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.
Dehd – “Flood”
Dehd slows it down a bit for their newest single off their highly anticipated, Sophomore LP Flower of Devotion. “Flood” starts off with a rumbling bassline instantly warming you up to the more delicate and vulnerable nature of the track. Lead guitar shimmers and shines above, each note reverberating outwards endlessly. Vocalist Emily Kempf’s voice and lyrics are loaded with emotion as you make your way through the song and into the chorus. It’s a great example of the versatility of both Kempf and the band itself. The drums hang back on a straightforward but ever-present beat, showing their ability to harness big, raw power within their signature simplicity. This Chicago trio continues to release amazing song after amazing song, leaving you certain this new record is going to be a masterpiece. Flower of Devotion is due out July 17th via Fire Talk Records. – JS
Dan Drohan – “Leave It Loading”
Dan Drohan’s newest release, You’re A Crusher / drocan! is a fun, free-flowing, experimental album loaded with more than just some fancy chops. The Massachusetts based drummer, producer, and composer is commonly lending his percussive and production skills to a wide variety of friends’ projects including the psychedelic group Olden Yolk, Maggie Rogers, and the pop project Dreamaway, to name a few. This new release seems to feel like a wild blend of his contributions past, mixed with a generous serving of experimental, electronic beat making. He masterfully finds a balance between seemingly unplanned chaos and a honed in groove. “Leave It Loading” is one track that leans a little more to the latter. Fast, pulsating electronic noise runs in time with a tasty bassline. But ultimately, it boils back down to his true craft, the drum work. Clearly, in his element behind a kit, a relentless, seemingly effortless drum beat is executed to perfection. The full album is a split/double LP of sorts, the first half being music from the past few years, while the second half was cooked up much more quickly in 2020. Head over to his Bandcamp to grab an LP while they are still around. – JS
Fat Trout Trailer Park – “Fatberg”
Overflowing with an addictive, big, big sound. Fat Trout Trailer Park’s debut single is a real hard hitter that’s going to have David Lynch reaching out for copyright royalties any day now. “Fatberg” is packed with dancing guitar leads, punchy, tight, upbeat drums, and beefed up, unforgettable melodies. It’s got big post-punk, psychedelic vibes that get delivered in such a fun, high energy manner that it becomes impossible to sit still through. The hop between bouncy leads and crunched chords draws you in, but the expertly dialed in production and the ultra-catchy hooks are what keep you repeating the song over and over. It is one hell of a debut, leaving you hopeful for what’s to come next. “Fatberg” was released via 22TWENTY. – JS
Corey Flood – “Heaven Or”
Philadelphia power trio Corey Flood are back with their first single off their much-anticipated debut LP. “Heaven Or” is a laid back pop jam, though it’s lyrics tell a different story. Vague feelings of anxiety seem to be the theme in the lyrics, while the instrumentals have a floating careless aspect to them that remind the vocalist not to worry and “that they always land on their feet.” A solid punchy drum beat that charges forward with a driving bassline allows the lead guitar to explore the entire landscape of the song. I don’t know what Corey Flood saw but I know what I heard, a solid catchy earworm of a single. Hanging Garden is out 09/04 via Firetalk Records. – SL
Sukotto – “Olive Breath”
Guitar nerds: sit back and take notes. Sukotto is here to unleash a tidal wave of pure guitar fury. This solo project of Brooklyn based musician and guitar aficionado Scott Wood employs the instrumental blending of metal, prog, and experimental hard rock. “Olive Breath” is a whirlwind of a track that’s sure to knock your grandma down and give her an asthma attack. The song bounces between a show of intense, technical, fast picking to heavy demonic chords that’ll rock your house to rubble. Drums pound alongside as if the track wasn’t heavy enough as is. The full album Psalms of the Demon is not for the faint of heart but is sure to be a new favorite to all you metalheads out there. – JS
[Emo Nite Presents] Racism in the Punk/Alternative Scene: A Conversation Led by Black Voices
A discussion led by black voices sharing their experiences of being part of the punk/alternative scene. It’s a tremendous opportunity for the rest of us to listen. Basically, if you’ve found your way to our site, then this is a must-watch. It is very eye-opening, your/our local DIY scene is not as all-inclusive as you may believe it to be and it is important to tune in and learn how to do better. -JS
Vigils, Protests, and Organizations
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.
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.
Daggers for Eyes Print Raffle – To Benefit G.L.I.T.S
One of the best photographers in NYC, Daggers for Eyes, is raffling off three killer (11X14) prints of Surfbort’s Dani Miller. All proceeds to benefit G.L.I.T.S. See their post for full details and for the photo being raffled.
The Audre Lorde Project
Based and focused in NYC, The Audre Lorde Project is a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Two-Spirit, Trans and Gender Non-Conforming People of Color center for community organizing. They work towards social and economic justice and community wellness through various means of education and mobilization. This is a great organization to support as Pride month wraps up, because much like the Black Lives Matter movement, supporting these types of organizations should never end.