In a slow month for new releases, adventurous rock cellist Alison Chesley comprises our only entry with her second solo release as Helen Money.
Containing a darker vibe, In Tune is a collection of minimalist, a-percussive creations that excel through overdubbed harmonies, dirty rock effects, and brooding melodies. (more…)
In its first album with Grails drummer Emil Amos, Om continues to channel discarnate vibes while taking a worldly bent with key guest contributors. The result is another step in the journey for Om — a heightened sense of focus and wellbeing.
Meanwhile, Ben Perowsky’s Moodswing Orchestra is a seductive sonic alloy, melding elastic grooves with sultry and low-key vocals and atmospheric improvisation. Ahleuchatistas refines its math-rock madness with a Tzadik debut, and vibraphone virtuoso Jason Adasiewicz achieves wandering, melodic interplay with the sophomore album from his Rolldown quintet. (more…)
Love Chicago? Why not sing about it?
The Chicago Public Library has announced the “Sound Off” Music Competition, where local musicians can show off their talents by submitting original songs inspired by the city of Chicago.
Music from 10 finalists will be reviewed by a panel of judges comprised of ALARM Editor-in-Chief and all around champion of independent music Chris Force and music & culture critic and author of The Girls’ Guide to Rocking, Jessica Hopper.
The winner will headline the CHIPUBLIB Sound Off music event where they will perform a set including their original ode to Chicago as well as a studio package from Electrical Audio, founded by Steve Albini.
The contest will run from August 27-September 27. Find out how to Enter Today.
Good Luck!
Graphic designers Someoddpilot, Struggle Inc., Demo, Ohio Girl take the Andrew Rafacz Gallery by storm. These hometown heroes have been a driving force in Chicago’s art and music scene for ten years. Their previous works include websites for Engine Studios, Pitchfork, and the Empty Bottle; photography for RJD2, Steve Albini, and Chocolate Industries; and some killer skateboard designs for Eric Koston’s Girl team.
There is sure to be some insanity due to the absurd concentration of talent under one roof.
Public Works
Mono: Hymn to the Immortal Wind
Mono delivers a majestic work with orchestral accompaniment.
Dan Deacon: Bromst (Carpark)
Dan Deacon mixes organic flourishes with his buzzing synths.
Mastodon: Crack the Skye (Warner Bros.)
Mastodon branches out while refining its vocals.
Hella returns as a duo; Converge posts a studio preview of a new song; Busdriver, Shining (Norway), Om, Russian Circles and Aphex Twin all have new albums on the way. (more…)
With more musical projects than fingers, Chicago guitarist Dave Miller has his hands fully immersed in jazz, rock, psychedelic, noise, and experimental forms. (more…)
While many bands clamor to get attention from record labels, Sacramento’s Trash Talk decided they were better off on their own. After recording with Steve Albini earlier this year, this fall found the hardcore quartet releasing their stark, magnificently abrasive self-titled second album on their own Trash Talk Collective label. (more…)
