Detroit Rebellion |
With the Apocalypse officially behind us (the Mayans need to get their shit together), let's focus on what's in store for some of Rhode Island's finest musical acts in 2013. The past 12 months were a blast (check out the wide array of artists in last week's column) and, judging by the following updates from some of our local favorites, 2013 should follow suit and then some. Let's hit it.
"Bring a jacket because it looks like Hell finally froze over!" Yes, it is true — get ready for an AMAZING ROYAL CROWNS reunion, starting with a New Year's Eve show at the House of Blues as part of the Bosstones' sold-out Hometown Throwdown. Tour details are scant thus far, but dial up the ARC's Facebook page for updates as well as a free download of "One More Christmas (To Put Up With You)." This really is happening.
Another reunion of note is the return of post-hardcore outfit THE COMING WEAK. Denny Rochefort and his General Assembly promotions team have booked a good one at Fête on February 11. This could be a one-off (and possibly sold out) show, so get tix in advance.
Chuck Staton of SENIOR DISCOUNT (seniordiscount.bandcamp.com) checked in, as the band has just released a new EP, Is This the End?, for the first time in forever. Catch Senior Discount tearing up the Met on January 4.
I have been on the BROADCASTER(reverbnation/broadcasterri) bandwagon from Day One, when 75orLess records head honcho Mark MacDougall handed over some demos in 2009. The full-length debut Drunkard's Walk was fantastic, particularly for us fans of Built to Spill, Modest Mouse, and Dinosaur Jr. The indie-rock crew has seen some personnel changes over the last year (the trio is looking for a second guitarist) but, according to singer/guitarist Chris McTernan, Broadcaster will release a new EP in the first quarter of '13. Catch Broadcaster at Firehouse 13 on December 29 with 75orLess labelmates Suicide Bill and SIX STAR GENERAL.
Speaking of Six Star (sixstargeneral.com), expect to hear plenty of new stuff from Kyle, Dan, and Slick at the show this weekend. SSG just wrapped up recording another full-length with Kraig Jordan (the Masons) at his Plan of a Boy studio with an expected springtime release. This year's Splinter was the band's eighth studio release, superbly stoned post-punk which resulted in a Best Song victory in our annual music poll for "Curved Nerves." Stop by 75orlessrecords.com for merch and show listings.
NORTHERN LANDS (reverbnation/northernlandsmusic) had me hooked with "This Old War" and turned plenty of heads at the 2012 WBRU Rock Hunt finals (trumped by the mighty Rice Cakes). The quartet finally finished recording the full-length debut, He Took a Dive; the first single, "Syndey," features Roz Raskin on guest vocals. Northern Lands will headline a low-dough show at the Met on January 11 with the Tower & the Fool, Ask the Dead, and Cactus Attack.
Torn Shorts |
Singer-songwriter Josh Grabert has assembled a full band and I am anticipating big things for TORN SHORTS (tornshortsmusic.com) in the coming year. Grabert & Co. rocked the Met at our Best Music Poll bash, and passed their Kickstarter goal with plans to release Roll Up Your Sleeves. Visit the TS site and pre-order a copy right now.
