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

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. 

Artist: Thirsty Curses

Album: Music is a Scam

Label: self-released

Release Date: February 27, 2025

01. Buried By The Wave

02. Foot In The Door

03. How To Stay Afloat

04. All That’s Left of Us

05. Diesel

06. Ride These Rails

07. Tattoo Graveyard

08. Bombs Away

09. Grandma Betty

10. Reading and Writing

11. This Time

12. Breakfast Schmekfast

On The Web:

www.thirstycurses.com

instagram.com/thirsty_curses

Spotify:Thirsty_Curses

Chicago DIY goth/post-punks STARING PROBLEM share new single via Side-Line from forthcoming album on Modern Tapes label

"There is a gloomy kind of warmth to these songs that draws you in. They have created a world all their own here, and it’s a fascinating one to take a trip through." -- Maximum RockandRoll

"Draws heavily from 80s goth and postpunk, though their deft melodies give even their coldest songs a therapeutic warmth—and they sometimes break from the genre’s obvious reference points with infusions of classic girl-group sweetness." -- Chicago Reader

"With a haunting melody reminiscent of Wise-era Cure and an echoing, distant-yet-powerful vocal performance from Owen, this is post-punk that harkens back to the greats of the genre while still putting a stamp of Staring Problem’s distinctive personality on it.” — New Noise Magazine

Chicago DIY gloomgaze band Staring Problem share a new single from their forthcoming album today via Side-Line Magazine. Hear and share "Don't Tell a Soul" HERE. (Direct via Bandcamp.) 

New Noise Magazine recently launched the official video for first single "The Void" HERE (Direct YouTube.) Hear/share the single on all DSPs HERE.

The idea for Staring Problem was simple: a post-punk, no-wave project. For over 15 years, the band has existed in one form or another as an amalgamation of ethereal pop and goth with a dash of noise sprinkled throughout.

The current lineup is Lauren Owen, Michael Erickson and Andrew Jarosh. With the exception of “Don’t Tell A Soul” — an old song that was never properly released — all material on Equinox is new and collaboratively written by Owen, Erickson and Jarosh. Lyrics were penned by Owen and Erickson alongside two close friends of the band, Robert Komen and Jessica Beaty, the subjects touching on shifts in awareness for mental health, sociopolitical issues, environmental concerns and technology. The album was recorded in 2023 by Matt Russell at Altered States Studio in Chicago.

Equinox will follow in the footsteps of prior Staring Problem records and release via Modern Tapes on December 20th, 2024. The album is a full-circle moment for Staring Problem: giving way to the band’s strongest lineup and output to date, the past and present joining hands to create an Equinox. Pre-orders are available HERE. 

Artist: Staring Problem

Album: Equinox

Record Label: Modern Tapes

Release Date: December 20, 2024

01. Fortitude

02. The Void

03. Don't Tell a Soul

04. Branches II

05. Neon

06. Programmed

07. Waves

moderntapes.com

linktr.ee/staringproblem

instagram.com/mdrntps