Mon. 8/17
- Nightclub 101: Andrew CS, Pink Must, Maiya Blaney
- Andrew CS is a programmer exploring recursive time loops through synthesizers, field recordings, and analog collaging in an effort to digitize his memories. Explaining Andrew’s project gets a bit jargony, but if you enjoy intertwining minimal synth lines, you’ll like Andrew CS.
- Trans Pecos: Wiring, Wesley Wolffe, Recuse
- The one year anniversary of the release of Wiring’s album Like A Porcelain Lamb has come and gone, and this show is a reminder to remember. With mathy riffs, strings, and acoustic interludes, Wiring is defining what contemporary indie rock is. If you are in a yearning mood, listen to “I had that vision again.”
Tues. 8/18
- Union Pool: Soft as Snow, Yaz Lancaster, Kwami Winfield, Sharp Veins
- “Soft as snow (but warm inside)” is one of my favorite my bloody valentine deep cuts, so I respect the Norwegian-born, Berlin-based duo Soft as Snow’s name. However, Oda Egjar Starheim and Øystein Monsen’s sound is far from shoegaze spectrum, the two’s oblique pop is left field and austere. Their track “Palms” off Metal.wet reminds me of Jamie xx.
Weds. 8/19
- Elsewhere: BODEGA, Native Sun
- Playing together for over a decade, NYC quintet BODEGA are straying from their standard post-punk sound in their upcoming album All Inside Aquarium out on October 9th. Songwriter Ben Hozie explains that for this album the band’s goal was to “go back to melodic tunes” and “be more of a proper rock band.” The album’s title track is the proof.
- Purgatory: TV Buddha, Superfan, Reading
- TV Buddha’s new single “Oh Master, Let Me Walk With Thee” from their upcoming album Hallelujah Anyway sounds straight off the tape deck. Inspired by 60s rock n’ roll, TV Buddha projects an upbeat retro energy. Also listed on the bill is Superfan, who is playing their last show before they head on tour in Europe (and Europe is oh so very lucky).
Thurs. 8/20
- The Rockaway Hotel: The Rapture
- I watched Superbad the other day and The Rapture song “Echoes” was featured in a seriously debaucherous party scene. Honestly, it was the best scene of the entire movie. That being said, assume responsibility and do your best to channel a rager when seeing The Rapture play at The Rockaway Hotel.
Fri. 8/21
- James Oliver Gallery: Mali Obomsawin, Chemical, Kate Ferencz
- Bloody Knuckles presents “Noise Songs 9” at the James Oliver Gallery. The label represents artists like Feeble Little Horse, Kassie Krut, and Sword II, and are bringing THE noise to THE gallery.
- Cassette: Wild Pink
- Stereogum is bringing Wild Pink to Cassette for the release of the band’s sixth studio album Still Coming Down out on August 21st. Featuring collaborations from artists like MJ Lenderman and Hand Habits, Still Coming Down is set to be a staple of the alt country canon: welcome it with open arms.
- Hart Bar: Loose Buttons, Bones Forever, The Dealers
- 1-800 Girlfriend presents Loose Buttons at Hart Bar for the release of their new album You Came To See Magic. Though the sun-drenched, upbeat rock band’s tracks “I Saw Jon Hamm At The Beach” and “My Gemini” sound as if they were conceived in California, the band is actually from NYC. I wish the music the city inspired me to create sounded so positive.
- Rippers: Alex Orange Drink, The Paranoyds, Balaclava, Lost Boy
- It’s not Labor Day yet! That means more beach… and more music. Bring a rockin ‘attitude and wear your fav swimsuit. Pro tip: go to Connelly’s after the show for a piña colada.
Sat. 8/22
- Footlight Presents at the Windjammer: Ryan Frojen, Waterlands, bbpue + exfilmstar, German Suplex
- After a brief hiatus, Ryan Frojen is back. Run to the Windjammer to hear hits like “Cat Song” and “Way Too High on Weed;” songs that are comedic, but also carry a deep, intrinsic sadness.
- Bryant Park: Starcleaner Reunion, Lowertown, Magi Merlin, Heathers
- Saturday night is home to Bryant Park’s free “Emerging Music Festival.” It’s funny to think that Starcleaner Reunion and Lowertown are being perceived as new and emerging artists, as they’ve been around for a while. But, these bands will be bringing new music to the stage. Before the show, listen to Starcleaner Reunion’s fresh dreampoppy, avantpop singles off their upcoming album Umbrella.
- Union Pool: Komodos, Croaker, accomplice
- There will always be alt boy bands. Bands that don’t particularly stand out, but at the end of the day still put on a good show. That’s how I feel about Komodos. Songs like “17” are a great one-off listen, but aren’t unique or fall into a scene with momentum.
- The Meadows: Times New Viking, Cloud Nothings, Colleen Green, Sad13, PARKiNG, TV Buddha, Uniflora, Winston Hightower, Lex Walton, Vivian, Giant Day, The Garment District, Great Lakes, $500, Sunshine Convention, Sleeper Femcel
- It’s day one of Bazooka Fest! After the loss of Pitchfork Music Festival in the U.S after the publication’s acquisition by Condé Nast, Bazooka Fest is the independent music festival for independent musicians. The project of former Matador A&R director Jake Whitener, Bazooka is Whitener’s “earnest attempt at putting together a festival for New York City that feels special and intimate for both the artists playing and the people attending.”
Sun. 8/23
- The Meadows: Destroyer, Stephen Merritt of The Magnetic Fields, Joanna Sternberg, Kiwi Jr., Josephine Network, Little Chair, The Alaskas Asher White, Chime School, Trinket, Love Burns
- There is only one way to end the week: going to day two of Bazooka Fest. Lucky for us, Stephen Merritt of The Magnetic Fields is on the bill, who the New York Times recently named one of the greatest living American songwriters.