888 - Critical Mistakes

Let me rewind to the times where we never felt ill
We fill our minds with those dreams and we never miss a beat
Just pass the time staying up, feeling restless at night
Come wake me up before I die and I never get to live

I was pretty shocked to learn that 888, with it's synth-pop, slightly emo debut EP Decades, was formerly the band Drop Dead, Gorgeous - hardcore metal, including one serial killer-themed album. But hey, they formed DDG when they were still in high school and to me it's pretty rad that they did that thing until it no longer suited them and then totally switched gears, still together. Regardless, I really like this song, and the video takes on the the theme of not just moving on but fixing things and forgiving things. There is a lot that is shitty in the world that can make us angry, make us judgmental, create false us-them dichotomies, and while there definitely needs to be accountability and measured systemic changes, on an individual level humility and compassion are major keys to moving forward.

Upcoming Shows

Emarosa - Miracle

I'm watching you die a little
Watching you cry a lot
Haven't we been deserving
Maybe we're not
Any other time my eyes are dry
But I am an ocean

The latest single from post-hardcore punk band Emarosa reminds me a bit of the ballads by big hair bands in the 80s, but that's not an insult. It feels like dramatic, masculine, sing-a-long emotion - perhaps to go with your Monday blues, or more serious sadness about the world, or whatever is going on in your life. 

Upcoming Shows

Pity Sex - Burden You

With some more fleeting than spring
Somehow my days keep dragging
I want your sallow, salty skin
Without yours, mine is wearing thin
I carved your name into a tree
It scarred the same as it did me
Follow me home, between my sheets
And mend the burden in me

Here's a dreamy little shoe-gaze number  from Michigan band Pity Sex to help you wind down your Sunday. Their latest album White Hot Moon offers more of the same and makes for a nice, catchy chill down.

Upcoming Shows

Joywave - You (Destruction Remix)

I've been creepin' round and saw a little thing I didn't like you tried to hide
I've been creepin' round and saw a little thing I didn't like you tried to hide, from me

I'm DJing Prom tonight here in Palm Springs at Y&YY and I wanted to add some modern flavor to my usual set of 80's club tunes. After auditioning a few different artists I decided that Joywave would a good fit. I first saw them at SXSW, opening up for The Mowgli's. You might not hear it when listening to "You" but they were a great, high energy fit for that show. Joywave has a fairly diverse sound, but most of their songs fit in what I'd call "dance-y rock". Their latest release Swish, which isn't a real album, more like a bunch of remixes of "Destruction" tied together in a sort of fun, inventive way, (why be credible when you can be incredible?) showcases their mastery of fun dance rythim and beats. If you like what you're hearing I highly suggest and recommend listening to their last "real" album How Do You Feel Now?

Upcoming Shows

WALLA - Nature

Because in America
I get lost in the shuffle and grind
I feel there is no time
To enjoy my single wavering life, this life
And what's the point again?
When we're running in circles and squares
I feel the yearn for air
And dropping all my arrogant cares, my arrogant cares

L.A. band WALLA managed to get a hit single (at least on Spotify and alt radio) last year with their catchy, happy song "101" without the support of a label. Recently, they released another EP and IMO all four tracks are just as good. Check out "Nature" and if it's your thang too, maybe we can help them reach the tipping point to tour outside of SoCal. 

Upcoming Shows