Album of the Week: Ty Segall – Freedom’s Goblin

Freedom’s Goblin by Ty Segall

If you have been reading this review column for the past couple of years, there’s one thing that you should realize by now. At least once a year I’m going to write about a certain musician’s new album due to his immense talent and his continuously prolific output. That certain musician is Los Angeles garage rock phenom Ty Segall, and his 10th album Freedom’s Goblin came out Jan 26 via Drag City Records. The album is a lot more wide-ranging and experimental than his previous releases. Nothing sounds similar to another, and that says a lot for a record that has 19 songs on it.

Certain albums can take the mind on an adventure and Freedom’s Goblin achieves that through its variety. It goes from one end of the spectrum to the other with tunes encompassing jazz, punk, new wave and acoustic styles. It’s ingenious and schizophrenic at the same time. Usually a record follows an identity, but this one is the antithesis of that. Segall’s new artistic output is truly all over the place and that’s what makes it so amazing.

One trait that a musical savant will always possess is an incredible amount of fearlessness: They’ll write a song how they want without conforming to what’s “popular” or “trendy.” It’s a testament to them staying true to themselves while also making a conscious effort to progress as an artist. There’s a sense of sheer individuality that’s inspiring and makes one wish others would emulate. Segall has always been one to do his own thing and never be swayed by the mainstream. For a closer look, let’s examine my top tracks off of the Album of the Week:

“5 Ft Tall” has an unplugged beginning and then it gets electrifying with vibrant rhythms and raucous riffs; the energy is massive and it’s a sizzling song that the ears will want to hear at a high volume on repeat. Reminiscent of the storied New York City late ‘70s No Wave scene is “Talkin 3,” and fans of James Chance & The Contortions will enjoy the blaring sax and chaotic vibe. A funky synth disco sound makes up the weirdness of “Despoiler Cadaver” with vintage English new wave flair. Sadly, Ty Segall has no shows announced in the New England area as of this writing, but 2018 is still in its infancy so who knows? Maybe some dates will be unveiled in the coming months and one of them will be in our neck of the woods. Segall live is a must-see experience, so when he’s coming through your town you better go. For now, get yourself a copy of Freedom’s Goblin: It’s an album that has a whole lot to offer and then some.

Bandcamp: tysegall.bandcamp.com/album/freedoms-goblin

Web site: ty-segall.com

Album of the Week: Matthew Stubbs and the Antiguas

Matthew Stubbs and the Antiguas

Over the past couple of months, there’s been a band from Boston that has nearly everyone affiliated with the city’s music scene talking about them. They’re known as Matthew Stubbs and the Antiguas, and they have a groovy instrumental sound that fuses psychedelic rock, acid jazz and funky blues. It’s the kind of music that leaves a lasting impression and they’re independently releasing their self-titled debut album Jan 26. Each track offers something different while the rhythms stay consistently tight. This album definitely has what it takes to be considered one of the top releases in New England when 2018 comes to a close.

Blues fans might know Stubbs from his time as the guitarist for the legendary harmonica player Charlie Musselwhite since 2007. His band’s debut has a bombastic vibe that’s reminiscent of big-time blues music. It’s a quality that grabs hold of the ears and keeps the listener hooked. The bombasticness comes from drummer Chris Rivelli bringing the down beats and bassist Mark Hickox providing the line that each song walks on. Just Lopes’ skill on organ perfects the psychedelic sheen that covers the entire album.

Lopes really shines on organ during “Death Grip” – there’s a bit of noir due to the song’s structure: It’ll make one think that it should be part of a soundtrack for a classic gangster flick. “El Segundo” has a Latin aesthetic that’s smooth as felt fabric on a newly swept floor; Rivelli’s drumming is the rock-solid foundation that makes this track truly special. Distorted and feverish is the best way to describe “John Doe” as Stubbs rips stunning riffs off his guitar.

Stubbs and his band will be ringing in the release of their self-titled album on the same day of its official release at the Narrows Center for the Arts in Fall River, MA. Blues phenom Julie Rhodes will be opening things up, so it’s highly suggested to show up early. When you arrive, grab a copy of the new record and make sure to have a good time. Then play it in your favorite audio apparatus when you leave and see what the fuss is all about.

“Death Grip” stream: youtube.com/watch?v=gDxKgE3fcyI

Event page: facebook.com/events/434780530269751

Web site: matthewstubbs.net

Album of the Week: The Prefab Messiahs – Psychsploitation Today

Psychsploitation Today by The Prefab Messiahs Worcester, MA, psych-rock act The Prefab Messiahs were a bit ahead of their time when they started out during the early ‘80s. They were doing a weird take on hypnotic ‘60s pop and raw garage rock during a time where somber post-punk and electro-fueled new wave were dominating the music spectrum. After a couple of decades of languishing in New England rock’s storied past, the band got back together in 2012 and put out their first album in over 30 years with Keep Your Stupid Dreams Alive in 2015. Their follow-up titled Psychsploitation Today is coming out Jan 26 via Lolipop & Burger Records, and it’s a gem of an album. There’s a multi-dimensional arrangement that goes along with sheer electricity accented by a variety of distorted feedback.

A big reason why the album has such a groovy sound comes from Doc Michaud on organ. It’s a blast from the past musically with unbridled fuzz to add the perfect touch. Zerox Feinberg’s voice is sapid while also giving Psychsploitation Today a laid-back vibe reminiscent of other psych-rock incarnations. The element giving each track an exciting feeling is the melding of drummer Ned Egg’s and bassist Trip Thompson’s talents. Their consistently tight rhythms are a rock-hard base for the band’s contagiously fun tunes.

When it comes to bands coming back after decades of absence, what plays a part in the reunion? Nostalgia and wanting to relive a time of youthfulness. The internet providing easy accessibility for musicians to distribute their music along with the coinciding rise in indie labels probably play a part, too. For the real answer, you’d have to ask The Prefab Messiahs to hear what their reasons are. There’s no complaining from me about them getting back together, and the proof comes from my top tracks off of the Album of the Week:

With an upbeat tone comes “Sometimes Sunnydaze” – the harmonizing from Feinberg, Thompson and Michaud is hypnotic during a song that can seem contradicting but in a clever way. “Monster Riff” is a party starter with an abundance of energy and a classic dose of rock ‘n’ roll rebellion. The most old- school-style track on the album is definitely “Having A Rave Up,” another party anthem but also reminiscent of rock’s classic age during the late ‘50s.

As of this article, The Prefab Messiahs don’t have any shows announced in the immediate future, but you can be sure that they’ll be tearing it up in music venues all over the place throughout 2018. The next time they’re playing live, make sure to catch the show and don’t forget to grab a copy of Psychsploitation Today. It’s a shredder of an album that’ll shock the senses and melt brains.

“Sometimes Sunnydaze” stream: https://theprefabmessiahs.bandcamp.com/track/sometimes-sunnydaze-single

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePrefabMessiahs

Album of the Week: Black Rebel Motorcycle Club – Wrong Creatures

Wrong Creatures by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club

In an age where the mass populace is questioning rock ‘n’ roll’s legitimacy due to the mass proliferation of pop and due to hip-hop’s rise in record sales, bands like Black Rebel Motorcycle Club are still sticking around. The group from Los Angeles have always set themselves apart from their contemporaries with a leather-clad sound that fuses shoegaze, blues and punk together to create something infectious. Their eighth album, Wrong Creatures, is being released via Vagrant Records on Jan 12 and tbe aesthetic it conveys echoes the famous adage “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” that the band has followed for nearly 20 years. It’s a hypnotic rock record that’ll put the ears in a trance. There’s also a case to be made that this is the closest to a blues album the band has ever done.

Like many bands, the trio of Robert Levon Been, Peter Hayes and Leah Shapiro went into the studio to capture Black Rebel Motorcycle Club’s live experience. Producer Nick Launay assisted in getting a clear and raw feel for what the band wanted to do. They achieved it by harnessing their unique energy and putting it into each track on Wrong Creatures, as the album examines death and historical narratives. It’s also apparent that both Been and Hayes are fighting and soothing something within themselves whenever they start singing.

It’s always interesting whenever the idea sparks to explore a band’s discography: There’s a story being told that bears a thorough examination of artistic progression. The changes can be striking and even downright alienating, or they can fit into place like the last piece of a jigsaw puzzle. Black Rebel Motorcycle Club has never been afraid to push the envelope and do things a bit differently. Let’s see what they’ve done this time around with my top tracks off of the Album of the Week:

“Little Thing Gone Wild” is a raging track with a thunderous chorus; Shapiro’s drumming serves as a stellar foundation while Been and Hayes get loud and intense. The weirdest track on the album is definitely “Circus Bazooko” – there’s an organ that sounds reminiscent of a carnival game, while Hayes strums sweet licks on guitar. Leaning towards post-punk is “King of Bones” with steady rhythms and endless cool.

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club will be embarking on a tour in support of Wrong Creatures starting at the House of Blues in San Diego on Jan 15. Fans in New England can catch them at the Royale in Boston on Jan 31. Been, Hayes and Shapiro have forged a reputation for themselves being a must-see band live, so if they’re coming through your town then head on out to the show. While you’re there, grab a copy or the new album. It’s an innovative album with tons to offer while turning up the volume.

“Little Thing Gone Wild” on YouTube: youtube.com/watch?v=eCh_JGmaA_8

Web site: blackrebelmotorcycleclub.com

Top 10 Providence Live Music Shows of 2017

Providence’s music scene in 2017 went through some changes. Longtime venue Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel underwent under a renovation and became The Strand Ballroom and Theatre. Aurora and Firehouse 13 both closed up shop, the latter an incubator during the late 2000s for a lot of bands currently affiliated with the city’s music scene. Despite a few venues closing down, there’s a still a bit of hope. New bands are still popping up out of the woodwork, and people are still coming out to support local music.

Hopefully the new year brings more progress and unity in that vein rather than the division that seems to be all around us. There was a lot of that with a bunch of shows in Providence in 2017, and that’s why I have this list of the 10 best shows I saw in the city during the year. Keep in mind: Due to my schedule I couldn’t make all of them, so please don’t be upset if your favorite show didn’t make the list. Anyways, here it is.

10. Cat Has Claws Oh Well EP Release @ Dusk 11/16

One of the best local shows of the year went down on a Thursday fall night at Dusk. Alt-synth rock duo Cat Has Claws were ringing in the release of their latest EP, Oh Well, and it had an awesomely attentive crowd. The bill was rounded out with an abundance of variety with indie rock act Thug Honey, new wave dance magnets Triangle Forest and garage rock dynamos Super Natural II sharing the stage. It was a fun night with great vibes and each band was on point musically. Not all local shows have a great turnout on Thursdays and it was refreshing to see so many people having a great time.

9. Bella’s Bartok @ The Parlour 12/30

When it comes to bands around New England, Bella’s Bartok from Northampton, MA, are one of the few that provide a jaw-droppingly memorable experience live. This gypsy rock act has a lot of energy when they perform and they brought that and more when they played at The Parlour on the night before New Year’s Eve. The whole lineup was amazing with locals Psychedelic Clown Car and Consuelo’s Revenge opening things up. Psychedelic Clown Car rocked the rhythmically tightest set I’ve ever seen them exhibit and it was special to see Nicholas Smyth rejoining Consuelo’s Revenge for the first time in months. There was also so much dancing going around that you couldn’t help but shake your feet around.

8. The Obsessed @ Dusk 10/25

Believe it or not, this show almost didn’t happen. Metal legends The Obsessed were supposed to play at The Cafe at Parlor in Newport on this night but it ended up getting cancelled. In a clutch move, Intrinsic Events’ John Difruscio and Dusk teamed up to host this show and it was a special one. The Skinny Millionaires, Pilgrim and Cobalt all shredded before Scott “Wino” Weinrich and the gang took things over. It was really cool to see the best place to see metal in Providence have a band play their stage that has so much influence. Unfortunately this show also has a somber note to it: Pilgrim’s final show because frontman Jon Rossi passed away the following day; he is still very much missed.

7. Beach Slang @ The Met 5/12

I know that The Met is in Pawtucket, but since the place is a stone’s throw from the border and this list is mine, then the venue qualifies. Philadelphia punks Beach Slang have a sound that’s as nostalgic as it is contemporary. James Alex is an amazing lead singer and guitarist who has magnificent stage presence along with writing heartfelt songs. With Portsmouth, NH, act Alcoa, fellow New Hampshire natives Notches and locals Twin Foxes sharing the bill, Beach Slang were incredible on this night and they solidified why they’re one of the best live bands out there today. One highlight of their performance was their rendition of “Smooth” by Carlos Santana and Rob Thomas.

6. Phantogram @ Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel 1/12

It’s a bummer that the final incarnation of Lupo’s is no longer around and the name is a memory. With that being said, it’s personally refreshing that I got to see a wonderful act like Phantogram during my last time there before it became The Strand. The duo of Josh Carter and Sarah Barthel exhibited stellar camaraderie on stage and Barthel really played to the crowd well. They were joined by guitarist and synth player Nick Shelestak and drummer Chris Carhart who contributed their talents to create a sound that took over the entire venue. Los Angeles act Foreign Air kicked the night off with a chill vibe that set the mood.

5. H.R. from Bad Brains @ POP 12/16

One of the best things about 2017 when it came to Providence’s music scene was the Out of Control: The Spirit Of ‘77 exhibit at POP in December. Part of the exhibit had H.R. from Bad Brains playing with the new incarnation of his reggae band Human Rights. It was eye-popping seeing all of the photos from Richard McCaffrey and f-Stop Fitzgerald in the gallery along with all the vintage goods in the shop across the hall. H.R. and his band were awesome and it was a treasure seeing a one of a kind show in a one of a kind venue. I can’t wait to catch another show at POP.

4. Lee Ranaldo @ Columbus Theatre 1/11

There’s something about a trio of acoustic singer-songwriters that can stick in the mind. The beauty within the simplicity of it all can be hard to describe but you can really see someone’s pure talent when they’re performing by themselves on stage. Ex-Sonic Youth guitarist Lee Ranaldo headlined a night of stripped down music and I’ll never forget it. Ranaldo was fantastic and his electric pick-up sounded out of this world. Ever since that show, one of the openers in Steve Gunn has become one of my personal favorites, and Meg Baird was great that night as well.

3. Aesop Rock @ The Met 1/24

Let’s face it, 2017 was a bad year for mainstream hip hop. The emergence of “mumble rap” has upset every purist under the sun. The underground side of the style is still going strong and Aesop Rock proved that again at The Met. No one can captivate a crowd like the way he does and the whole show was a lot of fun. Opening act Homebody Sandman was pretty good and Rob Sonic was way better than when I saw him a few years ago. When “None Shall Pass” kicked in, the whole crowd went crazy and that’s a moment I’ll never forget from that show.

2. Sheer Mag @ AS220 4/13

2017 was a wonderful year for Philadelphia rock ‘n’ rollers Sheer Mag. They put out a kickass debut album with Need to Feel Your Love in June which got a whole lot of acclaim from nearly every media outlet that covers music. They also ripped apart AS220 in February with local punks Downtown Boys and Hairspray Queen that was a raucous time. There was a never-ending mosh pit and the crowd kept on getting bigger and bigger as the show went along. Sheer Mag is due for even greater things in 2018, and if you were at this show then you know why.

Ted Leo

1. Ted Leo & The Pharmacists @ Columbus Theatre 12/2

Seeing Ted Leo & The Pharmacists play the main stage at the Columbus Theatre was extraordinary for numerous reasons. First, Bill Janovitz from Buffalo Tom started things off with a set that included him and Leo performing the song “Taillights Fade” together. Second, it was incredible seeing ex-Downtown Boys and ex-Gavage sax player Adrienne Berry playing in Leo’s band. She brought a swagger to the whole thing that added a ganache. Lastly, seeing the band in such a grand setting was unforgettable and that’s why it’s the best show that happened in Providence this year.

Album of the Week: The Quins – Beech Hill Beech Hill by The Quins

There are certain acts that artistically go beyond any specific style, and The Quins fit into that exclusive group. The act from East Bridgewater, MA, has a little bit of jam and a smidge of funk to go with a classic rock-influenced alternative sound. Their second album, Beech Hill, is going to be released on Christmas and it’s a showcase of soulful progression. Harmonies are abundant and the combination of James Medaglia’s and Robbie Sturtevant’s guitars carry each song. A joyful feeling is also produced and that’s backed up by both Medaglia’s and Sturtevant’s vocals.

Every band makes a change from their debut to their sophomore album. With Beech Hill, The Quins lean more towards powerpop while their 2014 record, A Tale of Love and Evil, has more of a rock ‘n’ roll edge that incorporates a ton of blues. It’s an interesting musical path to take but the band never strays from their roots. Donny Hayes on bass guitar and Dave Petti on drums provide stellar rhythms, with Hayes also contributing vocal duties for added harmony. This album already makes the anticipation for The Quins’ next release very high.

What separates this decade from all the rest is that bands and musicians can’t trap themselves inside a box anymore. There are thousands of bands for each genre, but only a few from each stick out. That’s why you can’t put a label on The Quins. Of course, they’re a rock band but they add elements to take themselves out of the ordinary. There’s a refreshing quality about that in an age where people think it’s fading away; what’ll never fade away are my top tracks off of the Album of the Week:

With a funky groove comes “Mother Earth,” where Medaglia sings his heart out and there’s a rhythmic sensation that’ll make the body move. “Days” is an excellent example of the powerpop and harmonies previously mentioned; the joint vocals are infectious and there’s a nostalgic vibe conveyed. There’s a bit of a doo-wop aesthetic in “Gunner Bee,” just give it a listen and the senses will get what I’m talking about.

They don’t have any shows announced as of publication, but be sure that The Quins will be playing all over the New England area once the new year starts. In the meantime, looks like Beech Hill could very well be the perfect last-minute Christmas gift for that fellow music fan you love. Make sure to grab a copy of it when it comes out. It’s a little bit of everything and all you have to do is press play. Facebook: facebook.com/TheQuins

SoundCloud: soundcloud.com/the-quins

Album of the Week: The Monsieurs – Deux

Deux by The Monsieurs

If there’s anything that the 21st century has taught us about music so far, it has to be that bands with unconventional lineups often pack the most punch. The White Stripes, The Kills and Death from Above come to mind. In Boston, there’s a garage punk band known as The Monsieurs who don’t look like your typical rock ‘n’ roll trio but they surely know how to get amped. Their second album Deux was released Dec 1 via the Reno, NV, label Slovenly Recordings, and it’s unapologetically raw and extraordinarily intense. It’s a beautiful style reminiscent of the rambunctiousness of The Stooges and the swagger of The Ramones.

Frontman Andy “California” Macbain, who also has a respectable solo career along with being in fellow Boston act The Mardi Kings, is totally wild on the mic. Drummer Erin King brings the thud without sitting down, while guitarist Hilken Mancini shreds riffs that sound like they’re from the depths of hell. There’s a devil-may-care attitude and a captivating party atmosphere. A no-frills approach is evident. Each song on the new album has the power to melt brains and excite nerves.

Usually with a band like The Monsieurs, there’s always at least one music snob who’ll ask the question “Where’s the bass?” If a band is loud enough, then they most likely don’t need a low end because no one’s going to hear it, anyway. There are also different pedals and chord structures for the guitar that can make up for the lack of a bassist. Saying that this band from Boston is loud is a gross understatement. Turn it up to the max, wake up the neighbors and tune into my top tracks off of the Album of the Week: King’s seismic skills on drums shines in “Suburban Girls,” while the crashing of the cymbals and the consistent beats provides a backbone; the chorus is bound to get stuck in the head with an old school pop aesthetic. “At The Hop” is bound to bring a dancing sensation with fast-paced rhythms and endless amounts of energy. An excellent example of the swagger and rambunctiousness is “High School Star,” where Macbain is a screaming maniac while King and Mancini add to the coolness with their drumming and guitar playing.

The Monsieurs don’t have any shows announced at press time, but they did rip it up at Great Scott in Allston, MA, on the night of Deux’ release with fellow Bostonians Nice Guys and Earthquake Party. They often play the Providence area, so be on the lookout the next time they roll into town. For now, grab a copy of the new album. It’s a rabble-rousing banger that’ll make you go crazy.

Stream: slovenly.bandcamp.com/album/the-monsieurs-deux-lp

Facebook: facebook.com/TheMonsieurs

Album of the Week: Latvian Radio – Pick Your Poison, Pick Your Blues

Pick Your Poison, Pick Your Blues by Latvian Radio

New York musician Patric Westoo brings a stellar take on the powerpop style whenever he writes a song. His lyrics have a unique substance to them that maintain a slight catchiness while riding a groove. He also isn’t afraid to try different things in each song, there’s no redundancy involved and there’s an entertaining listening experience. His band Latvian Radio put out their sixth album Pick Your Poison, Pick Your Blues on Nov 28 via the Swedish label Belpid Records with a clean, more straightforward approach. It fuses old school alternative rock and vintage punk with new wave and mod.

One thing that makes the band’s new record different from their previous material is the larger presence of horns in various songs. It complements the pop-tinged grit very well in sneaky ways. A few other tracks have a ballad vibe to them but not to the point that they become unbearable. Pick Your Poison, Pick Your Blues is an album with a lot of heart. Westoo sings from the soul without any filler from beginning to end.

Powerpop at one point could have been considered a genre of music for the middle-aged. It had its birth thanks to Alex Chilton and Big Star during the ‘70s, and the influence it had on alternative rock during the ‘80s and ‘90s is very noticeable. Around the turn of the century, it became something of remembered lore without any new acts popping up. Recently that started to change slightly but only time will tell if it can be maintained. Will Latvian Radio’s new album play a part in that? Perhaps, but let’s delve into my top tracks off of the Album of the Week in the meantime:

“Paranoia” starts the album off with a driving guitar riff from Westoo; there are also nice harmonies that glisten off the song. The ears can really hear the horns while checking out “Blood Orange Blue” and its unplugged tone. Veering towards punk is “Shake The Tree” with a fast-paced ripping structure and a forceful aesthetic.

Latvian Radio doesn’t have any shows announced as of this writing but they’ll probably be playing around the Big Apple sometime soon. Before the next time they take the stage, grab a copy of the new album. It’s music with feeling that’ll sooth the senses and ease the mind.

“Paranoia” streamable: soundcloud.com/latvian-radio/latvian-radio-paranoia

Facebook: facebook.com/Latvian-Radio-178659225495335

Album of the Week: Joel Gion Joel Gion

It’s funny how a musician can go from playing tambourine for one of the most talented psychedelic rock acts of the century to putting out a legit solo record. That’s exactly what Joel Gion did when he put out his self-titled second release on Nov 17 via the Brooklyn indie label Beyond Beyond is Beyond. People might know him from his time as the percussionist for the San Francisco psych-rock act The Brian Jonestown Massacre. His solo material has a similar psychedelic vibe but it borders on dream pop while encompassing jazzy techniques. It makes for a calming listening experience that’ll set the mood for a positive environment.

Gion’s vocals are very reminiscent of the folk singer-songwriter Rodriguez. It gives the record a retro aesthetic while the production quality maintains a modern tone. There’s nothing dull about the album either, as there’s something different in each track. An entertaining musical voyage follows with an immense variety of dimensions. Unapologetic coolness oozes out with each note, and by the final song a lasting impression will be made.

When a member of an established band goes solo, it can have different results. It can be a disaster, like Pete Townsend after The Who initially broke up in the early ’80s. It can also be a stunning exhibition of talent like The Joe Perry Project when he left Aerosmith before rejoining the band. Gion shines with his debut having a lot to offer the ears. Take a closer look and check out my top tracks off of the Album of the Week:

The jazz leanings are best exemplified in “Come to Light” – there’s an array of flute and laid-back beats that revolve around Gion and his acoustic guitar. “Divide” has an elegant feel due to the guitar and piano feeding off each other; it’s uniquely pristine while the flute anchors a harmony that’s contagious throughout the entire song. The black sheep of the album is “Mercury in Retrograde,” harking back to The Brian Jonestown Massacre’s edgy brand of rock with electric distorted guitars.

Gion doesn’t have any shows announced but he’ll probably do a tour in support of his new album sometime next year. While we all wait for that happen, grab a copy of the record either online or at your local record store. It’s mellow, cool and rad all at the same time.

Spotify: open.spotify.com/album/2AsXleQ1KacvVq4qPbUL4Z Bandcamp: joelgionbbib.bandcamp.com/album/joel-gion Facebook: facebook.com/joelgionjoelgion Web site: joelgion.com

Album of the Week: The Dayoffs

The Dayoffs’ self-titled debut album

New York City is such a widely diverse place that there’s a good chance any two people from different backgrounds can come together to create something. For example, a Russian punk rocker can collaborate with a Japanese sound engineer and start a shoegaze band. That’s what happened when Vladimir Komarov and Atsuo Matsumoto got together to start The Dayoffs nearly a year ago. The duo released their self-titled debut album on Nov 10 via the German futuristic pop label Emerald & Doreen Recordings, and it’s a diamond in the rough. There’s an exploration of various soundscapes within a tight structure.

The foundation of the album is steeped in Komarov’s layering guitar riffs and the beats and rhythms supplied by Matsumoto. Rock ‘n’ roll is at the heart of each track but there are electronic and atmospheric elements as well. Distortion and feedback alternate with each other, building a lot of noise. The Dayoffs’ debut isn’t your typical post-punk record. There’s a lot to offer through melodies and amplification that can’t be ignored.

When it comes to the state of indie rock these days, it seems like garage rock, post-punk and shoegaze are running on parallel tracks against each other and, once in a while, one style crosses over into the other. There has been a vast influx of bands and artists that can be classified into one of the three, but among that influx are a few that push the boundaries where the musical lines cross. It seems The Dayoffs are doing that with songs that lean toward shoegaze while a handful of others are legit post- punk. To look further into this abyss, dive into my top tracks off of the Album of the Week: “Love Love Love” is speedy and rambunctious; Komarov’s guitar drives through each note while Matsumato’s beats energize at a fever pitch. Sergey Kiselyov does guest vocals on “I Can’t Believe I’m Dead” and the force exuded is astounding; it’s another great example of Komarov’s excellent shredding on his six-string. Commentary on modern New York City life is conveyed in “State of Madness,” incorporating the unlikely presence of a melodica to add a different dimension.

Unfortunately the band don’t have any shows announced in the imminent future. With that being said, be sure that Komarov and Matsumoto will be playing around the Big Apple in the coming months. Hopefully they’ll grace New England with their presence sometime soon. Until that happens, grab a copy The Dayoffs’ self-titled debut album. It’ll give you a shock and then put you at ease.

Stream: soundcloud.com/thedayoffs/sets/thedayoffsemeraldanddoreen

Twitter: @thedayoffs