Another month passed us by, and this one delivered us the annual fake spring us upstate new yorkers are so accustomed to. Those 70 degree days were nice while they lasted. Anyways… this was another eclectic month for local music, with songs ranging from loud and punk, to gentle and folky. I guess you could say some were lions, and some were lambs. Right?
Reviews by TJ Foster
Sabrina Trueheart - “Sad Smile”
Sabrina is so fantastic at creating a true Americana vibe right here in Upstate New York. "Sad Smile" is her latest and it's a toe-tapping treat, her vocal melody both striking and familiar. Not to mention "I am waiting for life while I hold my breath" is such a good line, I can't even.
Sawyer Fredericks - “Funeral Parking Only”
You know him. You love him. And his new single "Funeral Parking Only" dropped mid-month. It's gritty, it's bluesy and when the banjo comes in, it takes the song in a totally unique direction. This is Iron and Wine on steroids and Sawyer can sing the line "Goddamn, just throw me a bone..." to me anytime.
Noah XO - “BLAH”
Noah XO's latest cut starts with a lovely guitar riff before being taken over by a digital beat and his melodic pop vocals. I've said it before but it bears repeating: this Saratoga native knows his way around a catchy song.
grape juice! - “IT’S YOU”
grape juice! doesn't miss. Consistently putting out raucous indie jams that beg for repeat listens, "IT'S YOU" continues the tradition. This band is hands down a local treasure.
Pillowhead - “Heartbeat”
"Heartbeat" reminds me of something I'd expect to hear on Equal Vision or Polyvinyl records. The light delivery of the vocals brings an ethereality to the song, and the gentle arpeggiated guitars mid-verse are especially lovely. Strong release here from the Queensbury natives, and I didn't even touch on the epic surprise three minutes in.
Cheap Heat - “BLANK VOID”
"Drug fueled punk by some mutants" is what Cheap Heat's Bandcamp page says. "BLANK VOID" is less than 90 seconds long, delivering exactly what's described. It's tight, rambunctious, and I feel like it's going to hurt me.
Outta My Head - “Trapped Cold Bled”
A riff-heavy metal cut from a band that clearly holds their own within the genre. "Trapped Cold Bled" delivers melodic Disturbed-like vocals, the occasional gutteral scream, and a whole lot of instrumental acrobatics in a headbanging-worthy package.
Not Chinese Takeout - “Slush”
Not Chinese Takeout dropped a barnburner of a single this month with "Slush". It's got a sort of midwest emo meets early aughts radio rock feel to it that hooks you in from the very first downbeat.