Rock – Page 26 – 7th Level Music

Rickshaw Billie’s Burger Patrol announce U.S. tour.

Austin trio Rickshaw Billie’s Burger Patrol announce Spring/Summer U.S. tour dates, including Shaky Knees Festival in Atlanta and Thin Line Festival in Denton. Please see all dates below. Ticket links HERE.

RBBP released their new album Doom Wop in September 2022. Hear Doom Wop on your favorite streaming service HERE. Revolver Magazine recently premiered the official video for “Heel” HERE. (Direct YouTube.)

With their 5th studio release, Rickshaw Billie’s Burger Patrol is putting a name to the style of fuzzed out, overdriven, melodic, groovy music they have been making since 2016. In 9 concise, no bullshit songs, RBBP demonstrates their ability to blend the merciless low end of Leo Lydon’s 8-String guitar, Aaron Metzdorf’s masterful chordwork on the bass, and Sean St.Germain’s driving drumwork. Lydon and Metzdorf’s vocal melodies cut through the high frequencies to deliver fresh layers to the hooks that RBBP fans have come to love.

As the name implies, Doom Wop is a heavy, melody-driven, party metal album. With riffs as big and dumb as ever, and lyrics that stab at the worst members of society and ourselves (while keeping tongue firmly in cheek), listeners will find all the elements that make up the soul of RBBP on this record.

Doom Wop is available on CD and download, released on September 23rd, 2022. Vinyl LP coming in May. Pre-orders are available HERE.

RBBP LIVE 2023:

04/21 Houston, TX – Black Magic Social Club

04/22 San Antonio, TX – Paper Tiger

04/29 Denton, TX – Thin Line Fest

05/06 Atlanta, GA – Shaky Knees Festival

05/07 Nashville, TN – The 5 Spot

05/09 Charlotte, NC – Snug Harbor

05/10 Washington, DC – Quarry House Tavern

05/11 Cambridge, MA – Middle East Upstairs

05/12 Brooklyn, NY – Saint Vitus

05/13 Philadelphia, PA – Kung Fu Necktie

05/14 Pittsburgh, PA – The Funhouse at Mr. Small’s

05/15 Chicago, IL – The Empty Bottle

05/17 Oklahoma City, OK – The Blue Note

06/09 Los Angeles, CA – Permanent Records Roadhouse

06/10 San Francisco, CA – The Kilowatt

06/13 Seattle, WA – Substation

06/14 Portland, OR – High Water Mark

06/16 Salt Lake City, UT – Aces High Saloon

06/17 Denver, CO – Hi-Dive

Keep your mind open.

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[Thanks to Dave at US / THEM Group.]

Review: Eaves Wilder – Hookey

Referencing both skipping school classes and filling songs with hooks, Eaves Wilder‘s debut EP, Hookey, is a fun record about teenage life and preferring to spend one’s time doing what you want instead of putting up with other people’s crap.

I mean, “I Stole Your Jumper” pretty much flips the table on a lover who made her feel bad. She’s done with that business, and her chugging 1990s alt-rock guitar chords only seem to fuel her sneer and desire to kick someone in the groin. Plus, she gets a new jumper out of it.

“Are You Diagnosed?” is a standout as Wilder sings about her treatment at a hospital and how that treatment was affected by her status of whether or not she was officially diagnosed with anything. “You could be dying up close, but are you diagnosed?” she sings, but you’re not going to get treatment until stacks of paperwork are completed and you’ve been through a maze of appointments, phone calls, and visits with people who have no idea what you’ve already done. The hooks in it are killer. “I’m sick of asking for help,” she says. Who wouldn’t be?

“Morning Rain” is a tale of skipping school because it’s just too lovely outside to be cooped up all day. Her guitar work in it has a sort of melted sound to it that’s difficult to pull off, but she does it well.

In “Connect the Rooms,” Wilder sings (in a somewhat distant voice sprinkled with reverb) about making music while elevating in her room thanks to certain substances. It’s clearly the most psychedelic of the four tracks and could easily earn her a spot at a Levitation festival if she wants.

This EP is the start of something big. It’s the kind of record you want to get now so later, when she’s playing big stages, you can say, “I’ve been following her since the Hookey EP.”

Keep your mind open.

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[Thanks to Jessica at Pitch Perfect PR.]

The Slingers release “No Harm Done” ahead of their debut album due July 07, 2023.

Ahead of their sold-out show at The Corner, Melbourne/Naarm 5-piece, The Slingers share new single ‘No Harm Done‘ and announce their debut full-length LP, Sentimentalism, will be released on Friday, 7 July, via Flightless Records. The 10-track LP features their summer singles ‘Living in the Age of Loneliness‘, ‘Streets of Tokyo‘ and ‘Our Last Day in the Sun‘.

In a departure from earlier guitar-driven releases, No Harm Done is played entirely on an authentic 1960s Wurlitzer (courtesy of Head Gap studio in Preston). The warmth of the Wurlitzer is counteracted by a driving kick and snare. Finally, the crooning lead vocals of Robert J Mahon are elevated by the dulcet harmonies of Melbourne artist and guest vocalist Juice Webster.

Over the last five years of eclectic releases and impassioned live performances, The Slingers have cemented themselves as one of the most unique bands in the Australian underground/alternative scene. The band signed to Flightless Records in 2020, releasing a double A-Side 7-inch vinyl, The Cruellest Cut//Kind Hearts (a collaboration with legend of the Melbourne underground, Spike Fuck). Their recordings have garnered a cult following on Youtube and Spotify, resulting in sold-out crowds in their hometown of Melbourne.

The evolution of the band culminates in their incoming full-length LP ‘Sentimentalism’. Written in a small cabin on a farm outside of Colac, Western Victoria, and produced by Errol Green (Big Yawn), the album ranges from piano ballads to purely electronic pieces and features guest appearances from ‘’Evil’ Graham Lee (The Triffids) on pedal steel guitar and Melbourne artist, Juice Webster, on vocals.

Influenced by the music of William Shatner and the films of Nick Cave, The Slingers have sought through their music to balance and synthesize several oppositional artistic forces: lyrics that are both tongue-in-cheek and haltingly sincere, a sound that is as comfortable producing outlaw country as it is exploring drum machines and synthesizers, and a live energy that borrows simultaneously from Elvis and Angel Olsen.

Keep your mind open.

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[Thanks to Flightless Records.]

Southern Lord to release long lost third and final album by California hardcore legends BL’AST.

Photo credit: Naomi Petersen Photography, courtesy of Chris Petersen Images/Punk Life
Naomi.

Frenetic, coarse and frequently atonal. Nothing is more a distillation of that sound than the mighty BL’AST! ’s final studio album, Take The Manic Ride (1989). Over 30 years later, and the album is getting the reissue treatment on Southern Lord.

In June of 1988 BL’AST! went into the studio with Black Flags’ live sound GOAT: Dave Rat (RATSOUND), and the breakneck Take The Manic Ride was recorded. This version was later destroyed after the band was dissatisfied with the original production. Now, this unmissable piece of hardcore history has been carefully restored under the strict guidance of mastering engineer Brad Boatright (also remastered the other BL’AST! albums re-released by Southern Lord). Manic Ride will be released by Southern Lord on March 10th.

Mike (Neider, guitar) comments on the reissue:

“The release of Manic Ride is essential to finish the history of past BL’AST! releases. It displays how off the beaten path BL’AST! is and always has been. The music and lyrics does not tread lightly. We’re grateful to have Manic Ride’s affiliation w/ Rat Sound/Dave Rat, SSTRecords and Southern Lord and for all of our friends, fans and family, as well as the BL’AST! blood brotherhood. For this to be released in our fortieth year as a band is truly amazing.

Rest In Power to the artist of the Manic cover, Justin Forbes.”

The original line up for Take The Manic Ride:

Dave Cooper – bass

Bill Torgerson – drums

Mike Neider – guitar

Clifford Dinsmore – vocals

Available to order via Bandcamp, and the Southern Lord, and Southern Lord Europe stores.

MANIC RIDE track listing:

Somewhere I’ve Found/Falsehood Claws
Overdrive
Out of Alignment
Start the Machine
Turn and Face the World
Blast it Back
Bones
Powerize
It’s Time
Abraxis
Look Inside

Having formed in 1983, the highly influential Santa Cruz hardcore legend BL’AST! released their first album, The Power of Expression in 1985. This debut album went on to become one of the highly sought after, must-have hardcore albums from the 80s.

BL’AST! were beyond intense, continually pushing the boundaries of hardcore with their advanced musicianship, unstoppable energic delivery and explosive live performances. This overwhelming power caught the attention of SST records, who released the band’s second album, It’s In My Blood in 1987. Their third album, Take The Manic Ride, was then released in 1989.

BL’AST!‘s wide-eyed, ambitious approach and intense perseverance became an influence for many bands to come. Shortly after the release of Take The Manic Ride the band broke up and their story was, for some time, buried by time and dust…

The band reformed in the 2000s, and released the 7” EP, For Those Who Grace The Fire, from 2015, which featured Dave Grohl on drums and Chuck Dukowski on bass. They then released Blood!, an album consisting of then-lost recordings, and remixed by Dave Grohl, in 2013. Later on, they also did a split 7″ with Eyehategod, contributing “Cut Your Teeth” in 2017.

Keep your mind open.

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[Thanks to Stephanie at Another Side.]

Covet get all happy and fun with their new single – “Firebird.”

Covet, the Bay area trio fronted by the effervescent, and wholly unique, guitar whiz Yvette Young, return with their third album, catharsis, on April 7 via Triple Crown Records.

“We did a lot of risk-taking on this album,” Yvette explains. “I try to follow what excites me without heeding anybody’s expectations. I’m leaning into melodies, tones, and textures and trying to use them to transport listeners. The whole concept is escaping into a fantasy realm where the songs depict different characters and their own worlds. Each song is like their theme song. It’s mostly instrumental, but when you close your eyes, I hope people will be transported into the character’s story. Music has always been escapism for me and a great source of therapy. My hope for this music is that it will take people somewhere and stir their imaginations, or at the very least, make them feel something. I named this record ‘catharsis’ because the word to me feels like a triumphant exodus. No matter the dire circumstances, music is one of those things that I’ve always needed to create to survive (in all senses of the word), and time and time again, I turn to guitar and songwriting as my outlet to uplift and feel like I have control over something in this chaotic universe.”

A preview of the 8-song, Scott Evans (Thrice, Samiam) produced collection arrives today with the release of “Firebird,” a track Yvette says she hopes will take listeners on a “total melodic joyride.” A Tom Flynn-directed video (https://triplecrown.ffm.to/covet-firebirdmv) debuted this morning, with the clip reflecting the origin of the song, as Yvette adds: “When my mom first emigrated to America, she balled out and got a red Pontiac Firebird. I hope it sounds like cruising down the highway with the wind blowing in your hair. I really wanted to lean into the catchiness of a melody and see how I could push some rock-n-roll tropes until something almost becomes cheesy—but not quite yet. Hopefully, the lighthearted and silly nature of the video reflects that.”

Album pre-orders, which include several limited-edition vinyl variants, CD, and digital pre-saves are available here: https://triplecrown.ffm.to/covet-catharsis.

Covet catharsis tour dates:

April 7 Portland, OR Wonder Ballroom

April 8 Vancouver, BC Biltmore Cabaret

April 9 Seattle, WA Neumos

April 11 Salt Lake City, UT Soundwell

April 13 Denver, CO Meow Wolf

April 14 Lawrence, KS The Bottleneck

April 15 St. Louis, MO Delmar Hall

April 17 St. Paul, MN Amsterdam Music Hall

April 18 Madison, WI High Noon Saloon

April 20 Chicago, IL Bottom Lounge

April 21 Ann Arbor, MI Blind Pig

April 22 Toronto, ON Lee’s Palace

April 23 Montreal, QC Café Campus

April 25 Pittsburgh, PA Thunderbird Music Hall

April 26 Brooklyn, NY Brooklyn Bowl

April 27 Boston, MA Royale

April 28 Philadelphia, PA Brooklyn Bowl

April 29 Vienna, VA Jammin’ Java

May 1 Asheville, NC The Grey Eagle

May 2 Nashville, TN Brooklyn Bowl

May 3 Atlanta, GA The Masquerade (Hell)

May 5 Dallas, TX Studio at The Factory

May 6 Austin, TX Scoot Inn

May 8 Albuquerque, NM Launchpad

May 10 Phoenix, AZ Crescent Ballroom

May 11 Solana Beach, CA Belly Up

May 12 Los Angeles, CA The Roxy

Tickets for all shows are on-sale now. Scarypoolparty and altopalo open on all dates.

Keep your mind open.

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[Thanks to Monica at Speakeasy PR.]

Kali Horse release new single, “Wigs,” that encourages you to become someone new (if you feel like it).

Kali Horse (formerly Kaleidoscope Horse) is a psychedelic art-rock band from Toronto, ON. Their sound is theatrical and dreamy – bouncing between highly melodic and rhythmic, groovy sections. Driven both by strong song-writing and abstract sound-play, the band creates dimensions that are often jarring in comparison to one another, playing on tension and release. The contrast between Desiree Das Gupta’s powerful alto, and Sam Maloney’s feathery vocal timbre creates a balance of light and heavy, backed by full band harmonies.

Kali Horse’s world is an immersive world that they invite the audience into. Kali Horse are storytellers, their music is about telling a story with sound rather than a specific genre. The band are queer, multi-instrumentalist performers whose friendship is the bond of the band.

Sam and Des have been best friends for a decade and have been making music together for 7 years under different names, they are a huge part of the Toronto music community.

Kali Horse feature guest players from the Toronto music community on their recordings, including Luna Li (plays all the strings, violin, harp), Dylan from Hot Garbage plays stand-up bass and Sam’s partner plays singing bowls and tum drum.

Regarding, “Wigs,” Kali Horse says, “Ever wanted to change everything about yourself? Wigs is about trying things on – identity, bravado. Ever had a day so bizarre you felt like a different person? Through self-experimentation you discover a healthy aggression. You remember you’re worth a little more than what you’ve been putting up with, and you want everyone to know. The drums are in 7/4, the guitars in 4. You tell the moon what to do. You let the band catch up. You might not know where you belong, but you know nothing’s going to stay the same. Electronic trash drums mixed with a live kit thrash while the synth bass waves beneath. Wigs is a command, and Kali Horse will not stay in line.”

Keep your mind open.

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[Thanks to Mar Sellars!]

RVG discuss the perils of time travel on “Squid.”

(Photo Credit: Izzie Austin)

RVG – the Melbourne post-punk band of lyricist/frontwoman Romy Vager, guitarist Rueben Bloxham, drummer Marc Nolte, and bassist Isabele Wallace – share new single “Squid” from their forthcoming album Brain Worms, out June 2nd on Fire Records. Following lead single “Nothing Really Changes,” which debuted in the top 3 of the Published Top 10 singles chart at specialty radio in the U.S., “Squid” powers through the walls of realism and out the other side, imagining what might happen if we were to go back in time, step on something, and … become a squid. “I didn’t intend to be // Some hideous turquoise thing // Some hideous third thing,” Vager sings, bringing an earnestness and desperation so real that feelings suddenly cut through the song’s absurdity.

All throughout Brain Worms, it’s apparent that RVG is in very fine form. Named for the recognizable experience of each day bearing witness to a world of private obsessions being aired out in the infinite, Brain Worms may not be wholly new territory for the Melbourne post-punk band, but this time around, there’s a newfound radical acceptance glistening overtop everything. Recorded in London at Snap Studios with James Trevascus (Billy Nomates, Nick Cave & Warren Ellis, The Goon Sax), all ten Brain Worms tracks surge with lush sounds and clear intentions. RVG have moved past their influences, pushed themselves, and tried new things. And they made a record they can call their best.

After a momentous first five years — finding critical acclaim for their 2017 debut A Quality of Mercy, landing on countless end-of-year Best Of lists, and playing alongside some of the world’s biggest acts — RVG released their second album Feral as the world was locking down in 2020. Feral was hailed by Rolling Stone Australia as “the record of a lifetime,” but between the four bandmates, Brain Worms is the most confident they’ve ever felt in RVG. “If we could only make one more album, it would be this one,” says Vager.

Watch RVG’s “Nothing Really Changes” Video

Pre-order Brain Worms

RVG Tour Dates:

Mon. Apr. 17 – Cardiff, UK @ Tramshed (w/ Billy Nomates)

Wed. Apr. 19 – Nottingham, UK @ Rescue Rooms (w/ Billy Nomates)

Thu. Apr. 20 – Manchester, UK @ New Century Hall (w/ Billy Nomates)

Fri. Apr. 21 – Leeds, UK @ LUU-Stylus (w/ Billy Nomates)

Sat. Apr. 22 – Glasgow, UK @ QMU (w/ Billy Nomates)

Mon. Apr. 24 – Newcastle, UK @ Boiler Shop (w/ Billy Nomates)

Tue. Apr. 25 – Birmingham, UK @ O2 Institute Birmingham (w/ Billy Nomates)

Thu. Apr. 27 – London, UK @ O2 Forum Kentish Town (w/ Billy Nomates)

Fri. Apr. 28 – Brighton, UK @ CHALK Live (w/ Billy Nomates)

Sat. Apr. 29 – Bristol, UK @ Marble Factory (w/ Billy Nomates)

Tue. May 2 – Paris, FR @ Supersonic

Thu. May 4 – Rotterdam, NL @ V11

Fri. May 5 – Haldern-Rees, DE @ Haldern Pop Bar

Sun. May 7 – Nijmegen, NL @ Merleyn

Keep your mind open.

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[Thanks to Patrick at Pitch Perfect PR.]

Caroline Rose says “Tell Me What You Want” on their new single.

Caroline Rose’s The Art of Forgetting, out March 24th on New West Records, is a “brave document of turmoil and heartbreak full of sumptuous arrangements and powerful lyrics” (Bandcamp). Today, Rose presents a new single and video, “Tell Me What You Want,” which chronicles conflicting feelings nearing the end of a relationship. Although the album largely deals with regret and grief, loss and change, shame and the inevitability of pain, on “Tell Me What You Want” Rose’s impish humor pops up unexpectedly: “I’m beating my head // Against the dashboard of your compact car // Just tell me what you want // Testing testing // Is this thing on? // Boy, you’re gonna hate this song // Tell me what you want.” It showcases the kind of dark comedy with which we’ve become familiar in their catalog, fusing upbeat melodies with oft-hilariously deflating lyrics.

Rose further elaborates on “Tell Me What You Want”: “When I listen to this I really feel for myself during that time. My head was like a cesspool of voices trying to tell me what to do. You know, the end of a relationship can be so confusing. There are all these emotions swirling around and really no handbook. You realize when all your attempts to connect with your partner aren’t working, you either have to find a way to stick it out or leave… And both options suck. This song is about being in that pickle of desperation, between trying to protect yourself and feeling the immense guilt and regret of walking away from someone you love.”

Additionally, Rose and director Sam Bennett announce The Art of Forgetting short film, which is a loose recreation of real life events. Each of the film’s three chapters weave together a story of Rose navigating a transformative heartbreak. The “Tell Me What You Want” video is a chapter of the film, which picks up where the “Miami” video ends.

“It’s strange to recreate things that happened in the past, in the places where they happened, because they are obviously not the same as they were. I was trying to put my finger on this feeling and someone mentioned the Brazilian Portuguese word ‘saudade,’ a sensation that blends nostalgia, melancholy, desire and longing all in one.” – Caroline Rose

The Art of Forgetting film will premiere on Thursday, March 23rd via youtube and feature a live Q+A with Rose. Access to the watch party is open to anyone who pre-orders The Art of Forgetting before March 22. Additionally, there will be two free, in-person screenings of the film on March 24th at a release day party at Tower Records in Brooklyn. Space is limited and RSVP is required. A wide release of the film will take place in the coming months (details to be announced at a later date).

Watch Caroline Rose’s Video for “Tell Me What You Want”

Caroline Rose will embark on an expansive North American tour this spring. Following, they’ll head across the pond to Europe. Tickets for all dates are on sale now and a full list of dates can be found below.

Watch the “Miami” Video

Listen to “Love / Lover / Friend”

Watch the “The Doldrums” Visualizer

Pre-order The Art of Forgetting

The Art of Forgetting Film Screenings
Info available at www.carolinerosemusic.com/taof-film
Thu. March 23 – 3pm ET – Youtube Livestream & Q+A
Fri. March 24 – 9:15pm ET – Brooklyn, NY @ Tower Records [RSVP required]
Fri. March 24 – 10:15pm ET – Brooklyn, NY @ Tower Records [RSVP required]

Caroline Rose Tour Dates
Fri. March 31 – Saratoga Springs, NY @ Arthur Zankel Music Center
Sat. April 1 – Montreal, QC @ Petit Campus
Tue. April 4 – Burlington, VT @ Higher Ground
Wed. April 5 – Burlington, VT @ Higher Ground
Thu. April 6 – Boston, MA @ Royale
Sat. April 8 – Toronto, ON @ Horseshoe Tavern – SOLD OUT
Sun. April 9 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Mr. Smalls Theatre
Tue. April 11 – Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer
Wed. April 12 – New York, NY @ Webster Hall
Fri. April 14 – Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
Sat. April 15 – Richmond, VA @ Richmond Music Hall
Sun. April 16 – Carrboro, NC @ Cat’s Cradle
Tue. April 18 – Asheville, NC @ The Orange Peel
Wed. April 19 – Nashville, TN @ Brooklyn Bowl
Fri. April 21 – Chicago, IL @ Thalia Hall – SOLD OUT
Sat. April 22 – Milwaukee, WI @ Turner Hall Ballroom
Sun. April 23 – Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue
Tue. April 25 – Denver, CO @ The Gothic Theatre
Fri. April 28 – Seattle, WA @ The Showbox
Sat. April 29 – Portland, OR @ Wonder Ballroom
Wed. May 3 – San Francisco, CA @ The Fillmore
Fri. May 5 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Fonda Theatre
Sat. May 6 – Pioneertown, CA @ Pappy & Harriet’s
Sun. May 21 – Guadalajara, MX @ Corona Capital
Sat. May 27 – Hamburg, DE @ Nochtspeicher
Mon. May 29 – Cologne, DE @ Stadtgarten
Wed. 31 May – Manchester, UK @ Band on the Wall
Thu. 1 June – Dublin, IE @ Whelan’s
Sat. 3 June – Glasgow, UK @ Stereo
Sun. 4 June – Bristol, UK @ Exchange
Mon, 5 June – London, UK @ HEAVEN
Wed. June 7 – Brighton, UK @ Patterns
Sat. June 10 – Zurich, Switzerland @ Bogen F
Tue. June 13 – Brussels, BE @ AB
Wed. June 14 – Amsterdam, NL @ Paradiso (Upstairs)
Fri. June 16 – Paris, FR @ La Hasard Ludique
Sat. June 17 – Mannheim, DE @ Maifeld Derby
Sun. June 18 – Duisburg, DE @ Traumzeit Festival

Keep your mind open.

[I’ll tell you what I want: For you to subscribe.]

[Thanks to Jaycee at Pitch Perfect PR.]

D-Tension seeks justice with his new single, “Charlie.”

D-Tension is an award winning musician/vocalist/producer from Lowell, MA. He first made a name for himself as a hip hop artist, touring North America and Europe regularly for two decades. However, like most sample based hip hop producers, D’s love of music was not limited to hip hop. Always a multi instrumentalist, D began to write and record rock and roll songs and took a greater interest in playing the guitar. This passion lead to two “Secret Rock and Roll Projects” that featured D’s songs with collaborations with a team of musicians including guitarists Frank Pino (Watham/Andrew WK) and Craig Silverman (Agnostic Front) and drummer Brian Viglione (Dresden Dolls/Violent Femmes). The Secret Project featured the 2021 single “Kenmore Square,” an ode to the glory days of the Boston rock scene. The song was well received and the video was viewed 125,000 times on Youtube, Facebook and Instagram.

Always up for a challenge, D-Tension is poised to release his first all-solo rock record, Tales from the Pub. D wrote and performed the record in its entirety and the record is set for a spring 2023 release on Boston record label Red On Red Records. His first single, released independently in January 2023 “The No Name Song” was featured on radio, blogs and newspapers nationwide. The first single with Red On Red, “Charlie” manages to be upbeat and catchy despite its dark subject matter; the mysterious deaths of three Lowell women who all happened to disappear while dating the same guy. Known for his use of humor, the song is a bit of a departure for D but showcases his ability to be a multidimensional artist.

Keep your mind open.

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[Thanks to D-Tension.]

Poison Ruin get creepy with their new single, “Resurrection II.”

Poison Ruin have released their latest single “Resurrection II” – a cathartic tale of the undead rising to take revenge upon those who have unknowingly wronged them. It’s full revenge fantasy with melodic rocking, equally split between surf motifs and new wave of British Heavy heavy metal riffing.

Watch “Resurrection II” (Official Music Video) via YouTube
Listen / Share / Playlist Here

Evoking a rich tapestry of ice-caked forests, metaphoric peasant revolts and silent knights, Poison Ruin stab at the pulsing heart of what it means to live under the permanent midnight of contemporary life. Their forthcoming album Harvest gazes at the world with a sense of grave seriousness, its stare softened only by the alluring seduction of a dream world’s open-ended possibility. These songs move with a type of uncanny confidence, assembling an array of references to past styles and sensibilities that collapse in on one another, congealing into a truly unique sonic landscape.

With Harvest, Poison Ruin aligns their sonic palette to their godless, medieval-inflected aesthetic symbolism, creating a record which strikes with an assured sense of blackened harmony.

“I’ve always found fantasy tropes to be incredibly evocative,” vocalist/guitarist Mac Kennedy notes, “that said, even though they are a set of symbols that seem to speak to most people of our generation, they are often either apolitical or co-opted for incredibly backwards politics.”

With Harvest’s lyrics and imagery, Kennedy reworks fantasy imagery as a series of totems for the downtrodden, stripping it of its escapist tendencies and retooling it as a rich metaphor for the collective struggle over our shared reality: “Instead of knights in shining armor and dragons, it’s a peasant revolt,” he explains, “I’m all for protest songs, but with this band I’ve found that sometimes your message can reach a greater audience if you imbue it with a certain interactive, almost magical realist element.”

These are not superficial or self-aggrandizing political statements. Rather, Poison Ruin stares into the abyss of present-day life with a sober and empathetic outlook, portraying our cracked reality as a complex and difficult to parse miasma of competing desires.

Philadelphia’s Poison Ruin first emerged in April of 2020 with their eponymous EP, which was followed shortly by a second eponymous EP the following February, both self-released. While they share a certain affinity for rough-around-the-edges, lo-fidelity stones with their compatriots Devil Master and Sheer Mag, Poison Ruin wants things bleaker. The up-tempo guitar heroics of their first two EPs (which were collectively released as a S/T LP in February of 2021) have been dragged through the trenches, emerging as a heavy morass of breathless gloom. With Harvest, Poison Ruin have constructed a richly chilling fable out of modern living. Their tale is as lurid as it is seductive, as much a promising fantasy as it is a dreary portrait of reality itself.

Poison Ruin’s Relapse debut, Harvest was mastered by Arthur Rizk. It sees its release on April 14 alongside the reissue of their eponymous 2021 LP which has established the band as one of punk and the underground’s newest beloved treasures. Poison Ruin will tour extensively this year. They’re currently touring across the Southwest and hit SXSW next week, plus NYC and a hometown PHL release show. In April they head overseas for a full EU / UK run including a performance at Roadburn. See below for a full list of dates.

Pre-Save / Playlist Harvest on Digital Platforms Here
Pre-Order Harvest on Vinyl / CD Here
Pre-Order S/T on Vinyl / CD Here

Keep your mind open.

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[Thanks to Bailey at Another Side!]