Ron GalloFOREGROUND MUSICKill Rock Stars [2023] Ron Gallo has been a very well known name on the indie circuit since his solid 2017 record Heavy Meta was released. He has earned a loyal live following and shared the stage with plenty of big names like Spoon, Parquet Courts, Ty Segall, Thee Oh Sees, Wilco, and … Read more
Philadelphia-grown radical indie artist Ron Gallo shares his electrifying single, “ENTITLED MAN,” which arrived with this live video. Confronting society’s tolerance of the male superiority complex, the track channels his anger and sharp wit into driving beats, sharp guitars, and a gripping melody. This track is from his forthcoming record, Foreground Music, which is due … Read more
Big JoanieBack HomeKill Rock Stars [2022] It has been four years since the debut album from Black feminist punk band Big Joanie. The UK trio of Estella Adeyeri, Stephanie Phillips, and Chardine Taylor-Stone had a solid post-punk direction but now have branched out into new sound territories on their sophomore album, Back Home. While guitars, … Read more
SlangCockroach In A Ghost TownKill Rock Stars [2022] Slang started out as a side project for drummer Janet Weiss (Sleater-Kinney) and singer/guitarist Drew Grow, in Portland, Ore. over a decade ago, singing covers of the Everly Brothers and Traveling Wilburys, but Cockroach In A Ghost Town finds them joined by Anita Lee Elliot on guitar … Read more
ShayleeShort-Sighted SecurityKill Rock Stars [2022] Performing as Shaylee, Portland, Ore. singer songwriter Elle Archer has delivered a true ‘Do-it-yourself’ tribute to the music that inspired her to make music in the first place, turn of the century works by alternative rock bands like Flaming Lips, Wilco, and Radiohead. Of course, many of the alt/rock staples … Read more
Slang’s debut album Cockroach in a Ghost Town hits on May 27, 2022 via Kill Rock Stars. Drew Grow (Lyricist/singer/guitarist) and Janet Weiss (drummer/singer) started the band over a decade ago in Portland, OR—both having spent more than half their lives dedicated to making and performing music. Through the years, Weiss has played with everyone … Read more
One of my first introductions to Elliott Smith. “Coming Up Roses” is from his self-titled record that was released in 1994 via Kill Rock Stars.
Mi’ens’ Kill Rock Stars debut album, Future Child, was just released last Friday. To support the release the band has launched a video for “Charge Dodger.” It is a full on noisy, get weird and fuzzed-out type of track. The video is a ride through a post-pandemic urban core, with a dig at slaves to consumerism … Read more
Filthy Friends Emerald Valley Kill Rock Stars [2019] Fire Note Says: Sleater-Kinney vocalist Corin Tucker and R.E.M.’s Peter Buck take Filthy Friends out for a fun second round that takes on the President, the environment and other matters of substance. Album Review: Filthy Friends, the alternative rock super-group of sorts, featuring R.E.M. guitarist Peter Buck … Read more
Filthy Friends Invitation Kill Rock Stars [2017] Fire Note Says: Sleater-Kinney’s Corin Tucker joins Peter Buck, Scott McCaughey, Kurt Bloch and Bill Rieflin to create an alt/rock super-group that’s more interested in the music than name recognition, and the record’s all the better for it. Album Review: You must reach a point, one would guess, … Read more
Horse Feathers So It Is With Us Kill Rock Stars [2014] Fire Note Says: Horse Feathers lighten the mood on fifth long player. Album Review: Portland chamber-folk group Horse Feathers, led by singer-songwriter Justin Ringle, have not changed much in direction, focus or labels over the years. For some, this may have had you move … Read more
Heavens To Betsy Calculated Kill Rock Stars [2014] Fire Note Says: Heavens To Betsy‘s anger couldn‘t be more captivating on Calculated. Album Review: When people hear the name Corin Tucker they should get excited—if they don’t, shame on them. A prominent figure in music from the 90’s through today, Corin Tucker has made her waves … Read more
Here is another limited exclusive release from Newbury Comics. The classic Kill Rock Stars album from Elliott Smith “Either/Or” on 180 Gram mustard yellow swirl vinyl (with download code and lyric sheet), is now available and limited to 1000 pieces. I do wish their shipping charges were a bit lighter but it is what it … Read more
Quasi Mole City Kill Rock Stars [2013] Fire Note Says: Quasi’s eighth album is a head trip that encompasses every twist and turn the band has made in their 20 year existence. Album Review: This long running Portland duo, Sam Coomes and Janet Weiss, have been making music as Quasi since the mid 90’s. Janet’s … Read more
Elliott Smith Alternate Versions From Either/Or 7” Kill Rock Stars [2013] This was a nice Record Store Day release for me as anything by Elliott Smith is an instant draw. The songs here have been available digitally before but now they get the premium treatment and have their very on vinyl home. The tracks here … Read more
Marnie Stern The Chronicles Of Marnia Kill Rock Stars [2013] Fire Note Says: Marnie Stern loosens things up and lets her vocals soar! Album Review: I will fully admit that The Chronicles of Marnia was the record I have been somewhat expecting from the crafty guitar slinger Marnie Stern. It is album that pushes her … Read more
Hurry now. The pre-order is up for guitar shredder Marnie Stern’s new album The Chronicles of Marnia. Album is out March 19, 2013 on Kill Rock Stars. First 100 vinyl LPs ordered will be pressed on gold colored vinyl! Vinyl comes with download code. Track Listing: Year Of The Glad You Don’t Turn Down Noonan … Read more
Mary Timony BandThe Shapes We MakeKill Rock Stars [2007] After taking a listen to Mary Timony’s latest solo album, Ex Hex (2005), you could tell that she was drifting towards a bigger sound. So, for her new album, The Shapes We Make, Mary has created a band using her own namesake, giving her the full … Read more