M J Lenderman has no idea where to go. It’s mid-July and downtown Durham, North Carolina, is hot and empty. The first bar we try is closed, so now we’re searching Google Maps for another. “The Pour Taproom — looks kind of bright in there,” he says with deadpan concern. …
Read More »'Rose Melberg Invented Sad Girl': The Triumphant Return of the Softies
It took over two decades, but the Softies are back. And their timing couldn’t be more perfect. The beloved indie-rock duo of Rose Melberg and Jen Sbragia have returned with their excellent new The Bed I Made, their first album in 24 years, on Father/Daughter Records. They’re also hitting the …
Read More »The Softies Announce First Album in 24 Years, Share New Single, 'I Said What I Said'
Great news for fans of the Nineties school of intimate indie rock: The Softies are back, with their first album in 24 years. The legendary guitar duo of Rose Melberg and Jen Sbragia will release The Bed I Made on August 23, via Father/Daughter Records. The lead single,“I Said What …
Read More »The High-Femme Rebellion of the Last Dinner Party
Any shame had been left squarely on the street outside the Bowery Ballroom last fall as the Last Dinner Party frontwoman Abigail Morris whirled around the stage like a cheeky toddler at a wedding reception, the frills of her frock trying their best to follow along as she dizzied herself. …
Read More »No One Writes a Lyrical Knockout Quite Like Samia
Towards the end of her song “Amelia,” Samia walks into a party. “I’m writing a poem, somebody stop me,” she sings over balmy synths and a chirpy beat. It’s less of an actual threat and more a self-aware quip from the 27-year-old musician who’s better than almost anyone at turning …
Read More »Indigo De Souza Doesn't Have All the Answers, and That's OK
“I don’t have answers — no one does/I’ve been finding comfort in that,” Indigo De Souza sings on the title track of her third album, All of This Will End. “There’s only love/There’s only moving through and trying your best.” It’s a welcome revelation for the North Carolina-based artist, whose …
Read More »Wet Leg: That Whole 'Industry Plant' Thing is 'Misogyny'
THIS YEAR, THE relentlessly clever and catchy indie-rock duo Wet Leg — Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers — became the first buzzy British band in eons to conquer the U.S. A pair of undeniable debut singles, “Chaise Longue” and “Wet Dream,” presaged a self-titled album that managed to live up …
Read More »Self-Deprecating Power Pop Is the Beths' Specialty. Why Change It?
“WE STARTED JAMMING in 2014,” Elizabeth Stokes says on a Zoom one afternoon in August, trying to trace the formation of her band. “Jamming,” she repeats, chuckling as she puts up air-quotes. “I don’t feel cool enough to use that word.” This is the kind of self-deprecation Stokes is notorious …
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