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.

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.

News: Hard Summer Reveals 2015 Lineup Via Must-See Video

Posted by admin on Apr 22, 2015 in Latest, News, Noise, Reads | 0 comments

–Written by Kevin Madert

The lineup for HARD Summer is here, and true to Hard form it’s relayed to us via a humorous video announcement featuring familiar faces like Dillon Francis, Porter Robinson, Skrillex, and Chromeo – all of whom will perform at this year’s festival.

Set to take over the Fairplex in Pomona, Calif. August 1 and 2, Hard Summer 2015 will also be headlined by The Weeknd, The Chemical Brothers, Schoolboy Q, The Glitch Mob, Odesza, Tchami, & Gorgon City (8/1) and Jack Ü, Ratatat, RL Grime, Die Antwoord, Zeds Dead, Robin Schulz, & Maya Jane Coles(8/2), among dozens of other well-selected acts.

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.

Frequency of the Week No. 8: Gallows

Posted by admin on Apr 21, 2015 in Featured, Frequency of the Week, Latest, Noise | 0 comments

This has been a pretty crazy month for new music. We’ve had killer new albums from everybody from Godspeed You! Black Emperor and Shlohmo to Hotel Books and Dance Gavin Dance. It’s been amazing, but it’s getting a bit hard to keep up with. If you aren’t really paying attention, you could miss a real gem. Like the new Gallows album, Desolation Sounds, which was released on April 13th on Bridge 9 Records. Funny thing too, it’s a great album, and Gallows is undoubtedly a great, albeit one with a somewhat unstable past. So instead of letting this actually very impressive release that may not match scale of the other big releases of the month fall by the wayside, we’re going to take things a step further, because to really understand the aggression present throughout Desolation Sounds, you really need the backstory of this cured but determined punk band from the UK.

AltFreq Weekly Planner (4/19/15-4/22/15)

Posted by admin on Apr 19, 2015 in Featured, Latest, Noise | 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.