Zodiac Trax: September Forecasts 2016

Posted on 09/09/2016 by Jackie Swisshelm

Navigating the stars is hard. A couple weird astrology enthusiasts at Allston Pudding are here to help. Let us provide you with monthly synchronous soundtracks and planetary advice along the way.

September Planetary Overview:

Sep 1 5:03AM New Moon / Solar Eclipse in Virgo
Sep 9 7:18AM Jupiter enters Libra
Sep 16 3:05PM Full Moon / Lunar Eclipse in Pisces
Sep 22 1:30AM Mercury goes Direct
Sep 22 10:21AM Sun enters Libra
Sep 23 10:51AM Venus enters Scorpio
Sep 27 4:07AM Mars enters Capricorn
Sep 30 8:11PM New Moon in Libra

Wtf it means:

It takes Jupiter 12 steady years to transit the entire Zodiac, so you best believe that its transition from Virgo to Libra is gonna have an expansive influence on all of us, and we’ll feel the impact for the next year. Libra’s balanced and harmonious effects will also be felt across charts when the Sun’s shift and the Autumn Equinox overlap on the 22nd. Until Mercury comes out of retrograde and Mars enters Capricorn later on in September, roads might get bumpy in terms of communication and energy levels. The eclipses won’t be an easy experience, either. Wholesome Virgo will encourage weeding out toxic people, places & things from your life, while escapist Pisces is gonna make things personal and bring a ton of issues to light. Other than that, you should prep for Venus’s shift into passionate Scorpio, which should bring some much-needed honesty but also probably drama. After all that, the new moon in Libra will provide good vibes and round everything out.

Stream Michael Christmas and Prefuse 73’s New Album ‘Lady Parts’

Posted on 09/08/2016 by Zack Correia

By Zack Correia

fudge

Anticipation was high when Boston rapper Michael Christmas announced the formation of Fudge, prostate a collaborative project with prolific producer Prefuse 73, and now their debut LP has finally arrived. Tomorrow (Sept. 9) is the scheduled release date for the album, but Lex Records have made it available a day early for free streaming on Soundcloud.

Neither man disappoints over the course of 15-track LP. The chemistry between the two builds from song to song, and the eclectic beats give Christmas a chance to showcases some new flows. Although the duo is the main attraction, they are also joined by D.R.A.M., Pervana and Alex Mali on several tracks.

Lex Records will have CDs and limited edition pink 12-inch vinyl available for purchase on their online store tomorrow. In addition to the physical release, fans can also buy the album on both Amazon and iTunes.

Lady Parts adds to what has been a great year to be a Michael Christmas fan. Already in 2016, he released his Baggy Eyes EP and has had features on tracks with the likes of Mac Miller, Jay IDK, and Asher Roth. And just this week, in classic Mickey Christmas fashion, he released an ode in celebration of Crash Bandicoot’s 20th birthday.

Christmas has also been staying busy on the road. He wrapped up the Bring Yo Friends Tour with Tunji Ige earlier this summer, and now is getting ready to hit the road once again this fall in support of Australian electronic producer What So Not. That tour will be making a stop in Boston at the House of Blues on Oct. 7.

Stream Lady Parts and check out Michael Christmas-supported dates on the What So Not tour below.

Michael Christmas Tour Dates:

9/28 – Minneapolis, Minn. – The Loft

9/29 – Milwaukee, Wis. -Miramar Theatre

9/30 – Chicago, Ill. – Concord Music Hall

10/2 – Toronto, Ont. – The Hoxton

10/4 – Buffalo, N.Y. – The Town Ballroom

10/5– South Burlington, Vt. – Higher Ground

10/6 – Philadelphia, Pa. – Electric Factory

10/7– Boston, Mass. – House of Blues

10/10 – Washington, D.C. – 9:30 Club

10/21 – Rochester, N.Y. – Harmony House

10/22 – Syracuse, N.Y. – The Westcott Theater

10/23 – Amityville, N.Y. – Amityville Music Hall

SONG PREMIERE: DWELLER ON THE THRESHOLD’s “Onto You”

Posted on 09/08/2016 by Cliff

By Cliff Notez

DWELLER ON THE THRESHOLD is comprised of some talented musicians from a few different other gigs. Eric Gagne (Footings, Redwing Blackbird, Death To Tyrants), Randy Patrick (The Toll, Death To Tyrants), Andrew Skelly (Kindling, Ampere), Jason St.Claire (Sweet John Bloom, Daniel Striped Tiger), and Sean Yeaton (Parquet Courts, Daniel Striped Tiger). These guys have been at it since 2010 despite the distance that’s sets them apart, and still making a sound that smashes you over the head with hardcore guitars, and captivates you further with lush vocals.

“Onto You” serves as an introduction to DOTT’s development and growth from Volume 1. The song hints that multi-timbre/genre music is becoming something that this band can execute regularly. Being the bands testimony of their layered sound, and described by the band as one of the “heavier” songs on the album, leaves us listeners wondering how much more complex and multidimensional this project will be. “Onto You” does a great job as a stand alone single that intrigues it’s listeners to wondering how it will function in the larger context that is VOL2.

VOL2 will be out shortly for purchase on the Bandcamp for Don’t Live Like Me Records. Until then, take a listen to the first song from the record, “Onto You,” linked below!

<a href="http://dontlivelikeme.bandcamp.com/album/vol-ii">Vol. II by Dweller On The Threshold</a>

Gary Clark Jr Brings The Healing – 8/31/16

Posted on 09/08/2016 by Corwin Wickersham IV

Words and Photos by Corwin Wickersham

One year later, The Story of Sonny Boy Slim tour rolls on, once again reaching our home in Boston. Last Halloween, Gary Clark Jr brought a raucous, smoky show to House of Blues in Fenway and this past week he brought his band back to the larger Blue Hills Bank Pavilion for another take on his latest album’s offerings. On a beautiful late summer’s eve, the massively popular blues and r&b artist provided an equally stunning set to his last visit, albeit with a little more space for the crowd and for some extended jams (and probably a lot less Halloween costumes.)

Local group, the Tim Gearan Band, opened the show to a positive reception while the concertgoers itched for Clark’s brand of blues driven rock and roll. Clark took the stage to dark blue lighting and smoke, slinking out of the back corner before strapping on his guitar with a smirk under the brim of his hat. The band began the groove and things took off from there for the night. His band has remained stable since the bluesman broke onto the scene several years ago and this is fantastic news for any fan of live music that gets the chance to catch them as they only continue to gel more over the years. Johnny Bradley and Johnny Radelat form Clark’s fantastic rhythm section while King Zapata takes care of second guitar duties. The aesthetic of Zapata’s outfits and guitars usually match the wild licks he will occasionally step forward to perform during his own time in the spotlight.

Clark hit all corners of his catalogue (setlist below) and showed off a lot of pretty guitars in the process, including his signature Epiphone Casino. While Clark’s two major label albums span genres, darting between, blues, rock, r&b, and soul – his live shows put the focus where it inevitably belongs, howling guitar solos and crooning vocals. This most recent stop in Boston was no exception. Anytime Gary and company let loose, the crowd responded with loud applause (and often a cloud of smoke). Songs like “Bright Lights” and “When My Train Pulls In” easily span ten minutes a piece and give Clark and his road tested bandmates plenty of room to improvise and work off of each other’s talents. When the encore featuring “Train” was over the crowd wandered out into the night, smiles on their faces and ears ringing, almost certainly satisfied with the performance they had just witnessed.

The Story of Sonny Boy Slim is available everywhere now: iTunes, Spotify, Amazon

Check out our photos of the show and a video of Clark performing “The Healing,” from his most recent album, below.

PREVIEW + TICKET GIVEAWAY: Haley Bonar at Middle East Upstairs (9/11)

Posted on 09/07/2016 by Christine Varriale

By Allston Pudding

Haley Bonar has further proved herself a modern day prolific songwriter with her newest album Impossible Dream. Stand out tracks like “I Can Change” and “Called You Queen” blend a perfect mix of dreamy, foggy and bright to bring us perfectly from the end of summer to the beginning of fall.

Opening support for the show will be from The Western Den and The Symptoms, two local bands we have grown to love over the years. The Western Den blends folk and alternative rock elements well enough to please both of those crowds. The Symptoms bring an electronic element to indie pop that sets them apart from the homogenous indie pop of DIY scenes. They’re a special band with a unique talent for making something simple feel complete.

<a href="http://thewesternden.bandcamp.com/album/all-the-birds-ep">All The Birds EP by The Western Den</a><a href="http://thesymptomsmusic.bandcamp.com/album/lens">Lens by The Symptoms</a>

Enter our ticket giveaway below for the chance to win a pair of tickets to the show and bring a friend!

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Haley Bonar with The Western Den and The Symptoms
September 11, 2016
Middle East Upstairs
472 Massachusetts Ave
Cambridge, MA 02139
Doors @ 7:00pm | 18+ | $12 | fb event

PWR BTTM Signs to Polyvinyl for Sophomore Album

Posted on 09/06/2016 by Becca Degregorio

By Becca DeGregorio

Photo by Ebru Yildiz

After a long love affair with its debut Ugly Cherries, PWR BTTM‘s much-anticipated new album will come via a new label for the duo next year. Queer punk heroes Liv Bruce and Ben Hopkins have announced they’re officially signed with the DIY-spirited and independent Polyvinyl Record Company.

Currently writing in their home base of Upstate New York, PWR BTTM will kick off back-to-back North American and European tours with Vundabar, Bellows, Lisa Prank and The Spook School this month. Catch them across the country (maybe even across the pond), and don’t miss our show with them November 23 at ONCE Ballroom in Somerville!

North American Dates:

Sep 30 – Ithaca, NY @ State Theater of Ithaca
Oct 02 – Camden, ME @ Camden Opera House
Oct 20 – Brooklyn, NY @ Baby’s All Right
Oct 21 – Brooklyn, NY @ Market Hotel
Oct 22 – Portsmouth, NH @ 3S Artspace
Oct 24 – Toronto, ON @ Silver Dollar Room
Oct 25 – Lakewood, OH @ Mahall’s
Oct 26 – Chicago, IL @ Beat Kitchen
Oct 27 – Minneapolis, MN @ 7th Street Entry
Oct 28 – Omaha, NE @ Milk Run
Oct 30 – Denver, CO @ Lost Lake Lounge
Nov 01 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Kilby Court
Nov 02 – Boise, ID @ Neurolux
Nov 03 – Walla Walla, WA @ Billsville West
Nov 04 – Vancouver, BC @ 333 Clark
Nov 05 – Seattle, WA @ The Vera Project
Nov 06 – Portland, OR @ Mississippi Studios
Nov 07 – Eugene, OR @ The Boreal
Nov 09 – San Francisco, CA @ Rickshaw Stop
Nov 11 – Los Angeles, CA @ Bootleg Theater
Nov 12 – Phoenix, AZ @ Rebel Lounge
Nov 14 – Austin, TX @ The Mohawk
Nov 15 – Dallas, TX @ Club Dada
Nov 16 – Jackson, MS @ Big Sleepy’s
Nov 17 – Nashville, TN @ The End
Nov 18 – Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade
Nov 20 – Durham, NC @ The Pinhook
Nov 21 – Washington, DC @ DC9
Nov 22 – Philadelphia, PA @ PhilaMOCA
Nov 23 – Somerville, MA @ ONCE Somerville (8pm, $12 in advance, $15 day-of, ALL AGES)

Slaine Releases First Visuals for ‘Slaine is Dead,’ EP Release Date and Artwork

Posted on 09/06/2016 by Cliff

By Cliff Notez

Photo by Nik Weikert

Just last week Slaine gave us the first visuals for his new EP, Slaine Is Dead. “Pusher”, like the rest of the project is produced by The Arcitype and directed by Christian Hardy. The video stays true to classic Hip-Hop with grainy visuals that match it’s gritty content. The video, which is more like a short film, features a familiar Boston face in Owen Burke, who you may have seen in movies like The Town and The Equalizer. Continuing with some more Boston cameos, the video was shot in several familiar places throughout the city in downtown, Southie [maybe Charlestown] and even Harvard Square. Hardy does a great job setting the tone with dark imagery to match the bleak story line.

The real star of the video is obviously Slaine, who acts as lyrical narrator hiding in the shadows of Hardy’s transitions and Burke lurking character [the ‘pusher.] Slaine does a great job of piecing together lyrics to equate to an immersive story. Coupling that with Arc’s boom bap (SAMPLE FREE) production, makes for a video that accompany any drug dealers off day perfectly (cinematically speaking of course.) Slaine gives us some good reasons to be excited for his eight track Ep, ‘Slaine Is Dead” to be released via AR Classic Records on September 23rd. The thematic project, which details the rugged journey of a drug dealer, “Pusher,” eventually finding salvation after enduring hardships to excel their drive and assert dominance, which is musically portrayed on songs like “Coming Home” & “Legendary.” The EP features some appearances from artists like Statik Selektah, Termanology, ILL BILL, Vinnie Paz, Jared Evan, DJ Eclipse and Demrick, If you’re overly excited feel free to get your copy on preorder directly from the AR Classic Website.Watch the video for “Pusher” and check out the EP Artwork for “Slaine is Dead” below.

Slaine’s Socials:
https://twitter.com/SlainesWorld
https://www.facebook.com/slaine.official

Fitz Fest Announces Schedule for Second Year

Posted on 09/02/2016 by Harry Gustafson

By Harry Gustafson

Fitz Fest II Schedule

Scheduled to run from 9/22 to 9/24, Fitz Fest II – organized by Fitz Ross, a Boston-based video production and show promotion company – will hold shows at three different venues and feature performances from Massachusetts based indie bands like Funeral Advantage, Black Beach, Saccharine and Rye Pines. Last year’s events were held at the Womb and O’Brien’s. This year, the shows will be at Great Scott, O’Brien’s and the Middle East Upstairs.

In comparison to last year’s eclectic lineup, this year features a more themed artist list, although it still showcases the wide sonic spread of genres under the indie umbrella that are going strong in the Greater Boston Area right now. Performances will range from dream pop, folk, fuzzy grunge and beyond.

Brandon Hafetz, founder and executive director of Fitz Ross, described the festival as a celebration of Boston’s musical community. Associate director Toni Tiemann and community relations intern Jamie Vadala-Doran handled the booking process, which was an effort to represent what the company finds most exciting in the local music scene right now.

Other performers include Daephne, Philadelphia’s Steep Leans, and more. Visit Fitz Ross’s website to check out the live Spare Room Sessions of some of the acts playing this year and learn more about the company.

“Stranger Things” S U R V I V E to Take Over Great Scott, Share New Song

Posted on 08/30/2016 by Cliff

By Cliff Notez

It hopefully goes without saying that you probably should check out the new Netflix show “Stranger Things.” Not only is it giving all of the X-Files/E.T. nerds their contemporary [but not] Science Fiction Television fix, but it’s also striking a chord [pun potentially intended] with electronic music and synth-heads throughout the dark and joyful underground electro-scene. I’m clearly overly satisfied with this project as a whole.

But musically, Kyle Dixon & Michael Stein may be the names you’re most familiar with, if you’re like me and hunted down their collection of music directly after binge watching the show in less than two days. But the two are apart of a band called S U R V I V E, who will be coming to Great Scott on November 2nd.

S U R V I V E has also announced that they will be releasing a follow up album, on Relapse Records, entitled RR7349 on September 30th. Check out their latest single from that project, Wardenclyffe & all of the tour dates throughout the fall below. If you have no idea what Synth music is, S U R V I V E’s got you covered with a general guide on how to make synth music, if you have no idea what any of this means.

S U R V I V E:

09-30 Austin, TX – Barracuda
10-04 Tucson, AZ – Club Congress
10-05 San Diego, CA – Soda Bar
10-06 Los Angeles, CA – Echoplex
10-07 San Francisco, CA – Elbo Room
10-08 Sacramento, CA – Harlow’s
10-11 Portland, OR – Holoscene
10-12 Seattle, WA – The Crocodile
10-14 Santa Cruz, CA – The Catalyst Atrium
10-16 Joshua Tree, CA – Desert Daze Festival
10-26 Atlanta, GA – The Earl
10-27 Carrboro, NC – Cat’s Cradle
10-28 Washington, DC – U Street Music Hall
10-29 Philadelphia, PA – 714 (Making Time)
10-31 Brooklyn, NY – Good Room
11-01 Jersey City, NJ – Monty Hall
11-02 Allston, MA – Great Scott
11-03 Buffalo, NY – Studio at Waiting Room
11-04 Pittsburgh, PA – Spirit Lodge
11-05 Detroit, MI – El Club
11-06 Chicago, IL – Empty Bottle
12-31 Dallas, TX – It’ll Do

SONG PREMIERE: George Woods “My Father’s Son”

Posted on 08/29/2016 by Lauren Moquin

By Allston Pudding Staff

By Chrissy Bulakites

Some of the toughest realizations come with the discussion of relative relationships. Although we all try our best to be diligent sons, daughters, cousins, sisters, brothers, etc., sometimes there’s an unspoken force standing in the way. Local songwriter, George Woods, laid out the struggles with his father within his new single, “My Father’s Son”. It was a result of a conversation between Woods and his brother after their father had remarried. Woods realized that there were a lot of gaps throughout his childhood memories where all he could remember were spurts of anger.

You can hear the track below and join Woods on September 15th at Thunder Road, for his music video premiere show. Tickets are $12 and it is a 21+ event.