With a huge output of great records and songs this year, there were a ton of contenders for this year’s best albums. So many of pop’s biggest names either took a gap year to tour last year’s records (Taylor Swift, Lorde), take time to build hype (Carly Rae Jespsen, Adele), or indulge in passion-projects (Beyonce, Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar), this year has been an open opportunity for a number of smaller acts and newcomers to make a big splash, and there’s been a ton. Continue reading
Despite 2015’s Shame being a powerful debut filled with pounding hits (“Tommy”) and emotive ballads (“Heaven”), it didn’t really deliver nearly as much as one would hope a debut would. Kiley Lotz, Petal’s songwriter, vocalist, and guitarist, revealed in a recent piece for Out that this would be the first album where she has songs about her sexuality. Magic Gone sees Lotz jumping over any hurdles that Shame couldn’t completely clear. The songs are fearless and well-crafted on Magic Gone. Lotz retains the charm of her first album, but she holds nothing back here. Continue reading
It’s almost not fair that one record label can have so many great bands. Run For Cover Records has one of the strongest rosters in the indie-rock world now. Just about every band that put out a record on RFC ended up becoming one of the must-hear artists of the year. To name a few, Nothing, Crying, Pinerove and Modern Baseball each put out highlight albums this year, and on December 14th, they were all in the same building. In addition to this year’s big names, Petal, Alex G, and mewithoutYou all had hit records last year. When they announced a one-day festival that’s only their artists, it’s hard to turn down a ticket. The inaugural Something in the Way fest was truly a special evening for the label and its fans. Continue reading
The Scranton punk band have shared another music video from 2015’s Shame.
Following Trump’s election, various artists are calling for help to make their shows safe spaces. Kevin Devine has called to help anyone who may feel unsafe to contact the God Damn Band, Petal, Julien Baker, Pinegrove or himself. Mitski posted a similar message on Instagram: Continue reading
The stripped down song fits well in Brand New’s set. Brand New are still on their tour with The Front Bottoms and Modern Baseball. Baker just set out on tour with Kevin Devine, Petal and Pinegrove.
Kevin Devine & the Goddamn Band have announced a fall tour with Julien Baker, Pinegrove, and Petal. Kevin Devine’s 9th LP, also titled Instigator, is due out soon, hopefully in time for this stacked tour lineup. Baker, Pinegrove, and Petal all released excellent albums last year. Detailed tour dates can be found on Devine’s official website.
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