Author and Photographer - David McNally

On the final stretch of their Still The Same Tour, the duo's first since 2012, Sugarland stopped for a one-night stand at the DCU Center in Worcester, MA. The two-time Grammy winging country duo took the stage with a level high energy that was contagious to everyone in attendance. Performing five songs from their latest album Bigger, including “Babe” and a variety of covers from Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” and Prince’s “Let’s Go Crazy,” the duo backed by a stud band certainly flexed their musical prowess.  
 
Leading up to the final weekend of the tour, singer/guitarist Kristian Bush said “There are all sorts of emotions — that’s for sure — going into this weekend of shows,” he continues. “I guess there is a lot of, "Oh my God, we did it'" in an interview with a Taste of Country. Bush also added that “[Sugarland] shows have always been a safe place to put your bag on, whatever that bag is," he explains. “Everyone is carrying around luggage these days, but at these shows, our fans have been able to set that luggage down for a few hours.”
 
Place your luggage down for a few moments to pan through some of our top shots from the night.

Author & Photographer | Molly Kinnunen

On September 18th, we captured War of Ages, Capsize and Ghost Key during their ongoing tour at the Wire in Berwyn, IL. Pictures from all three bands below.

Not to miss! This tour continues through September into mid-October:

Author & Photographer, Videographer | Molly Kinnunen

On September 13th, hardcore band Kaonashi came to The Wire in Berwyn, IL and brought an amazing performance with them. [Stream the photos above!] Currently on the final days of tour with Sufferer; Kaonashi is originally from Philadelphia, PA and has played the Illinois area quite frequently in the last few months.

They have a few scattered local shows in the Philly area, as well as a tour with I Set My Friends On Fire and Lil Lotus in December of this year. Be sure to keep up with the band on social media for tour updates as well.

Follow Kaonashi:
https://kaonashipa.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: @kaonashipa
Instagram: @kaonashi
Twitter: @kaonashi

They released an EP titled 'Native' in August of 2016, which included a few songs featuring Sabella as well.

​Since then, they have released two singles over the years, “You’ll Understand When You’re Older,” and more recent, “Real Leather.” Mixing together hardcore riffs with some clean vocals & fast-paced drumming, Kaonashi will surely sweep you off your feet at first listen. 

There is no set release dates for new music, but based on a brief overheard interview from vocalist, Peter Rono, he mentioned, “You can definitely expect something to come out in either October or November.” ​

Kaonashi | Live from Bloomington, IL | Film & Edit by Molly Kinnunen

Kaonashi performs "Real Leather" at Meltdown Creative Works in Bloomington, IL on September 3, 2018; filmed & edited by Molly Kinnunen (Link follows to Molly's account on Youtube).

Kaonashi | “Real Leather" | Music Video Review

The band's lyrics primarily touch base on social issues such as racism, bullying, and mental health awareness.

In the single, “Real Leather,” (06.20.18) the music video is mostly set in the scene of a high school counselor’s office where a misunderstood teenager is frustratedly trying to express his issues and emotions:

In the lyrics, “Take what's on your mind and get it off your chest, that broken heart on your sleeve tells me you're not like the rest,” fans can definitely find a sense of belonging within the song if they’ve ever struggled with similar issues. 

Kaonashi | Recent Releases

Peter Rono: "The main reason I play music - is self expression - I think; growing up in a place where you can't dress the way you want to or talk the way you want to; it really inspired me to find a way to do that. Kaonashi is how I do that." 

​

Alison Bauer

Vein released their debut [11 track] EP titled, 'Errorzone' via Closed Casket Activities on June 22nd, 2018. The Boston, MA natives opened for Code Orange at the Bottom Lounge in Chicago, IL on July 28th for the 'New Reality Tour.' Our exclusive video contains highlights from their opening track, "Virus://Vibrance" as well as their hits, "Demise Automation," "Doomtech," "Untitled," and "Anesthesia." 

Stream 'Errorzone,' the debut Vein EP or purchase the album by visiting these links:

Follow Vein:
Website: veintv.net
Bandcamp: veinband.bandcamp.com
Facebook: @veinma
Instagram: @vein.tv
Twitter: @VEINBAND

Vein consists of Anthony Didio (vocalist), Josh Butts (guitar), Jon Llaubouet (bass), Jeremy Martin (guitar), and Matt Wood (drummer). For more information on the band's background scan their trending 2018 interviews at Revolver & The Fader.

Gif | Vein Youtube

Vein | ​'Errorzone' Live Highlight Reel | New Reality Tour | 07.28.18 | Chicago, IL

Packing the crowd to the front row early, Vein triggers their debut live performance of first EP ​'Errorzone' with the title track "Virus://Vibrance." Releasing the EP while on summer tour; this concert was the first time for Chicago to experience ​'Errorzone' EP from Vein live. Buying or streaming the album to support this band, adding Vein to playlists & following them on favorite platforms is an intuitive post-show impulse. Their standing-ovation hometown-reputation from the Northeast has spread word of mouth to bolster their metal & hardcore acclaim. "Doomtech," was a favorite to witness because fans scream parts of the lyrics into the microphone. Within "Untitled," we caught a drum solo shared above.

Code Orange ft. Vein as Guest Vocals | New Reality Tour | 07.28.18 | Chicago, IL

Anthony Didio (vocalist) and Jon Llaubouet (bass; back-up vocals) of Vein were invited on stage by Code Orange as guests to the microphone. Continue to the Code Orange ft. Vein 2018 performance via HRTV YouTube linked below & here.

Vein | ​'Errorzone' Album Review | Out since 06.22.18

[Track #1] | "Virus://Vibrance:" The visuals for this music video are cohesive to the album cover of 'Errorzone.' This MV displays a psychologically thrilling narrative of a person on the verge of a gory psychosis. In my opinion; Vein successfully produced a modern visual tribute to the break-through 'eyeball-cutting' scene from the silent-surrealist1929 film-vault classic, "Un Chien Andalou" by Spanish director Luis Buñuel and artist Salvador Dalí. As the only music video to the album yet; they set forth a strong precedent and we're so stoked for future visual releases.

[Track #2] | "Old Data In A Dead Machine:" An action-packed sequel; this track is so fun. There's a heavy bass drop around the half-way mark that will inspire frequent replay. Don't forget this title - You'll want to hear it again, twice!

[Track #3] | "Rebirth Protocol:" The energy is packed so don't expect to tap out anytime soon; this circa one minute track has a savage guitar melody that leaves you on the edge.

[Track #7] | "Doomtech:" A fan favorite; this song is so memorable; there's a bridge in the middle where they encourage fans to repeat the lyrics or shout them in their own tempo. This instigates so much spontaneity at a live concert. Highlights include, "Everytime I close my eyes - I crash a thousand cars - and all my loved ones die. Surging with the urges to mutilate - and all the guilt of - every unwanted thought it brings - How did it get like this?"  

[Track #11] | "Quitting Infinity:" The closing track is bittersweet and sentimental; the album is almost at it's closure; I feel catharsis from the release of built up rage. The last thirty seconds of this song leave no room for interpretation - Vein is the metal and hardcore band you need to see right now;  check their tour dates below!

Vein | ​'Errorzone'  | Tour Dates | Fall 2018

veintv.net

Lau Slovensky

​Boston Manor have announced details of their second full-length (13 track) album, 'Welcome to the Neighbourhood'  coming out September 7th, 2018 via Pure Noise Records. Fans can pre-order the album here or bostonmanorband.com.

The new record will include the three singles "Halo," "Bad Machine,"  and "England's Dreaming" which are available for streaming and featured below. These three tracks were chronologically released in June, August and September of 2018. 

Make no mistake, 'Welcome to the Neighbourhood' (9.7.18) is an incredibly well-written album filled with various chilly synths and a dark new tone. The underlying message about the turbulent conditions of the band’s home and generation gives this record the depth and substance it needed.

Navigating an unfamiliar sound can be difficult, but ​Boston Manor have proven it’s possible to find yourself successfully. Just like the fans, I am anticipating the band’s next move and can’t wait to see what else they come up with. This composition contains so many tracks that will be a necessity in your next playlist.

Join below in our exclusive pre-release review of 'Welcome to the Neighbourhood.'  ​​

​Boston Manor | ​'Welcome to the Neighbourhood'  (9.7.18) | Exclusive Preview

​Boston Manor have adopted a new sound that builds on their previous debut album, and it’s impressive. Vocalist Henry Cox explains that the inspiration behind the soundtrack to the album 'Welcome to the Neighbourhood' (9.7.18) came from the band’s hometown of Blackpool in Northwest England.

“[Blackpool] was a holiday destination, a place where you can go to forget all your troubles and now things here are just so fucked up – there are huge drug problems and a 40 percent unemployment rate in the winter,” explains Cox, “It was once this beautiful thing, and it’s become a little bit broken.”  The first tracks of the new album embrace these hard-hitting themes and address the issues the band’s home is currently experiencing.

The lyrics throughout the record are written immaculately with each song containing emotional and relatable lyrics. Each track also features a chorus that finds a way to get stuck in your head.

​As the title track, "Welcome To The Neighbourhood" begins we are welcomed into the record’s moody, down-tempo rock sound. The catchy chorus including the lyrics “If you could leave you would -” provides an ominous tone that enhances the inspiration behind the album.

The second song "Flowers In Your Dustbin" greets us with a familiar ​Boston Manor sound that urges you to dance and sing around. The song includes heavy guitar riffs that are beautifully complemented by the percussion instruments and smooth vocals.

While the upbeat chorus in track two provides a small relief from the rock and roll, track three, titled "Halo," dives right back in with even more passion. The song is about the dark truth behind drug addiction and relapse. The bridge features a narrative that many addicts know all too well, “Just a quick fix then I’ll get clean -.” Following the bridge, the chorus delivers the true pain behind relapsing through the lyrics, "Cause I had it, then I lost it all -.”

As the album progresses, a wide variety of emotions can be felt. Whether it’s the hurt and betrayal sung about in "Tunnel Vision" (Track #7) or the guilt and heartbreak in closing track "The Day I Ruined Your Life," each song is filled with pure and raw feelings. While the band had their reservations about changing some elements in their sound, their conscious choice to showcase their versatility is evident through this emotional barrage of rock and roll.

​The vocals are another high point; there is a change in vocalist’s Henry Cox’s singing since 'Be Nothing' (2016) that can be almost immediately noticed, in the best way. His singing in 'Welcome to the Neighbourhood' (9.7.2018) has smoothed over itself creating a polished tonality that melts into the songs. However, on tracks like "Hate You" (Track #10) we are comforted with the familiar sound Cox bellows out. Overall, he seems more confident and secure in his voice on this new album, and he should be.

​Boston Manor | ​'Welcome to the Neighbourhood'  (9.7.18) | Tour Dates

bostonmanorband.com
21 September - Bristol // Thekla
22 September - London // Electric Ballroom
23 September - Birmingham //Mama Roux's
24 September - Nottingham //Rescue Rooms
26 September - Liverpool // Hangar 34
27 September - Glasgow // SWG3
28 September - Leeds / KEY Club
29 September - Manchester // Gorilla

December 2 - Tokyo Shibuya // The Game
December 3 - Tokyo Shinjuku // Nine Spices
December 4 - Osaka // Clapper