Shady Bug - tbh idk
Brand-spanking new group Shady Bug just put out their debut album and it is so dreamy. A band comprised of some of the most respected youngins in St. Louis. Twinkly 90s indie rock jams with a little bit of shoegaze and just a touch of sadness. This 8 track album, full of layered melodies and catchy progressions was recorded in full in one day. With that being said, not one point on tbh idk can any sense of tiredness, fatigue or settling can be detected. Shady Bug is a resilient group of whipper-snappers, that is without question.
Favorite track: Sweet 'n' Sour
Concentrator - No Known Code
Concentrator is a three piece rock outfit and their new album
No Known Code is the most polished and the most concentrated (no pun intended) effort from the group. 10 tracks blending indie/emo, noise rock and a little 90s alternative rock.
No Known Code has a diverse array of rock sub-genres, making it that some songs sound like they be heard on KSHE 95 while others could easily be featured on Wrong Division on KDHX. This is just a solid rock album, my dude.
Favorite track: Stand Up Routine
Trauma Harness - Ghost of a Flea 7"
Doom and gloom in mid bloom. Last month we talked about Trauma Harness releasing a record of older songs and now we are talking about Trauma Harness releasing a record of NEW songs. These boys have been churning out hit after hit for years like a post-punk factory. There isn't much more I can say that I haven't said before about Trauma Harness. You know you're going to like you.
Favorite track: Death Adder
Yowie - Synchromysticism
What do you want me to say? It's fucking Yowie. The band that's sounds is bigger than life itself. Yowie are no mere mortals, because no human life could possible create this massive music. It is impossible to comprehend how this is a thing. I can throw hyperbolic whims at you until the cows come home and it still won't do this band and this album justice. They aren't math rock, they aren't noise rock, they aren't post-progressive experimental no wave, they're Yowie.
Favorite track: Absurdly Ineffective Barricade
Vernacular String Trio - Parlance
One time, I saw Alex Cunningham play in an improvised duet with Jake Leech. The intensity of their performance gave me a panic attack. When I told Alex about this after their set, he replied "woah, sick!" Three years later, Alex and his new project with Tracy Andreotti and Josh Weinstein is releasing their debut album
Parlance chopped full of abrasive and haunting free jazz that is kind of bugging me out. I dig it.
Favorite track: Suture
Maximum Effort - Money, Lies and Media Reels
A staple of punk rock in St. Louis for many years, Maximum Effort releases their first album in two years this month. A band that is not afraid to share their political opinions, Maximum Effort has consistently made a conscious effort to focus their lyrical content on politics. However, Maximum Effort is known to have the occasional silly punk song about poop and whatnot. It's a fun punk band that you might accidentally learn something from.
Favorite track: Narco Corrido
Coca-Cola Death Squad - Brain Power II
Originally from Buffalo, New York, this duo of St. Louis transplants have been ahh'ing crowds with their unique music ever since they first arrived to town. As a fellow percussionist, I love watching CCDS whenever I get the chance. Dueling drummers, playing with such precision and with great chemistry. I enjoyed Brain Power II, but it doesn't do this duo's live set justice.
Favorite track: The Code
