has it's own music video full of rhythmic drums progressions, pleasing scenery, and hand-drawn animations as you follow Zach Grace into different rooms. Check out the video below!
Overall, their debut album really captures what the band is right now. I can tell that they’re getting their distinct sound and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for these boys.
What's New in Music: Album Reviews
Review by Angela Smith
Missio have just recently come off the Alt Nation Advanced Placement Tour alongside acts such as 888, Coast Modern, and Sundara Karma, and are getting ready to start their festival circuit for the summer. Austin native Missio have released their debut album, Loner, the day they start their summer tour at Hangout Fest in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Hit up missiomusic.com to see if they play a festival near you.
The album opens really strongly with Animal, one of the songs not previously released. With such strong and different singles like Middle Fingers and Bottom Of The Deep Blue Sea I had high expectations without really knowing what to expect at all. I can now say, I was impressed. Every single song has energy even if it wasn't the upbeat rock/hip-hop mix that is found in Kdv (feat. Shug). One part of the album that I truly enjoy are the somewhat angsty f*ck the world lyrics. Whether politically driven, or otherwise I find myself truly enjoying those songs. All of the tracks on the album have a darker feel to the lyrics even with upbeat energetic movement, and I feel that this juxtaposition really works for Missio. Honestly, the only downside I see to the album at this point is the ending. It kind of just stops suddenly. However, this could actually be a positive thing as it keeps you wanting more. If you're looking for an album that's different from what you'll hear on the rest of the charts, or even just an upbeat album with some powerful lyrics give Missio's Loner a spin.
Waters released their third album, Something More! on May 19th. The followup to 2015's What's Real starts off with the lead single Hiccups which if nothing else, makes you want to keep listening. The rest of the album just kind of flows. It reminds me a lot of What's Real with just enough of a difference that you can tell the band has grown and evolved in just these last 2 years. There are some major party songs such as Molly is a Babe which has a punk sort of feel to it. The super upbeat lyrics just make you want to mosh. On the other hand there is also a ballad entitled Stand By You. Described as a tearjerker by lead singer Van Pierszalowski, Stand By You brings moral support and a sense of comfort not often found in most songs nowadays. One of the best parts of the album is the fact that it ends with Stand By You which almost motivates you to just get up and go do something productive after you finish listening knowing that someone has your back.
A R I Z O N A (the band, not the state) have just released their debut album Gallery following the release of the single Oceans Away, A R I Z O N A has an amazing album that features just enough synth to make it exciting but not so much you feel that it is overproduced. Songs such as Electric Touch and Where I Wanna Be feature hopeful lyrics with the catchy melodies consistent across the entire album. The musical interlude Not A Single Day serves as the perfect transition into Cross My Mind which conveniently is the sixth of twelve songs on the album. This kicks off the second half of the album beautifully, and while there is no real separation between the two halves other than the musical interlude it feels like something worth noting. At the end of the day, A R I Z O N A’s Gallery is a great album that is perfect for anyone looking to support an up and coming band that is not from the place of which they are named.
COIN at The Social // Orlando, Florida
We had Kyla Rudd, one of our team photographers, photograph indie pop band COIN at their SOLD OUT show in Orlando, Florida on May 13th, 2017. Make sure to check out the full gallery below, as well as purchase tickets to a COIN show near you before it sells out!
Alt. Nation's Advanced Placement Tour: Show Review
Review by Meredith LeBoeuf
Last Wednesday, I had the opportunity to attend Alt Nation’s Advanced Placement Tour in Austin, Texas.
The night started off with a set from 888, who instantly made the crowd dance with their punk-filled electric sound. From their newest release “Older Now” to songs off their “Critical Mistakes” EP, 888’s entire set was full of nothing but energy and fun.
Coast Modern
After they performed, Coast Modern hit the stage. Instantly, they made an impression, with an odd stage set up full of plants and fog machines. Playing songs off of their yet to be released album as well as previously released singles such as “Guru” and “Pockets Full of No”, Coast Modern brought an interesting yet diverse vibe to the room. With their eclectic and psychedelic sound, Coast Modern’s upcoming album is one to watch out for.
MISSIO
After they wrapped up their performance and the plants were cleared off the stage, it was Missio’s turn to play. As an Austin-originated band, it was a performance bursting with energy for their hometown show. Missio will be playing their hometown once again in October for ACL Festival.
Overall, the night was one for the books; all of the performers were unique in sound and in stage presence, yet all left an impression and were fun to listen to. If you are looking for new music, I would definitely recommend checking out all three of these bands, as they are for sure ones to watch.
San Cisco // The Water
If you're in need of some entrancing music and good vibes, we have the perfect thing! Australian indie pop band San Cisco just released their new album The Water, and it will keep you captivated from start to finish.
San Cisco is also hitting the road soon for tour to promote The Water, be sure to check out their tour dates below!
State Champs // Around The World and Back Tour
State Champs have been all around the United States playing awesome shows, and we had the chance to cover one! Check out our gallery from their Austin, Texas show on April 28th at Emo's Austin!
All pictures were taken by Chapin Patel and edited by Makenna Magdaleno-Mague
Discover: K. Flay
Written by Angela Smith
Illinois native K.Flay put out her debut album Life as a Dog in 2014 completely independently. Featuring songs such as “Make Me Fade” and “Can’t Sleep,” she rocketed to success within the alternative scene getting booked to play festivals such as Bumbershoot and tour across the United States with artists such as AWOLNATION. While she is from the suburbs of Chicago, she went to school in Palo Alto, California, referencing the Bay Area in many of her songs. As of today, K.Flay is just beginning her tour - be sure to get tickets to a show below!
K.Flay’s newest release Every Where Is Some Where (April 7th, 2017) is overall a good album. The opening song “Dreamers” really captures the attention of the listeners. It almost acts as an anthem for everyone who has ever had a dream; and let’s be honest, that's basically everyone. The lead singles off the album, “Blood in the Cut” and “Black Wave,” are everything you could possibly want a single to be. “Blood in the Cut” was an ideal choice for a radio single. While it may have originally been released as part of the xXx: Return of Xander Cage soundtrack, it did amazingly both in the album and on the airwaves. The song takes a new turn on a general breakup rock song. The hip-hop vibes that K.Flay dishes are incredibly unique; very bass driven rather than your typical sad sack ‘I feel sorry for myself’ lyrics. She shows the ways to pull yourself up and out of the lows that can follow a bad breakup.
“Black Wave” on the other hand may not have done quite as well on commercial radio. However, it’s the upbeat tempo and ‘I can do better than this currently horrible world’ vibes that are really relatable, and able to get people interested based on the status of the world. The one really notable thing about this album is its lack of low moments. Usually when trying to listen to an album all the way through, there are points where the album is tuned out, and needs the perfect song to bring a listener back in. K.Flay does an amazing job of keeping listeners engaged with the deep lyrics about family and even some more political songs such as “The President Has A Sex Tape.” Using the controversy surrounding current U.S. President Donald Trump, K.Flay writes about how crazy everything seems in our society today. Even the juxtaposition of the first two lines, “The president has a sex tape/The government just sold you drugs,” immediately captures the attention and sets a stance for the rest of the song. The album as a whole seems to have a similar theme of waiting out the bad in the world for something better to come. All in all, K.Flay’s Every Where Is Some Where is a solid spin and definitely worth a listen.
Fall Out Boy // M A N I A
The gentle pull of a tide that rolls over and over again and by the sheer nature of its essence it becomes an indestructible will- ripping out sand- eroding what was before it- without a care... a transformational monster-becoming the madness and frenzy of a truly bulletproof wave. I'm not just here for your love, I'm here for all of the love. An overdose of dopamine- we are living inside of M A N I A right now. the never sleeping, never blinking- caught forever in the sunshine riptide. -pw
With new music and tour dates, Fall Out Boy has a lot in store for their fans, and they are coming back with a bang. The M A N I A tour begins October 20th, and M A N I A itself comes out September 15th. Be sure to sign up to their mailing list here to stay updated on everything they have coming out!
How Will You Know If You Never Try? // COIN
COIN just released their new album HWYKIYNT (How Will You Know If You Never Try?) and it's available everywhere!
Click the button below to listen!
The Maine // Lovely Little Lonely World Tour
The Maine // House of Blues Anaheim // 4.9.17
Alternative rock band The Maine is on tour now to promote their new album Lovely Little Lonely, which you can listen to below, as well as check out a gallery from their House of Blues show in Anaheim!
BASTILLE: The NOVO
Bastille, one of our personal favorite British-pop bands hailing from the U.K., are coming to Los Angeles, California to preform at The NOVO on April 19th, and it's going to be a show you won't want to miss.
With their release of Wild World on September 9th, 2016 (listen below!), Bastille has been touring all over the world spreading their indie-pop vibes and melting the faces of fans and new listeners.
More recently, Bastille released a new mix of their song Blame off of Wild World, which you can enjoy below!
This show is going to be one for the books, so be sure to snag your tickets here, as well as check out where they are heading next!
Want to check out more cool events at The NOVO in LA? Click the button below!
Fresh Finds Friday
Looking for some new music? Check out these new songs from some of our favorite artists below!
Panic! At The Disco
Discover: Hardcastle
Art by Amanda Elman
Hardcastle, an up-and-coming alternative band from Nashville, have been finding extreme success by being interactive with fans on social media, as well as playing shows in Nashville and Atlanta. Hardcastle pulls inspiration for their music from popular artists such as The 1975, Prince, and The Neighbourhood, and with their new song Millennial Attraction, you're sure to hear it in their sound. Catchy guitar riffs and bass lines hit you right when the song starts, hooking you on to the sound - this is definitely the kind of song to be blasting in your car as you drive around town.
Be sure to listen to their new song below, as well as check out the band here!
DREAMERS & The Griswolds: Tour Update
DREAMERS have been rocking the minds of people all over the states as they continue touring with The Griswolds, an Australian based band which you can check out here. We had photographer Chapin Patel capture their set in Austin, Texas on February 17th, 2017 at The Mohawk.
All pictures below are taken by Chapin Patel and edited by Makenna Magdaleno-Mague
Besides Texas, we also had the chance to catch DREAMERS at their LA show in California on Feburary 11th, 2017 at the Teragram Ballroom.
All pictures below were taken and edited by Makenna Magdaleno-Mague
DREAMERS are currently on The Low Lives tour with The Griswolds - be sure to find tickets to a show near you before tour ends! They also just recently announced that they will be supporting The Head and the Heart on a few dates of their tour!
Below is a full gallery of The Griswolds at their Los Angeles show, the headliners of The Low Lives Tour.
Urban Cone // Old School
By Amanda Elman
"Old School," the newest track out from Swedish band Urban Cone, has been on a loop for many since it was released. We had the chance to go to one of their three pop-up shows in the states, which you can view a gallery of below!
Urban Cone // The Bardot, LA // 2.6.17
COIN // Talk Too Much
by Amanda Elman
Discover: Flor
Flor at The Troubadour in LA // 1.21.17