New Track Rundown

Returning readers (I’ve been told there are a few of you), you’ll notice that Stereo Typing has been given a much needed facelift. What better way to celebrate than to post another new track rundown? There were a lot of big names to release free tracks over the last month or so (Feist, Okkervil River, Girls) and although they are all excellent, Future Islands has me the most excited. It’s been a little over a year since they gave the world In Evening Air, one of Stereo Typing’s favorites of 2010, but they are already geared to release On the Water to their adoring fans on October 11. Another amazing Richard Swift song was released along with news of a new EP, Walt Wolfman, which is set to strike awaiting eardrums on October 18. Among the aforementioned songs are a slew of new tracks that have been spinning endlessly on my playlist. There are plenty of artists that people are not acquainted with, so familiarize yourself and enjoy!

Japandroids Spark Fire at The Middle East

In my opinion, Japandroids and Bass Drum of Death is an unbeatable combination of garage rock prowess. Knowing this, I really had no excuse for not getting a ticket in advance to their show at The Middle East yesterday. It was the day of the show and I was scrambling to find a ticket. Thankfully, they released some in the afternoon and I hopped on the opportunity to get one. Japandroids’ previous shows in Boston were among the more memorable I have seen and I was not about to miss this one.

JEFF the Brotherhood Shred and Rip at Great Scott

I saw JEFF the Brotherhood open for Fucked Up earlier this year. After witnessing their dynamic performance, there was no way that I would miss the band if they came around again. I had the chance to catch their live show at Great Scott on September 4th and did not forgo the opportunity. After unsuccessfully trying to convince my friends that they needed to see the band live, I made my way over to the venue. It was the night before Labor Day and people were ready to get down. This was one of the wildest shows I had seen at Great Scott in some time. Maybe it was the perfect storm of the holiday and students returning to Boston, but whatever it was, it made for a great time.

Pile Gives Another Explosive Performance

September 1st is a nightmare in Boston. It is moving day and thousands of students flood the streets with U-Hauls. At once, the population of Boston seems to double and everyone appears in your way. After a few years in the city, it becomes tiresome. Naturally, you want something to take your mind off the chaos and I found a perfect solution in the show I saw at Great Scott presented by Exploding in Sound. Moving day is also known as Allston Christmas around here due to the abundance of free, albeit bedbug ridden, furniture and other goodies. It certainly felt like we were getting a Christmas present at Great Scott with the array of amazing and diverse bands.

Conveyor Bring a Ray of Sunshine to McGann's

In my Mid-Year Report, I mentioned that Conveyor’s debut effort, Sun Ray, is my favorite EP so far in 2011. The young band finally made their way out onto the road and I was excited to be able to catch them at McGann’s Pub in Boston on August 26. I had not previously been to the venue but the space seemed like a great place for the show and the staff was friendly which always adds to the experience. Conveyor sat curiously amongst a lineup of post-rock/emo bands but they were still ready to deliver a captivating show.

Young Adults Make An Impression at Great Scott

I’ve been meaning to write a review for the incredible line-up I saw on August 20 at Great Scott. On that Saturday, I spent a good portion of my night watching a who’s who of up-and-coming bands. The lineup consisted of Shores (Grand Rapids), Quilty (Brooklyn), Creepoid (Philadelphia), and Young Adults (Boston). Each band had their own unique style and presentation and did not hold back as the performances got better and better.

New Track Rundown

Next Tuesday marks the release of the much anticipated album, Tripper, from math rock titans Hella. In celebration, give their track “Yubacore” a spin below alongside many other tunes that have captured my interest in this week’s new track rundown. Two of my favorite modern songwriters, Jens Lekman and Richard Swift, have teased fans with new material and they are both still on top of their game. I hadn’t heard much from Gauntlet Hair but their single “Top Bunk” is very impressive with its reverb-drenched breezy sound and has me anxiously awaiting their self-titled debut. One of the best band name changes in history, Born Gold used to be known as Gobble Gobble and although they sport a different moniker, the electropop band still retains the feel-good, party-ready sound that fans have come to love. We also have the pleasure of hearing the first track from the obviously awesome collaboration between Doom and Ghostface Killah under the name Doomstarks. To round things out is an amazing remix of one of the year’s best singles (SBTRKT – “Wildfire”) featuring the unstoppable hip-hop duo Shabazz Palaces and another new track from Zammuto (Nick Zammuto of The Books).

Must Hear: Alabama Shakes

Alabama Shakes (formally The Shakes) play a rare breed of music that can instantly move you. They take the soul revivalist movement to the next level showing that have their ears deep in the roots of genuine blues and the most sincere soul. This is the sound of raw emotion being projected from your stereo. The swampy guitars and heartwrenching vocals of Brittany Howard are the driving force of the group. The easiest comparison would be to Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings but the band definitely stand out with their own panache. If you are a fan of classic R&B and soul, the five tracks below are going to have you absolutely melting. The pure unadulterated talent kind of makes you feel silly for listening to most other modern music.

The Demise of Doomstar!

Last week, Doomstar! quietly played their last show ever much to my dismay. One of Boston’s most explosive and energetic live bands, Doomstar! will be missed and I am saddened by the fact that I will never get to see them live again. I still can’t listen to their song “Lily Face” without picturing the band freaking out during the bridge. They have released some of my favorite music in recent memory and have put on several very memorable shows I have attended. With that said, I'm glad the band called it quits when they felt it necessary instead of going through the motions and letting the music go stale. I look forward to hearing future efforts by members of the group. The band has left us with a video of "Sea Gull" performed during their last show at the Middlesex Lounge via The Boston Phoenix. Watch the video below and stream Rainbow Bloodsucker, one of last year's best releases.

Gross Magic - Teen Jamz

Teen Jamz is the debut EP from 90s revivalist Sam McGarrigle who records under the moniker Gross Magic. Gross Magic has been a frequent addition to my new track rundown segments due to the unique mixture of 90s influences the band successfully employs. Start with a dose of lo-fi singer/songwriter, add a dash of Beck, sprinkle in some grungy riffs, and you have Gross Magic. Listen to the five catchy and unique tracks that comprise Teen Jamz below.