Boston Rock Photos And Stuff
Thanksgiving Eve found us at The Sinclair hanging stuff on the walls, listening to music and having a few drinks for The Daykamp Poster & Photo Show. Weakened Friends are everything I was hoping they’d be after obsessing over their Gloomy Tunes EP. They opened the night with a loud, beautifully bummed-out, ’90s-inspired indie rock gut punch. We’re thankful to have found another new favorite band.
It’s Black Friday. Black Friday is still terrible. Supporting local art isn’t. Here’s a quick list of alternative ways to spend your hard earned dollars than fighting crowds at the chain stores.
If you do go out to the stores today, think about keeping it local. Oh, and pick up something for Anngelle Wood’s Spectacular Gift Drive for DCF Kids Fund.
Friends of Fred
“Ode to the Somerville Turkey (Fred’s Song)”
2011
This is a song from Friends of Fred. It’s about a turkey. His name is Fred. He lives in Somerville. He supports the arts. He sounds like a good bird. His theme song is catchy. Don’t listen to it if you don’t want to have it playing on an endless loop in your head all day tomorrow.
Where to get it:
Walter Sickert And The Army of Broken Toys
“Where’s Your Ghost”
2015
Walter Sickert And The Army of Broken Toys are masters of the haunting and ethereal. “Where’s Your Ghost” is the first single off the band’s upcoming 3rd album, Come Black Magic. The steamcrunk Pixies delicately balance the harmonic and discordant on this slow-burner. All the plodding tension built by accordion and viola swells eventually spills over into a saturated wall of beautiful distortion. Glorious.
Where to get it:
Goddamn Draculas
“Bethany”
2015
Do I have a new favorite Goddamn Draculas song? I think I do. “Say Goodbye” has held that spot since first harmonizing its way into my heart, but it’s time for “Bethany” to reign. This is signature DRAX through and through. Thunderous groove. Killer keys. Huge guitars. Huger harmonies. Hugest hook. Goddamn Draculas take their classic hard rock influences and bleed out something that sounds fresh and new. Oh, and the guitar solo is perfect. “Angels Die” provides this single’s flip. It’s heavy and decidedly darker, making it a nice counterpoint to the anthemic A-side.
Where to get it:
The Daykamp Poster & Photo Show is next week! We’ll be hanging art and watching The Sheila Divine, Sidewalk Driver and Weakened Friends at The Sinclair on Thanksgiving Eve. There will be loads of cool new merch available at the show. You could pick up some holiday gifts right at the club. How cool is that? We made up some t-shirts with the Daykamp kitties on them. You can’t go wrong with a cat t-shirt. Why not pick up a screen print of the show poster? We’ve got ’em. There will be a silent auction to benefit the MSPCA. Up for bid are two Juliana Haltfield Three posters signed by Ms. Hatfield herself. The Sheila Divine will have The Morbs. They’ll also have a new poster of the album artwork and a glow-in-the-dark t-shirt designed by Daykamp Creative. GLOW IN THE DARK T-SHIRTS! Sidewalk Driver will have CDs and tees. Weakened Friends have limited edition cassettes. We’ll even sell you the art right off the walls! Sounds like you’ll be done with your holiday shopping early this year.
Want to join the fun? You can get tickets here. You can do the Facebook thing here. Doors at 8. Music Starts at 8:45.
Orchids
Mystic
2015
I don’t claim to be an dream pop expert. In fact, I may be the least qualified person to write about the electronically intimate debut EP from Orchids. Fair enough. Before I go, I’ll leave you with this observation. After listening to Mystic, “Coming Down” was stuck in my head for hours, which is impressive considering the chorus to “Underground” is so darn catchy. I thought for sure that would be the one lodged in my noggin.
Where to get it:
The Wrong Shapes
“Stuck”
2015
The Wrong Shapes’ November single loops and dives in mid-tempo, mid-fi melancholy. “Stuck” continues the band’s predilection for layering stripped-down loops and beats into quirky musical memories. It’s a sound perfectly suited to daydreaming.
Where to get it:
This is Airport. Bands don’t come much better. One day I hope more people realize this. Until then, I’m content to watch these guys fill The Lizard Lounge with their sweet, sweet, ’70s-radio-inspired sounds.
Sinnet
“Houdini Hands”
2015
Sinnet are masters of creating cool ambiance with their slightly off-kilter pop songs. Judicious amounts of organ and reverb add to the drama on their latest single. “Houdini Hands” was released just before Halloween, complete with a campy slasher-themed video. The eerie number feels right at home for the season, rattling bones right down to its cacophonous finish.
Where to get it:
