The Complicators / Empire Down – Split
We keep pumping them out on the RECORD OF THE WEEK Blog!!!
What happens when you pair up two of the best up-and-coming bands in the hardcore and punk scene in THE COMPLICATORS and EMPIRE DOWN for a split 7”? You get 4 tracks showcasing why these bands are making waves across the country. With such an impressive musical output, it requires incredible packaging to round out the product! The package was designed by THE COMPLICATORS bassist Sean Smith, which has a black and white silkscreened (clear plastic) outer jacket making the hands on the cover appear 3D, sitting on top of maps of San Francisco and Minneapolis that the records are housed in. You can also stream “Too Old” by THE COMPLICATORS over at NEW NOISE MAGAZINE right now!
BAND NAME: The Complicators (Store / Facebook / Instagram) / Empire Down (Facebook / Instagram)
LABEL NAME: Pirates Press Records (Website / Store / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram)
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By way of handcrafted, hypnotic, and honest pop, LAUV makes an immediate connection. The 24-year old San Francisco-born and Los Angeles-based singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer shares a piece of himself within every song. As a result of his cinematic songcraft and honest lyricism, he tallied over 1 billion cumulative streams for the tracks comprising his independent playlist project. “I met you when I was 18.” is a collection of songs, a story. About moving to New York City when you are 18 and falling in love for the first time. A story about trying to figure out your own identity whilst being deeply intertwined with someone else’s. Originally released in pieces, in fragments & in moments reminisced, but now here it is, in its entirety!
BAND NAME: Lauv (Website / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter / YouTube)
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Since their inception in 2011, ATOMGA has continued to be a unique staple in the Colorado music circuit and a celebrated group internationally. Over the past seven years, ATOMGA has evolved their sound to be a unique brand of Afrobeat with infused elements of rock, jazz, and classical influences over the foundation of polyrhythms from their fierce percussion section. The release of “AGA” shows the band’s evolving sound of high energy music that one cannot help but move to upon hearing. Beyond that, there is also a certain musicality that highlights each of the 10 members and the honed skills on their respective instruments; not to mention lyrical messages that tastefully question the powers that be.
BAND NAME: ATOMGA
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Epic, crushing, and heavy beyond words, YOB has achieved legendary status in recent years due to their unmatched aesthetic and incredible body of work. Formed in 1996 in Eugene, Oregon under the leadership of doom metal mastermind Mike Scheidt on guitars and vocals, the group initially released a three song demo tape in 2000 that garnered them international attention. Now more than 20 years later, they have finally paired up with RELAPSE RECORDS for their eighth full length, “Our Raw Heart”! Check out YOB at their most aggressive, impassioned and eclectic. The riffs are massive, the vocals captivating and the songwriting sublime!
BAND NAME: YOB
LABEL NAME: Relapse Records
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BOGAN VIA is Bret Bender and Madeleine Miller. Their unique electronic sound comes to life comes to life with old synthesizers, dark overtones, and thick harmonies. Having appeared at some huge festivals like SXSW, For now, BOGAN VIA’S graceful and danceable indie rock is still under the radar, but they are quickly rising to the surface, bringing their melodies and pulsating beats with them. Check them out over at PRESIDENT GATOR!
BAND NAME: Bogan Via (Website / Instagram)
LABEL NAME: President Gator (Website / Facebook)
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This is AUDIO KARATE’S first new music in 14 years. Having released two albums in early 2000’s – these 2 songs are from almost lost recordings that were recorded prior to the bands disbanding in 2006. The band is back now with an upcoming LP of new music and playing shows, but until then you can get this self titled 7” over at WIRETAP RECORDS!
BAND NAME: AUDIO KARATE
LABEL NAME: WIRETAP RECORDS
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Wait till you see what we have next week!
