So Facebook does this thing where if you like a band page it drops this little menu down with suggested pages/bands and if you dive down that rabbit hole it is like this never-ending journey of discovering cool ass music. Don’t ask me why this random Facebook feature is the best way to find new music, but it is and that’s a tad unfortunate because I am not a fan of Facebook, but I am a slave to discovering new music.
This odd Facebook feature sent me down a recent rabbit hole where I think I discovered almost every cool band in the Wichita, Kansa music scene. So many dope bands have been discovered. Here are a few highlights I suggest checking out: The Cavves, Cartwheel, Dreamist, Kill Vargas, Sutphin, and Party Fridge (Kansas City). All these bands absolutely rule and I encourage you to like their Facebook pages, check out their tunes, and go down your own rabbit hole.
One of the highlights from my adventure through the Wichita music scene is the math-rock-pop-ish trio known as Old News. Their most recent release Hands Like Glaciers is a kick-ass high energy five-song E.P. The best way I could describe Old News is they are a heavier version of Minus the Bear circa 2004’s They Make Beer Commercials Like This. Now that’s an overgeneralization of Old News’ sound, but I’m just trying to sell you on their awesomeness so go with it. Okay!
Old News is currently working on a full-length that is supposed to drop this summer. So stoked! I wanted to get some more eyes on the band and some more ears on their music so I hit up Old News’ to participate in the Favorite, Overrated, Underrated feature. Enjoy!
Old News is Beau Harris, Blaine Martin, and Max Abood.
Beau Harris – Guitar & Vocals
Favorite Album: Death Cab For Cutie – Narrow Stairs
Much like an old friend, Narrow Stairs grows up alongside you. I revisit this album a few times a year and somehow, even after hundreds of listens, Death Cab’s 6th LP always has something new to say. Lyrically, it’s one of Ben Gibbards darker, more yearning works, and it resonates with me more deeply the older I get. Play “Bixby Canyon Bridge”, “Cath…”, and “Grapevine Fires” at my funeral.
Overrated Album: Fall Out Boy – From Under The Cork Tree
From Under The Cork Tree pulls at those middle school nostalgia heartstrings like few albums can; I think “Sugar We’re Going Down” was even played at my high school prom. However, compared to the rest of Fall Out Boy’s discography (at least until Save Rock and Roll and beyond, but that’s a whole other conversation), it’s not as authentic as Take This To Your Grave, as creative as Infinity On High, or as theatrical as Folie à Deux. “Dance Dance” and “A Little Less Sixteen Candles” are undeniably some of the catchiest pop punk anthems of all time, but as a full length, it doesn’t always play to the quartets’ quirkier sounds.
Underrated Album: The Ting Tings – We Started Nothing
Overshadowed by its singles “Thats Not My Name” and “Shut Up And Let Me Go”, the debut album from The Ting Tings has so much more to offer on a closer listen. Katie White’s lyricism, especially on tracks like “Fruit Machine” and “Shut Up And Let Me Go”, is clever and subtly biting. The duo has a knack for mixing loops, samples, and layered percussion alongside quirky synths and vocals. It’s a fun listen all the way through.
Max Abood – Drums & Percussion
Favorite Album: Foo Fighters – The Colour and The Shape
My favorite album seems to change every few months or so. I’m going to pick the one that has the most impacted my life the most. The Colour and The Shape by The Foo Fighters. I remember first listening to this album in middle school and discovering the legend, Dave Grohl (this was before I really knew much about Nirvana). After learning that he recorded most of the instruments on the album, I quickly latched on, as we both play guitar and drums. The Colour and The Shape kick-started my drive to become a musician.
Overrated Album: Beach Boys – Pet Sounds
Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys because come on, a ~c l a s s i c~. Can’t go wrong.
Underrated Album: Covet – effloresce
effloresce by Covet is an album that I’ve had the top of my playlist ever since it was released. They are one of those bands that just can’t release bad music. Everything they do is impressive. effloresce being no exception. They are a true power trio and play extremely well together and deserve more recognition in mainstream music.
Blaine Martin – Bass & Piano
Favorite Album: Madison Cunningham – Who Are You Now
Some of the best songwriting I’ve ever heard.
Overrated Album: Billie Eilish – When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?
Not a terrible album but it definitely has immaturity that didn’t warrant so many Grammys.
Underrated Album: Carla Rivarola – Médula Silvestre
Really badass album from a Mexican artist that doesn’t get as many plays as it deserves.
Old News Links: Bandcamp, Facebook, Spotify, Twitter, Instagram
Feature photo credit: Megan Raianna Storie