The Roundup Is Back!
New releases and Chi show recs for June
You asked, and I delivered. Welcome to the new and condensed Roundup, with music recommendations for all your listening needs. Expect a newsletter on the first Friday of every month.
New music
Spotlight: Bad Vibes OST by SEXFACES.
This DC band is blowing up the DIY circuit with its debut full-length album, which feels like a return to and continued evolution of the city’s punk past.
More releases:
Musical Chairs by Artificial Go — My favorite label, Cincinnati’s Feel It Records (among their releases are side projects from multiple members of The Serfs), put this album as part of a batch of new releases last month. The tracks are lively post-punk numbers with an old-school feel.
Faith by Purelink — I will forgive the ambient three-piece for leaving Chicago as long as they keep putting out albums like this for me to play while I teach yoga.
“Black Sand” (single), Ganser — This is the first single out from the band’s upcoming LP Animal Hospital, out August 29. They’ll play this and others on July 5 at Sleeping Village, where they will be joined by Christy Costello, Iron Years–releasing their album Rituals (review coming next month)–and Dangerous Chairs, with live visuals from vintage video art collective Videowaste.
“Harmony” (single) by Porcelain — This came to me via press release, and it was one of the good ones. Dense drums and fuzzy guitars create a hazy sound somewhere between post-hardcore and shoegaze. One of two singles available now from Harmony / Torch, a 7” the Texas-based band is releasing on July 9.
Toughest Street in Town by M.U.T.T. — M.U.T.T. is what happens when you send punk through a grunge filter. The SF band delivers heavy, mid-tempo hooks with aggressive incision. The music is as fit for moshing as it is for curling up on the floor of your apartment in the fetal position.
More by Pulp — You can definitely tell this is Pulp’s first album in 24 years, as Jarvis Cocker’s vocals are a bit old mannish. The band leans further into the pop side of Brit Pop than they did in the 90s, which doesn’t cater to my taste personally, but I did appreciate the complexity of string instruments and choir vocals they brought into the tracks. In an era of nostalgia/reunion tours, it’s refreshing to hear someone looking forward with their sound rather than backward.
I’ll Be Waving As You Drive Away by Hayden Pedigo
Another of my go-to genres for yoga is instrumental, alternative folk. Hayden Pedigo has graced my playlists mostly via his collaborations with North Americans, and his latest solo album will no doubt serve as the soundtrack for a 30-minute flow in the near future. The guitar-forward release offers intricate acoustic melodies backed by drone-like, subtle electric swells.
Ripped and Torn by Lifeguard
The Chicago three piece’s official debut album does them justice, refining the gloomy aggression that landed them on Matador two years ago. Subdued, melodic moments exist in perfect harmony with freeform pockets of dissonant experimentation. The album cements the group’s transition from wunderkinds into grown up professionals. 100% worth the wait.
Chicago Shows
June 6 at Schuba’s Tavern — Audiotree presents Sunday Cruise (release show) with Modern Nun, Mila La Morena and justJOY (pop punk / indie rock)
June 7 at Sleeping Village — Discus hometown show with Lake J and Josephine, with a Cash’s Kitchen burger pop-up on the patio (mellow indie rock)
June 12 at Empty Bottle — Edging with Bushfire (tour kickoff), Snuffed, and Consensus Madness (punk)
at Cole’s Bar — Crisis Actress with gash and Ira Glass (experimental / prog rock and post-hardcore)
June 13 at Empty Bottle— Cabeza de Chivo (album release) with Conjunto Primitivo and Perro Mundo (tropical psych / neo-cumbia)
June 16 at Subterranean — Planning for Burial with Stander, Latter and Lula Asplund (dark ambient / post-metal / shoegaze)
June 20 & 21 at Empty Bottle — The Spits with Liquids and Vang! (night 1), Man-Eaters (night 2) (punk)
June 23 at Sleeping Village — Industry Night with Deflowered (post-punk / industrial DJ set)
June 25 at Sleeping Village— Kafiza with Helicopter Leaves and Super Rat at Sleeping Village (punk)
June 27 at Sleeping Village — Neggy Gemmy at Sleeping Village with a big supporting act TBA (electronic / pop)
June 28 at Thalia Hall — Lifeguard “In the Round” with PARKiNG, TV Buddha, and Bungee Jumpers (noise rock)
June 29 at Lincoln Hall — Audiotree presents U.S. Girls (art pop)
June 30 at Hungry Brain— International Anthem Presents: 11 of 11 at Hungry Brain (experimental / free jazz)
Want me to feature your album or show? Or maybe you just have an artist on your radar and want to spread the word? Reach out! My email is dorasegall@gmail.com.
Thanks and see you in July! <3
