2013 may have been the best year ever for Boston’s local music scene (aside from 1988 of course, when New Kids On The Block unleashed Hangin Tough on the unsuspecting masses). With a handful of Boston acts gaining notoriety on the national stage after releasing stellar albums last year, 2014 has a lot to live up to. Luckily, it’s already off to a good start. Check out the new music we’re most excited for below– and get ready to be on a Bandcamp binge for the next few months.
Grass Is Green – Vacation Vinny – January 14th on Exploding in Sound Records
With album artwork as awesomely terrible as the rainbow-puking boy that adorns the cover of Vacation Vinny, it’s hard not to expect great things from Grass Is Green’s latest effort. The band delivers on that promise, bringing their brand of high-strung rock and roll to new heights over the length of the ten track album. It’s already up for streaming right here, or check out “Vacation 2.0” below. Come to their album release show on January 25th to celebrate its release with Trespasser, Palehound, Krill, Ovlov, and of course, Grass is Green.
Parasol – Not There – January on Nervous Nelly, Square of Opposition, and Lauren Records (Tape via Lost Sound Tapes)
Parasol are Boston’s ultimate DIY punkers. They have something to say, and they say it loud over some of the catchiest guitar riffs this side of the Charles River. We put the track “Laughing Yet” from Not There on our most recent mixtape, and their entire album is streaming over at our friends The Media. Their debut LP is out soon, so keep an eye out on their Facebook for more info.
Speedy Ortiz – Real Hair EP – February 11th on Carpark Records
It seems as if every year-end list included Speedy Ortiz’s flawless debut, Major Arcana. Real Hair EP shows an even more accomplished synergy between the members of the Northampton foursome, letting in the improvised vision of their live shows. Listen to “American Horror” from the EP via EW(lol)
Krill – Steve Hears Pile In Malden And Bursts Into Tears – February 18th on Exploding in Sound Records
You’ve probably noticed that we here at Allston Pudding are pretty into Krill, and Krill is also pretty into…. Pile. Krill’s upcoming 10” is a “failed concept album” that follows the story of Steve – a huge Pile fan who is devastated to realize he is actually a character in a Pile song. The band has already released 2 of the 5 tracks, and they’re as good (if not better) than anything off of Lucky Leaves, which just happened to be our #1 record of the year for 2013. Check out the album’s title track above.
Sneeze – Wilt – February on Glory Kid Limited Records
Allston grunge act Sneeze will release the follow-up to 2012’s “I’m Going To Kill Myself” this February. The band recorded the album back in November with Justin Pizzoferrato. Not familiar with the name? He’s also worked with local favorites Speedy Ortiz’s, as well as rock luminaries Sonic Youth and Dinosaur Jr. Check out a few demos above, and look for the album on Glory Kid Limited Records this February.
Mean Creek – Local Losers – April 8th on Old Flame Records
It was hard to miss Mean Creek at the end of 2013 – from their Allston Pudding show with So So Glos at Great Scott, to their charity burrito rolling stint at Anna’s, to a set in a frozen Copley Square on New Year’s Eve, the local four-piece was everywhere. Expect to hear even more form them in 2014 as they prepare for the release of their fourth full length, Local Losers on April 8th via Old Flame Records.
Tomboy – TBA – August on Ride the Snake Records
Despite not having recorded more than a handful of songs, local trio Tomboy have quickly made a name for themselves thanks to the way they blend an up-beat, garage-friendly sound with brutally honest lyrics. Check out “Sweetie” – the first track from their upcoming 12” EP, and you’ll know what I mean.
Fleabite – TBA tape on Puzzle Pieces Records
Fleabite features members of Tomboy, Parasol, and Peeple Watchin’, and if you don’t know them, 2014 will be your year of discovery. They have a tape coming out sometime this year on Puzzle Pieces Records, a great label focused on girl punk, queer punk, pop punk, and indie pop. Listen to a demo on their Bandcamp above.
Nervous – TBA, self-released
After displaying some serious chops on 2011’s “EP1”, Nervous is currently readying a new full length that they plan on self-releasing this spring. They’ve posted five demos from the album on bandcamp, and if those tracks are any indications, “LP1” could be one of 2014’s most pleasant surprises.
Flat Swamp – TBD on Midnight Werewolf Records
In 2012, Flat Swamp released a 5-song EP titled “Nicholas Cage Match”. The album artwork featured Mr. Cage’s mug superimposed on a praying mantis. This isn’t particularly relevant to the new album the band plans to release this year, but it is still pretty awesome. Be on the lookout some new material from the band later this year via Midnight Werewolf Records and check them out live on February 9th at Great Scott with Nice Guys, Dead Wives, and Chandeliers.
Orca Orca – TBA EP
Orca Orca had a great 2013 filled with playing a lot of shows with their friends, even playing one of the best shows of 2013 with Allston Pudding favorites Mutual Benefit. Jimmy Hewitt is one of those musicians that is constantly writing new material, and this EP is finished with no exact release date yet.