Featuring Young Jesus, Microphones, and Tkay Maidza and more.
Slide Away Festival in Chicago
Slide Away Festival at The Aragon Ballroom on May 22nd and 23rd with Hum, Nothing, Chapterhouse, and more
Written contributions from Jaden Amjadi, Sydney Sjobakken, and Derek Tate Illuminati Hotties – Free I.H: This is not the One You’ve Been Waiting For Everything about the presentation of this new record from Illuminati Hotties–from its status as a mixtape to its name–implies it is meant to be taken more as an interim before their real sophomore album. And yet, this may go down as one of the most memorable punk records of the year. Core member Sarah Tudzin takes the foundation of power-pop and plays with its boundaries with songs that are still fun and immediate. The opener, “will … Continued
On a holiday that celebrates American Independence, the directors take a moment to reflect on the rich history of political activism in music. We are not free until all of us are free. (image via Bernie Boston/The Washington Star Collection)
Written contributions by Jaden Amjadi, Derek Tate, and Jake Bisson Jeff Rosenstock – N O D R E A M Throughout his career, though especially the last decade of it, Jeff Rosenstock has done more than possibly any artist to remove the stigma from pop-punk. His earworm melodies, impassioned shouts, and nervous energy consistently produce cathartic listening experiences. His newest effort, the surprise-release N O D R E A M, is no exception to this rule. Acting as a soundtrack to yet another anxious breakdown, songs respond to perceived personal inadequacies (“Old Crap”, “Beauty of Breathing”) and political helplessness (“Scram!”, “N O D R E A M”). While many tracks aren’t more than four minutes, most have a tremendous sense of pacing and dynamism, never wearing out a melodic or sonic idea before moving onto the next. The title track’s different musical phases cover a … Continued
Penny Peach Jr. draws the Mission Creek Underground series to a close with a dynamic, angst-filled performance that has no problem filling an empty theatre.
Caleb Rainey gives an electrifying spoken word performance for Mission Creek Underground.
Iowa City author Garth Greenwell spoke about art in the time of isolation as part of Mission Creek Underground. Mission Creek Underground is a six performance series with local musicians and authors provided virtually. Featured image by Oriette D’Angelo for The Nation.
Mission Creek Festival Underground, a virtual experience, kicks off with a bewitching performance from Iowa City darling Elizabeth Moen.
This is a roundup of the worst and my favorite genre of music: male indie artists singing about their manic pixie dream girl of the month. AKA indie pop. (image via DIY Mag)
Hailey Whitters showcases in her latest album, how hard it was to be recognized in country music.
