Month: January 2020

ThunderStars release “Not That Far” from upcoming EP.

Austin shoegaze trio ThunderStars share a new single from their forthcoming album, Number Stations today via Treble Zine. Hear and share “Not That Far” HERE. (Direct Bandcamp.)

Echoes & Dust previously hosted lead track “Ride” HERE. (Direct Bandcamp.)

ThunderStars is a shoegaze/dreampop band from Austin TX. Formed in the fall of 2018, it marks the return to music of longtime Margot & the Nuclear So and Sos multi-instrumentalist, Erik Kang (guitar, lead vocals). The 3-piece solidified when Sven Bjorkman (drums), posted a random thought about creating a band to use the name ThunderStars, which was coined by his toddler daughter during a stress-fueled trip to the hospital.  


This art-out-of-chaos theme has hung over the band since its inception. After their second live show, their bassist, Omar Richardson, was assaulted by a vagrant outside the venue, which resulted in a concussion and subsequent trip to the ER. This incident was covered extensively in Austin news, which raised the band’s profile unexpectedly. ThunderStars demos also were well received publicly, and the band subsequently received considerable radio and podcast plays, as well as show bookings with many touring acts. 


Number Stations will be available on January 10th, 2020 on LP and digital on Mariel Recording Company. Pre-orders are available HERE. 

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Blackwater Holylight announces March U.S. west coast tour.

“This quartet has been burning up stages all around their hometown, fueled by their abrasive blend of doom metal, psych rock, goth and a tangy soupçon of pop music… They landed a spot on the 2018 Best New Band poll in alt-weekly Willamette Week, but could quickly take over the world.” — Paste Magazine
“They mesh elements of doom, Krautrock and atmospheric indie into one bewitching rock whole.” –Classic Rock Magazine
“A greasy, sun-baked rock jam calling back to the genre’s classic days while showcasing a heavy doom edge that gives it a modern spin.” 6 Best New Songs Right Now — Revolver Magazine

Portland, OR quintet Blackwater Holylight announce March 2020 headlining tour dates today, while also releasing a new video. The clip is a dramatic art short film set to the song “Jizz Witch” from the band’s 2018 self-titled debut album. Watch/share the video via YouTube HERE. Please see current tour dates below. 
Blackwater Holylight released their acclaimed sophomore album Veils of Winter (RidingEasy Records) in October 2019. Hear/share Veils of Winter: YouTube, Bandcamp, Spotify. 

Keep your mind open.

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WSND set list for January 06-07, 2020

Thanks to all who listened to what might have been my final set of the winter. I’m not sure I’ll be on again until May, but I’ll keep you posted. Here’s the set list:

Deep Dive of the Clash

  1. The Clash – Rock the Casbah
  2. The 101’ers – Keys to Your Heart
  3. The London SS – Sell Out
  4. Sex Pistols – Holiday in the Sun
  5. 999 – Emergency
  6. The Ramones – Sheena Is a Punk Rocker
  7. Buzzcocks – What Do I Get?
  8. Public Image Ltd. – Death Disco
  9. Subway Sect – Ambition
  10. The Clash – White Riot
  11. Junior Murvin – Police and Thieves
  12. The Clash – Janie Jones
  13. The Clash – I’m So Bored with the USA
  14. The Clash – What’s My Name
  15. The Clash – London’s Burning
  16. Lee Perry – The Upsetter
  17. The Clash – Complete Control
  18. Blue Oyster Cult – Godzilla
  19. The Clash – Tommy Gun
  20. The Clash – Julie’s in the Drug Squad
  21. Traffic – Dear Mr. Fantasy
  22. The Clash – London Calling
  23. The Clash – The Guns of Brixton
  24. The Clash – Police on My Back
  25. The Clash – Washington Bullets
  26. The Clash – Should I Stay or Should I Go
  27. The Clash – This Is England
  28. Big Audio Dynamite – E = MC2
  29. Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros – Johnny Appleseed

Nocturne

  1. Garbage – Supervixen
  2. Arc Angels – Living in a Dream (request)
  3. Thievery Corporation – Air Batcuda
  4. Ceu – Arrastarte-Ei
  5. Mexico City Blondes – Planet Caravan
  6. Crystales – Agrias
  7. The Black Keys – Psychotic Girl
  8. Battle for the Planet of the Apes radio ad
  9. The Postal Service – Such Great Heights
  10. Palm Daze – Angles Pt. 1
  11. Temples – Move with the Season
  12. Kula Shaker – Raggy One (Waiting for Tomorrow)
  13. Social Distortion – Drug Train
  14. Bauhaus – Telegram Sam
  15. New Bomb Turks – Grounded Ex-Patriot
  16. Ben Harper – Ground on Down (live)
  17. Neil Young – Powderfinger (request)
  18. Love at First Bite radio ad
  19. Morphine – All Your Way
  20. Zola Jesus – Stridulum
  21. Greg “The Hammer” Valentine WWF entrance music theme
  22. Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock – It Takes Two
  23. King Khan and the Shrines – Torture
  24. Blood Fiend radio ad
  25. Honey – Wage Aggression
  26. The Guess Who – Shakin’ All Over (request)
  27. Ron Gallo – Can’t Stand You
  28. Oysterhead – Owner of the World
  29. Gary Wilson – She’s the Girl from Mars
  30. Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings – Fish in the Dish
  31. Charlie Parker – Anthropology

Keep your mind open.

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Review: Screaming Females – Singles Too

Covering the earliest years of Screaming Females‘ career of singles recorded in ramshackle studios in New Jersey to remixes of hit singles made in high-end studios in Los Angeles, Singles Too is a great collection of rare cuts, B-sides, digital releases, remixes, and cover tunes from the punk power trio.

The first two tracks, “Arm Over Arm” and “Zoo of Death” (and why isn’t that the title of a Poverty Row thriller from the 1930’s starring George Zucco?), are some of the earliest ones ever made by Screaming Females. You can hear the early evidence of future epic shredding from singer / guitarist Marissa Paternoster, just nineteen-years-old at the time, getting all she can out of the studio time. “No Being Disgusting” is saw raw that it’s almost like wrecking on your skateboard and into a pile of gravel (and I mean that in the best possible way).

“Pretty Okay” brings Mike Abbate‘s bass to the forefront as he pummels you with sheer power. “I dig on calculus,” Paternoster sings at the beginning of “I Do” – a song about doing out of the ordinary stuff to get the attention of a crush. The song is more power-grunge than math rock, however, as evidenced by Paternoster’s Bob Mould-influenced solo. The song devolves into sludgy, warped that wouldn’t be out of place on a doom metal album. “Ancient Civilization” is where the album starts to turn toward higher production and sharper sound, but no less fuzz and power. Abbate’s thick bass grooves return on “Let Me In,” and drummer Jarrett Dougherty sounds like he’s somehow juggling toms and playing them at the same time.

Paternoster’s screaming vocals on the chorus of “Skeleton” are, as I read on a YouTube comment about one of Screaming Females’ live shows, “punk as fuck.” The acoustic demo of “Hopeless” (one of their most popular tracks) is lovely. I can’t describe it better than that. “Take It Back” is more solid punk and the remix of “End of My Bloodline” brings in some of Dougherty’s beloved hip-hop beats and some slick rapping in place of Paternoster’s vocals. Dougherty lays down a wicked beat on “Cortez the Killer” – the band’s sizzling cover of the Neil Young classic.

Their cover of Sheryl Crow‘s “If It Makes You Happy” is a welcome addition to the album, as it’s been a popular tune at their live shows for years (plus, it rocks hard). There’s a quick cover of Guided By Voices‘ “A Good Flying Bird,” and then a fun, bass-heavy cover of Taylor Swift‘s “Shake It Off.” The album closes with a lovely cover of Eurythmics‘ “No More I Love You’s.”

This is an great collection and essential if you’re a Screaming Females fan.

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Review: Rogue Satellites – Baby I’m Jeff

Detroit’s Rogue Satellites (Lisa Poszywak and Jaye Thomas) have been making fuzzy psych / shoegaze since 2012 and their newest EP, Baby I’m Jeff, takes on a 1990’s grunge edge to their sound normally steeped in stuff from the 1960’s through the 1980’s.

The EP starts with the heavy, chugging “Mercury in Retrograde.” In case you weren’t aware, a lot of astrologers and people who take astrology at least semi-seriously believe that the recent retrograde passing of Mercury in our solar system is responsible for a lot of bad vibes, anger, and suffering that occurred in 2019. Poszywak’s vocals and lyrics express how ready she, and all of us, are ready to be over 2019 and all the negative energy it carried with it.

“I can see the future, you’re still acting like you care,” Thomas sings on “I Can See the Future” – a track about a doomed relationship that sounds like an early Failure track with it’s screeching guitars, echoing vocals, and synth stabs. “Son of an Atom Bomb” reminds us that they haven’t kept all their psychedelic influences off the EP. The raw bass, guitar distortion, and simple yet hard beats are bliss for neo-psychedelia fans like yours truly.

“Autopilot Says Yes” slows things down (but doesn’t skip on the sludge) with a song about going along for the ride with someone who might not be the best person to hang out with, but you’re willing to take the risk for some fun. The closing title track is an acoustic cut of what sounds like a love song, but is actually a plea to a woman from the point of view of an abusive dickweed.

It’s a fun EP that makes you want to hear more of their work, as any good EP should do.

Keep your mind open.

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Coachella announces 2020 lineup.

The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival has announced its lineup for the two April weekends (10-12th, 17-19th) this year. As expected, it’s a weird mix that already has some people praising it and others deriding it.

If you ask me, the Friday dates are the best bang for your buck. Rage Against the Machine, Calvin Harris, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, IDLES, Peggy Gou, Amyl and the Sniffers, Sleaford Mods, and Friendly Fires on one bill are worth the price of admission.

As for the Saturday dates, Thom Yorke and Caribou would be great to see, sure, but the announcement that was blowing up Twitter was that Danny Elfman would be playing there. No one yet knows if he’s bringing an orchestra to perform tunes from his many film scores, Oingo Boingo tunes, or a combination of both. Either way, it’s tempting to fly to California just to see his set. Fatboy Slim will put on a fun set on Sunday nights, I’m sure, but the rest of that lineup doesn’t thrill me.

Get your tickets while you can. The first weekend is already sold out.

Keep your mind open.

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Review: Tuto Hallgrim – Do It Yourself

Brazilian multi-instrumentalist Tuto Hallgrim is known in his home country for his jazz work and traditional Brazilian music, but he’s always had a love of thrash metal. His new record, Do It Yourself, is a return to this love and is full of instrumental wildfires.

“Rebellion Thrash” lets you know right away that this isn’t a jazz or bossa nova record. It’s like a lit fuse racing toward a can of gasoline. “Metal Influences” brings in some Iron Maiden touches, and Hallgrim has expressed his love of the band, as well as Metallica, Black Sabbath, and other metal giants. “Nightmares” reminds me of some of Primus‘ heavier cuts and has some of Hallgrim’s best shredding on the record. It makes you stop in your tracks.

“Living in the 80’s” is a pretty good title for an instrumental cut that sounds like it could fit on just about any 1980’s hair metal record. “Devastation Storm” is another good title, because the track is like a hailstorm smashing everything in its path. “A Traveler’s Journey” starts with some funky bass (also played by Hallgrim, who also did all the drum programming) and then rolls into a bit of a stoner metal jam. “Drakkar” is a quick hair metal riff that’s a warm-up for “Strong Emotions” – a raging fire with more jaw-dropping guitar work from Hallgrim.

“Confusion Worse Confounded” is prog-rock jamming at its best. The album ends with “Vulture” – a wild, frenetic jam that swoops down on you like the titular creature and carries you off to a rocky, thunderstruck crag.

Do It Yourself is a wild record. You’d do yourself a favor if you’re a metal fan by hearing it.

Keep your mind open.

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Top 30 albums of 2019: #’s 5 – 1

Here we are at the top of the list of the best things I heard and reviewed in 2019.

#5 – The Well – Death and Consolation

Good grief, this album crushes. It’s my favorite stoner / doom metal album of the year. It doesn’t just wallop you with it’s heaviness though, the grooves on it are top-notch and the Well keep a raw edge to it that’s difficult for lesser bands to match.

#4 – Mdou Moctar – Ilana (The Creator)

A beautiful record of Tuareg rock from a guy who, in his spare time when he’s not shredding a handmade guitar, builds schools in Algeria. The album is a spiritual journey and a showcase for Moctar’s amazing guitar work.

#3 – Here Lies Man – No Ground to Walk Upon

These guys make the funkiest psych-doom you’ve heard. Playing psych-doom through African rhythms and jazz flourishes, HLM’s newest explore impermanence, transcendence, and the power of nature.

#2 – Priests – The Seduction of Kansas

If you’re going out, go out on a high note. Priests, who have announced an amicable breakup for the time being, did just that with the excellent album The Seduction of Kansas – a post-punk gem that tackles modern politics, toxic masculinity, bullying, sex, and, of course, rock and roll. This was my #1 album for most of the year until along came an album that should’ve have been good at all…

#1 – Föllakzoid – I

I just realized that my #1 album of the year is called I. This record should not have worked. Föllakzoid’s three members each recorded their own parts (guitars and vocals, synths, drums) separately and then gave all the elements to their producer – who had heard none of them before – and more or less told him, “Make a record out of this.” He did, and the result is an amazing synthwave record that’s like the score to an unreleased Phillip K. Dick film adaptation. I described this process to my wife, who then asked, “So whose album is it?” Is it Föllakzoid’s? The producers? Both? Neither? The band has said they consider it a communal experience for everyone involved and the listener. In these times of fractionated politics and drawing lines in the sand, we need more albums like that.

There you have it. Onto 2020!

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Top 30 albums of 2019: #’s 10 – 6

We’ve reached the top 10 folks!

#10 – Jake Xerxes Fussell – Out of Sight

Jake Fussell sings sea shanties, songs about death, and forgotten ballads and does them with such warm and honesty that every album feels like he’s playing it live in your living room.

#9 – Claude Fontaine – self-titled

Half-dub, half-bossa nova, all good. Claude Fontaine‘s lovely voice blends so well with her powerhouse backing band of seasoned session musicians that this album sounds like she’s been putting out records for years.

#8 – L’Epee – Diabolique

L’Epee’s Diabolique is not only one of the best psychedelic rock albums of the year, it’s also one of the best debut albums of the year. The arrangements drift over your like incense smoke and send you back in time to 1967.

#7 – Thee Oh Sees – Face Stabber

This double album from Thee Oh Sees pushed up the double-drumming percussion and added jazz elements to create a wild record that sounds like a long lost Frank Zappa record, but with more allusions to creepy people in shadows possibly manipulating us without our knowledge. Plus, one entire side of this double album is the incredible “Henchlock.”

#6 – Moon Duo – Stars Are the Light

If you can mix psychedelia with jazz, why not mix it with disco? That’s just Moon Duo did on Stars Are the Light – an ultra-cool record that should be the soundtrack for every chill lounge in outer space.

Who makes the top 5? Come back later today to find out!

Keep your mind open.

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WSND set list for December 30-31, 2019

Thanks to all who listened to my show last night. I wasn’t feeling 100% and there were some technical difficulties, but I got through it.

Here’s what I played:

Deep Dive of Ray Charles

  1. Ray Charles – What’d I Say Parts 1 and 2
  2. Lucky Millinder – Are You Ready
  3. Charles Brantley and His Original Honeydrippers – Beggin’ Blues
  4. Nat King Cole – Straighten Up and Fly Right
  5. Ray Charles – I’m Wondering and Wondering
  6. Quincy Jones – Soul Bossa Nova
  7. The Maxin Trio – Confession Blues
  8. Dizzy Gillespie – Emanon
  9. Lowell Fulson – Every Day I Have the Blues
  10. Ray Charles – Let Me Hold Your Hand
  11. Ray Charles – Roll with My Baby
  12. Ray Charles – The Midnight Hour
  13. Ray Charles – It Should’ve Been Me
  14. Ray Charles – Mess Around
  15. The Southern Tones – It Must Be Jesus
  16. Ray Charles – I Got a Woman
  17. Ray Charles – This Little Girl of Mine
  18. Milt Jackson – Bags Groove
  19. Hank Snow – I’m Movin’ On
  20. Ray Charles – Let the Good Times Roll
  21. Ray Charles – Lonely Avenue
  22. Ray Charles – Get on the Right Track
  23. Ray Charles – That’s Enough
  24. Ray Charles – I Had a Dream
  25. Ray Charles – One Mint Julep
  26. Ray Charles – Georgia on My Mind
  27. Ray Charles – Hit the Road Jack
  28. Percy Mayfield – Please Send Me Someone to Love
  29. The Blues Brothers and Ray Charles – Shake a Tail Feather
  30. Don Gibson – I Can’t Stop Loving You
  31. Ray Charles – The Sun’s Gonna Shine Again
  32. Ray Charles – Blackjack

Nocturne – Best albums of 2019 show

  1. Vapors of Morphine – Special Rider
  2. Black Midi – bmbmbm
  3. BODEGA – Knife on the Platter
  4. Cosmonauts – Medio Litro
  5. King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard – The Bird Song
  6. Fat White Family – Fringe Runner
  7. Bayonne – Drastic Measures
  8. The Schizophonics – Steeley Eyed Lady
  9. Skull Practitioners – The Beacon
  10. Beehive – 90’s Trash
  11. Blackwater Holylight – The Protector
  12. Khruangbin – Mary Always
  13. Comacozer – Tryptamine
  14. King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard – Mars for the Rich
  15. Chromatics – Whispers in the Hall
  16. Sleater-Kinney – Hurry On Home
  17. Jacques Greene – Do It Without You
  18. Weeping Icon – Like Envy
  19. CHAI – Choose Go!
  20. Ash Walker – Come With Us
  21. Jake Xerxes Fussell – The River St. Johns
  22. Claude Fontaine – Hot Tears
  23. L’Epee – Lou
  24. Thee Oh Sees – Psy-Ops Dispatch
  25. Moon Duo – Flying
  26. The Well – Raven
  27. Mdou Moctar – Kamane Tarhanin
  28. Here Lies Man – Clad in Silver
  29. Priests – The Seduction of Kansas
  30. Follakzoid – I

I’m back on air January 6th at 10pm EST with a two-hour Deep Dive of The Clash followed by two hours of another wild Nocturne mix.

Keep your mind open.

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