Welcome to Sonic Baptism with Spirit Lust and friends. Dim Things graciously gave me a platform to share my favorite recent releases and shows of the week (no shows this week). For a playlist of all the songs, and artists mentioned in the week’s article follow here (also includes our friends and releases). Along with the new music we are also providing materials and resources for people to use to educate themselves on becoming a better and more knowledgeable member of their community. Without further interruption Sonic Baptism, this week with Jacob Saxton and Sergio Falvo.
Special Interest – “All Tomorrow’s Carry”
Possibly my favorite band out right now, Special Interest just released a DOOZY of an album last Friday. This noisy, no-wave, punk act never disappoints, everything is glammed up and dirty all at the same time. “All Tomorrow’s Carry” is pure energy and attitude pumping through the speakers. Kicking off with that entrancing drum beat to soon be joined by a beyond mean bass riff. I remember this song from when I saw them at Saint Vitus for one of my last shows pre-quarantine. “Are we going out tonight?” the line stuck with me and when this song came on during my first listen through of The Passion Of I was brought back to a sweaty room full of bodies bouncing up and down. Special Interest, with one of the rawest, most captivating shows I’ve seen in years manages to bring it to their recordings as well. They discuss the problems people (especially those of color) continually face in this county, all while at the same time being dancey, punchy, and, well, punk as hell. Special Interest is empowering and they are exactly the band we need in our current times, they deliver their important message in a new, refreshing way. Vinyl preorders for their sophomore LP start on July 3rd, so mark your calendars and place an order through Thrilling Living (US) or Night School Records (EU). – JS
ONO – “Kongo / Mercy”
Last Friday, June 19th, White Sepulchre announced that they were releasing a limited amount of a previously released 12″ by ONO, the legendary Chicago Industrial-Gospel band. ONO informs the listeners on topics including but not limited to race, capitalism, sexuality, and abuse. They are equally confrontational and beautiful. On “Kongo” and “Mercy”, Vocalists Travis’s poetic lyrics swirl and chant while addressing all the aforementioned topics. P Michaels Grego’s multi-instrumental talents develop the landscape and together they form the blueprint of ONO’s sound. It’s a match made in musical heaven. They also bring along friends like Jordan Reyes, Chicago rapper Malci, and more to help create these sonic textures. ONO is a band that blends together various different aspects of music from noise to Gospel to Industrial to Blues to Punk. “Kongo / Mercy” shows all these talents and more. These songs feel heavy in tone and sound while also utilizing the beauty and catharsis of poetry. “Kongo/ Mercy” was released June 19th, via White Sepulchre – SL
Tender Beats- “Nothing Special (The Science Song)”
Tender Beats is a New York City-based punk band with roots stretched out to Colombia, Canada, and Italy. They just released their first single “Nothing Special (The Science Song),” it’s a totally kickass, driving track about life, and how, well, it’s nothing special. But no, not like life sucks, it’s nothing special. It’s a little deeper than that. It’s more along the lines of in the grand scheme of things, it’s pretty meaningless (nothing special), but hey, you better try at least while you’re here. An optimistic view of how nothing really matters – I dig it. Aside from the message, the track absolutely bumps. Guitar riffs so catchy and with a perfect edge, you’d think Kurt Cobain wrote them himself. The drums are booming along, huge in the mix, totally holding it down through the chorus. This trio is coming in strong for their first single, and to make sure everyone knows the words, they created an awesome music video, with lyrics so you can sing along. Tender Beats have a few more releases geared up for this year, so make sure you keep them on your radar. – JS
Oceanator- “Police Truck”
Oceanator recently released an absolute shredder. Elise recorded drums, guitar, bass, and vocals for her cover of Police Truck by the Dead Kennedys. A perfect track to go with these times we’re living in right now because, well, fuck cops. If you don’t think you know the song, you’ll realize you do as soon as the opening riff kicks off. While Oceanator’s take on “Police Truck” was released as part of a compilation about a year ago, she has re-released the track as a single on her Bandcamp in order to donate all profits to the Protest & COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund. This organization is demanding the “mass release of everyone inside of jails and detention centers during this public health crisis.” To read more, click this link and be sure to purchase this track through Oceanator’s Bandcamp. – SF
Teen Idle – “In The Morning”
Teen Idle‘s newest single “In The Morning” is yet another example of her expert sonic craftsmanship. Continually, she writes these dream pop filled alternative rock masterpieces that are an absolute pleasure on the ears. This song hones in on some major Smashing Pumpkins vibes, especially through chorus when that drivey guitar pops in. Sara’s voice is layered, piecing together a full and passionate sound that really harnesses the melancholic energy of the song. An amazing cinematic build-up brings the track towards a close. Lead guitar chimes in adding another layer to this already dreamy soundscape. We were a bit late to premiere her single as her new EP Insomniac Dreams is out now, containing five more equally stunning tracks, so if you like what you hear with “In The Morning,” make sure you stop by and give her a follow. Also, if you can, purchase the EP, as she is donating all proceeds to benefit the Movement for Black Lives Matter. – JS
Civic Center – “Fly On the Wall”
Civic Center is an industrial trio from Chicago. “Fly on The Wall” isn’t your standard industrial single, it features deep post-punk vocals similar to Ian Curtis, and has catchy synths layered throughout the entire song. There is a lot of pop sensibility throughout “Fly on the Wall”, which tends to be uncommon in the industrial world. In a time where industrial bands tend to lean into the more experimental and heavier side of things, Civic Center does the opposite. But while there are a lot of pop-leaning aspects to “Fly on The Wall”, its still full of industrial standards including swirling noise that link up with and coat the bassline, and a driving drum machine that syncs up perfectly with the synth lines. “The Ground Below” is out June 26th via American Dreams. – SL
13th
A full feature documentary now available for free on Youtube. This is a must-watch to get a better view of the prison system in the US and how racial inequality and lawmakers work to keep people (specifically those of color) in jail so that they can make a profit.
Vigils, Protests, and Organizations
Community Supply Drive by Trans-Pecos
Trans-Pecos is collecting donations for 1000 hygiene kits to provide to NYC homeless. Support direct via venmo or donate toothbrushes, deodorant, menstrual products, socks, etc. See their post for full details.
Ongoing – Occupy City Hall
A sit-in at City Hall to demand at least $1 Billion is removed from the NYPD budget and reinvested in black and brown communities.
5:30 PM Friday, June 27 – Queers and Queens Critical Bike Mass and Dance Party
Starting at Maria Hernandez Park (Bushwick). The speakers will start at 6 PM. If you can’t bike, meet at McCarren at 7 PM for the dance party. Exact location to be confirmed, see @Bushwig’s post for more details.
7:00 PM (Nightly) – McCarren Park Vigil
A silent vigil at the baseball fields.
7:30 PM (Nightly) – McCarren Park bike/march
Starts at the baseball fields following the vigil above, final destination TBD.