Show Preview: Atmosphere w/B. Dolan, Dem Atlas, and DJ Adatrak @ Echostage (Thur. May 2)

Posted by admin on Apr 28, 2015 in Featured, Latest, Noise | 0 comments

–Written by Kevin Madert

While spring has struggled to shake the persevering grasp of winter, I’ve struggled to maintain my composure in the lead-up to May 2. Between this recent bout of cooler weather and my steadily rising anticipation for Atmosphere’s Echostage debut this coming Saturday, neither I nor spring seem to be succeeding. The Minnesota-based duo is bringing the Fortunate Tour to the nation’s capital with B. Dolan, Dem Atlas, and DJ Adatrak along for the ride.

AltFreq Weekly Planner (4/26/15-4/29/15)

Posted by admin on Apr 26, 2015 in Featured, Latest | 0 comments

–Written by Kevin Madert

It’s nearly impossible to keep track of all the events going on in the area, so we’re here to let you know what’s happening in live music over the next few days. Watch out on Thursdays for the “Weekend Planner” where we’ll cover the most important 72 hours of the week.

Weekend Wind-Down No. 15: Mixed Bag #2

Posted by admin on Apr 26, 2015 in Featured, Latest, Noise, Weekend Wind-Downs | 0 comments

-Words & list by Kevin Madert

This week, think less about why these songs belong together and more about how they coalesce to provide a soundtrack for your weekend decompression. It’s a collection comprised of vocal numbers – LCD Soundsystem’s lengthy & laid-back “All My Friends” kicks us off – and songs like “Catherine Wheel” and “Soft Trees Break The Fall” that at times are barely there. AltFreq recommends you grab a pair of headphones, find a comfortable place, and fade into the diverse soundscapes of this week’s Wind-Down.

Quick Six: The Best of Boston

Posted by admin on Apr 25, 2015 in Editorials, Featured, Latest, Reads, Uncategorized | 0 comments

In our recent piece on the debut full length album from Actor|Observer we got to talking about that signature style of Boston post-hardcore that has become such a staple of the region’s music scene. And it isn’t the first time we’ve talked about the music scene up in Boston either. The city is chock full of amazing talent and even more amazing dedication. So many bands have worked their way up through the Boston scene, some have grown up past that to reach national and international touring levels, but the majority of them never made it past the regional level. But regardless of their level of fame, so many of them will forever remain local heroes. That’s the thing about Boston, it isn’t concerned with fame, even the smallest local bands can reach the same level of acclaim as the internationally touring acts. Just ask any older Boston musician about The Cadence – which I would include in this list if there were any recordings of their music still available anywhere but MySpace – and you’ll realize that talent counts for a lot more than album sales in Boston. And here are six bands that have proved that point throughout their entire careers.

ICYMI: Actor|Observer – The Longer Now

Posted by admin on Apr 24, 2015 in Featured, Latest, Noise | 0 comments

Don’t feel bad if you haven’t heard about this week’s In Case You Missed It, I actually missed it myself, I hate to say, and either way, that’s why this piece exists in the first place. And fret not, you haven’t missed the boat by long, this album was released only last month, on March 10th. The album in question is The Longer Now, the debut full length from Boston’s Actor|Observer, and to get straight to the point, it is nothing short of spectacular. So spectacular I’m actually a little upset with myself for missing a month and a half of listening time I could have otherwise had with the album had I been paying attention. Now, some of you may be asking from the other side of your computer, “Who is Actor|Observer?” and you could certainly be forgiven for asking such a question. They are one of the best kept secrets in the Boston post-hardcore music scene; arguably one of the best bands of the genre to ever grace Boston, period.

New Tune Tuesday (4/21/15)

Posted by admin on Apr 21, 2015 in Featured, Latest, New Tune Tuesday, Noise | 0 comments

–Written by Kevin Madert

Jayceeoh, B-Sides & Fawks – Jit Going Ham

The combined creation of VH1’s Master Of The Mix 2013 champion, a breezy trap up-and-comer, and a long-time AltFreq favorite, this hybrid future cut starts heavy and refuses to relent. Big synths and rhythmic clap patterns lead into a shuffling, detuned drop that hits the ears with serious weight & avoids easy labeling. Bridging the gap between progressive crowd-pleaser and hard-hitting underground gem, this three-pronged collab is prime fodder for both massive mainstages and sweaty basement clubs; expect to hear it rinsed by acts across the spectrum in the coming summer months.