King Nun - Sponge

I test myself, and wind up testing you
I'm sure you hate how I test you like I do
Drop me down so I can stand on my own like a sponge standing there soaking up every passing word

I don't know much about quirky rockers King Nun. They've got kind of a rattling grungy pop, almost Manchester in the 90's, sound going. I'd be willing to bet they're a blast live. A handful of their songs are available to listen to on Spotify and they're all solid.

RIYL: Wire, Primal Scream, The Strokes, Franz Ferdinand, The Fratellis

Upcoming Shows

Quicksand - Illuminant

In silence
It's alright
You can be the beautiful one
Shine a light
Of broken sounds
Between language and thought

NYC hardcore legends Quicksand are gearing up to release their first new album in 22 years and if the lead single, "Illuminant", is any indication it's going to have been worth the wait. It's different, maybe a bit more like Walter Schreifels' work with Rival Schools (who are terrific), anyway, I'm digging it and interested to hear more. But wait, there's more good news, they're backing the album with a tour! I'll be at The Mohawk here in Austin September 15th. Holler.

RIYL: Seaweed, Far, Fugazi, Helmet, Hot Water Music, Meat Wave, Rival Schools

Wyatt Blair - Young Hearts Unite

And I take it easy
Tonight
Young hearts unite

Most of Wyatt Blair's music sounds like 80's movie soundtrack rock. Think Rick Springfield and "Jessie's Girl" with a touch more glam and you'll get there. His 2016 album Point of No Return is a hoot, and perfect for an end-of-summer afternoon.

RIYL: Rick Springfield, The Darkness, Ty Segall, JEFF The Brotherhood, Jay Reatard

Upcoming Shows

Twenty One Pilots - Tear in My Heart

Sometimes you gotta bleed to know
That you’re alive and have a soul
But it takes someone to come around
To show you how

She’s the tear in my heart
I’m alive
She’s the tear in my heart
I’m on fire
She’s the tear in my heart
Take me higher
Than I’ve ever been

The songs on the radio are okay
But my taste in music is your face

Truly my fave TØP song. Maybe I shouldn't have picked "Trees" last time (shoulda gone w/Keith's fave, "Ode to Sleep" or even "Guns for Hands" or "Fake You Out" or - oh god Vessel is such a good album). Of course, "Tear in My Heart" is from Blurryface, also an awesome album, if slightly less perfect end to end than Vessel. Seeing them at ACL about 3 years ago was amazing. I can't wait to hear what Tyler and Josh come up with next. Anyways, this song is rad and suits a lot of different moods & purposes for me, including remembering my first tattoo, and second trip to New York. 

RIYL: Postal Service, Robert DeLong, The Griswolds, The Front Bottoms

Upcoming Shows

Jeff Rosenstock - Pash Rash

I've been doing this for half my years;
I've been mouthing off in bars, trading shame for self-respect
My trajectory is crystal clear
I can see it in the stars that frame the shame above my neck
And the sky is always pitch black
When I sneak away, I only wanna come back and see your face, see your face again

Long Island's Jeff Rosenstock's 2016 album Worry is a beautiful garage-pop tribute to dorm rooms, DIY, breakups and a staggering variety of musical styles. "Pash Rash" is quick anthemic rock and perfect to pick you up as we close out the week and head into the weekend. The video is also a lot of fun.

RIYL: Fake Problems, Cayetana, Ted Leo, Signals Midwest

Upcoming Shows