If you dig back-to-basics noise pop — the kind of indie rock that’s propelled by great hooks, not trends and hype — you’re in luck this month. Scottish trio PAWS just released Youth Culture Forever, and the band’s tight songs are matched by a live ferocity. Another trio crafting explosive, 90s-influenced rock is Slothrust; the Brooklyn band’s Of Course You Do arrived earlier this year. As luck would have it, Slothrust recently played some shows with Cymbals Eat Guitars, but, in September, the Jersey quartet arrives on a tour with indie elder statesman Bob Mould. Cymbals Eat Guitars’ new album LOSE is a varied, expansive collection of songs out now on Barsuk. And if that classic indie sound isn’t your speed, we’ve got you covered too, with songs highlighting Son Lux and Seatraffic for electronic pop aficionados and Wand for the psych heads.
We’ve included some newer local bands in this mix, including Quaaludes and CATHEDRALS, but we’re equally excited for the return of pioneering local indie poppers The Aislers Set. The group’s records are now being reissued, making it a great time to discover (or rediscover) this terrific band. This month also sees the return of the Bay Area Record Fair at Thee Parkside. After an extremely successful debut in February, the fair’s second installment is bigger than ever, with over 40 Bay Area labels selling their wares and performances by several excellent local bands, including Hot Flash Heat Wave.
Enjoy the podcast and then go see some concerts!
About the bands:
PAWS – “Tongues”
On September 24, the Glasgow band’s tour with Total Slacker and Flashlights comes to the Rickshaw Stop.