Airlift “Policy” E.P. (airliftnyc.bandcamp.com)
New York City’s Airlift deliver a pair of melodic, heartfelt songs that feature rich guitars, powerful vocals and a top notch rhythm section that keep things moving well. “Policy Of Containment” is a driving number that incorporates a straight forward rock sound with twisted atmospherics and an underlying element of mystery while “Like A Borderline” is faster paced and channels more of a late 80’s/early 90’s college rock approach that comes off like a cross between Dramarama and Seaweed. It’s climbing, octave style guitar playing and inspiring vocal delivery give it an undeniable appeal. A refreshing blast of epic rock n roll from beginning to end.
Bash & Pop “On The Rocks” Single (Fat Possum Records) (tommmystinson.com)
So if you haven’t heard Tommy Stinson has reformed Bash & Pop and the band will release a brand new album called “Anything Could Happen” in January, their first since 1992’s “Friday Night Is Killing Me”. Lead single “On The Rocks” is a gritty, swagger filled number that see’s the former Replacements bassist returning to lead vocal and guitar duties in fine form. The track is full of the kind of charming hooks and catchy vocal melodies you’d expect from Stinson and really showcases how much of an incredible songwriter he truly is. A much welcomed blast of no frills rock n roll.
Hope Sandoval & The Warm Inventions “Let Me Get There” Single featuring Kurt Vile (hopesandoval.com)
The second single from the new Hope Sandoval & The Warm Inventions album “Until The Hunter” is a duet with indie darling Kurt Vile. It’s breezy laid back feel showcases Sandoval’s delicate trademark voice and Vile’s stoic drawl over a backdrop of punchy guitars that remind me of something from one of Paul McCartney’s 70’s solo records. There’s also the undeniable country feel that always seems to find it’s way into Sandoval’s music that I just can’t get enough of. So wonderful to see her making more and more music in recent years. A remarkable effort indeed.
Iggy Pop “Post Pop Depression: Live At The Royal Albert Hall” LP/DVD (iggypop.com)
Iggy Pop takes his Post Pop Depression Tour to The Royal ALbert Hall and delivers a performance for the ages that’s captured on this live LP/DVD. Backed by Josh Homme and Dean Fertita of Queens Of The Stone Age and Dean Fertita of Arctic Monkeys Iggy blasts through unforgettable renditions of “Lust For Life”, “The Passenger”,”Sister Midnight” and “China Girl”. My personal favorites are the raunchy romp of “Sixteen” and primal energy of “Tonight” as the combination of grit and swagger that flows throughout those tracks is absolutely crushing. At 69 years old Iggy is still as phenomenal as ever and this performance will show you why.
Jared Mancuso “Roll Over” Single (www.jaredmancusomusic.com)
The first thing that strikes me about Jared Mancuso’s music is the amount of fun he seems to be having while making it. “Roll Over” the first single from his new album “Superdope” is a bouncy rock n roll track highlighted by Mancuso’s straight forward vocal delivery and energetic guitar riffs. The track also makes great use of a violin which creates a nice dynamic alongside the bass and drums. Add in this hilariously executed Halloween themed video and you have all the key ingredients for an underground classic. The “Superdope” album release show takes place on Thursday November 17th at Bowery Electric in New York City with special guests Venture, TBC and Davide Moscato.
Sorry Escalator S/T Cassette E.P. (sorryescalator.bandcamp.com)
An impressive debut from this U.K. based band that follows in the footsteps of Teenage Fan Club, My Bloody Valentine and Loop. Opener “Another Shade Of Blue” is full of powerful fuzz driven guitar tones and wavering riffs that create a wash of hypnotic sounds while “Dionysus” is a cleverly written gem full of energetic hooks and powerful choruses. The controlled chaos of “Sissy Spacek” is highlighted by one of the most menacing guitar performances you will hear anywhere, as the shrill reverb drenched sounds offer a blast of sonic mayhem that’s simply unstoppable. Things wind down with the sludgy, dirge like flow of “(Remit) Like I Do” which moves like a tidal wave of shoegaze bliss. Looking forward to hearing what these promising upstarts come up with next.
