Song Premiere - Beached Boy "Hold Me Down"

Put some SPF 100 on these songs because they are sizzlin'.

It’s a new music kind of day. Amiright? Emerging from the depths of Allston with a press release soaked in puns, arrives the premiere of "Hold Me Down" off the 4-song debut EP 'Open Island' by self-proclaimed marina rock band, Beached Boy.

Comprised of singer/songwriter Brendan Grafe, Kevin DeStefano (Bad Actors), Harley Cox (Choke Up) and Will Buiel (Kitner), Beached Boy has taken Grafe’s acoustic emo material, backed it with a driving ensemble of pop punk origins and created an accelerated, scorched and scorned summer sound. Learn these lyrics because you’ll be shouting them alongside your friends at the next Beached Boy show.

Let’s party. Check out 'em out during their record release show July 1st at O’Brien’s Pub in Allston featuring Luau, Clever Girls (VT), Saccharine and Jeff Rowe (event details). 'Open Island' will be available via cassette and digital download June 30th via Prospect Records. Follow Beached Boy on Facebook for additional release information.

This Lineup Though - Warn the Duke Vinyl Release Show

See you at the show - O'Brien's Pub Saturday August 20th.

Pack up your summer vacation early and head to Allston this weekend. Brooklyn, NY's Warn the Duke (former members of Big D and The Kids Table and River City Rebels) will be in town on Saturday, August 20th at O'Brien's Pub to promote the vinyl release of their 2015 debut LP ‘Ghost Be Gone’: recorded, mixed, and mastered by Jay Maas at Getaway Studios and distributed by Wire Tap Records. In celebration of the vinyl tour, the band has released an animated music video for “Noreaster” (originally premiering on punkrocktheory.com).

Like drinking a big glass or red wine, the nostalgic sound of loud 90’s alt/rock and prolific punk gruff along with catchy choruses and bright guitar riffs give you the warm sensation of satisfaction. Standout tracks are “Coastline”, “Harry O’Donnell” and “Chicago Lights”.

Supporting the touring band and making this a completely stacked show are locals Dan Webb and the Spiders, Diablogato, and Bundles. This show is $10 // 21+ // event details here // see you there.

‘Ghost Be Gone’ is available to stream on Bandcamp, iTunes and Spotify. Vinyl can be purchased at the show and via Wire Tap Records (limited pressing of 200).

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Free Download. State Line Records: Boston's Burning Vol. 1

Beachy Keen – Riding Retro with Philly’s Queen of Jeans

Catch Queen of Jeans touring through town on August 6th.

Our hearts are aching over the vintage charm and carefree rhythm of Queen of Jeans’ S/T EP. It's essentially what we think opening a bottle of Polar's Unicorn Kisses sounds like.

For those of you who like Habibi / Shannon and the Clams / Colleen Green. Put on your oversized, rose-colored sunglasses, grab your favorite tall boy and hit play as you enjoy porch life with this swoon-worthy summer essential.

Ranging from wistful, ethereal harmonies to mod surf rock, the arrival of Philadelphia’s Queen of Jeans to the Boston area is very apropos. Listen to the band’s seductive sounds live on Saturday, August 6th at Lilypad with Bong Wish and The Heavies (event details) and Sunday, August 7th in Providence with PsychoTropics and Space Camp (event details).

‘Queen of Jeans’ is available for listen on SoundCloud and Spotify. 12” vinyl is available for purchase via Indiana DIY label Third Uncle Records for $15 with two color options: pink / baby blue split side and pink with baby blue splatter. Follow the band on Facebook and visit their official website for additional tour dates.

Show Picks for July + August

Friends tell friends when there is a good show happening.

Looking for a good time? Perhaps you’re in the mood for new music, or cheap beer, or a place to hang with friends. Maybe you’re too broke to go on vacation and you blew through every available TV series on Netflix to the point where you’re wondering if your excessive abuse of the streaming service will render surcharges. #netflixshame Whatever your reason, here are some shows we’d go to this summer.

How Many Instruments Does it Take to Make a Mr. Vertigo Record? Veteran Rockers Spill on the Value of Studio Time & Their 7th Release

Download 'Dreaming on the Left Side' for free.

Spin a recent Mr. Vertigo record and be prepared to hear a project that might include up to dozen people, about 20 instruments and roughly a decade of collaborative experience. The alt-rock band (existing in one form or another since 2002) will be celebrating the release of their 7th official record entitled ‘Dreaming on the Left Side’ Friday, July 8th at O'Brien's Pub in Allston.

New Noise from We Can All Be Sorry + Release Show Details

Celebrate with We Can All Be Sorry on July 21st.

Boston label, Eye Design Records, to release 'Weekend Sorry' by locals We Can All Be Sorry. The bedroom pop band’s newest recording will be available via cassette tape and digital download ($5 each) on the label’s site. As a preview, you can stream the first track off the new record, "Nowhere Us" now.

Continuing the band’s distinct wistful and off-kilter sound, 'Weekend Sorry' is a perfect record for muddled and mild summer porch life. We Can All Be Sorry will play their record release show on July 21st at Great Scott in Allston with Spook the Herd and Kiss Concert (details).  And head to Plough and Stars on July 31st for the next free ‘Know Your Scene’ event presented by Eye Design featuring Plastic Waves and Violet Intent (details).

WCABS Tour Dates:

7/2 Raleigh NC
7/3 Athens GA
7/4 Atlanta GA
7/5 Nashville TN
7/6 Bloomington IL
7/8 Chicago IL
7/10 NYC
7/12 Boston MA
7/15 New Haven CT
7/20 Providence RI
7/21 Allston MA
7/22 Washington DC

The Rayguns Got No Money and Are Playing O’Brien’s Pub June 7th

See The Rayguns at O'Brien's Pub in Allston on June 7th.

New music from punky outfit The Rayguns. Pimping out their second release ‘Live Forever’ (released March 2016) on their DIY label, Public Alley Records, the local quartet is gearing up to play a Boston-area venue near you this summer.

Another band to make the great Northeast tour of Jamaica Plain, Cambridge, Allston and Somerville, you can catch The Rayguns at O’Brien’s Pub on Tuesday, June 7th before they head up to the 3rd Annual Shuffle Fest in Bath, NH; a punk festival featuring a variety of acts, including acoustic artists, folk punk to hardcore punk, and jam bands. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own tents to camp out and thrash. (But, please pick up your trash).

Follow The Rayguns on Facebook for additional show information. ‘Live Forever’ was recorded/mixed/mastered by Richard Marr at Galaxy Park Studios and is available for purchase via digital download and cassette tape on Bandcamp. Those interested in submitting music to Public Alley Records can do so by emailing publicalleyrecords@gmail.com.

You Get a PorchFest and YOU Get a PorchFest – Quincy to Hold Their First Jam Session This June

Go out and meet ya faukin neighbahs kehd. Quincy gets social.

The next Boston-area city to participate in organized musical curb appeal is Quincy, holding their very first PorchFest on June 18th from 1P-5P in the Safford Park Wollaston neighborhood, accessible by the Wollaston T stop on the Redline.

Rock Out With Your Cocktail Out Vol. XLV

It's homemade ya'll!

We heard lavender lemonade is a really good stress reliever…so we put vodka in it. The May Rock Out With Your Cocktail Out is spiked with bands playing shows around town including Eldridge Rodriguez at O’Brien’s Pub on May 21st, Weakened Friends playing their record release show on May 22nd at Great Scott, and Le Roxy Pro and Notches both playing on May 23rd at Great Scott and O’Brien’s Pub respectively. (we kept your show recommendations within stumbling distance local). #ROWYCO

"For Adam" - A Two-Night Local Music Showcase to Benefit Dog Days Adoption Event Inc.

'For Adam' is a two-night event in memory of musician Adam Haut (Civil Warblers / Matt & Adam) who passed away suddenly last summer from an undiagnosed heart condition. The showcase happens at Great Scott in Allston on Friday, May 6th and Saturday, May 7th, features 14 local bands and musicians, and benefits Dog Days Adoption Event Inc., a non-profit that assists small rescues and pounds to raise awareness of adoptable dogs by way of pop up events.

"We are beyond adequately expressing our gratitude for being chosen as the recipient of this great outpouring of love and joy, in memory of a young man who adored dogs, nature, music and his friends and family," the organization's Facebook page states. "Proceeds from this event will go to a fund started last year named "LETS GO" in honor of Adam, and used to pay for dog care expenses when owners can't afford them. Our deepest and most profound "thank you" to the event organizers for including us in this great honor and we wish you the greatest joy as you share memories and create new ones with friends by your side and Adam in your heart."

MAY 6 @ Great Scott - 9PM - 21+ Ticket Link | Event Link

Choke Up
Tied to a Bear
Great Lakes USA
Save Ends
Ken Valentine


MAY 7 @ Great Scott - 8PM - 21+ Ticket Link | Event Link

Matt Murphy
Piss Dogs
Pinecone Teeth
Shatner
Mic King
Radio control
The Alrighters
Erik Petersen of Mischief Brew
Jeff Rowe

Deerhunter + Mini Dresses Kickoff Converse Rubber Tracks Live Series

This year’s first Converse Rubber Tracks Live show in Boston will feature rock veterans Deerhunter, with Somerville's Mini Dresses.

The all-ages event happens Wednesday, May 11th at The Sinclair in Harvard Square, Cambridge.

Voted the #1 best rock band right now by SPIN, Deerhunter has released seven albums to date throughout their decade-long career, gaining critical praise for their experimental sounds and compelling performances. The band hand-selected dream pop opening act Mini Dresses, who previously had the opportunity to record at the Converse Rubber Tracks recording studio in Boston, at no cost. 

Tickets to the free show are available by following this link.

A Night of High Energy Rock Awaits You at O'Brien's Pub on 4/29

Forever in our top 10. Catch The Darker Hues at O'Brien's Pub on 4/29/16.

One of Boston’s most underrated bands treading just beneath the radar is decade-long passion project, The Darker Hues. “Misrepresenting the Boston Music Scene Since 2006”, The Darker Hues has produced a handful of singles, two full-lengths, and provided their sound as local support for touring acts like Rough Francis and White Lung. With melodramatic melodies of American Football and grounded basslines of Fugazi, the Hues is a uniquely layered experience of aggressive 90’s post-hardcore and comprehensive indie undertones, bounded together with zealous lyrics. Presented with a loaded setlist and on-point stage presence, you’ll find yourself white-knuckling it through a Darker Hues’ performance and wondering where has this band been all your life.

On Friday, April 29th, The Darker Hues will be celebrating the release of their 2016 ‘Needed Loss’ album at O’Brien’s Pub with Laughing Stock, Rebuilder and Hospital Beds 8PM//$8//21+ (event details here). Follow the band on Facebook and listen to "She Was Covered in Scars and Good Intentions", the first track off of 'Needed Loss' below.

The Reckless Optimism of The Coward Flowers

Pop songs with a rock 'n' roll backbone. Listen to 'Jams and Jellies'.

Like walking through rooms of a very eclectic house, each door opens into a new vibe. From experimental reverb to sundown twang leading into driving alt-rock guitars, The Coward Flowers’ ‘Jams and Jellies’ is comprised of intricate song writing, taking the listener on a journey of emotions that influenced the 2016 record.

Kids Like You & Me Initiates ‘Rama Lama Ding Dong Fest’

For those of you who enjoy lo-fi, garage rock.

Boston based rock 'n' roll label , show curator, and fansite Kids Like You & Me is gearing up for their 3-night, 2-venue, 19-band large event. Rama Lama Ding Dong (April 28TH – 30TH) is a three day rock 'n' roll, slop 'n' bop music festival with an opening night at Club Bohemia and two showcases at the Middle East Upstairs in Central Square, Cambridge.

Is it Summer Yet? Today Junior Releases Two Free Surf / Garage Tracks

Snag your free downoad of Today Junior's latest singles.

It's no secret Today Junior puts on a fantastic live show. I feel like you should know this because there are plenty of opportunities to see them. Also, because we tell you... A lot.

As a follow up to their 2015 'Ride the Surf'' LP, Today Junior has dropped two singles at a complimentary "Name Your Price" cost on Bandcamp. "Leaving Easy" and "Blunt Breath" have the surf / garage sound you have come to expect from the trio, getting you ready for the summer, but more immediately, their set at Firebrand Saints in Kendall Square, Cambridge on April, 16th - part of dream pop band Guillermo Sexo's 'Eclipse' release show also featuring The Furniture and Jeff Beam Music. Full event details here. Follow Today Junior on Facebook and Twitter for even more show information.

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Today Junior’s Sound Gets Ocean-soaked And Sunburnt in Ride The Surf

Beware the Dangers of a Squid of Impending Doom - Guillermo Sexo Premiers Music Video for "Graffiti Sky"

Rock Out With Your Cocktail Out Vol. XLIV

Treat yo self. Your fancy face deserves it. (image credit)

Current interests: Flipboard.com, the never ending search for the best bar pizza, and espresso martinis. Caffeine and alcohol never looked oh so fancy. Plus listen to our sparkling new April playlist featuring Abbie Barrett (playing the Rock & Roll Rumble preliminary night #4), The Ghost of Paul Revere (playing with Tigerman Whoa! at Great Scott on 4/7), and a bunch of new music from a bunch of punx.

Espresso Martini

1 oz cold espresso

1 1/2 oz vodka

1 1/2 oz Kahlua coffee liqueur

1 oz white creme de cacao

3 Coffee beans (for garnish)

Pour ingredients into shaker filled with ice, shake vigorously, and strain into chilled martini glass. Garnish with coffee beans. Best sipped during a ROWYCO playlist. Pinkies up.

Find a whole mess of cocktails and playlists on our archive page.

Radio On: Boston Scene Party Hosts a Free Music Workshop & Networking Event with After Party

Talk shop with some of Boston's most influential radio talent.

Music networking group, Boston Scene Party, presents 'Radio On', a free format discussion with Boston broadcasters featuring a panel of the city’s most in-demand music radio talent including Anngelle Wood of Boston Emissions and DAve Crespo of WEMF Radio at the Middle East Corner in Cambridge on Wednesday, March 30th. Not just an open space for you to stand awkwardly in for a few hours, Boston Scene Party music networking events are designed to offer a panel of industry experts excited to talk shop, answer questions, and inspire the local scene.

During this event you can learn how these proprietors of sound:

►Act as liaisons between local music and the airwaves

►Understand the methods in which they discover new music

►Gain insight into the ever changing world of terrestrial and digital radio broadcasting
►PLUS we'll be giving away two Full Boat passes to the Rock & Roll Rumble 

The details:

FREE event
18+

Wednesday, March 30th // 6PM-8PM

Middle East (Corner) 480 Mass. Ave. Cambridge, MA

Facebook Event Page

The after party:

But wait...there's more....

Stick around after the event for our Boston Scene Party After Party (hosted by Lysten Boston) with John Shakespear (Atlas Lab), Stephen MacDonald (The Okay Win) and Cameron Keiber (Eldridge Rodriguez). The after party is 18+ and costs $5. See full event details here.


Follow Boston Scene Party on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

2016 Rock & Rumble Preliminary Line Up + Ticket Information + Our Predictions

The Rock and Roll Rumble #classof2016 is getting ready to duke it out for the crown by way of six preliminary nights at ONCE Lounge and Ballroom (Somerville) beginning April 3rd. Announced earlier this week on Boston Emissions with Anngelle Wood, here are your line-ups.

If you choose to go to all six (recommended) consider the Six Pack Preliminary Pass. Or if you're the all or nothing / go big or go home type person, you will be wanting the Full Boat Pass which includes the six preliminary nights plus two semi-final nights (April 15th and 16th) and the main event, the final round on April 22nd.

Read on to sample each band and start taking bets making predictions.

The Field Effect Announced at Lizard Lounge

Surprise.

The Field Effect announces their return to Boston on March 26th during OldJack’s Last Saturdays at Lizard Lounge, Cambridge. This will be the band’s first hometown show in almost a year as they fill in for recent Rock 'n' Rumble selects Weekened Friends – who are now abiding by Rumble Rules.

See The Field Effect with Wild Sun and OldJack on March 26th // event details.

Follow the Rock ‘n’ Roll Rumble on Facebook for event information.

Rock Out With Your Cocktail Out Vol. XLIII

Sip Sip Play. Your March cocktail and playlist below.

Part cocktail, part GO TO THIS SHOW, March is hoppin' with music. At O'Brien's Pub in Allston, catch Adult Books (CA) on the 7th and local rockabilly band Diablogato on the 19th. Dreamy indie pop band SPORTS (OK) is at Great Scott on the 10th and New Hampshire's Fucko is at Firebrand Saints in Kendall Square on the 5th for their 'Dealing With the Weird' record release show. Plus a Blueberry Mint Fizz available all month long. Want more shows? Check out our flyer tab. Want this playlist and cocktail? Keep on reading.

Blueberry Mint Fizz

(Originally posted on FoodShouldTasteGood.com)

• 12 blueberries
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 5 mint leaves
• 1 oz gin
• 1/2 cup gingerale
• ice
• lime wedge for garnish

Add blueberries, mint, and lime juice to a glass and muddle ingredients together. Then add gin and ice, and top it off with the ginger ale. Add lime wedge for garnish. Tastes good with with lime tortilla chips and this playlist.

Find more playlists and cocktails in our archive.