US / THEM

Tuesday, December 17, 2024

NORMANS share "Pure Evil" single (Solid Brass Recs) mixed by Brad Wood, play Belasco in LA 12/20

“Ironically uplifting… This song is fast garage punk with a classic rock punch, and it’s addictively upbeat and danceably dire at the same time.” — CvltNation

“At turns dark, menacing, ear-splitting and chaotic, or all of that at once, and fully lives up to its claim to be a dissection of ‘the terrified animal caged within us all.’ It should just come with an all-purpose DANGER sign.” — Buzzbands.LA

Southern California noise-punk band NORMANS share a new single today following up on their auspicious debut self-titled album from January this year on Solid Brass Records. Hear/share "Pure Evil" on all DSPs HERE.

CvltNation recently launched the official video for "Murder Rich" HERE & on YouTube.

Los Angeles noise rock band NORMANS are back with a new single that continues to push their unique sound forward. In "Pure Evil" extreme dynamics and lo-fi samples create a punishing blend of industrial-infused rock that marches into a middle eastern style bridge and ends with an epic guitar driven melody. Mixed by Brad Wood (Smashing Pumpkins, Touché Amoré, The Jesus Lizard, Tortoise) and mastered by Greg Obis at Chicago Mastering.

In 2021, in the lingering haze of the global pandemic and several nautical miles off the coast of Los Angeles in a broken down boat, Southern California natives and stalwarts of the local DIY music scene Matthew Reid (Blonde Summer) and Michael Perry Rudes (FEELS) decided it was time to embark on a new musical odyssey together; one that championed fearlessness, rawness, and above all, freedom.

NORMANS was born on the dirty streets of L.A. and baptized in the punk rich waters of Hermosa Beach; the city that gave us Black Flag, Redd Kross, Minutemen and more. Years of exposure and participation in the myriad of genres and sounds that make up the vibrant music scene resulted in a multi-genre-bending, bass and synth fueled cacophony that pays homage to the ghosts of Killing Joke, The Jesus Lizard, GVSB and The Birthday Party.

NORMANS have managed to stitch together elements of surf, post punk, noise rock and Wax Trax era electro-industrial music for a sound that is urgent, angry, and simultaneously danceable. Oozing with satire and shrouded in bizarre visual art and imagery, bassist and vocalist Matthew Reid explores issues of violence, drug use, and the terrified animal caged within us all. Where their musical journey takes them will keep us wondering. What is certain is the band’s willingness to propel themselves into uncharted waters, unlike the boat they started on just a few short years ago.

NORMANS is available on LP and digital, released on January 12th, 2024 via Solid Brass Records.

NORMANS LIVE 2024:

12/20 Los Angeles, CA - The Belasco

Artist: NORMANS

Song: Pure Evil

Label: Solid Brass Records

Release Date: December 17, 2024

Artist: NORMANS

Album: NORMANS

Label: Solid Brass Records

Release Date: January 12, 2024

A1: John Hockey

A2: Shut Up I'm Shopping

A3: Murder Rich

A4: Anti Crusoe

A5: Firepower

B1: Dead Snakes

B2: Healing An Eyesore

B3: Schloss Loss

B4: Bending The Branch

B5: Fury On The Island

On The Web:

solidbrassrecords.com

instagram.com/solidbrassrecs

linktr.ee/thisisnormans

Friday, December 13, 2024

Versus Machine (alt-metal, post-grunge feat. Babel Map rhythm section) share interview & single via Psychedelic Baby Magazine

“A powerhouse trio blending post-grunge, alternative rock and psychedelia... Bold, boundary busting rock.” – Psychedelic Baby Magazine

Lancaster, PA trio Versus Machine share the first single today from their forthcoming sophomore album alongside an in-depth interview with It's Psychedelic Baby Magazine. Hear/share "Seafoam" HERE. (And on all DSPs HERE.)

Versus Machine is an innovative and genre-blending rock band whose members bring together years of experience from diverse musical backgrounds. The band's core is made up of singer/guitarist Stephen Tilley, bassist Michael James Stipe, and drummer Brian Doherty, with the group’s formation rooted in both past musical connections and newfound collaborations.

Stephen Tilley and Brian Doherty grew up together, forming a deep musical bond during their early years. Although they spent nearly a decade apart from playing together, their shared passion for music never faded. In 2021, Doherty reached out to Tilley, reigniting their creative partnership and rekindling a sense of musical chemistry that had been dormant for years. Their reunion marked the beginning of something fresh and exciting, laying the groundwork for what would eventually become Versus Machine.

To bring their musical vision to life, Doherty and Tilley enlisted Michael James Stipe, a bassist known for his work with the band Babel Map. Stipe, with his distinct style and musical sensibilities, quickly became a key member of the group. It was Stipe who coined the band’s name, Versus Machine, a title that encapsulated the band's blend of raw energy, modern aggression, and intricate songwriting.

In 2022, Versus Machine recorded their debut album at Noisy Little Critter Studios with renowned producer Mike Bardzik. The album marked the band's arrival, showcasing their ability to fuse elements of post-grunge, alternative rock and psychedelia with an infectious energy and emotional depth. The record quickly gained attention from both fans and critics for its bold sound and honest, often introspective lyrics.

Following the success of their first album, Versus Machine continued to evolve. In 2024, they recorded their highly anticipated follow-up LP, set for release in February 2025. The new album is shaping up to be an even more ambitious project, blending hard-hitting rhythms, complex melodies, and daring sonic experimentation. The band’s sound has matured, and the new record promises to push boundaries even further, establishing them as one of the most exciting acts in the modern rock scene.

In addition to their work as Versus Machine, Tilley has been involved in several high-profile musical collaborations. He has worked with Kellii Scott, the acclaimed drummer of Failure, on two EPs. The second of these EPs is also slated for release in 2025, further cementing Tilley’s place in the alternative rock landscape.

Meanwhile, bassist Michael James Stipe and drummer Brian Doherty have garnered recognition for their contributions to Babel Map’s new album, Teeth, which was produced by Kurt Ballou of Converge. The duo’s work on the album earned them a prominent feature on the front page of Bandcamp Daily highlighting their growing influence in the underground and alternative music scenes. Doherty and Stipe are also slated to work with Martin “Youth” Glover in 2025 on their 4th album with their band Northern Gloom.

With the release of their follow-up album on the horizon, Versus Machine is poised to expand their fanbase and continue making waves in the rock world. Their combination of relentless drive, musical innovation, and heartfelt lyrics has already established them as one of the most promising and dynamic bands in the genre today. As they prepare to take the stage once again in 2025, all eyes are on Versus Machine, eager to see where their bold musical vision will take them next.

II will be available for download and streaming on February 27th, 2025. Pre-order HERE, pre-save HERE.

VERSUS MACHINE LIVE 2025:

01/30 - Cincinnati, OH - The Comet

01/31 - Pittsburgh, PA - The Government Center

02/06 - Winston-Salem, NC - The Den

02/07 - Durham, NC - Rubies 5 Points

02/08 - Newark, DE - Tire Shop

Artist: Versus Machine

Album: II

Record Label: self-released

Release Date: February 27, 2025

01. Pterodactyl

02. Runaway

03. Blanket

04. Interlude I

05. Gimmick

06. Seafoam

07. Acid Rain

08. Interlude II

09. Red Queen

10. Time Machine

11. Going Home

12. Creatures

Links:

linktr.ee/versusmachine_

instagram.com/versusmachine_

versusmachine.bandcamp.com

Thursday, December 12, 2024

Music is a Scam: Thirsty Curses share new single from forthcoming John Agnello (Dino Jr, Kurt Vile) produced album

"There’s a ramshackle element to the music on the new record that firmly places this talented band alongside such Raleigh-reared greats as The dBs and Let’s Active." -- Rock & Roll Globe

"A refined take on the band’s punk-pop sound that showcases its most sophisticated hooks to date." -- Big Takeover

“An epic, battered-and-bruised finesse.” — Magnet Magazine

Raleigh, NC band Thirsty Curses share a new single today from their forthcoming fifth album via Spill Magazine. The album, Music is a Scam was produced by John Agnello (Dinosaur Jr, Kurt Vile, Screaming Trees). Hear and share "Foot in the Door" HERE. (Direct on DSPs HERE & Bandcamp.)

Magnet Magazine recently premiered the lead single "Bombs Away" HERE.

Thirsty Curses is an eclectic rock band from Raleigh, NC, which The Big Takeover called "too good to be this anonymous." The band pulls from various influences including punk, alt-country/Americana, classic rock, and power pop alongside the distinct songwriting, lyricisms, and delivery of frontman Wilson Getchell. No one sounds quite like Thirsty Curses.

Thirsty Curses currently consists of Wilson Getchell (guitar, piano, vocals), Clayton Herring (bass), and Jeremiah Rhodes (drums). Thirsty Curses has built up a dedicated and passionate following over the last several years, during which time they released four studio albums, several standalone singles, a best-of vinyl compilation (Fake Chapter Records) and a library of music videos, all the while consistently performing throughout much of the eastern United States.

The band's fifth album, Music is a Scam is scheduled for release on February 27, 2025. Music is a Scam was engineered and co-produced by John Agnello (Dinosaur Jr., Kurt Vile, The Hold Steady, etc.), and features guest appearances from Kelley Otwell (guitar), Tee Corbett (trumpet), and Jason Froeber (saxophone). The new album consists of twelve songs, spanning gritty punk (Buried by the Wave, Bombs Away) to heart-wrenching ballads (This Time, All That's Left of Us Now), with a show tune or two thrown in for good measure.

Thirsty Curses is recommended for fans of The Replacements, Deer Tick, Ramshackle Glory, Henry Clay People, The Old 97s, Against Me!, The Silver Jews, and Modest Mouse.

Music is a Scam will be available digitally on February 27, 2025.