Nico Vega Release New EP and Video

Nico Vega released their new EP Fury Oh Fury earlier this week.  The record gives us what we love about and have come to expect from Nico Vega, tight musicianship, strong vocals and a boatload of passion.  The title track, "Fury Oh Fury" is my "repeat" song...you know the song that you play at least a dozen times in a row because you just can't make yourself let it go.  One of my all time favorites and I know a lot of other peoples as well, "Beast", from their debut full-length is also on the EP.  It's one of those songs that kicks you in the gut and takes your breath away...and if you've seen them perform it live then you've probably been swept up in the tribal beat and fierce energy that comes with it. Check out the video for "Beast" below.  The clip was directed by their very own Dan Epand.    

The Lumineers To Play Newport Folk Festival

The folks at the Newport Folk Festival, which takes place July 26 - 28, have decided to use the trickle method to announce this year's artists. Yesterday, they announced The Lumineers will be among the line-up ... we're looking forward to that. They'll take the stage at Fort Adams State Park in Newport, RI on Sunday, July 28. I suggest you grab your tickets quick as the festival is well on its way to selling out!

The line-up so far...

• The Lumineers
• Houndmouth
• The Last Bison
• Andrew Bird
• Shovels and Rope
• The Lone Bellow

Hank & Cupcakes Announce Tour

Hank & Cupcakes announced their Winter/Spring 2013 Tour.  The tour kicks off in New York next Tuesday, February 12 at Pianos.  Doors are at 7PM, it'll cost you $8 with the whole 21+ stipulation.  They will be over in Brooklyn on Wednesday, April 3 at Brooklyn Bowl.  It all happens at 8PM / Doors 6PM.  It'll cost you $8 and is also 21+.  Their shows are super fun (but you already know that, right?) so, I highly recommend going to one or both shows.




Hank & Cupcakes Winter-Spring 2013 Tour Dates:
2/12: Pianos - New York, NY
2/14: The Rattler - Pittston, PA
2/15: Milkboy - Philadelphia, PA (w/ Lucius)
2/16: Jewish Mother - Virginia Beach, VA
2/18: Local 506 - Chapel Hill, NC
2/20: The Blind Tiger - Greensboro, NC
2/21: The Earl - Atlanta, GA
2/22: Little Kings - Athens, GA (w/ Moths + Ruby)
2/23: New Brookland Tavern - Columbia, SC
2/24: Radio Room - Greenville, SC
2/26: The Sparrow - Charleston, SC
2/27: Jack Rabbits Live - Jacksonville, FL
2/28: Will's Pub - Orlando, FL
3/01: Bardot - Miami, FL
3/02: Czar - Tampa, FL
3/03: Shamrock Pub - Sarasota, FL
3/05: The End - Nashville, TN
3/06: The Nick - Birmingham, AL
3/07: 1884 Lounge (at Minglewood Hall) - Memphis, TN
3/09: Chelsea's Cafe - Baton Rouge, LA
3/11: Super Happy Fun Land - Houston, TX (w/ Midnight Spin & Cold Fronts)
3/12: The 502 - San Antonio, TX
3/13: SXSW - Austin, TX
3/14: SXSW - Austin, TX
3/15: SXSW - Austin, TX
- BMG Showcase at Blackhearts Bar: 12:30 PM
- Vulcan Army at Wardenclyffe: 3-4 PM
- Belmez Entertainment at Tiniest Bar in Texas: 9 PM
3/16: SXSW - Austin, TX
3/18: The recordBar - Kansas City, MO (w/ Darwin Deez & Caged Animals)
3/21: Melody Inn - Indianapolis, IN
3/22: Double Door - Chicago, IL
3/23: Czar's 505 - St. Joseph, MI
3/24: The Loft - Lansing, MI
3/26: Beachland Tavern: Cleveland, OH
3/27: Howlers - Pittsburgh, PA
3/28: DBGB's - Buffalo, NY
3/29: Bug Jar - Rochester, NY
3/30: Hotel Utica Ballroom - Utica, NY
4/02: The Middle East Upstairs - Boston, MA
4/03: Brooklyn Bowl - New York, NY
4/05: The Bog - Scranton, PA
4/06: HMAC - Harrisburg, PA

Upcoming: New Album & Video From Ivan & Alyosha + Gig Alert

Ivan & Alyosha will release their debut album, All The Times We Had, on February 26 via Missing Piece/Dualtone Music Group.  The Seattle based band have released a video for the track "Running For Cover" which was directed by Christian Hansen.  Check out the clip at the bottom of the post.




GIG ALERT!  The band will make a stop in New York on April 18 at Santos Party House.  Also on the bill, The Lone Bellow.  All of the details are below.

Ivan & Alyosha
with The Lone Bellow
April 18
Santos Party House (upstairs)
Doors @ 7 PM
16+Tickets: $10 ADV/$12 DOS

When Ivan & Alyosha's All The Times We Had is released on February 26th via Missing Piece/Dualtone Music Group it will be a rewarding high point in the Seattle four-piece's long journey so far as a band. They kick off the month of release with the Christian Hansen directed music video for their song "Running For Cover." Hear the album in full starting February 11th when All The Times We Had is featured on NPR's First Listen.

Polly Scattergood Unveils "Wanderlust"

Polly Scattergood has unveiled "Wanderlust" a track from her upcoming studio album Arrows which is scheduled for release this summer via Mute.  "Wanderlust" will be digitally available on April 1 with remixes from Charlie XCX and How To Dress Well.

Written during time spent in Berlin and Norfolk, this new track combines Scattergood’s trademark mix of storytelling and soul-searching; but also looks outwards and heavenwards, spinning sonic playfulness around while stretching for new skylines.

The National Rifle Release New Video

Today we have for you "Coke Beat" from The National Rifle. It's the first clip from their new album Almost Endless. The video directed by Brian Carroll.  I dig the macro imagery, well except for the eyes ... I don't like close-up eye images; they're creepy.  Check out the clip below and enjoy.

The band's fixation on macro photography and a focus on the creepy crawlies create a frenetic and captivating video for their first single "Coke Beat".  Keyboardist Lynna explains the video, “Overall I think the concept is seeing things for what the truly are. Although I particularly like how the eyes kind of ‘freak out’ throughout the video because, to me, it represents how we are not always prepared for what we may find out.”

The National Rifle - Coke Beat (Official Video) from The National RIfle on Vimeo.

Upcoming: Junip To Release New Album in April

Sweden based  Junip will release a new self-titled album on April 23.  The band,  Elias Araya (drums), José González (guitar, vocals), and Tobias Winterkorn (organ, moog) released the first single, "Line of Fire", from their sophomore effort last week.  Check it out at the bottom of the post.

Returning to their rehearsal space in Gothenberg, Sweden (where they recorded their 2010 debut release, Fields) the trio once again engaged the assistance of producer Don Alsterberg.  It was an easy decision to self-title the second chapter in their collective story as José states, “All the ups and downs were very ‘Junip,’ so titling it with our name seemed appropriately iconic. It’s truly a band album.”

Junip expands the band’s stylistic palette with unexpected juxtapositions. “We’re somewhere between a German jazz band and an African pop band,” González cracks.

Track Listing:

• Line of Fire
• Suddenly
• So Clear
• Your Life Your Call
• Villain
• Walking Lightly
• Head First
• Baton
• Beginnings
• After All is Said and Done

Junip - Line Of Fire by JUNIP

Upcoming: Oh Land at Rockwood Music Hall on 2/19 and 2/25

Oh Land will be doing two shows this month at Rockwood Music Hall, Stage 2.  The dates are Tuesday, February 19 and Monday, February 25.  It will cost you $10 per show.  Check out the details below. It's sure to be a treat to see her in such an intimate venue.

 


Tuesday, February 19, 2013 
Doors: 6:30 PM
Rockwood Music Hall Stage 2
196 Allen Street
New York City, NY
212.477.4155
Doors: 9:30 PM
Tickets $10
21 and Over


Monday, February 25, 2013 
Rockwood Music Hall Stage 2
196 Allen Street
New York City, NY
212.477.4155
Doors: 9:30 PM
Tickets $10
21 and Over

TONIGHT: Lazyeyes at Glasslands

New York, kick off your February by heading over to Glasslands Gallery TONIGHT, February 1 to help Lazyeyes celebrate their self-titled four song debut EP.  Doors are at 8:30PM and it will cost you $10.  Hop on over to Brooklyn and enjoy yourselves...providing you're 21 and over.  And, to whet your appetite, check out the video for "Wait" below.  You can show them some love by grabbing yourself a copy of Lazyeyes, the EP, HERE.

Don’t let the name Lazyeyes fool you - this young project is keenly aware of its contemporary music landscape. Of course it doesn’t hurt to be immersed in the notoriously fertile Brooklyn DIY scene where, committing to the band in the summer of 2012, Lazyeyes has grown tremendously in a little over six months. Playing shows around town with the likes of Oberhofer, Total Slacker and Generationals, the project is beginning to make waves at home and abroad.

Lazyeyes (Record Release Party!)
CHAPPO, DJ Ramesh (Formerly of Voxtrot), Visuals by Eric Barry Drasin
Friday February 1
Glasslands Gallery
289 Kent Avenue
Brooklyn, NY
8:30 PM – 11:30 PM
Doors: 8:30 PM
21 and over
$10

Track Listing:

• Nostalgia
• Forever
• Wait
• Daydream

Upcoming: Bilal CD Release Party at Highline Ballroom on 2/12

This is happening...

BILAL
"A Love Surreal" CD Release
Produced By Jill Newman Productions
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Highline Ballroom
431 W.16 Street, NYC
(212) 414-5994
Showtime @ 9:00 PM
Doors open @ 7:00 PM
Tickets $25 in advance, $30 day of show