Napalm Death and Melvins
The Melvins are one of modern music’s most influential bands. Having formed in 1983 Montesano, Washington, the group – founded by vocalist/guitarist Buzz Osborne, with drummer Dale Crover joining a year later – has been credited with merging the worlds of punk rock and heavy music, forming a new subgenre all their own. Over their 40-plus-year career, they’ve released more than 30 original albums, numerous live records, and far too many to count singles and rarities. Recent releases include 2024’s Tarantula Heart, a really good collection of what the Melvins do, what they can do and what they want to do, and Five Legged Dog (2021), an ambitious 36-track acoustic collection that reimagines their heaviest songs alongside covers of their favorite artists. Throughout their discography, the Melvins have collaborated with Jello Biafra, Mudhoney, and Fantômas for individual releases and toured the world many times over. Remarkably, they had the misfortune to be in both Christchurch and Tokyo for their 2011 earthquakes. In 2012, the Melvins completed the “51 States in 51 Days” (50 states +DC) tour, which was chronicled in the film “Across The USA in 51 Days.” The current incarnation of the band is Osborne, Crover, and Steven McDonald (Redd Kross). Previous line- ups included a pairing of Osborne and Crover with Jared Warren and Coady Willis of Big Business, a four-piece featuring the current trio plus Butthole Surfers’ Jeff Pinkus, as well as Melvins Lite, which partners Osborne and Crover with Mr. Bungle’s Trevor Dunn. Sometimes, if you’re extra lucky, one version of the Melvins will open for the Melvins. Website | Facebook Although the name Napalm Death has existed since 1981, as the band’s first line-up plundered the post- and anarcho- punk scenes for inspiration, it was 1987’s seminal Scum album that would ensure their place in the grand pantheon of heaviness. A visceral dismantling of conventions, it effectively kick-started the entire Grindcore scene, gaining Napalm Death something approaching household name status for their insane speeds, animalistic screams and uncompromising political stance. From that moment, the band became synonymous with both proudly-held ethical principles and the relentless pursuit of new ways to terrorise people with riffs and noise. By the early ‘90s, Napalm Death had coalesced around a steady line-up of vocalist Barney Greenway, bassist Shane Embury, drummer Danny Herrera and guitarists Mitch Harris and Jesse Pintado. Renowned for both unrelenting tour schedules and a steady stream of consistently well- received albums, they have powered forward ever since, weathering transient trends, media indifference and industry skulduggery along the way. Despite the sad passing of Pintado in 2006, the 21st century has seen Napalm Death continue to refine and redefine their still epoch-wrecking sound, with instant classic albums like Smear Campaign (2006) and Utilitarian (2012) adding further flesh to the bones of this ongoing legend. Website | Instagram | Facebook | Spotify | YouTube
John Howie Jr and the Rosewood Bluff
When North Carolina’s honky-tonk heroes the Two Dollar Pistols broke up in 2008- leaving behind a legacy that included five full-length CD’s, an EP of duets with Grammy nominee Tift Merritt, and several US and European tours- lead singer/songwriter John Howie Jr. already had the seeds planted for a new group, one that would continue the Pistols tradition of making soulful honky-tonk based music for contemporary times. Bringing drummer Matt Brown over from the Pistols, John recruited pedal steel guitar ace Nathan Golub, christened the new band John Howie Jr and the Rosewood Bluff, and set about writing a new batch of songs. After a solid year of playing live, opening for everyone from Junior Brown to Lucero, plans were made for the band to enter the studio. Brian Paulson (Wilco, The Jayhawks, Uncle Tupelo) was called on to take the producer’s chair, having done a stellar job in that capacity on the Two Dollar Pistols 2004 Yep Roc release, Hands Up! Studio time was blocked off at Kudzu Ranch, owned and operated by Rick Miller (Southern Culture on the Skids). Several months later, the band emerged with Leavin’ Yesterday, an album that expands upon the Pistols trademark sound, adding prominent pedal steel guitar, piano (by DB’s/REM member Peter Holsapple), and strings to the mix for a landmark country music collection that should please Pistols fans, while breaking new ground at the same time. Album opener “Watch Me Fall,” a defiant, ringing kiss-off in the grand tradition of country music, sets the tone for Leavin’ Yesterday. Straight-ahead country-rockers, “Trying Not to Think,” and, “Last Great Guitar Slinger,” sit comfortably next to ballads like, “Downhill,” and classic honky-tonk shuffles like, “Handful of Heartaches,”and, “Back to Basics.” The Jimmy Webb/Glen Campbell influenced “Dead Man’s Suit” comes off “like it could have been Gene Clark…if he’d packed a string section,” according to Shuffle Magazine, while “I’ve Found Someone New,” also featuring a string quartet, bears the influence of Billy Sherill’s 1970’s “Countrypolitan” productions as found on the George Jones and Charlie Rich records of the day. The album-closing title track rings out with 12-string Rickenbacker, pedal steel, and gorgeous harmonies. With Leavin Yesterday finished, Howie put together a crack band capable of capturing all of the moods in the country music idiom and doing full justice to his songs. Along with Golub on steel and Brown on drums, electric/upright bassist Billie Feather (The Bo-Stevens, Darnell Woodies) signed up, as did telecaster hero Tim Shearer (Hearts and Daggers), with Howie front and center on lead vocals and acoustic guitar. Response to the album – as evidenced by great reviews, airplay on Little Steven’s Outlaw Country, and choice slots at the Ameriserv Flood City Music Fest and an opening spot for country music legend George Jones – has been overwhelmingly positive. The fan base Howie built with Two Dollar Pistols and prime song placement in hit films like Jeepers Creepers and hot TV shows like Weeds and United States of Tara continues to grow. Two Dollar Pistols fans mourning the loss of North Carolina’s finest traditional country/honky-tonk band need not have worried. While the Pistols may be gone, one listen to Leavin’ Yesterday by John Howie Jr. and the Rosewood Bluff should prove that, as the Charleston City Paper says, “Howie’s best years may still be ahead of him.” Website | Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram Carpenter / Cohen Bandcamp | Instagram
corook: Committed to a Bit Tour
corook is the leader of a frog hat wearing queer cult.Corinne is a middle child raised in Pittsburgh PA.corook is a pop star viral sensation built off songs like “if i were a fish” and “it’s ok.”Corinne is awkward.But do you really know the difference between Corinne and corook?After all, you can only experience Corinne through a screen… and through corook. It’s time we explore the parts that make up the whole of Corinne Savage. Particularly, the parts that have been exploited and commercialized in their life. Not just since they have become “corook,” but since they were a kid. Think of it almost as an origin story – exploring gender identity, family tension, and queer love wrapped in a new elevated pop sound. The songs keep their heart wrenching storytelling and catchy melodies accompanied by a vocal delivery reminiscent of Marcel the Shell with Shoes On. So will Corinne break out of family patterns and the desire to please everyone but themself? Will corook conquer all and headline coachella? FIND OUT NEXT WEEK ON “COROOK”!!!!! Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | YouTube | Soundcloud | TikTok
The Wellermen
Music is storytelling, and some of the best stories have been told through centuries-old traditional folk songs. On their new album ‘Northern Sky’, The Wellermen have given this rich traditional musical history a new sound. The Wellermen’s history is well-known: originators of the sea shanty trend on Tiktok, they’ve since gone from strength to strength. Their versions of ‘Misty Mountains’, ‘Nancy Mulligan’, and ‘Hoist The Colours’ have racked up billions of views and led them to appearances on shows like Ant and Dec, Last Week Tonight, The Colbert Show and more. The group have now returned with their new album ‘Northern Sky’. Among much-loved traditionals such as ‘Wild Mountain Thyme’, ‘Amazing Grace’, and ‘Red Is The Rose’, you will find more modern songs such as a tribute to Johnny Cash on ‘Hurt’ and a lively version of ‘The Nights’. The band also present originals ‘Northern Sky’ – inspired by maritime life in the Hebrides in the 18th century, and the humorous ‘Tall Tales’ – a one-upmanship of the telling of wild sea adventures. Say the Wellermen: “It’s all about connection and storytelling, and we hope the listeners are able to find something meaningful.” One thing is absolutely certain: these talented young men are in it for the long haul. Website | Instagram | Facebook | Spotify | YouTube | TikTok
Steep Canyon Rangers
This is a seated show. Hailing from both the Appalachian and Piedmont regions of North Carolina, the Rangers have long held traditional bluegrass paramount, while possessing an exceptional ability to bring it down the mountain, and to incorporate accessible influence from all walks of the region. With the band’s last few albums, they have gained recognition from well beyond the world of bluegrass, earning a reputation as some of the most influential songwriters in Americana today. Newcomer to this ship, Aaron Burdett, brings a soul-stirring element to the Rangers’ mastery of mountain music. Burdett is an award-winning singer-songwriter, and a student of folk tradition. He provides a fresh, emotional context to the songbook, which “can reach out and touch your heart or slap you in the face,” to use the praise of drummer and multi-instrumentalist, Mike Ashworth. Steep Canyon Rangers is made up of Graham Sharp on banjo and vocals, Mike Guggino on mandolin/mandola and vocals, Aaron Burdett on guitar and vocals, Nicky Sanders on fiddle and vocals, Mike Ashworth on drums and vocals, and Barrett Smith on bass, guitar, and vocals. Over the band’s esteemed career, the three-time Grammy nominees have released 14 studio albums, three collaborative albums with actor and banjoist Steve Martin, been inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame, and appeared on some of music’s biggest stages. In 2013, Nobody Knows You won the GRAMMY Award for Best Bluegrass Album, while 2012’s Rare Bird and 2020’s North Carolina Songbook garnered nominations in the same category. Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube
Steep Canyon Rangers
Hailing from both the Appalachian and Piedmont regions of North Carolina, the Rangers have long held traditional bluegrass paramount, while possessing an exceptional ability to bring it down the mountain, and to incorporate accessible influence from all walks of the region. With the band’s last few albums, they have gained recognition from well beyond the world of bluegrass, earning a reputation as some of the most influential songwriters in Americana today. Newcomer to this ship, Aaron Burdett, brings a soul-stirring element to the Rangers’ mastery of mountain music. Burdett is an award-winning singer-songwriter, and a student of folk tradition. He provides a fresh, emotional context to the songbook, which “can reach out and touch your heart or slap you in the face,” to use the praise of drummer and multi-instrumentalist, Mike Ashworth. Steep Canyon Rangers is made up of Graham Sharp on banjo and vocals, Mike Guggino on mandolin/mandola and vocals, Aaron Burdett on guitar and vocals, Nicky Sanders on fiddle and vocals, Mike Ashworth on drums and vocals, and Barrett Smith on bass, guitar, and vocals. Over the band’s esteemed career, the three-time Grammy nominees have released 14 studio albums, three collaborative albums with actor and banjoist Steve Martin, been inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame, and appeared on some of music’s biggest stages. In 2013, Nobody Knows You won the GRAMMY Award for Best Bluegrass Album, while 2012’s Rare Bird and 2020’s North Carolina Songbook garnered nominations in the same category. Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube
Mush, Puppy!, blankstate., Zamloch
All Y’all Records New Year’s Ball
ll Y’all Records New Year’s Ball, with The All Y’all Country All-Stars, The Y’alt Rock Superstars, + DJ and dancing, ball drop, etc. Website | Instagram | Facebook | Spotify
“Dream Rotation” – Joey Zen / Dane / LEBROWN
Joey Zen is a North Carolina-based rapper and producer from South Florida whose art has the spiritual essence of a guru or monk but the bravado of an A-lister. All pieces of art originating from Joey Zen were made in the meditative state of Zen with the intent of bringing the listener to the same location. His latest EP “LOOK ME IN THE EYEZ” was executively produced by Gold-Charting producer Cash Paradox. Instagram | YouTube | TikTok Dane Instagram | TikTok | Spotify LEBROWN, a 28-year-old rapper hailing from Chapel Hill, NC, brings a fresh and compelling voice to the hip-hop landscape, rooted in his unique experiences as a first-generation American with Indian heritage. Armed with a profound understanding of cultural nuances and personal identity struggles, LEBROWN crafts powerful narratives that explore life’s complexities, from mental health and encounters with the law to love and self-discovery. His art is punctuated by intense rhyme schemes, clever wordplay, captivating flows, and a vocal richness that commands attention and admiration. As LEBROWN approaches the unveiling of his latest and most ambitious project, “Earth Control,” he is poised to harness his extensive experience and burgeoning reputation to carve out a distinctive niche in the broader music industry. With a fusion of cultural introspection and lyrical prowess, LEBROWN stands ready to resonate with audiences far beyond his Chapel Hill roots, inviting listeners everywhere to join him on a journey of growth, resilience, and artistic evolution. Website
Underground Springhouse, Satellite Dog
“More of the good, less of the bad.” That’s the motto upon which Underground Springhouse have built their sound and style. Exploring reggae, country, and funk influences within a rock ‘n roll context, Springhouse has crafted a genre-bending catalog that takes listeners from beaches to back roads with ear-worm hooks and head-bobbing grooves. Their debut single, “Joyfell” (2018), has caught the ears of listeners around the country, galvanizing the band to become the touring and recording machine that they are today. Springhouse has since released a full length album, “Underground Springhouse” (2021), and two EPs, “Tom Foolery” (2019) and “I Recall” (2023), as well as a number of one-off singles. Their most recent EP, “I Recall,” features five new songs and showcases the band’s honing of their songwriting craft. On certain tracks the group explores newer influences like bluegrass and Americana, while on others they expand on more familiar styles like reggae and funk. All the while, the band stays true to their motto and their sound by including sing-along choruses and dance-worthy rhythms across the EP. The band’s consistent recording output and dedicated touring schedule have helped grow their audience from a college town phenomenon into a frenetic mass of music lovers, particularly in the Southeast and along the East Coast, where Springhouse has headlined such venues as Athens’ Georgia Theatre, Nashville’s Exit/In, Birmingham’s Avondale Brewing, New York’s Brooklyn Bowl, D.C.’s Pearl Street Warehouse, Asheville’s Salvage Station, and Atlanta’s Terminal West. Fans should expect the unexpected at a Springhouse concert as no two shows look the same. The band’s fondness for improvisation and segues, and use of mashups and surprise covers make each show a unique experience, and keep fans coming back night after night. Members Charlie Haas (guitar/vocals), Jackson Thompson (bass/vocals), Max Motley (keyboard/vocals) & Mitch Davidson (guitar/vocals) met in Athens, Georgia while students at the University of Georgia. The band’s lineup solidified with the addition of Jonny Thompson (drums/vocals) in June of 2023. Underground Springhouse is a product of Athens’ renowned music scene, slowly evolving as the group grew from a dorm room project into the polished outfit they are today. Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube Satellite Dog is a Psych-Groove band from North Carolina. Taking sonic inspiration from the psychedelic rock n’ roll whirlwind of the 1960’s and 1970’s, they combine musical ideas from a plethora of inspirations to form a uniquely retro-modern psych-groove soundscape. Relying heavily on improvisation during live shows, they twist and turn in and out of original tunes as well as originally-spun covers by bands such as the Grateful Dead and Phish. With roots in central North Carolina, the group has maintained a foothold all over the state, with frequent stops in Boone, Chapel Hill, and Raleigh. Welcome onboard and stay tuned for more… Website | Instagram | Spotify | YouTube
