Sugar Tradition: More Sugar (EP) [Album Review]

Sugar TraditionMore SugarFeel It Records [2023] Wait until you spin the free-wheelin’ new EP from Detroit’s Sugar Tradition. More Sugar is a carefree record that was recorded live, encapsulating the raw and rebellious spirit of the 1960s era. It features a collection of songs with an enduring classic vibe, paying homage to the garage R&B … Read more

The Sextones: Love Can’t Be Borrowed [Album Review]

The SextonesLove Can’t Be BorrowedRecord Kicks [2023] Produced by Kelly Finnigan of The Monophonics, Love Can’t Be Borrowed is the sophomore album by The Sextones. The record charts a soulful path that’s sure to captivate fans, both old and new. This Reno, Nevada-based band, comprised of Mark Sexton (guitar, vocals), Alexander Korostinsky (bass), Daniel Weiss … Read more

jaimie branch: Fly Or Die Fly Or Die Fly Or Die ((World War)) [Album Review]

jaimie branchFly Or Die Fly Or Die Fly Or Die ((World War))International Anthem [2023] jaimie “breezy” branch, was a trumpeter and composer who had rapidly ascended as one of the brightest stars in the jazz world when she tragically passed away on August 22, 2022, at the age of just 39. In July 2022, this … Read more

Smug Brothers: In The Book Of Bad Ideas [Album Review]

Smug BrothersIn The Book Of Bad IdeasAnyway Records [2023] Ohio indie band Smug Brothers has released some great under-the-radar records since their formation in 2004. The band boasts a relaxed, stylish blend of power pop and lo-fi rock that captivates listeners right from their opening guitar strums. In The Book Of Bad Ideas continues to … Read more

The Connells: Ring (30th Anniversary Deluxe Edition) [Classic Album Revisit]

The ConnellsRing (30th Anniversary Deluxe Edition)Craft Recordings [2023] Released: September 1, 1993/Reissue: May 26, 2023Producer: Lou Giordano | The Connells | Tim HarperLength: 50:15/Reissue: 2:10:00 Released in 1993, The Connells’ album Ring remains a quintessential find of the indie rock scene, showcasing the band’s masterful songwriting and distinctive sound. With its melodic hooks and introspective … Read more

Sonic Youth: Live In Brooklyn 2011 [Album Review]

Sonic YouthLive In Brooklyn 2011Silver Current Records [2023] Sonic Youth will undoubtedly secure their place in the history books due to their profound influence on the alternative and indie music scenes, especially throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Renowned for their sound experimentation, they seamlessly integrated elements of noise, feedback, and unconventional guitar tunings. By challenging … Read more

The Exploding Hearts: Guitar Romantic (Expanded & Remastered) [Classic Album Revisit]

The Exploding HeartsGuitar Romantic (Expanded & Remastered)Third Man Records Released: April 1, 2003/Reissue: May 26, 2023Producer: The Exploding Hearts, Pat KearnsLength: 29:00/Reissue: 38:00 In a world where punk and power pop collide, The Exploding Hearts’ debut album Guitar Romantic emerged as a timeless gem that pays homage to the past while infusing a youthful and … Read more

BEEF: BEEF [Album Review]

BEEFBEEFFeel It Records [2023] BEEF’s lineup is led by Takoda Hortenberry, who takes on the roles of both drummer and lead vocalist. His wife, Ally, contributes her skills on keys and vocals, while John Hoffman (Vacation) handles the bass duties. Guitarist Sam Richardson, who also happens to be the founder of Feel It Records, completes … Read more

feeble little horse: Girl With Fish [Album Review]

feeble little horseGirl With FishSaddle Creek Records [2023] Hailing from Pittsburgh, PA, feeble little horse presents an invigorating and charmingly unpredictable sophomore offering with Girl With Fish. The album is a collection of brief yet captivating tracks brimming with feedback-laden melodies. The band undertook the independent recording and production of this release, embarking on a … Read more

Video Premiere: Bohannons – “Ride The Night”

Headed by brothers Marty and Matt Bohannon, the Bohannons are an underappreciated band that has been doing things their way for over 20 years. TFN is excited to premiere their new video for “Ride The Night,” which is from their recently released studio album, Night Construction, via Cornelius Chapel Records. What we like about this … Read more

Mammatus: Expanding Majesty [Album Review]

MammatusExpanding MajestySilver Current Records [2023] Mammatus, the experimental rock band known for their elaborate compositions and mind-bending sonic journeys, has returned after 8 years with their latest offering, “Expanding Majesty.” With this album, the California-based group takes us on a 69-minute immersive musical expedition over 4 tracks, diving deep into the realms of psychedelic space … Read more

Video Premiere: Smug Brothers – “Let Me Know When It’s Yes”

TFN is thrilled to premiere the fantastic new video from Smug Brothers today! “Let Me Know When It’s Yes” is a track from the Ohio indie rock band’s latest album, In The Book Of Bad Ideas, set to be released via Anyway Records on Friday, September 8th. Lead singer, guitarist, and songwriter Kyle Melton expressed … Read more

Sweeping Promises: Good Living Is Coming For You [Album Review]

Sweeping PromisesGood Living Is Coming For YouFeel It/Sub Pop Records [2023] Sweeping Promises, the once Boston-based post-punk outfit now located in Lawrence, Kansas, has unleashed a feverish and uncompromising attitude in their sophomore album, Good Living Is Coming For You. With unrelenting urgency and a distinct blend of post-punk, new wave, and garage rock influences, … Read more

Motorbike: Motorbike [Album Review]

MotorbikeMotorbikeFeel It Records [2023] I love it when a record comes out of nowhere and completely knocks you over after the first spin. Motorbike’s self-titled debut did just that with its full-throttle, high-stakes rock ‘n’ roll assault that will make you a believer in its short twenty-seven-minute runtime. The five-piece Welsh-American band from Cincinnati, Ohio, … Read more

King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard: PetroDragonic Apocalypse; Or, Dawn Of Eternal Night: An Annihilation Of Planet Earth And The Beginning Of Merciless Damnation [Album Review]

King Gizzard & The Lizard WizardPetroDragonic Apocalypse; Or, Dawn Of Eternal Night: An Annihilation Of Planet Earth And The Beginning Of Merciless DamnationKGLW [2023] King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard is back with their 24th album, PetroDragonic Apocalypse; or, Dawn of Eternal Night: An Annihilation of Planet Earth and the Beginning of Merciless Damnation. This … Read more

Fire Track Premiere: The Chives – “Nine Volt Love”

TFN is thrilled today to premiere the newest track from Boston’s beloved musical collective of orphans, The Chives. The ten-piece group, consisting of Messy Nessy, Jackie Scooter, Johnny Staples, Vicky Sticks, EJ Pills, William Pills, Nancy Dew, Aidan Spleen, Young Hot Brad, and Dirty Denz, has returned with their electrifying new indie jangle, “Nine Volt … Read more

RVG: Brain Worms [Album Review]

RVGBrain WormsFire Records [2023] Melbourne post-punk quartet RVG’s third album, Brain Worms, is a bold and ambitious record that sees the band expanding their sound with the addition of synths while staying true to their roots. The album is once again filled with catchy melodies, driving rhythms, and Romy Vager’s sharp, insightful lyrics. RVG harkens … Read more

Maya Ongaku: Approach To Anima [Album Review]

Maya OngakuApproach To AnimaGuruguru Brain [2023] Maya Ongaku is a trio hailing from the seaside communities surrounding Enoshima, a small island located 50 km southwest of Tokyo, Japan. The group earned a bunch of early fans as they were an opener for label mate Kikagaku Moyo’s final tour. Approach To Anima is their debut album, … Read more

Beach Fossils: Bunny [Album Review]

Beach FossilsBunnyBayonet Records [2023] Beach Fossils, the indie rock band hailing from Brooklyn, has returned after five years with their fourth studio album, Bunny. Known for their dreamy and introspective sound, the band’s latest offering takes their signature style to new heights. Bunny is a dreamy, hazy, and ultimately uplifting album that showcases the band’s … Read more

Video Premiere: Rob Crow & Kramer – “Kerosene”

TFN is excited to premiere a new track from Rob Crow (Pinback) and Kramer titled “Kerosene.” This song is part of the new Kramer collaborative EP series titled Rings Of Saturn, released via Shimmy-Disc. The series consists of six EPs featuring various vocal collaborators, including Britta Phillips (Luna, Dean & Britta), Paul Leary (Butthole Surfers), … Read more

Vanity Mirror: Puff [Album Review]

Vanity MirrorPuffWe Are Busy Bodies [2023] The duo of Toronto-based Brent Randall (Gentle Brent) and Los Angeles-dwelling Johnny Toomey (The Turns) is known for their previous achievements with the Los Angeles-based baroque-pop group, The Electric Looking Glass. Both musicians complement each other stylistically as Vanity Mirror’s debut album shows their knack for crafting songs that … Read more

The Bomboras: Songs From Beyond! [Album Review]

The BomborasSongs From Beyond!MuSick Recordings [2023] In the realm of surf rock, few bands capture the spirit of the genre as brilliantly as The Bomboras. With their energetic performances and undeniable talent, the band consistently delivered a unique and captivating sound that soared in the early ’90s. However, it all came to an exhilarating end … Read more

Tinariwen: Amatssou [Album Review]

TinariwenAmatssouWedge [2023] In the two decades since Tinariwen emerged from their base in the African desert to tour the globe, they have got to know many renowned American country, folk, and rock musicians including Kurt Vile, Cass McCombs, Micah Nelson (son of Willie Nelson) and Jack White. The story of their ninth album, Amatssou, begins … Read more

The Murlocs: Calm Ya Farm [Album Review]

The MurlocsCalm Ya FarmATO Records [2023] Melbourne’s The Murlocs, the Australian rock band of Ambrose Kenny-Smith and associated with the King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, have returned with the more country fried Calm Ya Farm. Much like the Gizzard, The Murlocs have been cranking out music as Calm Ya Farm is their seventh full … Read more

Wiped Out: Welcome To Fear City [Album Review]

Wiped OutWelcome To Fear CityOtitis Media Records [2023] If you’re a fan of surf music, then you’ll definitely want to check out Welcome To Fear City by Wiped Out. Originally released digitally at the end of last year, the physical record is now out and this album captures the essence of classic surf music with … Read more