I listen to a lot of music. No, really. If I’m not catching up on what my dudes recommend with The Indie Inspection and Ska Punk & Other Junk, or doing homework for the Crushed Monocle Podcast, I’ve got my ear to the ground for what’s next. There’s just so much music out there it’s hard to keep a cohesive list. While the podcast is a great way to discuss a few records each month, I feel as if I’m undercutting some of the other records that gotta repeated spins. The remedy? This column! The Showcase.
Welcome to The Showcase for September 2024!
Bruderhund – I’m Ugly
It doesn’t get much better than fuzzy, under-produced, reverb-laden garage rock. In just the 2 songs featured on this single, Bruderhund encapsulates everything I love about legitimate indie rock. On top of a driving beat (from an obvious live kit), the guitars are played aggressively, emphasizing attitude rather than intonation. Give me all of this, please!
The Feeders – The Feeders
Hey, look at that! A local band! Chicago has a pretty gnarly noise rock scene. But don’t let that distract you from the power pop the city offers! The Feeders (not to be confused with Feeder) are the perfect example of that particular sound in the Windy City. Remember when self-depreciation was cool? This self-titled EP combines the irreverence of early Weezer with the immaculate knack for sugary hooks delivered by Fountains Of Wayne.
Dead Adventurers – Bring The Guillotine
If New York is the Big Apple, the core is rotten with some of the best garage rock in the country! On the band’s first full-length, Dead Adventurers combines elements of garage, new wave, and even a little goth for a static-driven escapade. All with just enough sleaze to keep things fun but not campy.
The Lousy Hitchhikikers – Hands of Fate
It’s refreshing to hear a band that doesn’t take themselves too seriously, yet refrains from being obnoxious. The Lousy Hitchhikers make simple power-pop with hints of punk. But again, we’re not talking about middle-aged white dudes with backward caps singing about fart jokes like Blink 182. This is more middle-aged white dudes with front-facing caps who make legitimately fun rock music.
Read Only Memory – Read Only Memory
I don’t know too much about Read Only Memory, but I stumbled across the song “burn,” and I was hooked! Fans of shoegaze will feel right at home, as this band checks all the boxes. Think The Fleeting Joys meets My Bloody Valentine without the pretentiousness. It’s a satisfying EP that makes me want more!
Mindwars – V
Featuring members of Headcrasher and Holy Terror, Mindwars has all the pleasantries of a traditional thrash band, and you just know your boy Coop loves good thrash! What sets these guys apart from a lot of other torch carriers for this genre is their honesty. Just dead-to-rights metal meant to make you raise your fists and band your head. Even with V closing things out with a fun cover of Supertramp’s “Logical Song,” things are played straight – as a good metal record should.
Nia-Chanel – Time Pass
One of my favorite elements of R&B is vulnerability. But just because an artist is baring their soul, it doesn’t mean the music shouldn’t also be as moving. However, it can take some artists a few releases into their career to learn this lesson. But halfway through Time Pass, I was blown away to learn that this is Nia-Chanel’s debut album! She commands the mic with the poise of Erykah Badu, the sultriness of H.E.R., and the confidence of Lauryn Hill. I even heard some subtle Prince influences in a few instances. If she can do all of this on her first record, I can’t wait to hear what she does next!
Mastodon/Lamb Of God – “Floods Of Triton“
What do you do when you and your friends have breakthrough albums 20 years ago and currently on tour playing both albums in full? Well, apparently you collaborate on a single track that awakens various sea beasts or whatever. I don’t know what “Floods Of Tritons” means, but I do know it’s truly the best of both bands smashed together. This might be the most metal peanut butter and jelly sandwich on this side of hell.