Christopher Anthony

Christopher Anthony, a passionate supporter of new music, managed a record store and produced alternative video shows in the '90s. Transitioning into the 2000s, he became a prolific music blogger, chronicling the scene with a positive view. His mission: to discover the latest indie releases and share them with you!

Track Premiere: VoirVoir – “Stupid For Now”

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Today’s track premiere spotlights the second single from Bethlehem, PA band VoirVoir (pronounced v-wah v-wah). The quintet is set to release their debut, There Are No Good Goodbyes, on July 15th from our good friends Fleeting Youth Records. VoirVoir is all about delivering intense vocals, providing rock out guitar at the right moment and lyrically … Read more

The Friday Fire Track: Cymbals Eat Guitars – “4th of July, Philadelphia (SANDY)”

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One of our past favorites, Cymbals Eat Guitars, has a new record coming out September 16th called Pretty Years via Sinderlyn. Today’s Friday Fire Track, “4th of July, Philadelphia (SANDY),” is the second single from the record and it highlights the loose free vibe that went into the entire recording. The heavy hitting vocals and … Read more

Band Of Horses: Why Are You OK [Album Review]

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Band Of Horses Why Are You OK Interscope Records [2016] Fire Note Says: Band of Horses release their best major label record to date. Album Review: Band of Horses have every reason in the world to be one of the biggest rock acts currently on the scene. They have great songwriting, a superb voice in … Read more

The Claypool Lennon Delirium: Monolith Of Phobos [Album Review]

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The Claypool Lennon Delirium Monolith Of Phobos ATO Records [2016] Fire Note Says: Talented pair takes you for a trip. Album Review: From the surface, the pairing of Primus frontman Les Claypool and Sean Lennon (The Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger) seems crazy. It is like someone developed an odd couple of rock series … Read more

Video Premiere: American Monoxide – “Sciatic Nerve”

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We have the perfect video premiere today for our TFN readers that love music which lives on the edge. Tucson, Arizona’s American Monoxide brings you a lo-tech spastic jam called “Sciatic Nerve,” which will instantly get into your head with its groove and repetitive spoken title.

American Monoxide is actually the solo home recordings of Dimitri Manos. He is hard to place in one genre and offers mostly instrumental mixes which range from dance to trash to noise to novelty. The entire record is a fascinating listen but I think this video spotlights his focus and why you should check out American Monoxide!

“Sciatic Nerve” sticks with you visually as it feels like the alternate universe version to the Beastie’s “Sabotage.” It has a lot going on for only running 1:30 and that’s what makes it fun. What’s in the bag? Why is he smoking a cigarette now? Why did he just throw his hat? All questions with no answers – I guess you just need to enjoy the track and let your mind fill in the blanks!

American Monoxide Website
American Monoxide Facebook
PIAPTK Records

Moonface And Siinai – Risto’s Riff [Video]

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Spencer Krug’s Moonface and Siinai’s new album, My Best Human Face, is out now on Jagjaguwar. The lead single, “Risto’s Riff,” gets a visual treatment here from director Marsha Balaeva with design assistance from Tamsin Rose Creations. Watch as creatures come to life seemingly out of nowhere in the video. It’s as chaotic and perfect as the song itself. Check it out.

Hey Mercedes Everynight Fire Works & Weekend EP Vinyl Reissue

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Fifteen years after it’s initial release, Hey Mercedes’ debut Everynight Fire Works will receive a deluxe reissue on Run For Cover Records. Formed after the break up of Braid by Bob Nanna, Todd Bell and Damon Atkinson, Hey Mercedes’ brand of emo-influenced alternative rock has stood the test of time, embraced as a more melodic … Read more

The Friday Fire Track: The Claypool Lennon Delirium – “Cricket And The Genie”

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After seeing Sean Lennon come onto the stage with Les Claypool and Primus during their summer tour together, it wasn’t that much of a surprise to see this collaboration happen. Now, it was anyone’s guess what form it would take and to the delight of TFN, it seems like a mix leaning more to the … Read more

Shrug – “Radio Madonna” [Video]

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If there ever was a band that I thought would break out of Dayton, Ohio it was Shrug. Mainstays on the local circuit back in the mid-90’s the group released several quality records but never quite broke through to the bigger audience they deserved. It has been ten years since the band released a new record although its members have stayed busy in some recent groups TFN has featured here that include The Motel Beds, Human Cannonball, and The Boxcar Suite.

Well, the guys are back with their fifth long player titled Age of Ashes, which is set to release June 11th. “Radio Madonna” is the first track and video from the album and really finds the group getting back to their roots! If you enjoy the song you can also snag a free download of the single from their Bandcamp page until the album’s release.

Shrug Bandcamp
Shrug Facebook

Car Seat Headrest: Teens Of Denial [Album Review]

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Car Seat Headrest Teens Of Denial Matador Records [2016] Fire Note Says: This is the indie rock record you need in 2016! Album Review: “I’m so sick of – fill in the blank” is the first line you hear out of founder and singer/songwriter Will Toledo’s creative brain from the excellent new long player, Teens … Read more

Twin Peaks – “Butterfly” [Video]

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Twin Peaks released their new record, Down In Heaven, today along with a new video for the song “Butterfly.” The video was clearly inspired in part by the acid trip scene in Easy Rider, and directed by Ezra Ewen.

Following a Chicago kick-off tonight, the band is hitting the road, with both headline dates and gigs supporting Cage The Elephant on a leg of arena shows. Check out the dates below.

TWIN PEAKS TOUR DATES:
Fri. May 13 – Chicago, IL @ Lincoln Hall w/ White Reaper, The Funs – SOLD OUT
Mon. May 16 – Toronto, ON @ Horseshoe Tavern w/ White Reaper, Jimmy Whispers
Tue. May 17 – Montreal, QC @ La Vitrola w/ White Reaper, Jimmy Whispers
Wed. May 18 – Boston, MA @ The Sinclair w/ Ne-Hi, Jimmy Whispers
Thu. May 19 – Washington, DC @ Rock ‘N Roll Hotel w/ Ne-Hi, Jimmy Whispers
Fri. May 20 – Philadelphia, PA @ Boot & Saddle w/ Ne-Hi, Jimmy Whispers
Sat. May 21 – Northampton, MA @ Pearl Street Nightclub w/ Ne-Hi, Jimmy Whispers
Tue. May 24 – Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg w/ Ne-Hi, Jimmy Whispers
Wed. May 25 – New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom w/ Ne-Hi, Jimmy Whispers
Thu. May 26 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Club Cafe w/ Ne-Hi, Jimmy Whispers
Fri. June 3 – Louisville, KY @ KFC Yum! Center w/ Cage The Elephant, Portugal. The Man
Sat. June 4 – Cleveland, OH @ Jacobs Pavilion w/ Cage The Elephant, Portugal. The Man
Sun. June 5 – Columbus, OH @ Express Live! w/ Cage The Elephant, Portugal. The Man
Mon. June 6 – Indianapolis, IN @ Joyful Noise Recording w/ Ne-Hi, Hoops
Tue. June 7 – St. Louis, MO @ The Firebird w/ Ne-Hi, Hoops
Thu. June 9 – Manchester, TN @ Bonnaroo Music Festival
Fri. June 10 – Minneapolis, MN @ US Bank Theater w/ Cage The Elephant, Portugal. The Man
Sat. June 11 – Madison, WI @ Alliant Energy Center w/ Cage The Elephant, Portugal. The Man
Sun. June 12 – Fargo, ND @ The Aquarium w/ Ne-Hi
Tue. June 14 – Calgary, AB @ Big Four Building w/ Cage The Elephant, Portugal. The Man
Wed. June 15 – Edmonton, AB @ Shaw Conference Center w/ Cage The Elephant, Portugal. The Man
Fri. June 17 – Vancouver, BC @ PNE Amphitheater w/ Cage The Elephant, Portugal. The Man
Sat. June 18 – Troutdale, OR @ Edgefield Amphitheater w/ Cage The Elephant, Portugal. The Man
Sun. June 19 – Seattle, WA @ WaMu Theatre w/ Cage The Elephant, Portugal. The Man
Tue. June 21 – San Francisco, CA @ The Independent w/ Ne-Hi, Golden Daze
Fri. June 24 – Los Angeles, CA @ Echoplex w/ Ne-Hi, Golden Daze
Sat. June 25 – Las Vegas, NV @ The Joint w/ Cage The Elephant, Portugal. The Man
Sun. June 26 – Glendale, AZ @ Gila River w/ Cage The Elephant, Portugal. The Man
Mon. June 27 – Albuquerque, NM @ Launchpad w/ Ne-Hi
Tue. June 28 – Denver, CO @ Larimer Lounge w/ Ne-Hi
Wed. June 29 – Omaha, NE @ Waiting Room w/ Ne-HI
Fri. July 15 – Chicago, IL @ Pitchfork Music Festival
Sat. July 23 – Sun. July 24 Detroit, MI @ Mo Pop Festival
Fri. Sep 9 – Raleigh, NC @ Hopscotch Music Festival

The Friday Fire Track: Honey Radar – “Fort Wayne Mermaids”

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It should be no surprise how much we love our lo-fi rock around here so Honey Radar’s new track, “Fort Wayne Mermaids,” is a perfect match. The guitar riff, the laid back behind the scenes slightly muffled vocals, the ending sample voice overlay, the two minute running time and most certainly the satisfied feeling you … Read more

Radiohead: How One Song Captures A Band / “True Love Waits”

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With the new Radiohead upon us and critical praise already piling on like an avalanche, I thought this clip for “True Love Waits” was a worthy mention. The 22 year-old track finally has finally made the cut and now closes down their just released new record, A Moon Shaped Pool. With such a long history, does this mean Radiohead somehow became a bit lazy in 2016 or does this track represent much more?

For me, this song captures the evolution of Radiohead from their early beginnings as alternative guitar rockers to the orchestrated, detailed and very composed artists we hear today. The video clip above showcases the song with an acoustic guitar, which is also the same style it was released on Radiohead’s 2001 live album I Might Be Wrong. Today, the track fits perfectly on A Moon Shaped Pool, as it is now more vulnerable and flows like a gentle clear stream. Always moving but structured – much like Radiohead today.

Not only has the band stood the test of time but how many other groups can shut down the Internet and take over Mother’s Day? Not many, and if we look at other 1995 artists and hits for a second (when this video was shot) you won’t find anyone else from the era that can compete:

ALANIS MORISSETTE – “You Oughta Know”
GREEN DAY – “When I Come Around”
OASIS – “Wonderwall”
LIVE – “Lightning Crashes”
RADIOHEAD – “Fake Plastic Trees”
WHITE ZOMBIE – “More Human Than Human”
NINE INCH NAILS – “Hurt”
BUSH – “Everything Zen”
FILTER – “Hey Man, Nice Shot”
FOO FIGHTERS – “I’ll Stick Around”

Sure, the Foo Fighters would be the only real contender in the above list but still, even Dave Grohl and his rock god might can’t elicit the craziness that comes with any Radiohead news much less a new record. It has been a fascinating ride so far and even though many fans (including me) would still like to see the band pick up the guitar again, A Moon Shaped Pool sounds right for today and seemingly will just continue to grow with us upon every listen. Maybe the record will even become one of Radiohead’s most honored releases to date. Time will tell for sure but like any great novel, “True Love Waits” is all in the details and the response it drives from its listeners. Clearly it goes well beyond the title!

Radiohead – “Burn The Witch” [Video]

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Ever since all Radiohead social media went dark, along with “Burn The Witch” flyers being passed out, speculation on new music from the band has been flying around. Well the wait is over!

“Burn The Witch” is the new track and video. It will be available on all digital services tomorrow May 4th. It is a nice taste of what is to come as we now wait on the full album release news!

Garbage Announce ‘Strange Little Birds’ Headlining U.S. Tour

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Garbage (Shirley Manson, Steve Marker, Duke Erikson and Butch Vig) have announced the ‘Strange Little Birds’ U.S. tour in support of their forthcoming new album Strange Little Birds. The dates will kick off on July 6th at Summerfest in Milwaukee. Tickets will be available for purchase starting this Friday, May 6th. Check www.Garbage.com for additional … Read more

Tacocat – “Talk” [Video]

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Tacocat’s overseas tour in support of their new Lost Time album began with a set at the Sounds From the Other City Festival. The group has a catchy new music video for single “Talk.” A full list of tour dates are below.

Tour dates:
05.02.16 – Nottingham, UK – JT Soar
05.03.16 – Edinburgh, UK – Electric Circus
05.04.16 – Glasgow, UK – Broadcast
05.05.16 – Cardiff, UK – The Moon Club
05.06.16 – Brighton, UK – Sticky Mike’s Frog Bar – FREE
05.07.16 – London, UK – The Lexington
05.09.16 – Paris, FR – Le Mecanique Ondulature
05.10.16 – Lyon, FR – Le Periscope
05.11.16 – Luzern, CH – Schüür
05.12.16 – Geneva, CH – Kalvingrad L’Usine
05.13.16 – Schorndorf, DE – Manufaktur
05.14.16 – Tilburg, NE – Extase
05.15.16 – Hamburg, DE – Aalhaus
05.18.16 – Stockholm, SE – Lilla Hotelbarren – FREE
05.19.16 – Oslo, NO – Internasjonalen
05.20.16 – Lund, SE – Mejereit
05.21.16 – Copenhagen, DK – Huset
05.22.16 – Berlin, DE – Westgermany
05.23.16 – Gent, BE – Cafe Video
05.27.16 – 05.30.16 – George, WA – Sasquatch Music Festival
07.15.16 – San Francisco, CA – Bottom of the Hill
07.16.16 – Santa Barbara, CA – Velvet Jones
07.19.16 – Los Angeles, CA – The Echo
07.20.16 – San Diego, CA – Soda Bar
07.21.16 – Tucscon, AZ – Club Congress
07.22.16 – Phoneix, AZ – Valley Bar
07.23.16 – Sante Fe, NM – Meow Wolf

Premiere Friday Fire Track: Frail – “Waiting”

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We like nothing more around here than some quality 90’s inspired alt rock and New Orleans-based Frail totally nail it on TFN premiere of “Waiting.” For most, Frail will be your official introduction to their sound but if you are from the Big Easy, you may already be familiar with the trio of Ben Polito … Read more