Oliver Elf Army - Telescope

When trying to decide on whether or not to introduce yourself to your new city or state's musice scene, I suggest looking up some of the bands playing at your local basement shows, water holes and music friendly venues.

That's how I did it when I first moved to New Jersey.And though it may have taken some time. It turned out to be a very rewarding search.

Therefore, I'm going to try to take a similar path in my move to the West Coast (and to be more specific, Seattle, WA.

As I found myself being accepted to a facebook group that focuses on Seattle's independent music scene. I was introduced to Everett Washington's Oliver Elf Army.
O.E.A.'s third release, 2017's four song 'Telescope' follows their weird, fuzzed out sound perfectly.

Though Oliver's Elf Army clearly don't take things all that seriously. (and why should anyone, at this point.) The results of their collaboration and output is quite stellar.
And while I usually save acts of this kind for the circular file. This particular approach and style of music definitely has its place and purpose.

Bandcamp

Night Battles - Curse the Day / Locust Sky

Sometimes, a good thing just falls into your lap. Such is the case with the two-song offering from Raleigh, North Carolina's Night Battles. Featuring members of various local NC acts as well as old friend and guitarist Christopher Skelly. (Dahlia Seed / Static is a City) Night Battles lay down some diabolical post punk scripture on their debut two song release.

“Curse the Day” introduces Night Battles with devilish vocals and gasoline soaked riffs.

Dirty post core that kicked in like a shot of whiskey with a rattlesnake chaser. Knocking me off my balance while jacking my heart rate to dangerous levels. Side effects aside. I really dig the deviant nature it conjures up. The “Sinner takes all” vibe displayed here cannot go without noting.

“Locust Sky” follows. Providing a musically visual authority to its namesake with a slower, even more ominous approach. Imagine Afghan Wigs and Laughing Hyenas waist deep in the sludgy industrial complex along the side of the highway.

While these two teasers had “Best stuff around” written all over them. I was left wondering how soon the collected personnel would get back in the studio for more. Regardless of future collaborations. I appreciate Night Battles reminder that great things often come in small packages. 

Bandcamp

Archie Alone Post New Song "Alone" from Upcoming EP "Through the Door"

New Jersey's emotive four piece Archie Alone have posted "Alone", on their bandcamp page. It's the second track from their upcoming EP titled "Through the Door". Just click the link below and download to your hearts content. James Damion

Archie Alone - "Alone"

Holy City Zoo debut "Poor Little Pinkus" Single from Upcoming Debut Full Length on Bandcamp

New Brunswick's Holy City Zoo has just released a digital single, Poor Little Pinkus, from their upcoming full length debut "No Bunting". The track is available for a "Name Your Price" option and  includes a bunch of extras so don't be stingy.

Check it out Here. 

NGHTCRWLRS Debut Album!!!

New Jersey's NGHTCRWLRS are giving us all a sneak peak at their upcoming debut album on Sniffling Indie Kids. The band comprising of present and former members of
Holy City Zoo, Man on Fire, All Sensory Void, the Nico Blues and Washington Square Park. The band will have their record release party this Saturday February 28th at Jersey City's The Dopeness. Dentist (The Band), Cicada Radio and France ( The Band) will be joining the celebration.  For more information, as well as the address. Check the link Here. In the meantime. Listen, learn, love. James Damion

NGHTCRWLRS Bandcamp

Not Blood Paint - Time to Deliver Available Now

'Time to Deliver', the new five song EP from Brooklyn's
Not Blood Paint is available for a "Name Your Price" option on Bandcamp. Mastered by
Kevin Blackler at
Blackler Mastering,
Brooklyn, N.Y. Cover by Booters Liebmann-Smith and
George Frye. 'Time to Deliver' marks the bands 6th release since their 2011 debut 'Tommy'. If the EP's artwork doesn't draw you in.
The bands glam rock guitar sound, prog rock genius and downright sinister delivery make for an interesting listen. Check it out.
James Damion

Not Blood Paint Bandcamp

KillingHorse Records and Cicada Radio Offering Free Download of 'No Fate But What We Make'

Our friends at KillingHorse Records and Cicada Radio are offering the bands latest release 'No Fate But What We Make' for free download this week. If you don't have it or god forbid, haven't heard it. Here's your chance. Download Here  Here's a link to our review of the record. Review

KillingHorse Records

Cicada Radio

Emotive Drive 1989 Demo Available for Download

New Jersey's Emotive Drive were a hardcore band that got their start in the late 1980’s and released an 8 song demo in 1989. The band played with acts such as Supertouch and Cause for Alarm at long gone venues such as Connecticut's Anthrax and NYC's legendary CBGB's. At the time, they were a personal favorite of mine, having appeared in my fanzine Unite. I still have the bands WNYU and WNYU's
Crucial Chaos sets along with the two tracks they were to contribute to the "Unite" compilation back in 1990.
 For now, you can go to their Bandcamp page and  download this 8 song demo for free. They also provide a brief history of the band and it's members.
Go check it out. James Damion

Emotive Drive  Bandcamp